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Tourism Malaysia Arrival Statistics 2019

byMalaysia Asia
-May 18, 2020

In 2019, Malaysia managed to record a 2.4 percent growth in tourism receipts totaling RM86.14 billion. In 2018, the total receipts were RM84.1 billion.

This was thanks to the early build-up campaign to Visit Malaysia 2020 and various marketing strategies that have been done by Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia Arrival Statistics 2019

The tourism arrivals have been slowly increasing last year, and it was heading towards the set target arrivals for the Visit Malaysia Year 2020.

Originally, Tourism Malaysia was confident that the country would welcome a total of 30 million tourist arrivals for 2020 with a whopping RM100 billion in tourist receipts.KLCC in Kuala Lumpur is one of the most visited places for tourists.
Visit Malaysia Campaigns from 1990 to 2020

Below are all the Visit Malaysia Year and a one-off campaign that has taken place from 1990 until today. Also included are the tourism taglines and the tourism arrivals for that year.

Visit Malaysia Year 1990 - "To Know Malaysia is to Love Malaysia" 7.4 million in tourist arrivals.
Visit Malaysia Year 1994 - "Fascinating Malaysia. Naturally More" 10.22 million in tourist arrivals.
Visit Malaysia Year 2007 - "Malaysia Truly Asia" 20.97 million in tourist arrivals.
Visit Malaysia Year 2014 - "Celebrating 1Malaysia Truly Asia" 28.8 million in tourist arrivals.
Malaysia Year of Festivals 2015 - "Endless Celebrations" 25.7 million tourist arrivals.
Visit Malaysia Year 2020 – “Visit Truly Asia Malaysia” Targeting 30 million tourism arrivals.

Tourists arriving at one of the local airports in Malaysia.The Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board or Tourism Malaysia announced the statistics which are;

Per capita expenditure rose by 1.3 percent to RM3,300 from RM3,257
Average Length of Stay (ALOS) climbed by 0.9 nights to 7.4 nights
Overall Tourist Expenditure in Malaysia: Asean Region - RM43.72 billion

Top Ten International Tourist Arrivals to Malaysia;

Singapore - 10,163,882
Indonesia - 3,623,277
China - 3,114,257
Thailand - 1,884,306
Brunei - 1,216,123
India - 735,309
South Korea - 673,065
Japan - 424,694
The Philippines - 421,908
Vietnam - 400,346

Average Length of Stay in Malaysia by Tourists;

West Asia - 9.8 nights
Europe - 8.8 nights
Americas - 8.2 nights
East Asia - 6.5 nights
South Asia - 6.4 nights
Asean - 4.9 nights

Tourists are seen along Pantai Chenang in Langkawi.Top Three Distribution of Tourist Receipts in Malaysia

Shopping at 33.6%
Accommodation 24%
Food and beverages 13.3%

Tourism Malaysia has also indicated that the shopping receipts grew from 33.4% in 2018 to 33.6% in 2019.

Tourism Arrival Growth Worldwide 2019

South Asia at 22.2%
East Asia 5.9%
Americas 4.3%
Europe 0.3%

Tourists at the Saloma Link Bridge, a new tourism product in Kuala Lumpur.The last article with the statistics was on tourism arrivals in Malaysia for 2016. That was also during the peak of the China tourists that were visiting Malaysia. Conclusion
The above Tourism Malaysia Arrival Statistics for 2019 is taken from Tourism Malaysia and for this year, the Visit Malaysia 2020 Campaign was canceled due to the Coronavirus or Covid-19 pandemic.
However, there has been news that Tourism Malaysia will be announcing a brand new Malaysia Truly Asia Campaign later in 2020.

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Malaysia Asia
Blogging since 2007, but writing online since 1997. I belong to the 1st generation of worldwide bloggers, which is of course old-school.

Since 2008, I created Malaysia Asia and this travel, flood, gadget and lifestyle blog has won numerous physical awards from tourism boards around Malaysia. (Not those online awards).

After 12 years of blogging, I have semi-retired and now blog about things I like, do product reviews and enjoy life. My work has been featured in Lonely Planet, CNN Travel, Yahoo Travel, Wall Street Journal, and many other international publications. Find out more about me and thank you.

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HomeTAT

TAT strengthens Visit Thailand Year 2023

byMalaysia Asia
-January 16, 2023

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is strengthening the ongoing "Visit Thailand Year: Amazing New Chapters" campaign towards a meaningful travel direction.Underlining the kingdom's soft power foundations and experience-based tourism, key strategies include elevating supply and sustainable standards and raising awareness among stakeholders about the importance of being hospitable hosts to all visitors.TAT strengthens Visit Thailand Year 2023The 'Visit Thailand Year 2022' campaign was at the forefront of the kingdom's efforts to drive the Thai economy forward in its first year.Thailand welcomed 11.8 million international tourists and recorded 189 million domestic trips – a milestone achievement that reflected the successful restoration of the country's tourism industry from the concerted efforts of all stakeholders.With this tourism revival continuing to pick up momentum amid volatile global challenges, Thailand aims for 2.38 trillion Baht in overall tourism revenue in 2023 – representing a return to 80% of the pre-pandemic level seen in 2019.Through the "Visit Thailand Year 2023: Amazing New Chapters" campaign, TAT emphasises the promotion and development of high-value and sustainable tourism in Thailand.This includes elevating the tourism supply (Shape Supply) to offer experience-based tourism and leveraging the kingdom's 5F soft-power foundations – Food, Film, Festival, Fight and Fashion – to offer meaningful travel experiences in Thailand.TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn on stage.“Amazing Thailand” brandingTAT will continue communicating and strengthening its global campaign's long-standing 'Amazing Thailand' branding.This will be accentuated by the "Amazing New Chapters" concept to promote Thai soft-power cultural values, inspire travellers from around the world to visit Thailand once again, and further reaffirm the kingdom's well-established status as one of the world's most popular holiday spots.Meanwhile, it is introducing the new "Create Your Right Moment" concept in its domestic campaign to inspire domestic travellers to travel more within the country."Amazing 5F and More"TAT is introducing the new "Amazing 5F and More" concept, aimed at delivering meaningful travel experiences in various aspects such as wellness, luxury, and Thainess.At the same time, it is focusing on enhancing the quality of tourism products and services to drive the Thai tourism industry towards sustainable growth.Key activities include the Good Host New Chapter Season 2 project, the Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) certification, and the 14th Thailand Tourism Awards.A series of events to highlight the kingdom's 5F soft-power foundations – Food, Film, Festival, Fight and Fashion – will occur throughout the year.Food – at least two events are planned: Amazing Thai Tastes during March-June and Bangkok International Food Festival in June.Festival – events include Chinese New Year in January, Songkran Thai New Year in April, and Loi Krathong in November.Film – the Amazing Film Festival Experience in August, while a Y series Meet & Greet event is planned.Fight – Amazing Muay Thai Festival in February.Fashion – Valentine Fashion TV Beach Award Festival in February.Policy and PlanningTo drive tourism towards sustainability, TAT is adopting the BCG Model to highlight Gastronomy Tourism.By collecting and analysing data under the 'From Policy Lab to Real Product' strategy, TAT has developed the Best Practice Model to showcase organic cuisine and transform it into an inclusive business and smart organic farmer, which leads to generating income for the local community.Technology and InnovationSeeing 'Digital as a Game Changer', TAT leverages technology and innovation to add value and transform Thai tourism into Smart Tourism.It is tapping into Digital Asset holders via the TAT NFTs projects, promoting Thai tourism products and services with virtual arts and Metaverse.It introduces the '3I' concept: Intelligence – using Big Data and building Digital Literacy for TAT employees; innovation – developing new innovation and Travel Tech; and Investment – investing in digital transformation, such as Start-up, Venture Capital, Cloud funding, etc.TAT is committed to developing its human resources to be ready to support and collaborate with the Thai tourism industry while strengthening and improving its work processes through innovation and technology.During the Visit Thailand Year 2023 Press conference.International MarketTAT is adopting the 'Great Resumption Episode II' strategy for short-haul markets.This include:1)  China is back – Tapping emerging segments and enhancing cooperation with the airlines to increase air access flights to cater to the increasing demands and promote new modes of travelling, such as an overland border.2) 7 Digits Target – Focusing on rapidly growing markets, such as China, Malaysia, India, and South Korea, and cooperating with partner agents and airlines.3) Colour Your Life by Amazing Thailand – Seamlessly integrating the Amazing Thailand brand in the tourist's slice of life through on-site and virtual marketing promotional events.4) Responsible Tourism – Supporting CSR and responsible tourism projects like Reborn the Nature to advocate tourism sustainability.5) 2 Tier, Second to None – Encouraging visitors to visit emerging destinations while sourcing new tourist segments from secondary cities in South Korea, China, India, Vietnam, and Malaysia.TAT is adopting the 'A-B-C-D Fast Forward' strategy for long-haul markets.A – Airline Focus to continue collaborating with leading airlines, such as Qatar Airways, Etihad, and Oman Air, to expand new routes and increase the frequency of direct flights. B – Big Cities and Beyond to penetrate new markets in major and secondary cities, such as Bucharest in Romania and Sofia in Bulgaria.C – Collaboration is Key to working with new partners, including airlines; such as Delta Airlines, Air Canada, FlyDubai, and Aeroflot, and online travel agencies; such as Almosafer and SAGA Holidays.D – Destination for All to promote Thailand as an "All-year-round Destination" to meet the demand for visitors regardless of the season and with all segments, including family, medical and wellness in the Middle East or the LGBTQ+ in Europe and America.Domestic MarketTAT is focusing on 'Value over Volume' under the new 'Travel Thailand in Limited Edition' concept highlighting the 5F Soft Powers to cater to the various needs of domestic travellers.Various events are planned for 2023 to inspire domestic travel, including Travel 365 days in Amazing Thailand, Visit Thailand 2023, and Amazing Thailand Festival Experience 2023.TAT is also continuing to encourage domestic travellers to visit emerging destinations during weekdays to expand the expenditure and balance the capacity of the destinations.2023 Targets for Visit Thailand YearTAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) expects to welcome 25 million international tourists and inspire 250 million domestic trips in 2023.The target for overall tourism revenue is 2.38 trillion Baht comprising 670-880 billion Baht from domestic tourism and 1.5 trillion Baht from international tourism. For more information, please visit the Tourism Thailand website.

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Malaysia Asia
Blogging since 2007, but writing online since 1997. I belong to the 1st generation of worldwide bloggers, which is of course old-school.

Since 2008, I created Malaysia Asia and this travel, flood, gadget and lifestyle blog has won numerous physical awards from tourism boards around Malaysia. (Not those online awards).

After 12 years of blogging, I have semi-retired and now blog about things I like, do product reviews and enjoy life. My work has been featured in Lonely Planet, CNN Travel, Yahoo Travel, Wall Street Journal, and many other international publications. Find out more about me and thank you.

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HomeFood

Best Food to Eat in Tawau

byMalaysia Asia
-November 04, 2019

Ever wondered what is the best food to eat in Tawau, Sabah? Or what is the famous food here? This article will help you narrow down the places that you can find them.

Not only that, all of the food listed here has been personally tried by me during my many trips to Tawau on the east coast of Sabah Borneo.

This Tawau food list also indicates if the food is Halal or no pork served, hence many of these places are Muslim-friendly too.

Best Food to Eat in Tawau

Seafood is one of the must-try local food when you are in Tawau

Before I start, Tawau is one of the coastal cities that is located on the east coast of Sabah and is well known as the main gateway to popular islands like Sipadan and Mabul Island.

The destination is often overlooked as many visitors will fly in and head straight to their next destination which is usually the town of Semporna where they catch their boats to the islands.

As Tawau is quite laid-back and a little original compared to cities like Kota Kinabalu, you will see that it is very different, in terms of being a city.

But having been this way, the culinary rewards are pretty exciting, where you get to explore local food which has never changed since the day they started selling it.

This is what a true foodie will appreciate, rather than the commercial 'stall to shop concept', which has taken Malaysia by storm.

Personally, for me, a famous or popular stall will always have the realness and the authentic charm, and when people try to be different and bring the concept to shopping malls, this is where it fails.

Nasi Kuning Ikan on the left and Nasi Kuning Ayam on the right

1. Nasi Kuning Tawau

One local dish that is most sought after in Tawau is no other than the extremely popular Nasi Kuning or translated as yellow rice.

But for foreigners visiting Tawau, please do not use the name 'yellow rice', as you will not expect any response from the locals. The dish is known as Nasi Kuning and that is it.

Restoran Haji Tamrin in Tawau

The most famous place is no other than Nasi Kuning Haji Tamrin, which is located in the city area of Tawau.

There are in fact numerous places that sell this dish, and most of them are just jumping on the bandwagon due to the popularity of this dish.

Nasi Kuning Tawau

What to Order: Nasi Kuning (Chicken and Fish)

Where Are They: 4188, Jalan Sim Hua Seng, Tawau
Halal: Yes

Price: $$

Selection of Pisang Cheese and other banana snacks

2. Pisang Cheese Tawau

There is no doubt that this is one of the very local favourites found here and has been for many years. Though this dish originates from Indonesia, the Pisang Cheese Tawau has become a very popular dessert.

They don't only sell the cheese fried banana fritters but they have a full range menu catering to rice, noodles and many other dishes.

The Pisang Cheese menu at Indo Cafe in Tawau

Be careful as there may be other shops attempting to ride on the popularity of this dish, but the brand Indo Cafe has two branches. One in the city and one out of Tawau.

Pisang Cheese Tawau

What to Order: The Pisang Cheese hands down. But if you have a sweet tooth, try the Pisang Coklet.

Where Are They: 542, Jalan Bantu, Tawau
Halal: Yes

Price: $

Some of the seafood dishes that I ordered

3. Tawau Fresh Seafood

This is no doubt the main thing that anyone visiting Tawau should try and I personally vouch for it. After having eaten fresh seafood around Sabah, namely in Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan, Tawau is still the best and the cheapest.

You can find a row of seafood restaurants along Jalan Chen Fook in the Tawau City area, and the restaurant I visited was Kam Ling Fresh Seafood and Goof View Seafood restaurants along this busy road.

Kam Ling Seafood with an interesting choice of fresh seafood

I will also recommend that you head here at about 6.00 PM to order early as the seafood restaurants here can get really crowded from around 7.00 PM.

One more thing is that you need not worry about the size of your group to eat the local seafood. When I was here, it was two of us, who just ordered a few dishes, and the price was just under RM100.

Tawau Fresh Seafood Restaurants

What to Order: Anything seafood, the shells, fish, crab and so on.

Where Are They: Along Jalan Chen Fook, Tawau
Halal: No Pork Served

Price: $$ to $$$

The famous Tawau Mee Tauhu

4. Mee Tauhu Tawau

This dish is also a very popular dish among the Muslim travellers heading here and also for just about anyone who loves noodles and tau foo.

Also, there are plenty of places that are selling the Mee Tauhu in Tawau, so finding the right one can be a little difficult.

During my trip here, I must have seen at least six restaurants selling the local favourite noodles, and with much asking around, there are only two restaurants that are quite popular.

One of them is Kedai Kopi Tawau, which is found along Jalan Kubota in the main city area. But again, the locals here have their own favourite place for Mee Tauhu.

Kedai Kopi Tawau Mee Tauhu
What to Order: Mee Tauhu
Where Are They: Jalan Kubota, 91000 Tawau, Sabah
Halal: Yes
Price: $ to $$

Sup Payau on the left and Nasi Goreng Payau on the right

5. Nasi Goreng and Sup Payau Tawau

This is probably one of my favourites whenever I am in Tawau and you can find this little restaurant just outside the Tawau airport.

Ever since being introduced to the Kari Payau (Deer Curry) back in 2007, I have always made it a point to visit this restaurant called Bibiq Corner, which is about five minutes' walk from the airport.

The interesting menu at Sup Payau Bibiq Corner

The restaurant is very local and simple, but it is the unique wild deer that is served that captivates the foodie. Most Malaysians will relate to this dish as it is cooked very local style.

When my flight lands at Tawau, I will usually take a walk over and have my Nasi Goreng Payau, and then only head towards town. If you are taking Grab, then just walk over and call your Grab from here.

Bibiq Corner (Next to Tawau Airport)
What to Order: Sup Payau and Nasi Goreng Payau
Where Are They: Jalan Airport, 91000 Tawau, Sabah
Halal: Yes
Price: $ to $$

A sunset scene at the Tawau Esplanade

What else to do in Tawau?

While you are here in Tawau, you may also have some free time to explore one of the least visited cities of Sabah.

You may be here for work, a quick family trip, or even for a wedding and you might have some extra time to wander around.

And for those seeking on what else you can do here, I have written a comprehensive article about the many things to do in Tawau for just about anyone.

Map of Tawau's main city area

How To Go To Tawau?

There are direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu and various other cities in Malaysia. Airlines that fly there include Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia where the latter has more flights.

For those travelling from Kota Kinabalu, the best option for travelling to Tawau is still via a flight. If you have time to spare, you can always travel overland via bus or rented car.

While most Malaysians or Asians plan limited travel days, then your best way to get to Tawau is through a flight so you can make the most of your trip here.

This is called Nasi Lemak Bakar, not sure if it is still available in Tawau city

Conclusion

Are you planning to visit Tawau anytime soon? If you are, I hope that this list of the best food to eat in Tawau has come in handy for you.

You can also follow David Travels Instagram account where I share my random photos of travel and food, while Malaysia Asia is more focused on travel photography and destinations.

If you have any comments or feedback, I would love to hear them in the comment form below. And if you think there are other dishes that I may have missed, do let me know.

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Malaysia Asia
Blogging since 2007, but writing online since 1997. I belong to the 1st generation of worldwide bloggers, which is of course old-school.

Since 2008, I created Malaysia Asia and this travel, flood, gadget and lifestyle blog has won numerous physical awards from tourism boards around Malaysia. (Not those online awards).

After 12 years of blogging, I have semi-retired and now blog about things I like, do product reviews and enjoy life. My work has been featured in Lonely Planet, CNN Travel, Yahoo Travel, Wall Street Journal, and many other international publications. Find out more about me and thank you.

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HomeHomage

Home Care vs Nursing Homes in Malaysia: Making the Best Decision

byMalaysia Asia
-June 13, 2022

Home Care vs Nursing Homes in Malaysia: Making the Best DecisionChoosing between home care and nursing homes is never easy for family caregivers. Many questions and concerns go into making these big decisions; quality of care and cost are some of the main factors to consider.Most family caregivers would want their loved ones to receive care in the comfort of their own homes, while others may opt for 24/7 access to medical care and services that nursing home facilities offer.We’ve put together some thoughts below to help you feel less overwhelmed and better informed in making the best decision for your loved one.What type of help do you need?Deciding the type of care your loved one needs is essential before choosing between home care and a nursing home. Start with the three questions below —your answers will help ease decision-making.Do you need someone to help around the house and assist with daily activities such as medication reminders, meal preparation, personal grooming and companionship?Does your loved one require palliative care or specialised medical assistance?Do you need care for a couple of hours a day or 24/7 for your senior loved ones when you are away?The questions above form a starting point for drawing the scope of care your loved one needs. If you answered yes to any of these questions, read more about the advantages and drawbacks of home care and nursing homes.Care in the comfort of your homePopularly known as the more convenient option, home care is gaining traction fast in Malaysia. Homage offers the services of nurses, caregivers and medically trained professionals on a full-time or part-time basis at reasonable pricing.Ideal for family caregivers who need respite from time to time, home care provides the flexibility of care services that can start from as short as an hour at a time. The scope of care services can range from dispensing medication and meal preparation to palliative care and tube feeding.Your loved one would receive personalised, expert care from a care professional (also known as a ‘Care Pro’) in the comfort of your own home. These Care Pros are familiar with a range of mobility and medical conditions, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease stages.It would be wise to establish a care plan that is tailored to the likes, dislikes and personality of your loved one. This could even include looking at photo albums, listening to music or reading out loud.If possible, get to know the Care Pro that would be looking after your loved one. This is important to ensure that your loved one is comfortable with the person taking care of them.Day care centres – an alternative solutionIdeal for family caregivers who are employed full-time or simply as a means to take a break from caregiving duties, daycare centres are a great alternative. Day care centres in Malaysia, such as Rumah Alzheimer’s Day Care Centre (PJACC), provide programmes that incorporate cognitive, physical, social and sensory stimulation for dementia patients.Their program aims to help your loved ones feel happy and fulfilled while diverting them from negative thoughts that trigger anxiety and despair.The current Dementia Therapeutic Daycare Centre in Ipoh also offers cognitive rehabilitation for persons with dementia and training for family caregivers.Photo Credit: Caring With You Dementia Centre, Kuala LumpurWhen to opt for a nursing homeIf you have reached the point where you cannot provide or facilitate the care that your loved one needs, it may be worth considering long-term professional care. Feeling a sense of guilt? It is natural to feel unsure, confused, or even guilty but remember—you are acting in the best interests of your loved one to receive the care they need to live well.Commonly perceived as long-term care, nursing homes offer similar services as home care providers but with additional benefits. These benefits include 24/7 on-site support from registered nurses or medical practitioners, transportation for doctor’s appointments, and group activities with other residents.Compared to home care, nursing homes can be costly and may lack the flexibility of a tailored care plan. Your loved one would be living away from home with other residents, following the same daily schedule. It can take time for your loved one (and yourself) to adjust and embrace the new environment and change their way of living.Considering the turmoil of emotions that come with having to opt for a nursing home, it is worth exploring all other options beforehand. Talk to other family caregivers who are going through the same struggle—it may help to hear how they have dealt with this challenging situation.Tip: It is highly recommended to visit selected nursing homes before making a choice. Ask questions to determine the quality of their care services, frequency of activities and general perception from other residents.Maintaining the best quality of lifeAfter considering all the options, it comes down to ensuring the quality of life for your loved one. We hope the pointers above paint a clearer picture of deciding between home care and nursing homes. Curious to hear what other caregivers think? Weigh in on the discussion in the Project We Forgot Dementia Community on Facebook.Choosing Homage for Your Loved Ones’ CareNeed caregiving support but prefer your loved one to age at home? With Homage, Care Professionals can provide companionship, nursing care, night caregiving and home therapy to keep your loved ones healthy and active.Chat with a Care Advisor at 016-2992188 or email at malaysia@homage.co. Homage is currently available in:Kuala LumpurMost parts of SelangorIpoh, PerakKulim & Sungai Petani, KedahJohor Bahru and surrounding regionsKota KinabaluKuchingHomage is a personal healthcare solution that connects caregivers, nurses and therapists with seniors that need on-demand holistic home care in their own homes, allowing them to recover and age with grace, control and dignity. You can find Homage Malaysia on Facebook and on Instagram.

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Malaysia Asia
Blogging since 2007, but writing online since 1997. I belong to the 1st generation of worldwide bloggers, which is of course old-school.

Since 2008, I created Malaysia Asia and this travel, flood, gadget and lifestyle blog has won numerous physical awards from tourism boards around Malaysia. (Not those online awards).

After 12 years of blogging, I have semi-retired and now blog about things I like, do product reviews and enjoy life. My work has been featured in Lonely Planet, CNN Travel, Yahoo Travel, Wall Street Journal, and many other international publications. Find out more about me and thank you.

You might like
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HomeLangkawi

MAHA Tower Langkawi - All You Need To Know

byMalaysia Asia
-November 13, 2021

One of the latest tourist attractions in Langkawi is the MAHA Tower or Menara MAHA, a massive 138-metre tall steel structure located in the town of Kuah.This unique tower was initially officiated by Tun Dr Mahathir Hence, there were no prizes for guessing where the name of the tower was taken from. It is currently in the final stages of completion as of November 2021 and should open anytime in 2022.MAHA Tower Langkawi InformationThe site of the tower in Kuah town is also called MAHA Square.This incredible tower joins the ranks of the mega structures of Langkawi and will be one of the top tourist attractions when it opens. The entire concept of this tower is created to suit both tourism and telecommunication with a multi-deck idea.Visitors will be allowed up to the viewing deck, 102.5 metres above sea level, the highest point for tourists. Views include the mystical Lake of the Pregnant Maiden (Tasik Dayang Bunting) at the nearby Dayang Bunting Island.MAHA Tower LevelsLevel 40: Telecommunication (138 metres)Level 17: 360 Degrees Viewing Deck (102.5 metres)Level 10 - 15: Commercial and Activity Space (57.5 to 102.5 metres)Level 8: Sky Restaurant (57.5 metres)Level 1-8: Multiple Retail, F&B, Bazaar, Function RoomsAn overview of the tower, photo from Langkawi City.Height and Cost of MAHA TowerThe tower's total height is 138 metres or 452.7 feet and is believed to cost more than RM100 million at the time of the announcement.This massive project was supposed to be completed by 2015. However, there were some delays, and it was finally completed at the end of 2021.The Dataran or MAHA Square will be the hub of a neighbourhood masterplan containing world-class retail, food and beverage outlets, residential zones, hotels, and entertainment facilities. This massive project will support the goals of the Langkawi Local Plan 2030, which aims to establish the island as a modern tourism centre without compromising its traditional elements.Some of the beautiful geometric patterns are seen on the tower.Design of MAHA Tower in LangkawiThe overall iconic design is heavily influenced by geometric patterns and minaret structures inherent in Islamic architecture.The dual hexagon-shaped sections are fully covered and provide unobstructed views of the Kuah town and the Kuah bay until Pulau Dayang Bunting. It is unsure how far one can see on a clear day.According to the Star newspaper, the MAHA Tower was quietly named Langkawi City after former Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir stepped down in 2016.Where is MAHA Tower Located in Langkawi?The MAHA tower or Menara MAHA is at a beachfront in Kuah town that covers 28.5 acres and some of it on reclaimed land.Maha Tower AddressJalan Mahawangsa,Kuah Town 07000LangkawiWho Built MAHA Tower in Langkawi?This is probably a common question that many will ask and below is what I know. If there have been any changes since then, please let me know and I will update it.The MAHA Tower project is by PFCE Integrated Plant and Project (PIPP), working closely with the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA). The construction is being done by Dekinjaya Builders Sdn Bhd.The main entrance to the tower.Photos featured here were taken using a Galaxy Z Flip3 5G smartphone.ConclusionYou can also visit the Langkawi City website for more information about this project, as they are the developers behind the MAHA Tower and MAHA Square here in Kuah. This place could also be branded as Langkawi City.While there has not been any official announcement about the Menara MAHA Tower opening, I suspect that it should be around 2022. Once I get any information, I will update it here.

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Malaysia Asia
Blogging since 2007, but writing online since 1997. I belong to the 1st generation of worldwide bloggers, which is of course old-school.

Since 2008, I created Malaysia Asia and this travel, flood, gadget and lifestyle blog has won numerous physical awards from tourism boards around Malaysia. (Not those online awards).

After 12 years of blogging, I have semi-retired and now blog about things I like, do product reviews and enjoy life. My work has been featured in Lonely Planet, CNN Travel, Yahoo Travel, Wall Street Journal, and many other international publications. Find out more about me and thank you.

You might like
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HomeAirAsia X Destinations

Okinawa For First-Time Visitors

byMalaysia Asia
-January 10, 2023

You may have heard of Okinawa Island in Japan, but only a few people
have visited this beautiful paradise island known as the Hawaii of
Japan. Okinawa is located about 640 kilometres south of Japan and is connected
by flight.With a population of 1.5 million people on Okinawa, the island is a top-rated tourist destination for Japanese and Asians, mainly due to
the northern tropical environment and landscape. Summer sees the island getting busy with those who love the sun, sea and sand.Okinawa For First-Time VisitorsOkinawa is also home to some of the most beautiful national parks,
scuba diving sites and fantastic mountain trails or hikes. If you are expecting
another Tokyo or Osaka, I am sorry to say this is not your typical Japanese
city but more of a Japanese Hawaii.An aerial view of Okinawa, Japan. Photo by Junpei Abe on Flickr. CC By-SA 2.0.First of all, how to get to Okinawa?The golden question is how to get here, as Malaysia has no direct flights to Okinawa. But not all is lost, as you can connect with
just two flights from Kuala Lumpur. Around four leading airlines service the Okinawa route from Kuala Lumpur.However, on 22 January 2020, AirAsia X opened a connecting flight to Okinawa via Taipei, and because of the Covid 19 pandemic, the airline temporarily suspended the route. But the news is that Okinawa direct flights from Malaysia will restart in 2023.An average flight to Okinawa takes 10 to 11 hours from Kuala Lumpur. This includes the transit time, as you will have to
make a stop before connecting to Okinawa. However, faster flights sell out fast, so you must book this flight well ahead.Otherwise, other flights may take 15 to 24 hours, and you
must spend a night when you transmit. Flights are relatively inexpensive, as the cheapest I found online is around RM2,000 to RM2,500 for a return ticket.The fastest way is also via Taiwan, where you can take a Malaysian
flight to Taiwan and then connect to Okinawa with Peach Airlines. Other methods
include transit in Bangkok, Shanghai or Hong Kong. But please note that your
travel day will take up to one full day of flights and transits.If you plan a 4D/3N trip, you should wait because two days will be spent just travelling. I recommend spending
at least six to seven days on a trip to Okinawa. This way, you can really enjoy exploring this beautiful Japanese island. One of the most beautiful beaches in Okinawa. Photo by Masaaki Komori on Flickr. CC By-SA 2.0.How big is Okinawa?There are five main areas or districts in Okinawa, meaning different
islands that make up Okinawa. In total, 160 islands are found around here, with
49 of them inhabited by people. The main island is divided into
three sections, north, central and south.Each of the three sections offers different tourist
experiences, where the north and central tend to provide more outdoor, beach,
island and Ecotourism activities. The south island is where the international
airport and city are located and is the core of Okinawa.Some smaller islands are connected via bridges, and nine islands have road access from the main island. They are
Kouri, Senaga, Ou, Henza, Hamahiga, Ikei, Miyagi, Sesoko and Yagagi Island.Sesoko Island in Okinawa. Photo by Girakku on Flickr. CC By-SA 2.0.The other island regions include Kerama Island, closest
to Okinawa main island, Kume Island, Miyako Islands and Yaeyama Islands. Kerama
and Kume Islands are only accessible via ferries, which take two to four
hours, while Miyako and Yaeyama Islands are only accessible via flights from
the main island.Depending on your itinerary or where you plan to visit, it is highly
recommended that you check your flight or ferry schedules beforehand. This means you should plan your Okinawa trip months ahead to
get better prices and availability for flights, ferries and rooms.Most first-time visitors will arrive on the main island and stay in
the Naha area of Okinawa. From there, they will explore the tourist
destinations via road and maybe boat or ferry service.Some visitors will venture to the other islands for various sea
activities like diving, whale watching, snorkelling, or even an island
vacation.A popular area is Kokusaidori Street in Naha. Photo by Rapidtravelchai on Flickr. CC By-SA 2.0.What to do in Okinawa?Another popular question many travellers ask is what you can do
on this beautiful island. Let me narrow this list to make it easy
for first-time visitors here. You will want to see the island's best and most popular places.While Okinawa is well known for beaches, scuba diving, Ecotourism,
culture and the fantastic Japanese island food, you will need help deciding where to go or what to do first.Naha City - This is the capital of
Okinawa, and it is here that most visitors will be staying. The combination
of beach, island and city life makes this place optimum for first-time
visitors. All of your accommodations and facilities are found in and around
Naha.Kokusai Street - To start your Okinawa
experience, Kokusai Street in Naha is the main street, where you can find
shopping, cafes, restaurants and most of your regular city stores. In this
area, you can also find some shopping malls and the DFS Gallery Okinawa, the
largest duty-free shop on the island.Shuri - In the Shuri area, you will find
the historical side of Okinawa, where the Ryukyu Kingdom ruled. Several
historical sites are seen here, including the Shurijo Castle Park, a World Heritage Site.Kokusaidori Street - One of the main shopping streets in Naha stretches two kilometres and is recommended
to explore. This street is also known as Naha Kokusai-Dori and can be visited day and night. Generally, you can find everything a typical Asian tourist
looks for when they travel abroad.Mihama American Village in Okinawa. Photo by Okinawa Steve on Flickr. CC By-SA 2.0.American Village - This is the
most modern lifestyle area of Okinawa, Mihama American Village. You can
find everything American here, including cafes, restaurants and even an
American shopping mall. The famous Sunset Beach is also located around here.Sakaemachi Arcade - If you want to
explore a local area, Sakaemachi Arcade is the place to visit. Here, you
can see the daily life of the Okinawa people in a localized arcade which sells
all sorts of things. You can also find some excellent local Japanese food, coffee
joints and even small local bars in this area. Again, this is a reminder that
Sakaemachi Arcade is raw and not your local Shinsaibashi or Shibuya.Beaches - For the beach hunter, endless beaches are found all over Okinawa. Some popular ones
include Okuma beach, Moon beach, Manza beach, Mibaru beach, Zampa beach, Sunset
beach and Emerald beach.A view of a lighthouse at Ishigakijima Island. Photo by TrekTrack on Flickr. CC By-SA 2.0.Snorkelling - Cape Maeda and Odo Kaigan are the two most famous spots to do this for those into snorkelling. However, it
may take some travelling to get to both places, but the rewards are simply
out of this world.Parks and Mountains - Eco lovers will
find three national parks around Okinawa: Yanbaru National Park, Kerama Shotō National Park and Iriomote Ishigaki National Park
on Yaeyama Island. And if you are into hiking and trekking, there are six
mountains to explore here.Food and Culture - Generally, you can
find this throughout the main island, as the Okinawa food culture is well spread.
The one must-try dish is the Okinawa Soba and Okinawa Sea Grapes or
Imu Budo. There are many other popular dishes for the food traveller to
discover around here.Festivals in Okinawa - Five main festivals tend to attract many visitors who are;Hari Festival - Early JuneYaeyama Beach Opening Festival - Mid-MarchEisa Dance Festival - August or SeptemberPantu Festival of Miyakojima - September, but announced last minuteShuri Castle Festival - End of OctoberThere are smaller festivals, but the most recommended
festival to attend is the Pantu Festival, as it is pretty unique and scary at
the same time.The Okinawa Yui Monorail. Photo by Tak Wing on Flickr. CC By-SA 2.0.How to move around Naha and OkinawaThis is crucial for those who travel independently and
require moving around Naha and Okinawa. In any city, there are
always trains, taxis and buses which provide transportation solutions. But here
in Okinawa, you should consider what is being offered.Trains - Sadly, there is only one central
train system in Naha, the Yui Rail Monorail system that operates from
the Naha Airport to Shuri, the historical part of South Okinawa. You can take the monorail
into Naha city when you arrive at the international airport.This monorail system opened in 2003 and runs for almost 13
kilometres long. There have been plans to expand this monorail system, but there needs to be more information on this. On the bright side, you can easily
travel around Naha using the Yui Rail.The monorail map in Okinawa. Photo by Naha Airport.The train system operates from 6.00 AM till midnight, and train tickets
are from ¥200 to ¥290, depending on the distance. There are also multi-ride or
open tickets available for tourists.Buses - Other ways of travelling around
Naha or Okinawa include the excellent bus service. Various bus companies operate different routes all over the island. The main bus
terminals are found at the Naha Airport and the main Naha Bus Terminal in the
city.Cars and Bikes - For the more
adventurous travellers, you can always rent a motorbike or car and self-ride or
drive around Okinawa. Those who plan to do this must take high importance
to the Japanese driving culture and laws here and, most importantly, have an international
driving license. Malaysians need to get this before they attempt to rent a
car, and you need more than your Malaysian driving licence.Taxis - Around the central city area, a
Japanese taxi can be one of the quick ways to get somewhere. But here is the
fun part: The cabs in Okinawa are less expensive than Tokyo or Osaka, so you can consider this if you are in a rush.Bicycles - Finally, for those who want
an easy way to explore Naha city, there are several bicycle rentals where
you can pedal power around Naha.The Renaissance Okinawa Resort. Photo by PearlBear78 on Flickr. CC By-SA 2.0.Where to stay in Okinawa?For first-timers, you should stay around the Naha area, which
is the capital of Okinawa and the central city. The international airport is also
located in this part of Okinawa, southwest of the island.In Okinawa, hundreds of hotels, resorts, Ryokan and even budget accommodations are available, depending on the type of place you want to stay
at.Best to book ahead for reasonable prices, as last-minute bookings are
always on the higher side.The world-famous Okinawa Aquarium. Photo by Mollenborg on Flickr. CC By-SA 2.0.Best time to visit OkinawaThe best time to visit Okinawa is during summer, but the island can be seen throughout the year. During the
summer, many Japanese flocks here as an alternative to Hawaii.Summertime in Okinawa also attracts many visitors from the Asian
region, namely travellers from the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea and, of
course, China. For those who dislike crowds, you should avoid coming
here in the peak of Summer.Conclusion on Okinawa For First-Time VisitorsMany websites and portals offer information on Okinawa, some are accurate, and some are just for website clicks.For detailed and precise information, I strongly
recommend you visit the official Okinawa Tourism website, which is the national tourism board.

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Malaysia Asia
Blogging since 2007, but writing online since 1997. I belong to the 1st generation of worldwide bloggers, which is of course old-school.

Since 2008, I created Malaysia Asia and this travel, flood, gadget and lifestyle blog has won numerous physical awards from tourism boards around Malaysia. (Not those online awards).

After 12 years of blogging, I have semi-retired and now blog about things I like, do product reviews and enjoy life. My work has been featured in Lonely Planet, CNN Travel, Yahoo Travel, Wall Street Journal, and many other international publications. Find out more about me and thank you.

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HomeAirlines

Air Busan, Jeju Air & Jin Air to Fly to Sabah

byMalaysia Asia
-July 11, 2022

Korea is poised to contribute to Sabah’s visitor arrivals by resuming several Korean airlines with direct flights from Seoul to Kota Kinabalu.Air Busan, Jeju Air & Jin Air to Fly to SabahAir Busan is the second Korean-based low-cost airline to resume direct flights from the Korean Capital to Kota Kinabalu post-Covid-19 pandemic after Jin Air on 26 May.The third airline Jeju Air is expected will restart direct flights to Sabah on 29 June. For the time being, all three airlines will depart via Incheon.Passengers arriving in Kota Kinabalu from Korea. Photo TheStar.The Air Busan BX 767 flight from Incheon International Airport with 196 passengers on board arrived at the KKIA at about 2310 and was greeted with a water cannon salute.Sabah Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister cum Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai was on hand to greet the passengers, all Korean tourists.Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Noredah Othman and KKIA Senior Airport Manager Sunif Naiman were also present to distribute welcome souvenirs courtesy of Sabah Tourism.Korean tourists arriving at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Photo NST.Joniston Bangkuai said;“With the arrival of Korean airlines in Sabah, we are seeing a slight improvement in Korean arrivals. Koreans’ willingness and confidence to return to Sabah is a great indication for us.“While we want to promote Sabah to international visitors, we also want to encourage locals to take advantage of this direct flight and explore Korea.”Air Busan passengers arrive in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Photo by Daily Express.Conclusion Air Busan currently operates two weekly flights to Kota Kinabalu on Tuesdays and Fridays, while Jeju Air is expected to restart direct flights to Sabah on 29 June 2022. For now, all three airlines will depart via Incheon in South Korea.Joniston and Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Noredah Othman visited Seoul in early May to meet with airlines in Korea along with top officials from Jin Air, Air Busan and Jeju Air. They also discussed Mode Tour and Hana Tour with top Korean travel companies.

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Malaysia Asia
Blogging since 2007, but writing online since 1997. I belong to the 1st generation of worldwide bloggers, which is of course old-school.

Since 2008, I created Malaysia Asia and this travel, flood, gadget and lifestyle blog has won numerous physical awards from tourism boards around Malaysia. (Not those online awards).

After 12 years of blogging, I have semi-retired and now blog about things I like, do product reviews and enjoy life. My work has been featured in Lonely Planet, CNN Travel, Yahoo Travel, Wall Street Journal, and many other international publications. Find out more about me and thank you.

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HomeHarajuku

Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku

byMalaysia Asia
-August 24, 2022

The Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku is probably one of the wildest and most unique building fronts I have ever come across in my travels.On my recent trip to Tokyo, I spent some time exploring Harajuku and walking around the intersection of Omotesando and Harajuku; I bumped into this futuristic place by chance.Tokyu Plaza Omotesando HarajukuHowever, this unique building facade is nothing new as it was initially opened back in 2012 and, over the years, has impressed many people.The overview of the entrance with a packed crowd of people walking by.The unique kaleidoscopic escalator tunnel is made from various tilted mirror-polished stainless-steel panels and acts as a gateway transition into the building.Visitors who walk in will be mesmerized by the sheer effect of the multiple mirror images seen from all angles, and when you exit, you will experience the ultimate effect, as seen in the main photo.The unique architectural design is also done by Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP and Takenaka Corporation of Japan.Notice where visitors stand at the top of the escalator and pose in the middle.Tourists taking time to pose at the Insta-famous Glass Entrance of Harajuku.Harajuku Glass Building Photo EthicsAs always, there are some ethics to be practised here, as when I came on a weekend, there was a short line of Instagrammers and TikTokers waiting at the top of the escalator.This means that you need to take your turn to get that photo, and please do not take more than a couple of minutes because other people are waiting as well.This has already become one of the must-take photos of Harajuku; therefore, please practice ethics when you are here.If you cannot wait, just head up the escalator, then turn around and head back down, taking photos as you go down. Remember not to obstruct anyone when taking pictures.I know that some Instagrammers or TikTokers will take forever to get that shot, so if you are one of them, please have a conscious.Where is the Harajuku Kaleidoscopic Glass Building?From the main Harajuku Station, it only takes about six to seven minutes to walk there, and this is on an average day without the crowds.On weekends, it could take up to ten minutes to walk if you do not get distracted by the many interesting shops along the way.If you walk through Takeshita Street, just head to the end, and when you exit, turn right and walk to the main Meiji-dori Avenue junction.Directions from the main Harajuku Station.ConclusionYou can also read my other articles about Japan if you want to see where I went, what I ate and what I did when I visited.The next time you visit Harajuku, walk to Jingumae Crossing to see this incredible art marvel that is bound to impress you.And get your camera or smartphone ready as the photos from Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku are guaranteed to be Instagram, TikTok, Twitter or Facebook friendly!

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Malaysia Asia
Blogging since 2007, but writing online since 1997. I belong to the 1st generation of worldwide bloggers, which is of course old-school.

Since 2008, I created Malaysia Asia and this travel, flood, gadget and lifestyle blog has won numerous physical awards from tourism boards around Malaysia. (Not those online awards).

After 12 years of blogging, I have semi-retired and now blog about things I like, do product reviews and enjoy life. My work has been featured in Lonely Planet, CNN Travel, Yahoo Travel, Wall Street Journal, and many other international publications. Find out more about me and thank you.

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HomeCamera Review

Malaysia FujiFilm XF 150-600mm Review

byMalaysia Asia
-July 19, 2022

This is my inaugural review of a camera lens, and I have never done an article on this before. Therefore, my Malaysia FujiFilm XF 150-600mm review is here.Again, I have been a DSLR user since the early days, and only in November of 2021 did I decide to switch to a mirrorless FujiFilm camera.Malaysia FujiFilm XF 150-600mm ReviewIt has been around eight months since I was using the FujiFilm X-S10, and when I got it, I started with the FUJINON XF18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS.On top of that, I also got the FUJINON XF70-300mm f4-5.6 R LM OIS WR and the mighty FUJINON XF2X TC WR. All of this is to complement my setup.I used the mirrorless system mainly for my bird photography, but I am not a professional, just a casual user in Malaysia.Therefore, after using the 70-300mm with the x2 TC, I needed more focal length, so in July 2022, I made another massive change for the FujiFilm XF 150-600mm.Unboxing the Fujifilm 150-600mm lens.The Fujinon 150-600mm owner's manual and Hoya UX II Filter.After removing the plastic wrapping.Close-up of the 150-600 lens.Receiving it on the 12th of July, I couldn't wait to test it out, but due to work, I prolonged the desire to take a day off just for this. I put the FujiFilm XF 150-600mm box next to my work table and continued working.I only managed to go out on the 15th of July at about 8.30 PM to see the super full moon rising. Immediately, I remembered that I wanted to test the lens and set it up as fast as possible.First Test Photos with the FujiFilm 150-600mm LensBelow are random photos taken using the zoom lens and with the X2 TC.The first test shot using the 150-600 with max zoom and unedited.I then used an X2 TC with a 150-600mm lens, which was the full zoom.A cropped Full Super Moon shot with the Fujifilm 150-600mm lens.Cropping even closer to reveal the details of the Super Moon craters.ConclusionI will be testing the lens out this weekend at the Fraser's Hill International Bird Race 2022, as I will be there covering the event for my birding website.Once I am back and have time, I will create another article to share more photos and feedback on the Malaysia FujiFilm XF 150-600mm review that I will do.

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Malaysia Asia
Blogging since 2007, but writing online since 1997. I belong to the 1st generation of worldwide bloggers, which is of course old-school.

Since 2008, I created Malaysia Asia and this travel, flood, gadget and lifestyle blog has won numerous physical awards from tourism boards around Malaysia. (Not those online awards).

After 12 years of blogging, I have semi-retired and now blog about things I like, do product reviews and enjoy life. My work has been featured in Lonely Planet, CNN Travel, Yahoo Travel, Wall Street Journal, and many other international publications. Find out more about me and thank you.

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HomeHotel Reviews

La Vela Khao Lak Review

byMalaysia Asia
-March 21, 2023

I've never been to this part of Thailand before, and on my first visit to Khao Lak, I was thrilled to see and experience this beautiful beachside town of Southern Thailand.Here is my review of La Vela Khao Lak Resort, a five-star beachfront property that sits along the main beach of this beautiful surf town 90 minutes from Phuket.La Vela Khao Lak ReviewOften, I would choose a hotel or resort that offers a balance of everything, and with much research, the internet pointed me in the direction of La Vela Khao Lak.Choosing a resort is also tricky nowadays as every other resort claims to be better than the next one. And these days, many other options exist for researching a hotel or resort.The resort with its distinctive geometrical points.Gone are the days of depending on Trip Advisor as nowadays, a quick search on social media will show more realistic photos and feedback of the property. And there are also Google reviews which do an excellent job of up-to-date reviews from real people.I ended up booking five days at Le Vela Khao Lak, considering after I found out they had three resorts on the same stretch of the beach, I decided on Le Vela.The Journey to La VelaAfter landing at Phuket International Airport and exiting, I was greeted by the resort driver, which had my name on a welcome paper. The van was just outside the airport exit, which was very convenient.It took about 90 minutes to drive from Phuket to Khao Lak, and the roads were excellent, considering that this entire area was devastated by the 2004 tsunami.One of the blocks of rooms with its own private pool area.I must stress that the Thailand vans are very comfortable, and the drivers are well-trained not to speed. That is something my own country needs help with.Throughout the 90 minutes, I just took time to relax and see the laid-back lifestyle of the villages along the way. Many rubber tree plantations are spotted, while some have started to plant palm oil trees.First Impression of La Vela Khao LakArriving in Khao Lak town centre, the whole place was rebuilt from scratch but with a more modern look and feel. There was even a McDonald's there!After passing the town centre, a small junction led further to the coast, and along this narrow road, there were shops on both ends, catering to the tourists with massage, bars, restaurants, tailors and tour companies.The interesting walkway into the main lobby area of the resort.I arrived at La Vela to find the entrance very different from other hotels and resorts. It was very modern and designer-built. My first impression was....wow!The staff greeted us as we headed through a designer passage with mini-column pillars surrounded by shallow pools. The lobby was another wow factor, with many dark wooden tones and two beautiful large white sofas.Check-in was done on the sofa, complete with welcome drinks, and we were also greeted by the general manager, who happened to be a local Malaysian and happy to see Malaysians checking in.Rooms at La Vela Khao LakI booked the pool access room, which allowed direct access to the main pools, and the unit was at Block D, just a three-minute walk from the resort's main lobby.It has been a long time since I stayed in such a beautiful room, and as you know, many of us have not been travelling since Covid 19 hit the world hard.Pool access rooms on the lower level.So, treating ourselves to something nice for a change was only fair. The pool access suite was massive and had a long room concept, which is the type I like. The entire block consists of pool-access rooms and three more floors of sea-facing balcony units, so guests can choose which they prefer.Overall, the most important part of the room was the bed and the bathroom, so those two were the first thing I checked. The bed is a king-sized unit with a simple backboard.The bathroom, however, has two entrances, one facing the pool access entrance and one as you enter the room. It came with a mini jacuzzi tub and split shower and toilet areas with full amenities.Everything is well thought of in terms of convenience and, most importantly, the international plug sockets fitted into the walls. This was a joy for me as I need not use my extension.Pool access rooms are convenient yet fun.Each of the rooms is tastefully decorated and very earth-toned.The pool access rooms are relatively large, with much space to move around.This is the pool access room, where guests can get in and out of the pool and straight to the room.I love how they give a proper fridge in the room versus the commercial small box type.The bathtub cum jacuzzi in the bathroom.Complimentary water is refilled daily while a coffee machine is also available.Some of the bathroom amenities in the room.The international socket fitted in all the rooms makes life so much easier.Facilities at La Vela Khao LakLike any other resort, La Vela offers regular facilities like restaurants, cafes, a gym, and a spa, But one thing stood out: a skate park. I was dumbfounded when I saw that, but I was told that the owner built this during the pandemic to entertain the locals.Khao Lak is slowly becoming one of Southeast Asia's surf and skate cities; hence, the owner decided to build a decent-sized skate park complete with a skate & surf shop.The Kokulo Beach Club is also a nice touch as it is lively and offers some amazing shows on weekends, not forgetting a local DJ that spins music during dinner. There's also live music on selected days by a local Thai musician.Food at La Vela Khao LakThis has to be highlighted as it has been too long since I had some excellent hotel and resort food. The last I remember was back in Dubai when the hotel offered some of the best I have tried.Here at La Vela, I must highlight the breakfast as it meets international standards by offering a balanced variety of east meets west. Just looking at the selection takes up about 15 minutes.The breakfast area is located in a quiet, cosy and comfortable section of the resort.Guests line up for the multiple choices during breakfast.The scrumptious local Thai breakfast choices at the restaurant.Kopi & Tea Corner has a very Malaysian influence.Six types of cheese are served during breakfast. Amazing!So, every morning, I plan to have something different, and if you are a cheese lover, they offer six types of cheese to go with your bread. How about that?While many westerners will go for the continental mix, some want to experience the local Thai breakfast, and I must stress that the noodles and Thai omelette are highly popular.Japanese, Malaysian and Chinese-style dishes are available, and they even have a special room for bread. Can you imagine that?I could go on and on about the fantastic breakfast spread, but I leave it up to you to go there and try it in person.La Vela Khao Lak Resort at night, photo taken with my Galaxy S23 Ultra on night mode.Where is La Vela Khao Lak?La Vela Khao Lak is located at the Bang Niang Beach area of Takuapa in the main Khao Lak area. It is also close to the well-known Bang Niang Night Marker and the main walking street.The main street is Chai Hat Bang Niang Road, where you will find many restaurants, cafes, bars, spas and other shopping outlets. It is about a ten-minute walk from the resort.For those interested, you can book a room at La Vela Khao Lak via their website, as they have many ongoing promotions. ConclusionIt has been a while since I did some overseas travels, and this was my first trip out of Malaysia since the Covid19 pandemic, and I'm glad I visited Khao Lak in Southern Thailand.This also marks my first international hotel and resort writing for the La Vela Khao Lak review done in early 2023. I hope you enjoyed it, and if you have questions, please do ask.

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Malaysia Asia
Blogging since 2007, but writing online since 1997. I belong to the 1st generation of worldwide bloggers, which is of course old-school.

Since 2008, I created Malaysia Asia and this travel, flood, gadget and lifestyle blog has won numerous physical awards from tourism boards around Malaysia. (Not those online awards).

After 12 years of blogging, I have semi-retired and now blog about things I like, do product reviews and enjoy life. My work has been featured in Lonely Planet, CNN Travel, Yahoo Travel, Wall Street Journal, and many other international publications. Find out more about me and thank you.

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HomeGalaxy A32 5G

Samsung Galaxy A32 5G First Impression

byMalaysia Asia
-April 06, 2021

 It has been an interesting start to 2021 for the smartphone market, and for this year, I will be sharing my first impressions of the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G smartphone.I have also been a Samsung Galaxy S series user for many years, and this year, I thought I would try something different for my daily smartphone use, especially for photography.So, time to change things around for 2021 and here is a review specially done for those who wonder what the medium-range Samsung phones are like.Samsung Galaxy A32 5G First ImpressionSince I have been reviewing Samsung smartphones for many years now, I have decided to review for the general middle-market users who do not seek high-end models.After unboxing the Galaxy A32 5G.Therefore, you should know that Samsung makes smartphones for all kinds of markets and budgets, and in most cases, most people always want the best models, but can they afford them?This first impression of the Galaxy A32 5G will showcase why the smartphone is great as an upgrade or even your first Samsung smartphone.So far, my first impression of this smartphone has been pretty interesting, considering that I have used it for some photography in early April 2021. I will have another article on that in the coming weeks.The original seal secures the smartphone box.Before I continue, I would like to highlight that Samsung now provides a special seal on each smartphone box to assure originality. So, when I got my handset, it came with a nice seal as above.Overall, the A32 5G is something that works for anyone in general. Moving down from the S10 Plus to this model was also quite easy because most functions are similar.I found it most interesting that the phone's display is 0.1 inches larger than the S10 Plus, and the battery is 900 mAh more. For the price, I got 6GB versus 8GB on my previous model in terms of ram and storage.A non-edited photo was taken using the Galaxy A32 5G at Shah Alam Botanical Garden.The only letdown for me was the screen resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels compared to my 1440 x 3040 on the S10 Plus. But this is not an issue because the new technology comes with HD+ TFT Infinity-V.You will be happy to know that the front camera comes with a 13-megapixel lens with f2.2 and wide-angle mode for selfie lovers.The other technical specifications will not be highlighted because most of them do not apply to the general user. We just need to know if the phone is fast, the camera is good, and enough storage.And finally, the price is one-third of the Galaxy S21 Ultra, which makes perfect sense for anyone with a budget and wants something in-between.The colours that are available for the Galaxy A32 5G.Where to Buy the Galaxy A32 5G?You can buy the Galaxy A32 5G phone from the official Samsung website, where they may have ongoing promotions or freebies thrown in. While there, you can also check out other models.As an alternative, you can also take advantage of the many promotions by telco companies or even buy the smartphone from third party smartphone resellers around Malaysia.The A32 5G before peeling off the plastic protective layer.Back of the A32 5G with the Awesome Blue colour.Both Awesome Blue and Awesome Violet colours.ConclusionHere's my final verdict, and it all falls down to your budget. If you are working on a strict budget and want to upgrade your old smartphone to an up-to-date model, the Galaxy A32 5G is recommended.The good thing is that this smartphone cost less than RM1200 and has similar functions to its higher-end models like the A52, A72 or even the majestic S21.At the end of the day, the Galaxy A32 5G first impression was pretty unique as I never expected the model to pack in so much for so little.

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Malaysia Asia
Blogging since 2007, but writing online since 1997. I belong to the 1st generation of worldwide bloggers, which is of course old-school.

Since 2008, I created Malaysia Asia and this travel, flood, gadget and lifestyle blog has won numerous physical awards from tourism boards around Malaysia. (Not those online awards).

After 12 years of blogging, I have semi-retired and now blog about things I like, do product reviews and enjoy life. My work has been featured in Lonely Planet, CNN Travel, Yahoo Travel, Wall Street Journal, and many other international publications. Find out more about me and thank you.

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HomeGadget Review

Galaxy Buds 2 Review

byMalaysia Asia
-October 22, 2021

I have always been curious about wireless earbuds since they made headlines a few years ago. And finally, I got my hands on a pair of them hence my first Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 review. All these years, earpieces for the smartphone has been mediocre with nothing much to shout about. I remember several years ago when Samsung introduced the Icon X wireless earbuds a year after the AirPods.This was the beginning of the wireless era, which led to the current Galaxy Buds 2, which was launched during the Galaxy Unpacked event in August 2021.Galaxy Buds 2 ReviewThe Galaxy Buds2, which I currently use.Since then, many brands have come out with all kinds of wireless earbuds, and I even once purchased a pair from Jabra in late 2017.However, I always faced several issues when trying to connect them with my Galaxy units, and usually, after a while, I would have figured it out. However, as time passed, more applications were introduced by Samsung and eventually, the pairing was not flexible as I thought it would be.Then I stopped using any wireless buds until I was re-introduced to them again this August of 2021. After a lapse in using these ear devices, I got my pair and connected it with my Galaxy Z Flip3 5G.Suddenly, everything made sense when the Galaxy Buds 2 connected easily with the Galaxy Wearable app, and it's pretty fast-pairing too.As for the water resistance feature is only an IPX2 which means it's very basic and not meant for a rainy day, pool session, or running along the beach. These will be perfect for those who work out a lot.Generally, an IPX2 rating means that water splashes onto the Galaxy Buds 2 are acceptable, but I won't recommend trying it on purpose.The available attractive colours.Unlike the Z Flip3, which comes with an IPX8, it literally means that you can submerge the phone in up to 3 meters of water for 30 minutes. Again, only if it accidentally happens and not to be forced tried.I use my Galaxy Buds 2 mainly for one purpose, which is my meditation. When I do my meditation, I usually play music, but I constantly get distracted by surrounding outside noise.I managed to cut around 70% of the surrounding noise with the wireless buds, which alone made my meditation much more meaningful and more manageable.What it looks like inside.The active noise-cancelling works great with my expectations but not those that cancel out 100% of the outside noise. That does not work for me because I still want to have ambient noise from the outside world.With the Wearable app, you have the luxury to adjust and tweak the sound with some equalizer preset modes that suit what you want to do.For now, I'm still playing around with the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that is supposed to mute 98% of the surrounding world.I learned that Samsung has also improved Ambient Sound, which comes in three levels, and now it comes with some AI that learns to adapt to the environment, which is pretty impressive.The beautiful glossy and curved design.What do I like about the new Galaxy Buds 2?Works well with any Galaxy device.Does not stick out of your ears.They look beautiful with the new colours and the glossy curved designs.They are 15% smaller and 20% lighter than the Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus, making them easier to wear for long periods.Easy to carry the charging case around.A good noise-cancelling, but still a lot to improve.The stylish compact case with wireless charging.A whopping 29 hours for battery life, 5 hours non-stop usage.Also works with iOS.Cons of Using the Galaxy Buds 2This has to be mentioned, and if you are a very large-sized person (over 6 feet) or have huge ears and hands, they can be a little challenging to handle and slip out your ears more easily.Not for heavy noise-cancellation fans, as the Galaxy Buds 2 is still a well-balanced type.No auto-pause if you remove them from your ears.ConclusionFor now, these are working great with my everyday life as I am getting used to them. You can also get more information or buy the Galaxy Buds 2 from Samsung Malaysia.The price is currently at RM499 while it comes in four incredible colours - Lavender, graphite, olive and white.While this could be the answer to previous larger models, Samsung is probably only halfway to perfecting this, and we can expect a lot more in the next Galaxy Buds3.

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Malaysia Asia
Blogging since 2007, but writing online since 1997. I belong to the 1st generation of worldwide bloggers, which is of course old-school.

Since 2008, I created Malaysia Asia and this travel, flood, gadget and lifestyle blog has won numerous physical awards from tourism boards around Malaysia. (Not those online awards).

After 12 years of blogging, I have semi-retired and now blog about things I like, do product reviews and enjoy life. My work has been featured in Lonely Planet, CNN Travel, Yahoo Travel, Wall Street Journal, and many other international publications. Find out more about me and thank you.

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HomeBornean Frog Race

International Bornean Frog Race 2021

byMalaysia Asia
-September 24, 2021

With Covid19 disrupting events around Malaysia since early 2020, a number of them have gone virtual, and one of them includes the 9th International Bornean Frog Race 2021.This unique nature event will also take place for 90 days, which runs from 1 September to 29 November 2021 and will be held throughout the island of Borneo.International Bornean Frog Race 2021After eight years of the frog race, there are still many who may not understand the term "Frog Race", and let me just share what I know about this unique event.A frog race is where participants gather in groups or individuals to head out and see who can spot the most number of frogs during a stipulated time.There are approximately 190 species known from Borneo; 140 of them are endemic to the island.A close-up photo of a River Toad in Borneo.And with the Bornean Frog Race 2021 going virtual, participants are given three months to photograph frogs all over Borneo, including Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Kalimantan, Indonesia.This digital version of the race will include monthly webinars and a photographic competition that will run for 90 days in total.The Frog Race pitches the general public and researchers in a race to find and photograph the rarest and the most frog species at any locality on Borneo during the announced period and to take outstanding images.Objectives of the Bornean Frog RaceTo draw public attention to Borneo's forests.To draw public attention to the region's threatened amphibiansTo educate citizens about the natural worldTo promote the outdoors and tourism OrganisersThe 9th International Bornean Frog Race 2021 is organised by the Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS). The organising team comprises a standing committee consisting of experts in amphibian biology, natural history and photography from the host institutions and the world of science, photography, and conservation.The official banner for the Frog Race.Bornean Frog Race 2021 Information, Rules and RegulationsRace Duration: Virtually 90 days from 1 September to 29 November 2021Race Location: Anywhere on BorneoRegistration & Photo SubmissionInterested participants can register online at International Bornean Frog Race.The registration fee is RM 60.00 per participant.Participants are required to set up an account with iNaturalist and upload images.Photo SubmissionParticipants must submit high-quality photos with the amphibians identifiable and are also encouraged to geotag their photos.Photo RulesParticipants can use any photographic device to capture picturesParticipants must reduce disturbance to amphibiansSubmitted photos must be taken within the race periodAll photographers retain copyrights of their photosEthics and Code of ConductParticipants must follow the rules and regulations of protected areasParticipants must adhere to the basic code of conduct of wildlife photographersParticipants must not touch or handle amphibiansA River Toad.Bornean Frog Race 2021 PrizesThis year, the prizes have increased slightly, and additional prizes are added due to the duration of the event.Ten Monthly Prizes Best Photos - 5 prizes based on;Technical quality (focus sharpness, exposure, etc.)Subject (portrait, behaviour, etc.)CompositionCreativityOverall impactMost Number of Species - 5 PrizesCash awards of RM 200 eachGrand PrizesBest Photo Overall - Three Best Photo Overall Grand Prize winners from 15 Best Photo Monthly winners.1st - RM 2,500.002nd - RM 1,500.003rd - RM 1,000.00Most Species Overall - Most Number of Species Overall Grand Prize, total species count based on entire Race Period.1st -RM 2,500.002nd - RM 1,500.003rd - RM 1,000.00General Do's and Don'ts of the International Bornean Frog RaceDoLeave footprintsNot litterBring a flashlight or a headlampBring a raincoatBring enough drinking waterDon'tHarm frogs or any other wildlifeDisturb vegetation and different habitatsStray from trailsMake unnecessary noiseOdorrana or Poisonous Rock Frog spotted at Tabin Wildlife Reserve in Sabah Borneo.More InformationPlease visit the International Bornean Frog Race website for those who want to sign up or get more detailed information.Conclusion I have been writing about the Bornean Frog Race for several years now, and to be very honest, I am yet to attend the actual event. Maybe I will plan for the 10th year event in Borneo.

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Malaysia Asia
Blogging since 2007, but writing online since 1997. I belong to the 1st generation of worldwide bloggers, which is of course old-school.

Since 2008, I created Malaysia Asia and this travel, flood, gadget and lifestyle blog has won numerous physical awards from tourism boards around Malaysia. (Not those online awards).

After 12 years of blogging, I have semi-retired and now blog about things I like, do product reviews and enjoy life. My work has been featured in Lonely Planet, CNN Travel, Yahoo Travel, Wall Street Journal, and many other international publications. Find out more about me and thank you.

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HomeGalaxy S21 Ultra 5G

Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Photography Review

byMalaysia Asia
-February 25, 2021

Here is another review of the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G photography outdoors at Batu Caves in Selangor.I chose this place because of the naturally vivid colours that the entire place gives, plus it is a top-rated tourist attraction that is world-class and well known.Also, it was difficult to move around Malaysia because of the movement control order (MCO) since it came back into effect on 13th Jan until 4th March 2021.All the photos you see here are taken using the all-new Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G smartphone, purely for my review.Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Photography ReviewThis eagle statue is one of the new additions to Batu Caves.While most reviews in Malaysia or around the world will be very technical, I choose to go down the simple road for simple people to understand my review.This is because most people prefer to know what the smartphone is capable of instead of how many mirrors or microchips power the camera. You know what I mean.So, I took the liberty of visiting Batu Caves in early February 2021, about two weeks after the Galaxy S21 Ultra was officially launched in Malaysia.My work usually takes me around Malaysia and Southeast Asia, but since the Covid19 pandemic, I, just like many others, have been locked down here; therefore, there are no interesting international photos.However, that will not stop my passion for reviewing smartphones for laymen and laywomen locally. So, read on and let me know what you think.And, just to highlight that all the photos here are not enhanced or edited. They have only been resized and added with my watermark, that's all.One of the lesser-seen photos was taken in Batu Caves on ultra-wide mode.Multiple Zoom ModesBelow is a series of ultra-wide to the standard full 10x zoom mode photos. To be very honest, the 100x zoom on the phone is still a novelty which I would not recommend focusing on.I would comfortably say that the 10x standard digital zoom is excellent without worrying about the photo being blurred. No one wants that if you ask me.Using the ultra-wide mode.Using the standard normal mode.This shot is using the 3x zoom normal mode.Using the 10x zoom on normal mode.As you can see from the four photos above, they were all taken handheld from one position at Batu Caves. Note that the 10x zoom photo has some loss in the colours and sharpness.Again, the photos above are all unedited, nor are they enhanced in any way. They are straight from the phone to my desktop, resized and added my watermark.If you ask my honest opinion, the Artificial Intelligence or A.I. for the camera is quite fascinating considering they compensate for the natural colour enhancements.While most people will view photos taken on their smartphone device using the incredible Dynamic AMOLED screens, very few will transfer photos to their desktop.Well, I am one of those who does that; transfer photos from phone to desktop and then view them on my desktop monitor, which is a Samsung curved screen for some strange reason.So, for beginners or general camera users, I would say that the normal mode on the Galaxy S21 Ultra is very user-friendly and enough for your personal or social use.Even if you view the photos on another device or desktop, the colours and quality still remain, which I like.Cropped photo of Lord Hanuman at Batu Caves in 108-megapixel.108 Megapixel ShotThis one is the mother of all sizes, I mean, 108 megapixels! Who needs such a high-resolution for everyday use? Well, you will be surprised so that function is available.Lord Hanuman's photo above was taken in the 108-megapixel mode on the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, and so sorry I had to crop it here because it would just eat my bandwidth if I posted the original.Anyway, the original pixel size for the 108-megapixel photo is 12,000 x 9,000 pixels, which is more than enough to print out a medium-sized poster.Also, this function would work best if you are taking photos outdoors with a steady hand or tripod. Or if you are inside a studio with proper lighting.However, I would not recommend using this for all your general photos unless you work for your client.Taken with the ultra-wide mode on the S21 Ultra 5G.My other Reviews of the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5GBefore this article, I also did an earlier camera review of the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, more for indoor photos. Before this, I have been doing several Samsung smartphone reviews in Malaysia dating back many years ago.The current phone I am using for the last two years is the Galaxy S10 Plus, which has been an excellent phone overall.Perhaps it is time for me to upgrade to the S21 Ultra 5G due to the technological advancements in the last two years.My next review will focus on the night mode of the Galaxy S21 Ultra, so follow my blog if you want to know how amazing the technology has advanced for the Galaxy phones.A sample of the night mode photo was taken with the Galaxy S21 Ultra.ConclusionThere you go, an honest and straightforward photography review of Malaysia's Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G smartphone.To learn more or buy this phone, you can visit the official Samsung Malaysia website, where they have all the different variants and colours available.Finally, if you need to upgrade or change your smartphone, the Galaxy S21 is a unit worth considering, provided your budget allows it.

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Malaysia Asia
Blogging since 2007, but writing online since 1997. I belong to the 1st generation of worldwide bloggers, which is of course old-school.

Since 2008, I created Malaysia Asia and this travel, flood, gadget and lifestyle blog has won numerous physical awards from tourism boards around Malaysia. (Not those online awards).

After 12 years of blogging, I have semi-retired and now blog about things I like, do product reviews and enjoy life. My work has been featured in Lonely Planet, CNN Travel, Yahoo Travel, Wall Street Journal, and many other international publications. Find out more about me and thank you.

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HomeBorneo Jazz 2021

Borneo Jazz 2021 Virtual Journey

byMalaysia Asia
-June 21, 2021

After a successful Rainforest World Music Festival 2021 digital experience from 18-20 June, the next event in line is no other than the Borneo Jazz 2021 Virtual Journey.Sarawak Tourism Board has made the month of June 2021 a musical extravaganza, with two iconic festivals being brought online for music lovers locally and internationally. Borneo Jazz 2021 Virtual JourneySince the Covid19 pandemic crippled almost all tourism and entertainment around Malaysia and the world, many yearly events have been either put on hold or cancelled.However, Sarawak Tourism Board did not want to do just that; therefore, they created the live experience through a virtual journey utilizing today's technology.The Borneo Jazz 2021 Virtual Journey.It was easier to connect with most people online with the consumers, namely on Facebook; hence, the festival took a digital journey approach.Apart from the live performances daily, there will also be flashbacks and recorded interviews with some of the industry icons like Gracie Geikie, who was one of the CEOs of the Sarawak Tourism Board in the early days.There will also be prize giveaways, including goody bags, exclusive merchandise available on Shopee and the grand prize of RM2000 worth of merchandise for Borneo Jazz 2022.The program for Borneo Jazz 2021 Virtual Journey.Borneo Jazz 2021 Performers Include;Pete KallangClinton Jerome ChuaNisa AddinaO-ha Soul BandTa'DanDay 1 (25 June)Clinton Jerome ChuaO-Ha Soul BandDay 2 (26 June)Nisa AddingPete KallangDay 3 (27 June)Ta'DanGrand FinaleWhen and Where is Borneo Jazz 2021 Virtual Journey?This iconic jazz festival takes place from 25-27 June 2021 and via the www.jazzborneo.com main website. It will be a three-day online event from 6.00 PM to 7.30 PM for all three days.You can also engage with the admins and fans through the official Borneo Jazz Facebook Page.How to Register for Borneo Jazz 2021?It is a free online event; therefore, all you need to do is register through the main Borneo Jazz website.From there, they will email you the log-in and password to access the event. Take note that the website event will only go live on the actual day and time.Alternatively, you can watch this on TVS or TV Sarawak through the main Borneo Jazz Facebook Page and Shopee Live.For additional information about the organiser or Sarawak in general, you can also visit the Sarawak Tourism Board main website.ConclusionAfter a mesmerizing Rainforest World Music Festival 2021 virtual experience held on 18-20 June, this back-to-back online music extravaganza will surely ignite your yearning for next years events.Sadly, the Covid19 pandemic may have ruined opportunities to travel and experience these music festivals first-hand. Still, it will not stop us from preparing for the next actual event in Sarawak.

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Malaysia Asia
Blogging since 2007, but writing online since 1997. I belong to the 1st generation of worldwide bloggers, which is of course old-school.

Since 2008, I created Malaysia Asia and this travel, flood, gadget and lifestyle blog has won numerous physical awards from tourism boards around Malaysia. (Not those online awards).

After 12 years of blogging, I have semi-retired and now blog about things I like, do product reviews and enjoy life. My work has been featured in Lonely Planet, CNN Travel, Yahoo Travel, Wall Street Journal, and many other international publications. Find out more about me and thank you.

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HomeHuawei

Huawei P50 Review for Macro Photography

byMalaysia Asia
-June 12, 2022

I have always wanted to explore smartphone photography with the much-talked-about Huawei smartphone, and I finally had the opportunity. Here is my inaugural Huawei P50 review for macro photography.Over the last 12 years, since I started using the iPhone 1 in June 2010, I have been an avid smartphone photographer, taking various phones all over Malaysia and worldwide on my trips. In most cases, I use my smartphone to capture moments, and it has not stopped.Huawei P50 Review for Macro PhotographyDue to the Covid19 pandemic, there was no leisure travel for many people, including me, and we were confined to our homes and our state. Only when the government opened state borders did people begin to slowly explore out of their comfort zones.By May of 2022, all borders were opened, and more people started to travel out of state and country. However, I am still sceptical about international travel; therefore, I chose to explore locally. But I did take the opportunity to visit several parks in Selangor for my smartphone photography.This was when I took the Huawei P50 to do some macro photography at nearby TTDI Park in Taman Tun, Kuala Lumpur.The P50 is the entry-level version with three rear cameras.As you know, I am not one of those reviewers who just ramble on about technical specifications, aperture, speed, f-stops, etc. I am sure you've come across those kinds of reviews.There are already many people out there who think they are a 'Camera or Smartphone Guru'. Still, I am an average photographer and blogger who shares experiences with ordinary people.So, below are various random macro photography taken with the Huawei P50 and not edited for this review. I just resized the photos and added my watermark; that is all.Dragonfly macro photo from around 3-4 cm away.Macro of a dragonfly, handheld at about 3 cm away.Macro photos of some ants eating something on a leaf.Slightly wider macro hot of a hibiscus flower.Macro of some small fruiting flower bud.Macro of a tiny grasshopper on a leaf. Notice the leaf details.A macro photo of some flower stamens.How Easy Is It to Take Macro Photography with Huawei P50? The Huawei P50 is the entry-level flagship model with three rear cameras: a 50MP primary camera, a 12MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom, and a 13MP ultra-wide camera.The P50 has made it so simple for macro photography; anyone can do this. It's basically four simple steps;Point at the subjectGet closer to the subjectKeep hands steadyPhotographThere is a little skill involved, where you need to find a suitable composition, and this can be done quickly by moving around the subject to get the best composure.Remember to press on the focus area and then only snap the photo. I recommend you take several pictures of the subject for a sharp shot. Below is a failed attempt for a macro shot.Randomly taking macro photos can result in blur images like the above.Then, holding the smartphone steady to photograph also requires some steady hands. Otherwise, you can use a small tripod or monopod to rest the camera for your macro shot.Below is a compilation of three photos taken as focal points using the zoom mode on the Huawei P50. Notice the stock photo on the left, half zoom in the middle and full zoom on the right.The zoom on the Huawei P50 is in three different modes.How much is the Huawei P50 in Malaysia?While many may think the price is similar to other brands, you will be surprised that the Huawei P50 price in Malaysia is much lower than expected.While you can get it directly from the Huawei Malaysia website, you can also visit the local Telco outlets, as they are selling this flagship model.The Huawei P50 smartphone that I use.ConclusionIf you want to know more about this new smartphone, you can read my Huawei P50 unboxing article I did in May 2022.I am also visiting Sarawak for the Rainforest World Music Festival 2022 from 17-19 June, and I will be using the Huawei P50 for photography.I took this ultra-wide Petronas Twin Tower shot from the KLCC Park with my Huawei P50.The following week from 24-26 June, I will visit Miri in Sarawak for the Borneo Jazz Festival 2022 and continue using the Huawei P50 for indoor and outdoor photography.I hope you enjoyed my simple Huawei P50 review for macro photography and that you also look forward to my upcoming review for the music festivals I will attend.

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Malaysia Asia
Blogging since 2007, but writing online since 1997. I belong to the 1st generation of worldwide bloggers, which is of course old-school.

Since 2008, I created Malaysia Asia and this travel, flood, gadget and lifestyle blog has won numerous physical awards from tourism boards around Malaysia. (Not those online awards).

After 12 years of blogging, I have semi-retired and now blog about things I like, do product reviews and enjoy life. My work has been featured in Lonely Planet, CNN Travel, Yahoo Travel, Wall Street Journal, and many other international publications. Find out more about me and thank you.

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HomeBird Watching Kinabalu National Park

Mount Kinabalu Climbing Permit and Entrance Fees for 2023

byMalaysia Asia
-November 08, 2022

For those planning to visit Sabah, you should note the Mount Kinabalu climbing permit and entrance fees for 2023.This was announced in early November 2022 as the news had gone viral on social media. Sabah Tourism Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin confirmed the new Kinabalu Park entrance fees.Mount Kinabalu Climbing Permit and Entrance Fees for 2023With rising living costs and wages for workers, it was mentioned that the price increase was unavoidable in the last couple of years. There have been rumours about the increase, and it's now happening.Most locals will complain that the prices are too high, but for the visiting foreigners and the weak Malaysian Ringgit, the price is relatively low compared to climbing other well-known mountains.As always, many will complain about the price increase, but over time, this matter will be forgotten, and people will still climb this mountain in the Kinabalu National Park.According to the Sabah Tourism Minister, all Sabah Parks will also see an increase in entrance fees by May 2023.The new prices were announced in November 2022.Mount Kinabalu Climbing Permit for 2023Foreign Adult Climbers - RM400Foreign Children Climbers - RM200Local Adult Climbers - RM100Local Children Climbers - RM50Mountain Guide (Up to 5 pax per guide) - RM350Kinabalu National Park Entrance Ticket Fees 2023Foreign Adults - RM50Foreign Kids - RM35Local Adults - RM10Local Kids - RM5For those leisure visitors to the park, please note the above prices for 2023. Even if you are there to do birdwatching at Kinabalu Park, you still need to pay the entrance price.If you want to find out about the porter fees, how high some of the peaks are, and even climbing insurance, it's all there.  Sabah Parks manages;Kinabalu ParkTunku Abdul Rahman ParkCrocker Range ParkTawau Hills ParkTurtle Islands ParkPulau Tiga ParkTun Sakaran Marine ParkSipadan Island ParkTun Mustapha ParkThe Earthquake Memorial at Mount Kinabalu National Park.ConclusionFor the record, back in 2007, the total price to climb Mont Kinabalu was a mere RM600 per person. This included the climbing fees, porter, entrance fees and so on.Then in 2016, it was priced at around RM1,500, and in 2019, it was around RM2000. For 2023, I am still taking a wild guess, as it could be about RM2,500 for everything.Just take a look at the old prices in the photo below;The old Mount Kinabalu climbing permit fees from 2011.The 2023 prices for climbing Mt Kinabalu.For those visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mount Kinabalu, take note that you can no longer drive into the area. Also, the Kinabalu National Park is one of the 10 natural wonders of Malaysia.

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Malaysia Asia
Blogging since 2007, but writing online since 1997. I belong to the 1st generation of worldwide bloggers, which is of course old-school.

Since 2008, I created Malaysia Asia and this travel, flood, gadget and lifestyle blog has won numerous physical awards from tourism boards around Malaysia. (Not those online awards).

After 12 years of blogging, I have semi-retired and now blog about things I like, do product reviews and enjoy life. My work has been featured in Lonely Planet, CNN Travel, Yahoo Travel, Wall Street Journal, and many other international publications. Find out more about me and thank you.

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