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Langkawi News
Mark: 2 Sep 2010
COLLECTING & PLANTING CONTINUES
MNS volunteers have spent five evenings over the past couple of months collecting seeds from Lubuk Semilang, planting them in newly made seed beds at Ismael’s nursery and, more recently, replanting saplings from seed beds into transportable bags for final planting at a designated reforestation site.
The next Collect & Plant will take place Saturday 4th September, at the slightly earlier time of 4.30-6.30pm to allow for Puasa.
Langkawi - Jellyfish
Mark: 1 Sept 2010 / By SEREAN LAU -The Star
" LANGKAWI: Improper dumping of sewage and the disappearance of turtles has caused an explosion in the jellyfish population which is threatening tourism here. In the first 21 days of July alone, 185 cases of jellyfish attacks on tourists and residents including fishermen were recorded and this is becoming a cause of concern to the Langkawi Development Authority (Lada)."
Mark: 28 Aug 2010
In Preparation: The Langkawi Gazette
International Cooking Club
The idea is simple:
We meet once or twice a month, and each time another member of the club cooks for everybody
(if you can not cook - like me - you can join anyway).
We all share the cost of the food. The cook does not have to pay anything.
A lot of expats would like to eat the food of their own countries which they can either not find here at all or only in upscale restaurants where they pay tourist prices.
Read more: In Preparation: The Langkawi Gazette International Cooking Club
Internet in Langkawi
Mark: 27 Aug 2010
Some reflections about the massive problems with the cabled Internet access through the monopoly of TM NET - with 3 statistics at the end of the article
If you experience at the moment, that our reaction is sometimes a bit slow, it is not because we felt in the low season’s lazy island mood enhanced by the way of life during the Ramadan or because we got the flu like everybody else – it is because we have at the time some real problems with the TM provided (or better: not provided) INTERNET CONNECTION.
The Langkawi Gazette is now on Facebook
This to inform you about new articles on the Gazette or for a short, spontaneous information about ourselves, or from you to us - and for you to
PROMOTE YOUR EVENTS ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE.
If you organize a BBQ, a GIG or a Moonlight Party, if you invite for a commercial event or a charity event, if you open a new shop or offer a new service – as long as it happens on Langkawi – and is a proper event (and not just plain day to day promotion for your business) you can use this page.
Plain promotion will be removed without notice. Sorry – but we will have to do this to keep the page interesting. Other stuff, like ‘Travel Experiences’ and such – will also be removed. You can always write to the Gazette – and we will publish your text and pictures if they are of general interest!
Bridge between Perlis and Langkawi
Mark: 24 Aug 2010 / Bernama
Updated: 29 Aug 2010 /3rd link, bottom of page, with interesting content
We wrote about this project about a year ago – but it seems still to be in the air – hovering just slightly above the water into which many hope it will plunge to be forgotten for good…
The project we mean is the planned bridge between Perlis and Langkawi.
“Two companies based in Perlis had proposed to build this 48km bridge linking Langkawi to Kuala Perlis on the mainland.
Langkawi Helicopter Ride
Mark: 20 Aug 2010
updated: 21 Aug 2010: Technical data / Q&A
I didn’t see that coming. I was caught by surprise….
I saw the Helicopter on the ground and a few service men around it. I made a few pictures and then crossed the street to the office of the helicopter company at Pekan Rabu, to get some info about their operation times etc. And there Mr. Thilak Narayanan, the Director of Operations and Marketing, recognized me as the guy from the Gazette – and right away scheduled me for a free flight in 3 minutes…. I didn’t even have the time to tell him that I hadn’t made my last will yet, that the doctor told me . . . and that I was afraid of heights . . .
Mark: 20 Aug 2010
Enzo’s successor in Berjaya is Mr. Graeme Dwyer
First we knew it from unofficial sources, upon which we could not act, then by sending an email to the old email address of Enzo, we got it ‘officially’:
"Your email has been forwarded to the new General Manager for Berjaya Langkawi - Mr. Graeme Dwyer. "
Also confirmed by: http://my.linkedin.com/pub/graeme-dwyer/5/75b/188
We are waiting for an official statement and picture.
DAYDREAMER's bad AWAKENING
Mark: 13 August 2010
See comments: it was an other rock . . .
On the 9th of August, the Catamaran
"DAYDREAMER"
operated and managed by Crystal Yacht Holidays, set sail on its sunset cruise. They hit a rock (which should be a known rock to every Captain) and started sinking. Crystal Yachts Director who was on board called Awana Marina for help and a rescue boat was dispatched. The rescue boat was captained by Captain Din and all passengers were safely brought to land.
From what we heard, there were more persons aboard than her license allowed - and nobody was wearing life jackets . . .
New Langkawi Group on Face Book
Mark: 13 August 2010
Update: probably as a reaction to the post below, Vanessa has deleted us from her group and taken my 2 comments out. We have of course still access to the page and will update you how the page is doing. Mark
Vanessa Workman has created a new Face Book Group, called
ISLAND DRUM of LANGKAWI
The reason given for the creation of this new group is:
“Due to the poor communication of events information, yet another group comes on the scene to inform all of activities in Langkawi. Hopefully this will be a success.”
And it goes on saying:
”If you know about a happening here in Langkawi, please post it.
For now, hopefully this will be a way of passing the word on Langkawi events...”
Our opinion:
Wolf Langenbacher passed away
Mark: 9 August 2010
Wolf Peter Langenbacher who owned the restaurant DOMINO in Kuah, passed away on 25th of last month.
Ha was 72 years old.
He had a stroke and was treated in the Langkawi Hospital, but did not recover.
He owned the DOMINO for 21 years.
Dee, his helper during the last 17 years, goes on with operating the restaurant for the time being, but the future of the DOMINO is uncertain.
Tropical Madness by Tropical Charters
Recently, at Awana Langkawi Spa and Island Resort, the night rocked to the blare of music and merriment from the Ballroom. Tropical Charters Sdn Bhd was throwing a big appreciation party with the theme “Tropical Madness” for all their agents and hoteliers and a host of other clients and friends and most importantly, their staff, who have supported and continue supporting them towards achieving their goal of becoming the best boat cruise operator on the island offering Day Cruises, Sunset Dinner Cruises, Private Charters and a host of other fun sea things to do…
Berjaya - The End of a Legend
Mark: 4 August 2010
First it was rumour from some unhappy staff who were sad her GM had to leave.
Now it is public on the Trip Advisor:
Enzo Rulli, the GM of Berjaya,
will leave the resort.
"I hate these internal spies" - a staff member told me....
Enzo was very much liked by his guests AND by his staff.
Patrick from 'Langkawi Link' wrote:
"Enzo always went out of his way to make his guests happy. I've never come across such a kind and considerate hotel GM. He really made sure my wife and I had a 20th anniversary we wouldn't forget. Hearing that he was let go felt like receiving a roundhouse kick to the head. - If you're reading this Enzo, Aini and I truly thank you for everything and sincerely wish you greater success and happiness. Whoever gets you next is going to be lucky as hell."
We too wish him all the best and hope he finds the right place - with no 'internal politics'...
Enzo's 'bye bye' you find here .
Langkawi Mountain Bike Challenge
Mark: 2 August 2010 / Source: The Star
6 - 8 August 2010
More than 800 cyclists have signed up for the inaugural TM-Langkawi International Mountain Bike Challenge (LIMBC 2010) to be held from Aug 6-8.
130 of them are cyclists from Australia, Germany, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines.
The Olympic Cross Country challenge will start and end at Kampung Tok Senik, while the Endurance Challenge will start and finish at Telaga Harbour Park.
Prizes totalling RM250,000 will be up for grabs. Telekom Malaysia Bhd are the title sponsors of the event.
Langkawi: Visa on Arrival for 8 countries definitively revoked
Mark: 2 August 2010 / Source: Bernama
Updated: 3 August 2010
The following applies only to these eight countries:
China, India, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Taiwan and Comoros.
Issuance Of VOA To Tourists Won't Be Revived - DPM
PUTRAJAYA, Aug 2 (Bernama) -- The government has decided not to revive the issuance of visa on arrival (VOA) to foreign tourists at the entry points into the country, said Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the move to revoke the implementation of the VOA was due to the fact that the facility was being abused previously.
Mark:2 August 2010 /Source Bernama
State Government questioned for allowing Foreigners
to buy Malay Reserve Land
(And below a list of common Alibaba Tactics, MR)
ALOR SETAR, Aug 2 (Bernama) -- The Kedah state government was today taken to task for allowing foreigners to buy and build houses on Malay reserve land in Langkawi.
Mark: 1 August 2010
Bravo Patrick !!
The FIRST number of the
Langkawi Vacation Guide is out !
Patrick Low and his team from the Langkawi Link have done it again: the new version of the Langkawi Link, called 'Vacation Guide' is out.
This edition has been printed in 10 000 copies and will be distributed at the Airport only.
Click on the picture to read it !
Such a printed medium for the Tourism Industry has been missing until now.
Patrick writes:
"The guide will have:
Visited by a Baby-Snake
Mark: 30 July 2010
Updated with 2 funny pics from a reader !
Click on 'read more'.
While sitting before my computer, I suddenly saw behind the curtain of a window something long and blackish falling to the floor: a cute little baby-snake found a hole somewhere - may be a not properly closed window - and came to visit me.
Can anybody tell me
what kind of snake this is?
Despite cheking lot of pictures on the NET - I was not able to define it. It looks similar to the Mangrove Snake (equal 'Goldringed Cat Snake' ?) - but the body is not black, but brown and the lower side of the head is not yellow. And it has a signature on the head. So - can anybody help? Is it a baby form? Is it safe to touch ? (If you are nor registered, just use 'contact' to tell me.) Thanks.
This event has been postponed
to Oct / Nov 2010
Malaysia Nature Society celebrates its 70th anniversary (1940-2010).
The event is mainly for the members of MNS and the press. But if you are interested in the matter - you are very welcome to join.
Date: Sunday, 8 August 2010
Venue: LADA, Langkawi
Registration at 2.00 pm
Programme: from 2.30 pm to 5.00 pm
The Westin Charity Run 2010
Date: Saturday 31st July 2010
Registration time: 7.30 - 8.30 am
Runningt time: 9.00 - 11.00 am
Assembly Point: Lower lobby area of
The Westin Langkawi Resort
Participation fee: RM 35 per person
(inclusive of a "Run Westin 2010" T-Shirt and mineral water)
For enquiries contact: Ms. Teh Siew at 6 04 960 8813, Ms. Bhavani at 6 04 960 8908,
Ms. Umi at 6 04 960 8823 or Ms. Nurul at 6 04 960 8821
Update on the Langkawi City Map Problem
Mark: 29 July 2010 / From reliable source
A team of 3 business people from Langkawi and a legal team went to KL 2 weeks ago to investigate the City-Map company. What they found out is:
The address does not exist: there is no office there, no phone, no sign board, and the caretaker said, this company had left 2 years ago.
At least 8, possibly in between10, Langkawi Business Owners who had an ad in this map and want a refund, have now filed a Report with the Office of Business Registration in LADA for breach of contract and false statement.
If you have had an ad in this map too, consider to join.
Langkawi Cable Car Closure
Change in the date of the closing of the Cable Car for the big annual maintenance:
this was scheduled for 12 - 27 August - but it is now
closed from 17 August to 5 September.
Open for tourists again on the 6 September 2010.
Reason: The closure depends upon the availability of technicians form Austria, who fly in to do this work.
Restaurant Report: Restoran Siti Fatimah
If you are looking for a local restaurant with a wide variety of good food well prepared and not costly - read this Restaurant Report here.
Our new 'Food Taster', Mathijs Nanne went there with wife and child - and liked it.
This is NOT a paid Ad !!
The Jellyfish-Fishing
27. 07. 2010: Mark / Source: wchinner
"The storm clouds were approaching fast before the start of the operation and Langkawi folks had already gathered at Kuala Cenang jetty awaiting the VIPs."
This is the poetic beginning of a report by 'wchinner' about the Jellyfish-Fishing, organised by Lada and concentrated forces.
So what happened - what did they find? And - how effective do you believe this whole action to be? - Read this blog. It is very well done with many pictures and gives an interesting insight how Langkawi tries to deal with the Jellyfish situation. The blog you find here.
The Langkawi Gazette has two new ‘members’:
We are proud and happy to announce, that we have two new members in our team,
who will help the Langkawi Gazette to be successful:
Uli Erhart (from the NEWAY LTD) will act as our ‘Field Worker’: visiting you and explaining you, how your business can profit from the Langkawi Gazette and how you can get the best conditions.
She also has started to build up our ‘rent-in-langkawi.com’ website (a part of the Langkawi Gazette). If you have a house or apartment to rent out, or a piece of land to sell, she will come and take a few pictures and get the basic information, so we can effectively promote it for you.
You will find Uli a very nice and easy to talk to person who will understand your concerns and is well qualified to help you. If you want her to visit you for any of the above reasons, you can use ‘contact’ or write to her directly at newayltd@rocketmail.com .
Mathijs Nanne: Mathijs practically takes over our Restaurant Guide section from Shirley, as Shirley who is now in Penang, has not the time to do it anymore.
Mathijs has already started to write Restaurant Reports – and does so in a very interesting and qualified way (he works himself as a Chef in Pantai Cenang ! ). He will show the rich and broad spectrum of food in Langkawi, validate all the good and great things and may be sometimes give a tip, what a certain restaurant could do even better (but in a very positive and balanced way) . . . If you have a restaurant and would like to have a ‘Food Tasting’ to get a Restaurant Report in the Langkawi Restaurant Guide, please just use ‘contact’.
MNS Langkawi
Mark: 27 July 2010
The Malaysian Nature Society Langkawi Chapter had it's Annual General Meeting yesterday evening in LADA.
New Chairman is: Eric Sinnaya of Morahols Travel
New Vice Chairman: Teoh Cheng Kung (John Theo)
HON. SECRETARY: Vanessa Workman
HON. TREASURER : Tom Gerrard (TC)
COMMITTEE MEMBERS :
Ms. Zuraidah Zainal Abidun
Mr. Alif Emmes Abdullah
Ms. Iris Kutching
Mr. Mahendra Dev Kalidas
Mr. Megat Shahrul Azman Abas
Mr. Hamish Thorburn
Ms. Wendy Chin
Ms. Iris Schöller
These office bearers and the members of the new committee will have to be approved by the MNS HQ first.
The main work of MNS Langkawi will go on: see Langkawi Rainforest Petition
Advertising:
Honda Steed, 400cc, looks good, technically fully ok with spare parts - only
RM 4200 ONO (worth 8000). Reason: must first be imported into Malaysia. Contact me
only if this is no problem for you. Bike is in Kuah. langkawigazette@gmail.com
STOLEN FROM TELAGA HARBOUR MARINA 21ST JULY 2010
KOHLER GASOLINE GENERATOR - MODEL 5ECD -BRAND NEW WHITE
SERIAL NUMBER 2216342 - SPEC NUMBER GM39685 /GA5 - 110V - 60 HZ
PLEASE REPORT TO KUAH POLICE STATION OR TELAGA HARBOUR MARINA MANAGEMENT IN COMPLETE CONFIDENTIALITY
Langkawi and the Jellyfishes
20 July 2010 / Mark, Tripadvisor, wchinner
INFORMATION EVENT 21st of July and an other
Jellyfish Operation by LADA on the 25th (see further down)
Event: TALK ON HOW TO MANAGE JELLYFISH ATTACK
(MEDICAL AND TRADITIONAL TREATMENT)
Date: 21 JULY 2010 (WEDNESDAY) - Time: 3:00pm
Venue: MALIBEST Beach, Pantai Cenang
Tour guides against move to allow foreign workers
Monday July 19, 2010 / forwarded by Pishol Ishak
Local tour guides have objected to Tourism Ministry’s proposal to allow foreign tour guides to work in Malaysia.
Representatives from 12 tour guide associations nationwide expressed their dissatisfaction during a tour guide council meeting in Malacca on Saturday.
Langkawi Tourist Guides Association chairman A. Gunasagaran said if foreign tour guides were allowed to work here, it should be on condition that they attend familiarisation courses,
“They must also register themselves as members of tourist associations here,’’ he said.
Read more: Tour guides against move to allow foreign workers
