Roundabout Balik Pulau

Monumen roundabout di jalan Besar, Balik Pulau ialah seni bina asal yang dibinakan pada tahun 1882 oleh Koh Seang Tat (1833-abad 20an). Koh Seang Tat ialah seorang saudagar Hakka yang kaya, beliau telah dianugerah sebagai Kapitan Cina oleh kerajaan British. Kerja Kapitan Cina ialah menjaga kebajikan kaum Cina. Monument ini dibina untuk memperingatkan kunjugan Sir Federick Weld K.C.M.G Gabenor Selat Melaka.

Semasa penjajahan British, orang British telah memperkenalkan teknik-teknik menggunakan kereta kuda. Kuda digunakan oleh orang kaya seperti Koh Seang Tat dan orang British. Roundabout ini berfungsi untuk kuda dan lembu minum air. Kuda dan lembu digunakan sebagai pengangkutan untuk mengangkut cengkih, buah pala, getah, pisang, dan kelapa.

(Fong Ten Sent)

       

  

Monument roundabout juga telah menjadi petanda di Balik Pulau. Pada zaman dahulu, orang menggunakan penunjuk arah untuk mengecamkan arah. Dua ukiran simbol singa didapati di bawah monumen. Simbol singa digunakan sebagai lambang British. Jadi, ukiran singa ialah untuk mengingati British. Selain itu, air akan keluar dari ukiran mulut singa. Menurut penduduk tempatan, air berasal dari gunung (O Keau Shua, Hokkien) di belakang sekolah Sacred Heart melalui sistem paip.

Kepercayaan bagi orang Cina ialah jika ada air orang Cina akan mendapat untung; jika tiada air, orang Cina akan malang. Dan orang Cina menganggap singa sebagai simbol hero.

 

Bahan asal monument ini dibina dengan menggunakan batu-bata.Penjagaan dan pembaiki roundabout diubahsuai dari masa ke semasa. Seperti sekarang 2006, sportlight, pancut air, peti elektrik dan mozek telah ditambah di roundabout. Lima tahun yang lepas, pokok kelapa plastic telah dipasang dan diturunkan kerana tidak cantik.

  

Kerajaan kita telah mengumumkan roundabout ini akan dikekalkan selama-lamanya.   

Source : http://balikpulau.pid.net.my/page.cfm?name=Roundabout

Malaysia makes staggering tourism gains

Malaysia will achieve around 26 million visitors in 2010 with an estimated revenue of RM19.7 billion, the country’s deputy minister of tourism, James Dawos Mamit, claimed during a media briefing, Thursday, at the ASEAN tourism Forum.
Admitting they were provisional figures the deputy minster noted the official data for arrivals and revenue for January to September confirmed the country was on target with RM18.2 million arrivals and earnings of RM13.12 billion during the first nine months.
Official figures for that period indicate the four top markets were Singapore 9.650,663 tourist arrivals, Indonesia 1,842,277, Thailand 1,090,829 and China 830,000.
Bullish about the future, he talked about long-term plans that will raise Malaysia to “developed nation status” by 2020 when tourist arrivals could reach a staggering 36 million and revenue of RM56 billion.
Despite his emphasis on tourist arrivals, he claimed the country  placed more importance on sustainable, eco-friendly tourism that included offering financial incentives and awards to companies that specialised in eco-tourism projects.
Homestay projects too are a priority this year with Tourism Malaysia claiming the market has strong appeal in Japan where bookings for this kind of accommodation  increased 17%.

Source : http://www.ttrweekly.com

Arrivals into Thailand reach 12.5 million

Tourist arrivals to Thailand continue to expand registering a double digit 12.79% growth over the 10-month period ending 31 October.

However, the percentage growth declined slightly compared to 13.3% during the nine-month period according to unofficial data posted on the Department of Tourism’s website, yesterday.
During January to October, the Immigration Bureau recorded 12,523,594 million foreign arrivals entering the country at all checkpoints — overland, sea and air, but excluding border pass holders and expatriate Thais.



In October alone, 1,313,577 million tourist arrivals were tallied, up 8.61% over October 2010. This single digit increase pulled the year-to-date growth down by 0.51 points from 13.3% to 12.79%. Thailand needs to receive 2.78 million tourists during the last two months or an average of 1.39 million tourists per month to meet the positive year-end target of 15.34 million.

According to the data, 7,697,995 or 61.47% of tourist arrivals during the January-October period were from Asian countries. The percentage growth was 16.12% compared to 6,629,338 last year. A sub-region breakdown showed nine ASEAN countries supplied 3,485,747 arrivals, up 12.4% followed by East Asian countries (2,927, 214, +18.63%), South Asia (793,917, +19.11%) and Middle East (490,817, +24.51%).
Europe with a market share of 27.19% delivered 3,404,781 visits, an increase of 9.21%.

Although this accounted for a quarter of all tourists to Thailand, declines were registered in several source markets: Spain (-13,21%, 53,971); Ireland (-12.37%, 47,401); Finland (-6.83%, 104,441); UK (-2.68%, 652,920); Netherlands (-2.13%, 159,533); Italy (-1.6%, 130,808) and Sweden (-0.48%, 251,789).

Growth in the Americas, which has a market share of 5.39%, was marginal at 0.12% supplying 675,588 visits in 10 months. Oceania with a 5.14% share delivered 644,310 (88.19% from Australia), increasing 8.31%. Africa accounted for 0.81% of market share while supplying 101,220 trips, an increase of 16.97%.

By country markets, at the close of October, the top 10 suppliers remain unchanged with Malaysia leading. From January to October, 1,571,009 Malaysians came to Thailand, a growth of 15.58% followed by China (885,301, +49.85%), Japan (802,279, -2.49%), UK (652,9290, -2.68%), Korea (646,823, +33.14%), India (604,942, +22.39%), Australia (568,190, +9.25%), Laos (526,383, -3.76%), USA (488,748, -1.63%) and Germany (477,260, +8.92%).

In the outstanding growth category, Russian tourists led the field — 12th largest single country  supplier, +86.57% (433,282).

Other countries, or territories, delivering substantial growth rates above 25% included: Middle East’s Others besides Egypt, Israel, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and U.A.E (244,026, +38.98%); South Africa (43,127, 36.46%); Cambodia (110,932, +36.19%); Indonesia (226,742, +35.41%); Argentina (8,161, +35%); U.A.E (89,394, +27.37%); Oceania’s Others besides Australia and New Zealand (2,300, +26.23%); Bangladesh (54,140, +25.69%); East Europe, +20.46% (161,226) and the Americas’ Others beside the US, Canada, Argentina and Brazil (30,438, +20.07%).

Declining markets apart those identified, earlier in the report, were: Saudi Arabia (7,150, -21.78%); Brunei (5,437, -9.35%); Pakistan (52,678, -0.28%) and Canada
(132,231, -0.17%).

http://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2010/11/arrivals-into-thailand-reach-12-5-million/

Tourism in Cambodia and Myanmar improves

Cambodia’s tourism ministry reported a 14% growth in tourist arrivals while Myanmar claims tourist arrivals grew by 37% so far this year.


In a ministry statement published by the Phnom Penh Post, Wednesday, the Ministry of Tourism claimed the country welcomed 1,803,180 foreign tourists in the first nine months, representing a 14.6% increase compared to 1,573,940 tourists in the same period last year. Data indicated 51% of international visitors or 920,627 entered the country through two airports in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.



Siem Reap International Airport recorded 498,697 foreign arrivals, or a 17.65% increase during the first nine months compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, Phnom Penh airport received 421,930 foreigners, an increase of 11% over the same period last year.

The largest source of overall arrivals was Vietnam (341,113 visitors, +49%) followed by Korea (207,412, +32%) and China (127,412, +40.8%).


However, China was the largest source of business visitors, 27,660 arrivals. Thailand was the ninth-largest source market, but saw a 8.77% decline, down to 76,036 trips. In an interview with local media, Ministry of Tourism director general, Tith Chantha said Cambodia had set a target of 2.5 million international visitors by the end of 2010, up from 2.16 million last year.

“Growth could be at around 15% for all of 2010 because of economic recovery, more regional flight connections and broad promotions,” he said.

In Yangon, officials reporting speaking to the government controlled Myanmar Times claimed international tourist arrivals, from January to September this year reached 201,823 trips, an increase of 37.14% compared with the same period last year.

Most visitors were from Asia, about 138,938, or 68.84% of all arrivals. This included 38,825 from Thailand, the largest single group; 23,634 from China; 13,210 from South Korea; 11,952 from Japan; and 11,124 from Malaysia.

About 41,171 trips, (20.4% of overall arrivals) were from Europe, including 8,579 from France, 6,375 from Germany and 4,960 from the United Kingdom.

In key destinations such as Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan and Inle Lake hoteliers reported reservations were up from last year resulting in higher occupancy rates that are likely to improve by 20 to 30% this year.

Source : http://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2010/11/tourism-in-cambodia-and-myanmar-improves/

Asia-Pacific online travel by numbers

Some fascinating data and detail into the growth of online travel in the Asia-Pacific region from Joe Nguyen, vice president in South East Asia at Comscore.

At the top of the story behind the region’s growth is the nugget that travel sites are outpacing growth from the general internet audience by almost three to one.

The total internet audience increased by 7% from 477 million in 2009 to 511 million in 2010, but visits to travel sites jumped 19% from 108 million to 129 million.

Making up the largest share of the growth in travel sites comes from online travel agents in Asia-Pacific, increasing by 30% from 40 million to 52 million over the same period.

In the airline sector, AirAsia leads the field with 3.5 million unique visitors a month in August 2010 (up 15% y/y). Tiger Airways, interestingly, has the largest growth amongst the top ten airlines with a 52% leap from 2009 to 2010  to 930,000 monthly UVs.

Around specific behaviour online, Comscore’s data paints an interesting picture.
For example, developing markets in Asia have a low number of female users (India 30% and Indonesia 36%), but figures in other Asian markets are closer to those in the US and Europe, such as Malaysia (47%), Singapore (51%) and Japan (44%).


Among the over-45s, car rental is the rather curious winner as the most popular internet category, well ahead of ISP services, sports, politics and food and the leader in the travel sector. Airlines come in eighth position and hotels at 19.

Source : http://www.tnooz.com/2010/10/19/news/asia-pacific-online-travel-by-numbers/?utm_source=Tnooz+Mailing+List&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=15d5f84ec8-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN

New 7 Wonders - Why VOTE for the Dead Sea

The world contains an abundance of varied and beautiful locations, which fascinate and excite visitors, but the Dead Sea region is unique, combining history, geography, nature, health and beauty, and has attracted visitors throughout human history.

Even in ancient times, the Dead Sea was the focus of important events: In the Bible, Abraham, the father of Isaac and Ishmael, rescued his nephew, Lot, from Sodom and Gomorrah, minutes before the wicked cities were demolished by divine punishment; King David fled from the wrath of Saul to the Dead Sea region, and the heroic tale of Masada took place by the Dead Sea.


In addition, the Dead Sea region was the abode of the Essenes, whose writings, the Dead Sea Scrolls, excited the world (and were a source for the Indiana Jones movies); the Tribes of Israel crossed the Jordan River near the Dead Sea, and Jesus was baptized in the Jordan by John the Baptist.

Tourism Tourism & Leisure Health Tourism Events Hotels Recommended tours

Seven reasons to vote for the Dead Sea:

1.	The lowest place on earth The Dead Sea is located in the Syrian-African Rift on the border between Israel and Jordan, 423 meters below sea level. Due to its uniquely low altitude, which increases the distance taken by sunbeams before they touch the human skin, healthy solar energy is created, with positive and healing qualities that help in the healing of various skin diseases, such as psoriasis.
2.	The saltiest lake in the world The Dead Sea has a salt concentration of 33.7%, and is the second-most salty water source in the world. Due to the high saline levels, a variety of salts can be produced and marketed to meet global demand, serving as the basis for the existence of many industries in a variety of fields (from foodstuffs to microchips and cellular phones).
3.	Unique mud with medical and cosmetic characteristics. At the Dead Sea you can frequently see people coating their bodies with mud! The natural mud excavated from the shores of the Dead Sea is rich in minerals and salts, and has well-known medicinal characteristics. Dead Sea mud is used both for medical treatments of skin diseases and for cosmetic treatments, and is sold throughout the world.
4.	Clear, rich air. The air at the Dead Sea has 6% more oxygen than anywhere else in the world, and also contains bromide and magnesium. In addition, the air at the Dead Sea is very dry, and serves as a helpful medical factor for people suffering from lung diseases. Groups of patients from around the world come to the region every year, in order to breathe the unique air and enjoy its health-giving qualities.
5.	A winning combination of history and nature First-time visitors to the Dead Sea region are thrilled by the lowest lake in the world, surrounded by ancient ruins, mountains colored in the light of the sun, and pillars of salt giving the place an unearthly, celestial appearance. This beauty is studded with desert springs emerging from the shaded wadis, creating a unique landscape of pools and waterfalls, and providing mineral water for the entire region.
6.	Floating effortlessly The Dead Sea's high salt concentration allows anyone bathing in the water to float effortlessly. This escape from gravity allows visitors to cut themselves off from their day-to-day lives, and connect to the natural world surrounding the lake. In addition, floating naturally in the Dead Sea provides hydrotherapy treatment without requiring any technical aids.
7.	The World's largest natural spa Visitors to the Dead Sea enjoy a luxurious, natural and varied spa, containing all the attractions the Dead Sea has to offer: Three types of water: Dead Sea water, thermo-mineral water, and mineral water for drinking. Twenty-four different minerals that are found in the water (including sulfur) are beneficial to the human body. A large number of heated sea water pools along the Dead Sea are available for hydrotherapy sessions. Natural mud excavated along the Dead Sea beaches is rich in minerals and salts, and has special medical and cosmetic qualities. The unique sunlight has healing qualities for various skin diseases. High-oxygen air relaxes the nervous system. In addition, the Dead Sea is surrounded by a large number of spas, providing treatments based on the natural materials found in the Sea and providing their visitors with treatments based on materials provided by Mother Nature.

How do you vote for the Dead Sea?

Voting is simple. All you have to do is enter the competition site and vote, or send the words "Dead Sea" via a text message to 2244. (Text messaging is only possible in Israel.)

Want to know more on how to vote? Click here.

The Dead Sea is a candidate shared by Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority. The Dead Sea has reached the third stage of the campaign and is among the 28 finalists.

You can read more about the Dead Sea region and vote for it on the campaign site.

Source http://www.votedeadsea.com/why-vote-dead-sea

New 7 Wonders

Voting

Finalists | Top 77 | All Nominees | Forum | Vote | Results

The third phase of the New7Wonders of Nature is now underway, and you can vote on your choice of seven natural wonders from the selection of 28 Official Finalist Candidates. If you cast your vote during the nominee phases, you can vote again now during this finalist phase

Procedure for the New 7 Wonders of the World

The Official New7Wonders of Nature campaign started in 2007, immediately after the successful campaign to elect the man-made Official New 7 Wonders of the World , in which more than 100 million votes were cast and which took democracy to a new global level. From over 440 participants representing over 220 countries - more countries than participate in the Olympic Games - and through a national qualification and race to become one of the Top 77, as well as the Panel of Experts recommendation of the list of 28 Official Finalist Candidates, the Official New7Wonders of Nature is now in its third and final phase in which the wonders themselves will be chosen by an estimated 1 billion votes. The Official Declaration of the New7Wonders of Nature will be on 11.11.11.

New7Wonders of Nature World Tour

Voting will continue throughout 2010 and into 2011. During this time, the New7Wonders World Tour will aim to visit each of the Finalists to allow them to present themselves to the voters across the globe.

The change from man-made structures to treasures of nature

New7Wonders Founder and President Bernard Weber notes, “We are finding the New7Wonders of Nature campaign to be excitingly different from the first campaign. So many breathtakingly beautiful, natural places are still quite unknown to many. From waterfalls to fjords, rainforests to mountain peaks, freshwater lakes to volcanoes, we are discovering together the incredible beauty and variety of our planet.”

How to VOTE
World Map



Source : http://www.new7wonders.com/community/en/new7wonders/new7wonders_of_nature