Langkawi To Celebrate Geopark Carnival

Join in the festivities when Malaysia marks the first anniversary of the Langkawi Geopark this month. A three-day carnival loaded with various activities will be held at the Dataran Lang in Kuah and the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre in Padang Matsirat starting on May 30, 2008.


The inclusion of the Langkawi Geopark in the UNESCO's International Network of Geoparks last year lured more tourists to the country from the Middle East and around the world. It is the first destination in Southeast Asia and the 53^rd world-wide to be declared a geopark by the UN body.


The Langkawi Geopark Carnival will be jointly launched by the government, travel and tour agencies, and hotel operators. An exhibit will be held at the event with a special laser display about the geopark’s development.


Langkawi is an archipelago comprised 99 islands representing rich cultural and historical heritage. Five of the islands are only revealed during low tide. Situated some 30 kilometres off the mainland coast of northwestern Malaysia, Langkawi boasts of scenic sites, which helped earn Langkawi its internationally acclaimed World Geopark status. These include:

• the Mount Machincang Cambrian Geoforest Park;
• the Kilim Geoforest Park; and
• the Pulau Tasik Dayang Bunting (Island of the Pregnant Maiden Lake).

The islands’ forests and white sand beaches attracted more than 2.3 million visitors last year compared to 1.8 million visitors in 2006. From the Middle East alone, some 26,000 tourists set foot at the duty-free island chain last year.

Protected from monsoon winds by the mountainous section of the Peninsular Malaysia, Langkawi experiences sunny weather for most of the year. It is once called “Malaysia’s best-kept secret.”

Langkawi’s beaches are lined with 5-star hotels and resorts. There is also a wide array of service apartments that offer clean and relaxing accommodations at affordable costs.

• Century Suria Service Suites feature high-ceilinged bedrooms, a glass bubble lift, a children’s playground, a gym, sauna, and an exotic tropical landscape that will surely make your stay a memorable one. It also located near the shopping centre and has Internet access.
  

• Langkawi Boutique Resort offers various packages at discounted rates, including the Easy & Budget Package, the Family Package, and the Honeymoon Package. The small simple rooms are adequately furnished with all your needs and come with balconies or decks. The boutique resort is also home to the Anjung Cenang coffee house, which offers buffet and ala-carte meals, as well as local and Western cuisines.

Arab Community in Malaysia

According to statistics, on the average, a Middle Eastern tourist spends three times more per day at a destination in Malaysia than regional tourist. Annually, the rate of Arab tourists in the country continuously increases and in Kuala Lumpur alone, a total of 200,000 Arab tourists had arrived in June to August of last year.

These months are said to be the peak season these vacationers flock in Malaysia. It’s summer in the Middle East and as an escape to the burning heat of the sun, they prefer to spend it someplace where they are more than welcome to stay—in Malaysia.

Ain Arabia

If you’re in Malaysia and you hear “Ain Arabia” it means Arab street. It sits in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur where everything in it is for Middle Easterns from houses, to shops, to cafeterias and restaurants, to laundry and dry cleaning services.

Sarahar Tent

Dubbed as the centre of Ain Arabia, Sahara Tent is a restaurant that specializes in authentic Arabian Cuisine. It inspires every diner with its fine recipes and a view—overlooking is the magnificently landscaped Arabian-themed garden.

Malaysia Hotels

Arab tourists have been the favorite of Malaysia hotels due of their frequent visit and for loving the country as well. As a gratitude to this, Malaysians, particularly those in hotelier businesses always exhibit friendliness in welcoming them.

Indeed, Malaysia has done wonders to provide Arabs the warmest experience they deserve from bringing their culture to this country to giving them the genuine Malaysian hospitality.

Arab Tourists in Malaysia

What brings them in this Muslim-dominated nation?

With the scorching heat the summer brings, Malaysia expects more tourists from the Middle East. Arabs, in particular keep visiting the country despite being hundreds of miles away from their homeland. But what is it exactly that they love about this nation? Why do they keep fleecing especially during the summer, if not whole year round?

Sweet Escape

Yes, snow doesn’t come to Malaysia but at least its climate is better than Middle East’s where sun burns and heat strokes are frequent. The temperature of the country is just right for trips to the beach, sunbathing, or leisure walks.

A Home Away from Home

Arabs, perhaps have found their second home in Malaysia, particularly in Kuala Lumpur and Bintang Walk where 4 and 5-star international hotels are more than prepared to serve them. More and more shops, bar and restaurants are now catering to their distinct taste, giving them more options when it comes to dining and shopping.

Warm as Summer

Malaysia has been a favorite destination of Arab tourists since they feel the genuine hospitality of its people whenever they come for a vacation. Malaysia hotels, shops, and other establishments surely welcome guests with one-of-a-kind warmth and friendliness, making them feel special every time.

These are just few of the many reasons why Arab tourists admired Malaysia so much they want to come back to experience more of what the country has to offer to them.