Malaysian Passport can access 180 countries Ranked at #9

We should be proud as Malaysian

Malaysia's passport can access into 180 countries at the moment according to Henley and Partners’ annual passport index, which ranks passports based on the number of countries a holder can go to without a visa or the number of countries a holder can go to where they can obtain a visa, visitor’s permit, or electronic travel authority upon arrival.

Even though our neighbor country, Singapore ranked at no. 2 with access to 188, while Japan's passport ranked at no. 1 with access into 189 countries. 

Here is the Top 10 from the list;

1. Japan — 189 countries

2. (Tie) Germany, Singapore — 188

3. (Tie) Denmark, Finland, France, Italy, Sweden, Spain, South Korea — 187

4. (Tie) Norway, U.K., Austria, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, U.S. — 186

5. (Tie) Belgium, Switzerland, Ireland, Canada — 185

6. (Tie) Australia, Greece — 183

7. (Tie) New Zealand, Czech Republic, Malta — 182

8. Iceland — 181

9. (Tie) Hungary, Slovenia, Malaysia — 180

10. (Tie) Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia — 179

Full Source : Henley and Parners' website

News link : http://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-news/japan-most-powerful-passport

Kuala Lumpur Engineering Science Fair (KLESF) 2016 4-6 Nov 2016

Jom bawak anak2, adik2 ke Kuala Lumpur Engineering Science Fair.

Pengenalan:
The Science Fair Engineering Kuala Lumpur (KLESF) adalah satu inisiatif dengan pelbagai program dan aktiviti yang bertujuan untuk memupuk minat dalam bidang sains, teknologi, kejuruteraan dan matematik (STEM) di kalangan pelajar-pelajar sekolah rendah dan menengah.

Rakan-rakan KLESF terdiri daripada Akademi ASEAN Kejuruteraan dan Teknologi (AAET), Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Kumpulan Industri-Kerajaan Malaysia bagi Teknologi Tinggi (MIGHT) dan Institusi Jurutera Malaysia (IEM).

Volcano Competition

 

Biological Science Exploration

School Science 

Virtual Reality

PERMATA Pintar

Virtual Reality

Robotics

3D Printings

Science Talk

Talk about Solar

Twentieth Century Fox World : its First Theme Park in the world to be in Malaysia, open in 2016

Sketch on "Ice Age" Roller Coaster

Before you book a ticket to Florida or California to check out the new “Ice Age” roller coaster!

Disney and Universal will soon have competition on the film-inspired theme park front. Twentieth Century Fox has just unveiled plans to join the thrill ride party.

Named "Twentieth Century Fox World," the brand's first theme park is set to open 2016 as part of Malaysia's Resorts World Genting, a leisure and entertainment complex about an hour outside of Kuala Lumpur. This the 20th Century Fox's first Theme Park being build and Malaysia being choosen as its location.

 

According to the plans, the 25-acre park will feature more than 25 rides and attractions based on Fox films such as "Ice Age," "Rio," "Alien vs. Predator," "Planet of the Apes" and "Night at the Museum."

 

Some will be geared towards kids, others for thrill seekers. We can't confirm our suspicions, but it's likely the "Alien vs. Predator" ride will not be ideal for three-year-olds.

 

Genting Integrated Tourism Plan (GITP)

 

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak launched the Genting Integrated Tourism Plan (GITP) and the world's first international Twentieth Century Fox Park on Monday, 17th Dec 2013.

 

The 10-year GITP masterplan will kick off with the first phase comprising development of new hotel properties, infrastructures and amenities as well as the refurbishment of the Resorts World Genting hotels.

 

The Genting Integrated Tourism Plan (GITP) plan, totalling RM5bil, also includes a hilltop development of a three-star hotel with about 1,300 rooms next to First World Hotel and a show arena that can seat 10,000 people.

 

The GITP initiatives and the opening of 20th Century Fox World in 2016 were expected to attract 36 million tourists, RM168 billion in tourism revenue and 3.3 million jobs by 2020.

"Under this plan, Resorts World Genting will offer to the ECER infrastructure as well as value-added products and services.

Genting Malaysia CEO Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay said in a statement. Other new developments at the hilltop resort include a 10,000-seat arena, a new cable car station and a “shopping haven” of premium outlets.

 

Fueled by Asia’s emerging middle class, Malaysia is now the second most visited country on the continent after China and the 10th in the world with more than 25 million arrivals in 2012. Genting’s six Malaysian properties alone attract nearly 20 million domestic and international guests a year, and the company believes many visitors to the new park will come from as far away as China and elsewhere in Asia.

"The opening of the first Twentieth Century Fox theme park at Resorts World Genting takes our rich history of storytelling to a whole new level and will provide an exceptional entertainment experience," said Jeffrey Godsick, president of Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products, in a statement.

 

"People from around the world will gather here in Malaysia to become part of the story and to experience the magic and adventure of their favorite Fox properties."

Twentieth Century Fox has teamed up with with leisure and hospitality corporation Genting Malaysia to build the park.

 

Genting Malaysia CEO Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay said they're investing $300 million (up from $125 million) in Twentieth Century Fox World and expect most visitors to come from Malaysia with international arrivals coming mainly from China and Southeast Asia.

 

More: Asia's first Legoland opens in Malaysia

Greg Lombardo, vice president of location-based entertainment for Fox Consumer Products, told CNN that other Twentieth Century Fox World theme parks are in the works as well.

"We are creating a unique and exciting destination brand with a true global appeal," he said.

"In the coming months you will be hearing much more."

South East Asia's theme park boom

Twentieth Century Fox World will feature rides and attractions based on Fox films, including "Ice Age."

 

Twentieth Century Fox's decision to build its first theme park in Malaysia will be a disappointment for U.S. movie fans, though it's not surprising given the success of other big brand parks in the region, fueled by a growing middle class.

 

"Malaysia has a booming tourism economy and it is a very important growing market for our films and television properties," said Lombard.

 

"The consumer has a growing appetite for new and engaging entertainment experiences. It was a natural place to for Fox to create our first theme park and marks an important milestone in our global location based entertainment strategy."

 

Asia's first Legoland opened in Malaysia in 2012. Just a quick drive from Singapore, the $243 million, 30-hectare theme park dedicated to the colorful kids' bricks is made up of 40 rides, shows and attractions.

 

In October of this year, it added a Legoland Waterpark -- the brand's largest to date. A Legoland hotel, the final phase of the resort, will open in early 2014, said officials.

South of the border, Singapore has its own theme park behemoth, Universal Studios, which opened in 2010 as part of Resorts World Sentosa.

 

In Thailand, Cartoon Network Amazone water park is expected to open near the resort city of Pattaya in mid 2014. (This is an Amazon Falls Co. Ltd project, developed under license from Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific Ltd. Both Cartoon Network and CNN International are operated by Turner Broadcasting System International, a Time Warner company.)

 

 

Various Source :

CNN, 18 Dec 2013

International Business Times, 17 Dec 2013
NST
FoxNews.com

 

 

Pelancong asing mahu terbang terus ke Langkawi

Berikut ialah artikel semalam (15 Dec 2013) berkenaan ketiadaan penerbangan antarabangsa terus ke Langkawi.

Isu ketiadaan penerbangan terus berjadual dari negara luar ke Langkawi perlu diatasi bagi menjadikan pulau peranginan itu sebagai antara destinasi pelancongan utama dunia.

   
Jika dibandingkan dengan pulau-pulau di selatan Thailand dan Pulau Bali di Indonesia, ramai pelancong asing mengakui Langkawi lebih baik tetapi mereka memilih untuk melancong ke Bali atau pulau-pulau di Thailand kerana adanya penerbangan terus dari negara mereka.  
  
Ketika ini penerbangan terus dari negara luar ke Langkawi hanyalah dari Singapura.
  
Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Lembaga Pembangunan Langkawi (Lada), Tan Sri Khalid Ramli berkata, pihaknya telah berbincang dengan banyak pihak seperti Malaysia Airlines (MAS), Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) dan kerajaan tentang pentingnya penerbangan terus berjadual kepada industri pelancongan di Langkawi.
  
[ http://www.lada.gov.my/v2/ ]

 "Ketika ini hanya ada penerbangan sewa khas. Banyak pelancong asing mahukan penerbangan terus. Saya pergi ke Korea, mereka di sana memang mahu ke Langkawi tetapi mahukan penerbangan terus.  

"Tahun lepas MAS buat tiga penerbangan sewa khas (dari Korea), semua penuh. Kesalinghubungan ini penting. Tahun ini ada 32 penerbangan sewa khas tetapi yang kita mahukan penerbangan berjadual," katanya kepada pemberita semasa Program Kembara Riadah Lada Bersama Media 2013 di sini baru-baru ini.
  
Katanya selain itu, pintu masuk ke Langkawi melalui Jeti Kuah juga akan dinaik taraf bagi memastikan perkhidmatan feri dapat dilakukan dengan lebih baik untuk menampung kehadiran pelancong yang lebih ramai.
  
Beliau berkata bagi memastikan kehadiran pelancong ke Langkawi terus meningkat, jumlah bilik penginapan dan hotel perlu dipertingkatkan kerana ketika ini hanya ada kira-kira 8,000 bilik penginapan.
  
"Kita nak banyakkan bilik..untuk mewujudkan penawaran dan permintaan. Kita juga nak banyakkan hotel empat bintang, lima bintang. Banyak yang cakap nak datang Langkawi tetapi bilik penuh (pada musim kemuncak). Bali pun ada 50,000 bilik, bilik sentiasa ada untuk pelancong," katanya.
  
Sementara itu, Khalid berkata walaupun Langkawi mempunyai kemudahan infrastruktur yang baik untuk pelancong, aspek perkhidmatan dan pengalaman buat pelancong juga perlu ditekankan jika mahu mencapai sasaran Pelan Tindakan Pelancongan Langkawi (2011-2015) untuk menjadikan Langkawi antara destinasi pelancongan utama di dunia.
  
"Kalau lihat di sini (Koh Lipe), jeti tak ada...sedangkan punya banyak kapal dan bot. Pelancong terpaksa harung sendiri air untuk ke chalet. Sebenarnya ini yang dikehendaki pelancong. Ini semua kenangan untuk pelancong," katanya.

- Bernama

Sumber : Sinar Harian http://www.sinarharian.com.my/nasional/pelancong-asing-mahu-terbang-terus-ke-langkawi-1.230887

Theme Park "The TWO" : RM5b Mega Project in Rawang

Property developer DA Land has plans to develop a three-in-one theme park incorporating a resort, a wholesale city and a mall outlet on 51-acre (20.6ha) site in Rawang, Selangor with expected cost of RM5 billion.

DA Land CEO Derek Chew said the unique location and direct access from the North-South Expressway will ensure sustainability and its prospective status as an iconic Malaysian retail development.

The theme park is central to the 51-acre development's focus on creating an experiential destination.
Chew said it will feature outdoor, semi-outdoor, and indoor parks and gardens, with more developments expected in its future phases to make it the largest theme park of its kind in the world.
The theme parks will also have uniquely designed landscapes featuring exotic flora and fauna, he added.

He added that the development can be wholesale regional hub for Asean as Malaysia is a strategic point in Assia travelers and could be an ideal rest stop for long distance travelers along expressway.

Source from http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1661780 quote that
The TWO that bigger than Mid-valley as ;

-will be the Largest Mall in MALAYSIA
-Premium outlet (Similar to JOHOR Premium Outlet)
-Wholesales City (Kenanga WholeSale Mall)
-Theme Park (International indoor waterpark)


Destination Tourist Spot
Source :
http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/Korporat/20131212/ko_01/Taman-tema-RM5-bilion-akan-dibina-di-Rawang

http://www.thestar.com.my/Business/Business-News/2013/12/11/DA-LAND-TO-DEVELOP-RM5-BLN-WORLDCLASS-THEME-PARK-IN-RAWANG.aspx

http://www.thesundaily.my/news/902820

Akses Pengangkutan Awam Mudah, Efisien Tarikan Pelancong Ke Ibu Negara

KUALA LUMPUR, 1 Dis (Bernama) -- Akses pengangkutan awam seperti Transit Aliran Ringan (LRT), bas, dan teksi yang mudah dan efisien menjadi antara tarikan pelancong untuk membeli-belah di ibu negara.

Bukan itu sahaja, kepelbagaian pilihan, nilai, promosi dan harga ditawarkan pusat beli-belah atau butik terkemuka melalui jualan akhir tahun turut memenuhi citarasa dan bajet masing-masing.

Tinjauan Bernama di Kuala Lumpur mendapati pusat beli-belah di ibu kota kosmopolitan yang berada pada kedudukan keempat dalam rancangan Top 10 Best Shopping Cities in the World CNN, kini sudah mula dibanjiri pelancong dari luar negara, tidak ketinggalan penduduk tempatan yang mahu mengisi masa cuti sekolah untuk membeli-belah bersama keluarga.

Seorang pelancong dari Indonesia, Naria Agustina, 30, berkata beliau memilih untuk melancong dan membeli-belah di Malaysia disebabkan akses pengangkutan awam adalah mudah.

"Di Malaysia capaian akses pengangkutan awam seperti teksi, LRT, dan bas sangat senang. Ia memudahkan orang ramai untuk ke pusat membeli-belah," katanya ketika ditemui Bernama di sini.

Naria yang berasal dari Jakarta berkata harga yang ditawarkan pusat beli-belah atau butik di sekitar ibu kota juga berpatutan, selain mudah baginya untuk mendapatkan makanan halal.

Seorang lagi pelancong dari Indonesia Sandra Marianda, 27, berkata kemudahan lain seperti laluan pejalan kaki dari Suria KLCC ke Pavilion turut memberi keselesaan kepadanya sebagai pelancong untuk membeli-belah di sini.

"Kita juga boleh menggunakan laluan pejalan kaki yang disediakan, jadi mudah ya," kata pelancong dari Bandung ini.

Bagi Jill Oomen, 38, dari Belanda, jangkaan pertamanya mengenai Malaysia khususnya Kuala Lumpur yang tidak teratur, ternyata meleset kerana baginya Kuala Lumpur adalah sebuah bandar raya yang sangat teratur, cantik dan bersih.

"Saya tidak pernah datang ke Kuala Lumpur sebelum ini...jadi saya mahu melawat bandaraya ini dan pastinya Menara Berkembar (KLCC)...ia tempat yang indah dan menarik, orang di sini juga baik-baik, ia amat bersih dan teratur. Ia jauh berbeza daripada apa yang saya fikirkan sebelum datang ke Malaysia...ia amat teratur," katanya.

Oomen, yang sudah berkunjung ke Pasar Seni turut mengakui bahawa ia adalah satu daripada tempat membeli-belah menyeronokkan kerana terdapat pelbagai pilihan barangan kraf untuk cenderahati yang boleh didapati di situ.

Sempena Tahun Melawat Malaysia (TMM) 2014, kerajaan menyasarkan 28 juta ketibaan pelancong antarabangsa dengan perbelanjaan pelancong sebanyak RM76 bilion bagi merancakkan sektor pelancongan di negara ini.

Sementara itu, warga tempatan yang ditemui turut menjadikan musim cuti sekolah ini sebagai waktu terbaik untuk membeli-belah, selain merapatkan hubungan antara keluarga.

Seorang guru Badri Abu Bakar, 47, berkata beliau mengambil kesempatan bersama keluarga untuk membeli-belah semasa cuti sekolah ini memandangkan pelbagai jualan murah dan promosi ditawarkan pusat beli-belah.

"Inilah masa sesuai yang saya selalu gunakan untuk membawa keluarga membeli-belah terutama untuk persiapan persekolahan anak-anak untuk tahun depan," katanya.

Syarah Najwa Mohd Aris, 23, pelajar sebuah institut pengajian tinggi awam berkata orang ramai masih tetap mengambil peluang untuk membeli-belah semasa cuti persekolahan walaupun mengetahui pusat beli-belah sering sesak dalam tempoh tersebut.

"Selalu hujung tahun banyak jualan murah. Masing-masing nak manfaatkan peluang (potongan harga) ini untuk membeli-belah," katanya.

 Sumber :  oleh Rohana Nasrah, BERNAMA

Kerajaan pertimbang cadangan naik taraf pemandu teksi sebagai pemandu pelancong

KUALA LUMPUR: Kementerian Pelancongan dan Kebudayaan bersedia untuk menimbang cadangan menaik taraf pemandu teksi di ibu negara sebagai pemandu pelancong.

Menterinya Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz berkata mereka akan diiktiraf menerusi kursus intensif yang dianjurkan kementerian bagi meningkatkan imej negara di mata pelancong asing.      
Beliau berkata langkah itu dilihat dapat membantu kerajaan mengatasi masalah yang sering timbul ekoran sikap sesetengah pemandu teksi yang memberi layanan buruk kepada pelancong asing.

"Mungkin kita boleh buat (jadikan pemandu pelancong) kepada mereka yang berminat, (adakan) kursus intensif dan keluarkan kad yang menunjukkan pemandu teksi ini adalah pemandu pelancong terlatih dan diiktiraf," katanya ketika menggulung Rang Undang-Undang Perbekalan 2014 peringkat jawatankuasa di Dewan Rakyat di sini hari ini.

Beliau berkata sebelum ini, kerajaan melancarkan program Duta Teksi di sekitar Lembah Klang dengan kerjasama Suruhanjaya Pengangkutan Awam Darat pada Mac 2012 bagi menangani isu aduan negatif terhadap pemandu teksi.

"Hasil daripada program itu, sebanyak 4,000 pemandu teksi di sekitar Lembah Klang dilatih mengenai aspek layanan baik kepada pelancong, produk, peraturan yang perlu dipatuhi, pemanduan berhemat dan sebanyak 40 siri kursus telah diadakan kepada mereka," kata Mohamed Nazri.

Beliau berkata program sedemikian akan dilaksanakan secara berterusan bagi memastikan pemandu teksi dapat dilatih secara profesional.
Mengenai pelancongan kapal persiaran, Mohamed Nazri berkata kementerian akan menaik taraf pelabuhan di Pulau Pinang dan bekerjasama dengan pelabuhan di Singapura bagi menggalakkan kemasukan pelancong menerusi industri itu.

"Kalau kita naikkan taraf terminal, banyakkan lorong kastam dan imigresen di Pulau Pinang ia akan lebih mendatangkan manfaat kepada kita. Turun sahaja dari kapal, mereka akan ke George Town yang banyak tempat pelancongan, hentian seterusnya mereka boleh ke Phuket, Thailand pula," katanya.

Beliau juga akan ke Singapura tahun depan untuk melawat negara itu bagi membincangkan mengenai industri pelancongan dan pelabuhan kerana Singapura menyumbang hampir 50 peratus pelancong ke negara ini.
 

 

Sumber : BERNAMA

Sumber gambar : Utusan Online

Malaysians are avid travellers

by chester chin

A trained guide conducting a briefing on the history of Penang in English to locals and tourists. – Filepic

 

A recent survey conducted by MasterCard revealed some Malaysians’ preferences and habits when it comes to travelling.

MALAYSIANS have an insatiable thirst for travelling and strong statistics proved just that. According to the MasterCard Consumer Purchasing Priorities survey which was released recently, leisure travel remains a steady sector in the local market.

This is evident through the thriving travel behaviour showcased by fellow Malaysians. More than nine in 10 of the participants surveyed were found to have undertaken domestic travel while two-thirds opted for an international holiday destination in the past year.

“This is an exciting time for travel in Malaysia with consumers showing keen interest and looking to spend leisure time both domestically and internationally,” said Safdar Khan, MasterCard Worldwide’s country head for Malaysia and Brunei.

The outlook for future travels among Malaysians shows a positive trend. Nearly half of those surveyed expressed great interest to travel more, with 47% intending to travel more to international destinations while 50% wish to do so within domestic destinations.

The findings here will no doubt lead to a positive economic growth for the country, which marks Visit Malaysia Year 2014.

“On a local level, this will enhance interest in tourism offerings and help boost tourism spend, ultimately contributing to the country’s economic vitality,” Safdar said.

“With the increased demand, the travel sector is set for further dynamic growth and to be a key focus area,” he added.

Among the top three local destinations that Malaysians plan to visit in the next three months are Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, followed by Malacca and George Town, Penang.

The capital state of Sabah is a growing resort destination thanks to its close proximity to lush rainforests as well as enchanting tropical islands. And for the more adventurous at heart, Mount Kinabalu – the highest peak in the Malay Archipelago – is a hiking heaven thanks to its rich flora and fauna.

As for Malacca and Penang, both states have exuberant cultural and historical trails that are perfect for family getaways. They’re also well-known as a local food mecca.
On the other hand, regional destinations are popular among Malaysian overseas travellers, with the top three choices being Singapore, followed by Australia and Japan.

Apart from that, the survey also revealed some pretty interesting highlights about Malaysian travel preferences and habits.

For instance, online platforms come first when sourcing for the best travel deals. A majority of Malaysians prefer to look up for information on airline websites first. Next are online travel guides and travel agents.

Malaysians can’t get enough of shopping and they’re even doing it at airports. Over nine in 10 of those surveyed indulge in the activity in between travel, splurging on edible items, books, magazines, cosmetics and fragrances.

When it comes to travelling expenditure, though, transport and accommodation take up the biggest chunk of Malaysians’ holiday budget. For overseas travel, in particular, the preferred mode of payment is via credit card. In terms of transportation, budget carriers are the preferred choice.

And when Malaysians get to their holiday destination, rest and relaxation as well as shopping rank as the most popular activities.

The MasterCard Consumer Purchasing Priorities survey is released twice a year and provides valuable insights into consumer outlook on spending priorities in the categories of travel, dining and entertainment, education, money management and luxury shopping.

Source: The Star 28th Oct 2013

Malaysia's Best Travel Blog 2013

I would share some of the the Best Travel Blog in Malaysia. Saya berangan-angan menang satu award.. haha..

 

Best Tourism Cultural Blog

www.masmz.blogspot.com

Masnona Binti Abdul Aziz

Best Tourism Entertainment Blog

www.malaysianreggaecommunity.blogspot.com
Mohd Fauzi Bin Ahmad

 

Best Tourism Lifestyle Blog

www.emilayusof.com
Nor Emila Binti Mohd Yusof

Best Tourism Shopping Blog
www.placesandfoods.com
Ng Chun Keat, Wilson

 

Best Tourism Photography / Art Blog

www.blueewoke09.blogspot.com
Nazirah Bt. Mat Ali

Best Tourism Travel Blog

www.wretch.cc/blog/squallczk new blog : www.squallcuisine.com -
Squall Chin Ze Kheng

Best Tourism Destination Blog
www.biqque.blogspot.com
Marina Binti Ibrahim 

 

Best Tourism Fashion Blog
www.fidajacob.blogspot.com
Noor Rafidah Jacob

 

 

Best Tourism Healthcare Blog

www.medicaltourismselangor.com
David Hogan Shaidali Jr. 

 

Best Tourism Micro Blogger of the Year

www.lilyrianitravelholic.blogspot.com
Globetrotter. Addiction of a Travelholic 

 

Best Social Media Tourism Blog of the Year

www.seduniatravel.com/blog
Sedunia Travel Services

 

Best Fabulous Foof 1Malaysia Blog

www.johorkaki.blogspot.sg
Tony Johor Kaki

Best Eco Tourism Blog

www.janggeltrekking2.blogspot.com
Mohd Shahrin Mudzarap @ Mansor

Best Expat MM2H Blog

www.docgelo.com
Dr. Angelo Nino M.Santos

 

Best Homestay Blog

www.terataihomestay.blogspot.com
Ong Eng Boon

 

Best Tourism Blog of the Year

www.kakiberangan.blogspot.com
Mohd Helmi Md Yusof

  

Rujukan : Malaysia International Tourism Bloggers Conference & Awards 2013 http://mitbca.com/winner.php 

 

Kuala Lumpur Rank No, 4 in the World's 10 Best Shopping Cities

Untuk orang Malaysia, kita tak perlu pergi jauh2 untuk merasa shopping sakan!

Kuala Lumpur muncul di tempat ke-4 "World's Best Shopping Cities" dalam senarai yang di war-warkan melalui CNN Travel pada September 2013.

Berikut ialah senarai penuh kedudukan :

1. New York

2. Tokyo

3. London

4. Kuala Lumpur

5. Paris

6. Hong Kong

7. Buenos Aires

8. Vienna

9. Dubai, UAE

10. Madrid

Senarai Globe Shopper City Index diterbitkan oleh Global Blue dan diwar-warkan menerusi CNN Travel.

Penilaian adalah berdasarkan kategori berikut :

1. Getting around: Kualai pengangkutan awam, kemampuan, kesediaan teksi.
2. Value: Peluang tawar menawar, musim jualan dan harga purata.
3. Variety: Pelbagai jenama, kategori membeli-belah, Bilangan kedai mewah, butik, vintaj dan gerai-gerai pasaran.
4. Experience: Kecantikan bandar, kualiti paparan, hiasan kedai, keramahan, kecekapan kerani dan kakitangan perkhidmatan, tempat makan dan pilihan penginapan.

Kuala Lumpur :

Getting around: 6 | Value: 10 | Variety: 8 | Experience: 6 | Total: 30

(copy from CNN Travel)

 

Sometimes bigger really is better.

That's the prevailing shopper's ethic in Kuala Lumpur, anyway.
Three of the world's 10 largest malls are in KL, including 1 Utama, the world's fourth-largest mall with more than 650 shops, Asia's largest indoor rock climbing facility, massive rooftop garden with 500 species of exotic plants and indoor rainforest with koi ponds and freshwater aquarium.
KL's impressive score comes from its winning combination of high quality shopping, affordable prices and reliable sales, which can stretch for several months.

untuk maklumat penuh ;
http://travel.cnn.com/worlds-10-best-shopping-cities-193776?hpt=travel_hp_blogroll

Malaysia in Lonely Planet's Top 10 list

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has been named as one of the Top 10 travel destinations for 2014 by Lonely Planet.

Malaysia, the only Asian country to have made the list in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2014 – Top 10, was ranked 10th, due to our country “rolling out an array of new attractions”.
“The headline-grabbers are the largest bird park in South-East Asia in Malacca (with 6,000 birds featuring 400 species), and Legoland Malaysia and Hello Kitty Land in Nusajaya, which are packing in both locals and Singaporeans flocking across the Causeway.

“Amazing experiences await in Malaysian Borneo, from exploring off-the-beaten-track Kudat to indulging at the luxurious Gaya Island Resort on Pulau Gaya,” said Lonely Planet.
The publication added that the new low cost terminal, KLIA2, was another major factor in attracting more visitors.

Lonely Planet also cited “cycle tourism” as a highlight for active travellers who can see Malaysia through guided tours and mapped out cycling routes.
The list named Brazil as the top country to visit in 2014 as they will be hosting the FIFA World Cup in June and July.

The list, published on the travel site yesterday, named Brazil as the top country to visit in 2014 since the FIFA World Cup will be held there next June and July. Other countries/regions making the cut are Antartica (2), Scotland (3), Sweden (4), Malawi (5), Mexico (6), Seychelles (7), Belgium (8) and Macedonia (9).

In the same category in 2013, two Asian nations were listed – namely Sri Lanka and South Korea.
Last month, CNN published the world’s 10 best shopping cities according to data in the Globe Shopper City Index by Global Blue, a firm that mediates transactions between consumers, merchants and banks. Kuala Lumpur ranked 4th, besting Hong Kong, Paris, Dubai and Madrid in the index. - October 29, 2013.