VOLUME 13 HIGHLIGHTS

Cultural Extravaganza Week

The cascading fireworks for the entertainment of all who show up at the Waterfront that evening will also light up the evening sky. The spectacular show will feature unique display of fireworks from different parts of the world to showcase the importance of the occasion. This is one evening that everyone should take the family out for an unforgettable entertainment of lights, colour, fireworks and show. Local artistes of national standing will also be on hand to render songs at the front of the Tourism Complex, adjacent to the Waterfront on the same evening. A specially constructed stage will feature some of the most well known artistes to provide more entertainment for the crowd and guests of honour throughout the evening’s schedule of events. Come early to see these spectacular events on the 27th July and be part of the history making occasion of the state and join in the party of lights, fireworks and sounds of joy and pride!

The Sarawak Regatta, (31st July – 2nd August), the oldest recorded event of its kind in Malaysia, will be the centre-piece again as over 6000 participants are expected this year. It will feature various boat races and also hilarious events like duck catching, pole climbing and other water fun games to entertain everyone. These hardcore paddlers are all vying for the honours so spectators can expect some fast and furious races from the local and visiting teams.

Public Relations & Corporate Affairs Unit Chief Minister's Department • Jabatan Ketua Menteri Tingkat 8, Wisma Bapa Malaysia, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching Sarawak, Malaysia Tel: (6) 082 441326, 441192 Fax: (6) 082 443888, 443532 Website: www.upak.sarawak.gov.my

Colors of Nature 2009

For the week of 22nd - 30th August, Borneo Highlands Resort is the venue for all those who love nature and especially, cultivation of flowers. Organised for the second year running, it brings together enthusiasts from all over to the exhibition cum sales of flowers and gardening accessories, information kiosks by government and NGO bodies, showcase of the famous and seasonal Eagle Flower and other ferns, herbs as well as a carnival for everyone, young and old.

Organised exclusively by Borneo Highlands Resort, it brings the awesome beauty of nature closer to the people and also aims to cultivate conservation of nature amongst the people as well as positioning the Padawan Municipal Council as the choice area for nature related tourism and cultural extravaganza. The cool highland resort with over 50 acres of exhibition space is the perfect venue for showcasing such spectacular nature’s wealth and is the opportune time to visit and learn from the experts and get first hand tips on gardening. Plan for the event now and gather friends and fellow enthusiasts to venture to the mountain top venue and get a feel of nature at its best!

Borneo Highlands Resort
Tel: (6) 082 573980, 578980 Fax: (6) 082 576680 Email: enquiry@borneohighlands.com.my Website:www.borneohighlands.com.my/cnature2009.html

Padawan Fest 2009 - Fiesta for All!

To give visitors a better understanding and love for nature, MPP organises the Padawan Fest each year whereby participants get close-up with nature in a series of culture, adventure and nature challenges for fun and friendly competitions as well as for locals to showcase their landscaping skills and ethnic flair in singing and dancing. All the activities are centred in the MPP area, giving locals and visitors ample opportunities to participate as well as familiarise themselves with the new townships like Batu Kawah, Siburan, Kota Padawan and Sentosa as well as Matang Jaya.

The BHR Padawan Nature Challenge is a cycling and trekking adventure for both amateurs and experts held in Kampung Annah Rais and Borneo Highland Resort. With cash prizes from RM300–RM3000, the event is attracting locals and visitors to get a close-up brush with nature and adventure. Those into water sport should take up the Padawan Raft Safari which also has several categories for amateurs and experts as well as teams. It will flag off from Kampong Danu and ends at Kampong Git, allowing paddlers to enjoy the white water and lush green growth alongside the river. This is an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the river so just sign up even if you have no intention of racing as the fun and satisfaction is paddling along the river. Set aside these important dates in your calendar and make them the adventure days for friends and families members in the great outdoors at Padawan!

PADAWAN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL • Kota Padawan, Kuching, Sarawak, East Malaysia. Tel: (6) 082 615566 Fax: (6) 082 611832
Email: mpp@tm.net.my Website: www.mpp.gov.my

ParkLane Lodge - 'A Slice of nature in the heart of the city'

Everything in this newly built hostel points to comfort and coziness, qualities that discerning visitors look for. Located in the heart of the city with 24-hour reception counter and within minutes walk from shopping, nature park and fine restaurants, this clean friendly home away from home has various types of rooms to choose from. Shared with family or individual, the rooms come with full kitchen facilities and a Balinese inspired fish pond to relax around or web-browsing through free WiFi services, spacious confortable living room, well landscaped and ample carparks.

With prices starting from as low as RM30 a night, Parklane Lodge is certainly pampering guests inclusive of a simple breakfast each morning! Advance bookings are appreciated to avoid disappointment.

ParkLane Lodge • No.10, Lorong Park 93300, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: (6) 082 241612 Fax: (6) 082 244945 Email: info@parklanelodge.com

Sarawak Laksa gaining international popularity

One of Asia’s television and gourmet celebrity, Singaporean Moses Lim go ton the laksa trail while on the first leg of his “food escapade tour” to Kuching and subsequently gave the thumbs up to the unique spicy blend of beehoon (rice flour noodle), spices and sprinkling of shredded chicken, eggs, prawns and bean sprouts concoction. Even after tasting a number of laksa outlets, Moses was still undecided on his own favourite one, choosing instead to give two thumbs up to the lot!

“It all depends on individuals whether they like their serving spicy and with thick and creamy gravy or otherwise,” said Moses, who readily admitted that Sarawak had wide variety of local delicacies that could be promoted as a tourist attraction among food lovers worldwide. Apart from Moses, the production crew and his wife also remained just as undecided when it came to making their choices on their favourites and this wonderful agreement on disagreement would be part of their selling point when they will be leading a group of tourists here on the Sarawak Laksa Escapade tour.

The recently launched laksa tour is part of Sarawak Tourism Board’s (STB) new packages to bring in tourists to the state. These trips can be just a quick short tour of the city’s favourite food outlets or an extended tour of the diverse range of food unique to the state in all the different towns in Sarawak. While here, Moses and his crew also tried the kolo mee, beef noodle, midin fried with belacan, chicken pansoh ,umai, prawn noodle, belacan beehoon, oyster omelette, seafood like ambal (bamboo clam), prawn, fish and crab and even linut (sago flour mixed with boiling water).

Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) •Tel: (6) 082 423600 Fax: (6) 082 416700 Email: stb@sarawaktourism.com

Flying higher and higher - GGIFA International College of Aviation (GGIFA) Bintu is your one stop centre to learn to pilot your own plane

Young and old, almost everyone dreams of flying one day. Now, anyone can fly on their own by getting a license to pilot their own planes or for commercial airlines around the world! GGIFA International College of Aviation (GGIFA) in Bintulu, Sarawak is a certified college for aviation, catering to both Malaysians and foreign students in pilot training, avionics and related engineering.

GGIFA is one of two aviation colleges in Malaysia certified with Certificate of Approval (COA) by Malaysian Department of Civil Aviation,recognised by Institute of Higher Education by Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. It provides a one-stop centre for aviation training for recreation, professional careers and with a professional team in both administrative and training, students are assured to get the best from the college. Currently, more than 150 students are enrolled in the college and with the growing importance in the airline industry for passengers, goods and services deliveries, it is an industry with a bright future.

GGIFA International College of Aviation Bintulu Main Campus •Bintulu airport, Bintulu Tatau Road, 97000 Bintulu, Sarawak. Tel: (6) 086 333699 Fax: (6) 086 331299 Email: enquiry@ggifa.edu.my, mars88@gmail.com Website: www.ggifa.edu.my

My Memories of Laila - PeopleTalk

Time flies so fast that I felt it was just yesterday the late Datuk Amar sat next to me on the plane while on our way back to Kuching. She was sharing with me about Vitamin B17, a possible treatment to cancer and, barely two days after, she sent her driver to my house ( a great effort made on her part) just to deliver articles on Vitamin B17 and a list of healthy goods to consume. She had always left people with a lasting impression and always been remembered as a warm person once we got to know her.

I had the opportunity to work closely with her on women activities. She was once a Deputy Chairman for the Sarawak Federation of Women Institutes [WI] before she left for Kuala Lumpur to join her beloved husband. During the WI’s 40th anniversary celebration the WI’s Exco members paid her a courtesy visit. Datuk Amar asked me “Why didn’t you ever come and see me? I’m glad that you came to see me now”. I was then Deputy Chairman for WI. Her concern really touched me and of course, it means a lot to the WI community as well.

Sarawak had been very lucky to have her as the top leader’s wife. She has played her role so well that many, who have worked with her would be able to appreciate her sincerity and her genuineness in carrying out her passion on environmental conservation. She was personally involved in the planting of trees, in ensuring the “greens” are preserved and in planning the number and locations of trees to be planted. She was also committed towards the aesthetic values of buildings in the city; to ensure that the heritage buildings were well maintained. On women NGOs (non government organisations) she had not only been the pillar of strength for the Chief Minister but also the women NGO leaders. She gave us guidance on how NGOs could help the rest of the community.

May her soul be blessed by Allah the Almighty. Amin.