Batang Ai Longhouse Resort In Sarawak Undergoes New Ownership

By Anthony Tan | VIRGIN Communications

email: anthonykhtan@yahoo.co.uk

Batang Ai Longhouse Resort located in the rainforest

After 20 years, Batang Ai Longhouse Resort owned by Tradewinds Hotels and Resorts under the management by Hilton International has finally made its exit. Sarawak based company Aiman Agro Park had finalised its purchased of the property in early December for an undisclosed sum and it is believed to be a good valued for money buy.

The resort beautifully lighted up in the night

Aiman Agro Park Sdn Bhd is the Principal Owner in Planet Borneo Group of Companies since 2013.  It is a Sarawak Bumiputra registered entity set up by Mr Samat Othman whose core and initial business is still in the construction and development industry as well as investment. After the acquisition and restructuring, it is now known as Aiman Planet Borneo Group of Companies (@PB Group).

The 100-room resort will be rebranded as Aiman Batang Ai Resort and Retreat (ABARR) as from January 1, 2016 and will be managed through its subsidiary, Planet Borneo Lodge Management.

Director of Operation Gracie Geikie

Planet Borneo Lodge Management which offers management consultancy and manage mid-sized and small accommodations properties is headed by Gracie Geikie as the resort’s Director of Operations who said all the former 51 staff from Hilton will be retained and an another 14 staff will be recruited.

A series of industry and trade briefings are held to keep industry partners abreast on these new developments with the first Agents briefing in Kuching on 11 December, 2015 at the Hilton Hotel Kuching, Industry Partners briefing on 16th December at the Hilton Hotel Kuching and another Agents and Travel Media briefing on 17th December at the Pullman Hotel Bangsar in Kuala Lumpur.

All contractual agreements already extended by Hilton will be honoured and maintained through 2016 till 31st March 2017 to ensure smooth transitions for tour operators’ and international wholesale agreements. 

TUBA TRAIL RUN in LANGKAWI MALAYSIA

 
By Anthony Tan | VIRGIN Communications
email: anthonykhtan@yahoo.co.uk

Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) and co-organiser E-Plus Entertainment Productions announced a new event to be added to the already long string of annual events in Langkawi with the objective to attract more tourist arrivals.

 

LADA has set a new target to attract 3.8 million for 2016, to be considered under the new Langkawi Tourism Blueprint 2.0, which is now in the drafting stage and expected to be launched next year.
 

In the last blueprint (for 2011-2015), the annual target was set at three million tourist arrivals and every year, LADA has claimed to have exceeded the target.
 

LADA chief executive officer Tan Sri Khalid Ramli

At the Tuba Trail Run press conference, LADA chief executive officer Tan Sri Khalid Ramli said “This the first time running enthusiasts will have the opportunity to participate in a 30-kilometre Tuba Trail Run at the idyllic Pulau Tuba, on April 2, next year. 

The event will start and finish point at Pulau Tuba. The route will pass through some of Langkawi's spectacular natural wonders, through towering limestone cliffs, pristine mangrove forest as well as the rainforest of Pulau Dayang Bunting."
 

He added "LADA is committed in protecting Langkawi's natural heritage for future generations to enjoy. We aim to do this through education and controlled exposure to natural beauty via exclusive events that target the eco-tourism and eco-sport market such as Tuba Trail". 
 

Co-organiser, E-Plus Entertainment Productions Business Development director Iskandar Shahril said he was optimistic the running event could help to raise the Pulau Tuba's profile as a destination for natural immersion and exploration.

As this is the augural event, Iskandar said they are limiting to 450 runners and the organisers will gradually increase the number of participants in the future.

 

"Upon completion of the race, participants will also be treated to a 'kenduri' Malay-style traditional lunch," said Iskandar.

 

 

The 30-kilometre Tuba Trail Run is divided into six categories with total prize money of RM21,000 is up for grabs.

The categories are:
 

1.    Men's International Open

2.    Women's International Open

3.    Men's Local 18-39

4.    Women's Local 18-39

5.    Men's Local Veteran 40+

6.    Women's Local Veteran 40+

Registration for the race is already opened with registration fees starting at RM160 for the super early bird period.
 

Entry Fees: -

• Super Early Bird (10th Dec 15 - 15th Jan 16) - RM160
• Early Bird (16th Jan 16 - 28th Feb 16) - RM200
• Standard Fee (1st Mar 16 - 2nd Apr 16) - RM240

For those interested in participating in the event and for further information on the Tuba Trail Run, log into Facebook at https://web.facebook.co/tubatrailrun

View Video of Tuba Trail Run Media Launch held in Kuala Lumpur: