Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Scotland


What comes to mind when you think about Scotland? Maybe it is the centuries-old castles, famous Scotch Whisky and distilleries, tartan, or the allure of its mysterious lochs that may hold the key to the Lochness Monster. Whatever image comes to mind, Scotland’s glorious heritage and rich culture continues to capture and romanticize the imagination of the world. Scotland has many different types of accommodations that are suited to travelers on any budget. Home to some of the world’s most famous luxury hotels, like the Scotsman, the Caledonian and the Balmoral. In Scotland, some of the favorite activities include exploring Scotland’s castles, touring the Whisky Trails, and waking through nature reserves, such as Ayr George Woodlands, Spey Bay Reserve, and Noss National Nature Reserve. Scotland is home to more than 100 castles in varying condition and states of repair. Castles resemble rustic, open air museums that offer a glimpse into Scotland’s fascinating past. For those looking to explore the Scottish countryside, a popular activity is to follow the 150 mile Grampian Castle Trail or the Victorian Heritage Trial that passes by two famous Scottish single malt distilleries - the Fettercairn Distillery and the Royal Lochnagar Distillery. Other outdoor activities include hiking, fishing, and skiing. As the birthplace of golf, Scotland is home to some of best golf courses in the world, including St. Andrews, Royal Troon, Turnberry, and Carnoustie - the venue for the 2014 Ryder Cup. Scotland offers many attractions whether you are interested in history, genealogy, hiking, or literature. There is something for every member of the family. Parents with young children can visit amusement parks and enjoy recreation at such venues as the Edinburgh Zoo or St. Andrews Aquarium. For those interested in history and ancient Scottish society, the Highland Games in Aberdeen and Grampian Highlands are a must see. Other famous attractions include tours of Edinburgh Castle, a visit to The Scotch Malt Whisky Society in Leith, the Cairngorn Mountain Railway, Beecraigs County Park, and the Wallace Monument.

Scotland, a thriving centre for international business, with a social scene to match. The ideal incentive and conference destination. A place with a sense of occasion but space to relax as well. A setting that offers some reassuring familiarity but with an added element of surprise. Majestic hotels and country houses offer an exclusive retreat for the highest level of event- private, discreet, secure. Time away from the discussions of the day can prove as fruitful as that spent in meetings.
Edinburgh... is a beautiful, historic city that combines its heritage with vibrant, modern facilities and first-class service. It presents conference organisers with a unique opportunity to host a highly professional and memorable event. It has earned its place as the world's most popular UK conference city after London. Surrounded by rolling hills and a fascinating shoreline to the north, the city also has spacious leafy parks and a beautiful botanical garden. It offers almost endless possibilities for trying out something new, or simply unwinding at the end of the conference. And for social activities, delegates are spoilt for choice. The city enjoys a thriving arts and festivals programme, internationally, renowned galleries and museums, underground vaults, castles, palaces and a royal yacht.

Glasgow... one of Europe's most exciting destinations, combining the energy and sophistication of a great international city with the friendliness of its people. An excellent city to do business. This is complemented by unusual and stylish venues as appropriate for meetings as they are for events. Glasgow is the largest retail centre in Britain, a home to more than twenty museums and galleries, including the outstanding Burrell Collection and the cool and contemporary Gallery of Modern Art.
Aberdeen... A dynamic city of the sea. Aberdeen retains an intimate charm and plays warm host to visitors on a grand scale. A place where history blends with a 21st-century world of commerce, trade and enterprise. One of the most prosperous cities in Scotland, Aberdeen is a thriving centre for international business. It is known to many as "The Granite City" because of its sparkling buildings and elegant architecture. It is also a key world player in the oil and renewable energy industries.
Dundee... hailed as the "City of Discovery", Dundee is proud of its industrial heritage and now confidently leads the field as a world-class powerhouse of research. The surrounding Angus countryside provides the perfect rural complement for delegate days out. The city is home to world-class scientists and researchers working on vital biomedical projects. Scotland's top championship golf courses at easy drives away. The River Tay is famous for its salmon and trout fishing. The Angus countryside lends itself well to outdoor activities set against mountains and lochs, with plenty of castles and country houses to explore.
-------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Macau


Macau is the fast expanding Las Vegas of the Far East with massive glitzy casinos and luxury hotels, yet the destination offers more than gambling alone. A large portion of the country’s land mass has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site. The contrast between old baroque style Portuguese buildings and the mysticism of Chinese temples is awe inspiring. Add to this melee a modern cosmopolitan city with bustling shopping malls stocked with designer brands and sandy beaches with beautiful people. Macau not only offers the whole package it delivers it as well tourists are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing what to do on their holiday and conversely it appeals to wider section of travelers. Macau boasts of plenty of good restaurants that offer excellent food ranging from western to oriental. The local cuisine of Macau is also an eclectic mix of Portuguese, native Macanese cooking and traditional Chinese cuisine. A number of up market restaurants can be found throughout the island while wayside eateries are located near popular tourist attractions and market areas. Nightlife and shopping are two very vibrant aspects of the city, recent developments in the tourism sector has made Macau the place to be for entertainment in East Asia. Nightlife can range from traditional Portuguese dancing, live bands, high profile artists and discos depending on where you choose to go. The numerous bars, clubs and casinos provide ample entertainment to tourists. Shopping Macau is all about luxury, large malls and exclusive department stores have a number of luxury goods on offer. The famous Grand Canal Shoppes is a Venice inspired shopping mall that has actual canals, gondolas and reproductions of Venetian landmarks while also offering a wide array of shops.

Attractions:
Macau’s unique attractions, world heritage, and fascinating museums add an irreplaceable dimension to a vibrant coastal city renowned as one of the finest holiday getaways in the region.

Parks & Beaches:

Camoes Garden- In the 18th century this hilly, heavily wooded garden formed part of the grounds of the house which was occupied by the Chairman of the British East India Company, known as Casa Garden, which now houses an art gallery, and the Old Protestant Cemetery, filled with walkways, flowering trees, and old headstones marking the graves of merchants, missionaries, and others from foreign lands who made their home in Macau. In 1835 the British moved out and the Portuguese owner had a grotto built around a bust of Portugal's national poet, Luís de Camões.The present bronze bust was installed in 1886 when the grotto became state property. Behind the grotto, paths lead up to a wooded hill with a Chinese pavilion and stone tables and stools, where local men gather to play Chinese chess. In front of the grotto is a spacious garden, with benches shaded by banyan trees, where people bring their caged birds for an outing, do their morning tai chi exercises, or meet with friends. At the entrance of the garden is a fountain that contains a bronze sculpture entitled "Embrace", specially made to symbolize the centuries' old friendship between Portugal and China.

Lou Lim Tesc Garden- The garden is modeled on those of Soochow, the most famous of all Chinese classical gardens. Enclosed by a high wall, it is a miniaturized landscape with narrow paths winding through groves of bamboo and flowering bushes, under moulded concrete 'mountains' to a large pond filled with golden carp and lotus flowers. There are frequent art and craft exhibitions in the pavilion, which also serves as an auditorium for recitals during the annual International Music Festival.

Hac-Sa Beach and Cheoc Van Beach- Both Cheoc Van Beach and Hác-Sá Beach are popular with swimmers and sunbathers. The water is clean although it often appears brown because of silt from the Pearl River. Cheoc Van Beach occupies a sheltered cove on the west side of Coloane Island. At one end is a sandy swimming beach with changing facilities and a snack bar, and at the other is a free-form swimming pool. The Nautical Club, a marina where members keep various types of recreational watercraft, is near the beach. There is also a youth hostel, a pousada (inn), and two restaurants with terraces overlooking the water. Beyond Cheoc Van is Hác-Sá Beach, where the long beach, with its unique black-tinged sand ("hac sa" means "black sand") invites walking by the sea. Along the beach are a youth hostel, the Youth Centre for Water Sports, and a sports complex with an Olympic-size swimming pool, children's pool, tennis courts, and a sports field. There are also playgrounds, picnic and camping areas, and a variety of snack stands, cafes, and restaurants.


Churches:

St. Paul's- In the heart of old city stands the great carved stone facade of St. Paul's. The surviving facade rised in 4 colonnaded tiers, and is covered with carvings and statues which eloquently illustrate carvings the early days of the church in Asia. There are statues of Virgin and saints, symbols of the Garden of Eden and the Crucifixion, angels and the devil, a Chinese dragon and a Japanese chrysanthemum, a Portuguese sailing ship and pious warnings inscribed in Chinese.The ruins are regarded as the symbol of Macau and now offer visitors a new site where they can view the remains of the former Church of the Mother of God, visit a Crypt where the relics of the Martyrs of Japan and Vietnam rest, and a museum of Sacred Art where there are exhibits of paintings, sculptures and liturgical objects from churches and monastries in the City.

Cathedral- The present building stands on the site of several previous cathedrals. The original cathedral was the church of Our Lady of Hope of St. Lazarus, declared the mother church of the Macau diocese which included the religious provinces of China, Japan, Korea and other islands adjacent to China.The Cathedral has two solid towers and massive doors. Inside, its chief beauty lies in its fine stained-glass windows. Many of the major events of the church calendar focus on the Cathedral, especially at Easter when, in addition to the procession of Our Lord of the Passion, there is a solemn parade of Good Friday and special masses on Easter Sunday.

Chapel of Our Lady of Fatima- This is Macau's newest church and serves the people of the industrial Bairro Tamagnini Barbosa in the north of the city. It stands in a quiet courtyard behind wrought-iron gates. The design is contemporary with a large square tower containing two bells. A broad staircase leads to the spacious church. Inside, the side walls are lined with stained-glass panels and the altar consists of a wooden crucifix on a red brick wall.

Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows- This small church was built in 1966 to serve the needs of the settlement of Ka Ho, where the families of cured lepers and a few new cases live. It has a magnificent bronze crucifix over the north door. It was created and given to Ka Ho by Italian sculptor Francisco Messima. Also associated with the building of this church is the name of another Italian sculptor, Oseo Acconci.

Chapel of St. James- This tiny chapel built in 1740 in the Barra Fort on the top of the peninsula is now an architectural part of the Portuguese inn, or pousada, which has been established on the foundations of the fort. It is a charming sanctuary with a statue of the saint and blue and white tiles depicting Our Lady of Fátima and the saintly Queen Isabel. St. James is the military protector of Macau, and legend tells that he frequently goes on patrol around the city, and, at times, his boots are found to be muddy. A soldier used to be given the duty of cleaning the boots of the statue. On one occasion the man forgot his duty it is said and received a crack on the head from the saint’s sword.

Guia Fortress-
It occupies the top of Guia Hill, the highest point in Macau. It was designed to defend Macau from attacks from the sea, but because of its position overlooking the entire city, its chief value has been as an observation post. It originally contained barracks, a water cistern, ammunition and equipment stores, the commander's house, and a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Guia. Today the Fort's most prominent feature is the lighthouse, built in 1865 and the oldest on the China coast. It is 91 metres high and has a light which can be seen for around 20 miles in clear weather. Near the lighthouse is the chapel which contains an image of the Virgin Mary, a few antique pictures, and vestiges of paintings that date back to the construction of the chapel in 1626. Also nearby is a post where signals are hoisted to warn of an approaching typhoon. In earlier times storm warnings were announced from the bell-tower of the chapel.

World Heritage Sites:

A-Ma Temple- Macau's name is derived from A-Ma-Gau or Place of A-Ma and this temple dedicated to the seafarers' goddess dates from the early 16th century. It consists of prayer halls, pavilions and courtyards built into the boulder-strewn hill and connected by winding paths through moon gates and tiny gardens. At the entrance is a large rock on which is engraved a traditional sailing junk. On other boulders are carved red characters invoking the gods or repeating a prayer. Three of the four pavilions are dedicated to A-Ma and contain some fine statues of the goddess together with a model of a junk with cannons, brass vessels and chapels to Buddhist and Taoist gods. The top shrine honours Kun Iam. This temple is distinguished by beautiful tiled roofs and spectacular views from the upper gardens. The festival of A-Ma takes place on the 23rd day of the 3rd moon (April or May). Firecrackers, to scare away evil spirits, are exploded in the entrance courtyard to greet tour groups and lions dances are performed here on weekends.

Lou Kau Mansion- The grey two-storey brick house is one of the very few xinguan-style mansions still standing in Macau, and a prime example of the mixed Chinese and Western architectural styles unique to Macau. The oyster shell windows, hanging scrolls, plaster molding and brick carvings are commonly found in the central Guangdong Province. But false ceilings, stained glass Manzhou windows and cast iron railings are Western characteristics.

Mount Fortress- The building is regarded as the most outstanding example of Portuguese architecture in the territory. A public library is located on the first floor and its two inner chambers contain magnificent examples of the institution at Coimbra, in Portugal.

Na Tcha Temple- This temple was built in 1888 and dedicated to Na Cha in an attempt to halt the Plague rampaging at the time. In contrast to buildings such as the Ruins of St. Paul's around it, the Na Tcha Temple is only a small structure, built with simple materials, but the use of a mixture of reality and illusion in its design manages successfully to create a sense of delicacy and exquisiteness.

Shopping:
Macau is a place where you can purchase almost anything, and have a wonderful time doing it. Luxury items are cheaper here than in other cities in the region. It is also a great treasure trove for Chinese antiques and collectibles. There are many excellent shops selling authentic antiques and fine reproductions all over Macau. You can find here ancient coins, stamps; boxes of tea and coffee from around the world and countless old Chinese Pharmacies packed with traditional medicines. These are just a few examples to illustrate how adventurous and fascinating shopping in Macau can be.

Cuisine & Dining:
Macau is famous for its cuisine and for the quality of the food served by the restaurants and hotels. It is hard to find a city with such a concentration of restaurants offering so many different cuisines to suit so many tastes at all kinds of budget. Over the centuries Macau has developed a unique cuisine that combines elements of Portuguese, Chinese, Indian and even Malay cooking known as Macanese cuisine, which can be found anywhere.



Following is a basic 2 Nights / 3 Days itinerray for Macau:

Day 1 - Hong Kong / Macau
Breakfast at the hotel in Hong Kong. Check out at 12:00 hrs and transfer to the ferry terminal in Hong Kong. Board the Turbo Jet heading for Macau. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and check in. The afternoon is all yours to explore the narrow streets and charming squares of Macau. If you are an art and history buff, be sure to visit some of the many museums in Macau. Party through the night, dine at the ethnic restaurants, gamble at the casino or sleep soundly on your overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2 - Sightseeing Tour of Macau
Breakfast at the hotel. Proceed for a half-day sightseeing tour of the city. Visit the 16th century A-ma Temple, St. Paul's Church built in 1602, and Senado Square. Lunch at the hotel. The evening is free for you to explore Macau according to your interests. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 3 - Macau / Hong Kong
Breakfast at the hotel. Check out at 12:00 hrs and transfer to the ferry terminal in Macau to board the Turbo Jet leaving for Hong Kong.
This is just an example, there are a lot of flavors which can be added to this to make it more exciting...
Price strating from: 575 USD

Monday, February 9, 2009

Malaysia



Malaysia is a country of contrasts, bathed in the warm tropical sun, endowed with 3,000 kilometers of coastline, several historic cities, a unique cultural mix, and a string of cool hill resorts. A veritable earthly paradise, Malaysia has innumerable captivating and unique experiences to offer every traveller, no matter how seasoned or casual. From its lush jungles and rainforests to the wide open vistas of its white sand beaches, Malaysia has a myriad of sights and landscapes to explore.

Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, is the country's central hub for politics, business and modern living. Considered to be the only global city in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is a bustling hotbed of activity, equivalent to that of New York City. The Petronas Twin Towers situated here, is the tallest building in the world, and a commanding sight. They make a fantastic place to cool down after going around the Suria KLCC shopping centre.

Langkawi, a miracle of nature is an archipelago of exquisite islands scattered in the Andaman Sea at Malaysia's north-western border. Langkawi consists of no less than 99 islands, each with exquisite beaches which must be seen to be believed.

Genting has a wide variety of hotels and resorts all ready to pamper pairs and pairs of romantic lovebirds. At the peak lies the fun-filled Genting Theme Park and famed Casino De Genting. Dine in the elegance of hotel restaurants, and then visit the tables with your lovely lady for good luck. Active lovebirds can also spend quality fun time at the Awana Golf Club, Awana Horse Ranch and the Awana Eco Park lower down.
A number of places which are must to visit when you are in Malaysia includes...
Dayabumi Complex, a skyscraper, 35 storeys high. It stands proudly on Jalan Hishamuddin, high-vaulted arches decorating its entrance and its white open-fretwork glistening in the tropical sun. Its significance lies in the fact that it was the very first building in KL to boast of the Malaysian-style architecture, that is a unique combination of modern lines and Islamic motifs.
Apart from this, Sri Mahamariaman Temple, one of the most ornate and elaborates Hindu temples in the country. The detailed decorative scheme for the temple incorporates intricate carvings, gold embellishments, hand-painted motifs and exquisite tiles from Italy and Spain. It also houses a giant chariot that is used to transport a deity annually during the Hindu festival of Thaipusam.

The Lake Gardens located off Jalan Parliament is the greenbelt of Kuala Lumpur. These undulating and beautifully landscaped gardens cover 170 acres of rolling lawns with huge trees, colorful beds of flowers and two lakes. The popular gardens offer plenty of recreational opportunities and attractions.The Orchid Garden showcases thousands of international varieties of the most beautiful flower in the world.
You will enjoy the cool climate and relaxing pace of life here. This peaceful getaway offers nature-based activities with a variety of interesting places to visit, and to suit all moods.Plan your incentive today and avail the cheaper rates of airlines and ground arrangement now. What could be a more suitable time than this when you can complete the whole tour in the cost equivalent to the cost of airlines earlier.
The new revised rates of airlines are 440USD and of visas & insurance are 50USD (Conditions apply).
Following are the details for transfer and special meet & greet services:
Airport Transfer:
Car - Perdana car:- MYR210.00 per car per transfer per way
Mercedes E casse:- MYR 235.00 per car per transfer per way
MB Van:- MYR 405.00 per van per transfer per way
40-seater coach with English Speaking Guide:- MYR 900.00 per coach per transfer per way

Special Meet & Greet Service:
1) Inside the terminal Building, meet & greet by Uniform Professionals from Premium Lounge at the SkyBridge area and escorted out to the main terminal. We can also arrange for VVIP arrival & departure service with the usage of the VIP Premium Lounge located at the satellite building. - MYR 70.00 per delegate

2) Outside arrival hall, meet & greet by Traditional Costumes Lady upon arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) - MYR 415.00 per traditional Costume lady

3) Outside or At Hotel Lobby area, Kompang Troops Welcome (6 – 8 persons)
upon arrival at your respective hotel / restaurant: Program include Colorfull “Bunga Manggar”. - MYR 1,750.00 per welcome basis

4) Outside or At Hotel Lobby area, Lion Dance Troops Welcome
upon arrival at your respective hotel / restaurant - MYR 1,750.00 per welcome basis.

*Adventure Challenge Team Building Programs
Venue: Jungle Lodge, Alang Sedayu
You and your team-members are members of an Elite Special Forces that have been trained to penetrate behind enemy lines and to conduct special search and rescue mission using limited tools, limited manpower and equipment. Your only have the natural resources available around you to complete this mission. In this mission set within the confines of the Ulu Gombak Forest Reserve, you must find a way to rescue a hostage kept in a secret underground bunker. You and your team members are given only a maximum of two hours to plan and penetrate the enemy defence and rescue the hostage. There will be a total of eight checkpoints with a total of eight defenders armed with semi automatic paintball guns. During the entire mission you will have to resolve certain conflicts such as defusing a bobby trap set by the enemy along the tract and evade enemy checkpoints, try not to be caught or shot by the enemy. An adventurous, exciting mission waiting for you.

MYR 600.00 per person net minimum of 20 pax & max 100 pax.



*OUTDOOR-COOK OUT ADVENTURE LUNCH
The participants will have an Outdoor BBQ Cookout at the Poolside. Fore Events will provide the BBQ pit, coal & fire lighter. We will also provide the Bamboo for Cooking-Rice in Bamboo, Canned Food like sardines, Fresh Chicken (Whole Chicken) and Young Coconut so that the participants will have the “Kampung Festival” atmosphere and work as a TEAM to prepare their own Outdoor-lunch. (Optional: Fore Events can organise Sewang-Dance during lunch for Group Entertainment at additional Cost).

*GALA DINNER – (in your respective hotel in Kuala Lumpur)
Theme Dinner:-

1) Splash of Colours-A good theme where bright and colourful deco can be used matched with varied entertainment programme that makes the evening interesting as well as fun. The guests will be encouraged to wear as much colours as possible.

2) All that Sparkle- A theme which emphasizes more on glamour, crystal chandeliers, silver cutleries, crystal glasses, a sparkling stage, entertainment ~ jazz, cabaret dances, acapella singers...anything performance that has a lot of sequins.

3) Wedding Night- Daring and outrageous, decorations for a wedding where all guests are to be dressed as brides and grooms. And entertainment ~ love songs by band, ballroom dancing, acapella...anything that's a wedding.

MYR 360.00 per person

An evening of entertainment would be-
1900 - Arrival of guests
1930 - Arrival of VIPs - Escorted by girls in traditional costumes.
1940 - Opening Gambit - Multi racial opening dance - Colorful, vibrant and grand.
1945 - MC Address
1950 - Speech by VIP
2000 - Dinner Commences - with slow pop songs
2030 - Malay dance: Hatinya tak tahan
2040 - Awards/Lucky draw
2100 - Malay dance competition
2130 - Modern Dance
2150 - Bollywood star @ Hula hoop
2220 - Exotic borneo - Fusion of tribal dances/contemporary choreography & music
2240 - Lucky draw
2300 - End/Optional - Disco

This is just an extract of the whole tour full of excitement and fun. Plan your incentive or conference today and discover a whole new Malaysia with us.