MICE Tourism - Malaysia Meeting Planner

A suitable theme sets the right mood for any incentive trip or corporate dinner. Here are some home grown Malaysian themes to light up your occasion.
Your staff has been working hard the entire year and you’re pleased with the results. Why not reward them with a well-deserved holiday trip to one of the many exciting theme venues in Malaysia? The country offers a variety of fun-filled trips and meetings with its sheer variety of natural splendour and man-made attractions. From a selection of strictly formal corporate meetings to island resorts to outdoor adventures, the country has something for everyone!

ISLAND EXCURSIONS

If sun and sea is your cup of tea, Malaysia has many breathtakingly-beautiful beaches and islands to offer. Langkawi, Tioman, Redang, Pangkor and Sipadan are idyllic islands with endless stretches of spellbinding sandy beaches and colourful marine life. These destinations are great for beach and water activities such as swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, parasailing, island-hopping, volleyball and team-building beach games. The resorts located here are also ideal places to pamper yourself with a rejuvenating massage or a relaxing spa treatment.

Tioman

Tioman has been voted one of the world’s ten most beautiful islands, for good reason. This exotic island is located 36 nautical miles off the state of Pahang and boasts of beautiful marine life and magnificent diving spots that are simply awesome. This turtle-shaped island is the largest in the east coast. Air Batang Beach, Salang Beach, Monkey Beach are among the most popular ones in the island. Tioman is a fantastic getaway for water-based activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling, boating, catamaran-sailing, canoeing, water-skiing and wind surfing, as well as fishing.
(www.pahangtourism.com.my)

Redang

Situated off the coast of Terengganu, Pulau Redang (Redang Island) is renowned for its pearly white beaches, sparkling clear seawater, lovely sunsets and spectacular marine life. The island’s marvellous fishes, turtles and a huge variety of coral reefs make it a scuba diver’s dream vacation. Most of the resorts in Redang are lined up along Pasir Panjang (Long Beach) which is also a popular dive site. Other dive sites well-worth exploring are Tanjung Lang, Tanjung Tokong, Tanjung Gua Kawah and Batu Mak Cantek.
(www.tourism.terengganu.gov.my)

Langkawi

Langkawi, one of the world’s best island retreats, is an archipelago that comprises 99 idyllic islands situated 30km off the coast of the small fishing village of Kuala Perlis. Named after its native white-bellied sea eagle, Langkawi is globally-renowned as the host of Le Tour de Langkawi, a race that features the world’s top cyclists, and the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) exhibition, which is held biennially. The island, with hues of blue and green, is a spectacular display of mountains, tropical rain forests, fascinating landscapes, white glittering beaches and boasts a wealth of marine life. While in Langkawi, you can also enjoy watching the marine life at the Underwater World, take a high-altitude ride at Langkawi Cable Car and watch heart-stopping stunts at the Langkawi Crocodile Farm. You’ll enjoy Langkawi best by renting a vehicle and driving around the island to slowly explore its many attractions.
(www.visitkedah.com.my)

 

Pangkor

Pulau Pangkor (Pangkor Island) is the most popular holiday destination in Perak. Forty minutes by ferry from Lumut, Pangkor’s tranquillity, golden beaches, clear blue waters and refreshing breezes make it a paradise for beach lovers. The island, with its charming mix of fishing settlements and resorts, is a fascinating and serene holiday destination. Here, in addition to enjoying the beach and resort amenities, you have the rare opportunity to live among fishermen and to observe their lifestyle. Pangkor’s two popular beach areas of Pasir Bogak and Teluk Nipah offer sun and sea activities such as scuba-diving, snorkelling, wind-surfing and fishing.
(www.peraktourism.com)

Sipadan

This internationally famous dive site is located 30km south of Semporna Island in the Celebes Sea. If you love to dive under the sea, Sipadan Island is the jewel in the crown of Sabah’s dive sites. Being Malaysia’s only oceanic island, its crystal clear waters attract diverse marine life from the open sea. The island was described as ‘an untouched piece of art’ by the late Jacques Cousteau and also voted as one of the top five dive sites in the world by divers. Inland, the dense vegetation of Sipadan is home to a large variety of tropical birds, including sea eagles, kingfishers, sunbirds, starlings and wood pigeons.
(www.sabahtourism.com)

CITY EXCITEMENT

For some, the glitz and glamour of metropolitan cities are far more alluring than rural escapades. Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia has much to offer in this regard, from well-preserved colonial buildings to awe-inspiring modern architectural marvels. This vibrant ‘Garden City of Lights’ is a melting pot of culture with an interesting blend of historical tradition and modern technology. Better known as ‘KL’, Kuala Lumpur is a hectic business hub during the day but transforms into a leisure and entertainment centre after sundown. Shop till you drop at the many modern malls around town such as the Pavilion, Midvalley Megamall, Suria KLCC, Berjaya Times Square, Starhill, Lot 10, KL Plaza, Sungei Wang, Bukit Bintang Plaza and many more! Visit major landmarks such as the Petronas Twin Towers, KL Tower or the Lake Gardens for some sightseeing fun. If art and culture fascinates you, take a trip to the National Art Gallery and Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex. You can also let you hair down at the many hip and happening nightspots around town. Other Malaysian cities, each with their own unique charms, include Ipoh, Melaka, Georgetown, Johor Bahru, Terengganu, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.

 

MOTORSPORTS EXTRAVAGANZA

Motorsports fans out there will be thrilled to know that Malaysia plays host for several international motorsports championships. One such high profile event is the Formula 1 Grand Prix, better know as F1 to its many avid followers. Every year, the state-of-the-art Sepang International Circuit comes alive with the roar of powerful engines from major constructors, as it hosts one leg of the F1 Championship. This 5.5 km track is acknowledged to be one of the most sophisticated circuits in the world, with challenging corners and super quick straights that promise non-stop action. Apart from F1, Sepang International Circuit is also the host for the World Motorcycle Grand Prix and the Super GT International Series. Tickets for these events are available at www.sepangcircuit.com.my.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

If you’re the adventurous thrill-seeking type, check out the best in eco-tourism activities that Malaysia has to offer, including mountain climbing, jungle trekking, cave exploration, white-water rafting and angling.

Mountain Climbing

Malaysia is blessed with a number of spectacular mountains that cater to beginners as well as experienced climbers who are looking for challenging, spine-tingling climbs. The excursion up the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, Mount Kinabalu, is an exhilarating experience. Other challenging climbs include Gunung Mulu in Sarawak and Gunung Tahan in Pahang. You are advised to hire an experienced guide for your mountain climbing trip.

Cave Exploration

The caves in Malaysia, a majority which are of the limestone variety, are among the largest and longest in the world. Many are nestled within rich rainforests and mangroves, and are home to a plethora of amazing wildlife. Beautifully sculpted stalagmites and stalactites, huge chambers inhabited by bats, iron-age cave paintings and the largest limestone cave systems in the world – these are some of the attractions that brought many people, particularly adventure seekers to explore the caves in Malaysia.
Among the many caves to explore are Niah Caves (Sarawak), Mulu Caves (Sarawak), Gua Gomantong (Sabah), Gua Tempurung (Perak), Batu Caves (Kuala Lumpur). To explore such caves, you’ll need to appoint seasoned cavers as guides. There are guides available at all the major Malaysian caves. Alternatively, you can contact them through the Malaysian Nature Society or other adventure clubs.

Jungle Trekking

Large tracts of equatorial rainforests in the country offer plenty of interesting trails for jungle trekking. No doubt, jungle trekking is one of the best ways to enjoy the lush greenery of these 130 million-year old forests, as well as its wonderful variety of plant and animal life.
Jungle trekking in the country is centred in the national parks and forest reserves. Like mountain climbers, jungle trekkers have a choice of different trails and tracks depending on their level of fitness and the amount of time they want to spend for this activity, whether a day or longer.

White-water Rafting

This activity is definitely for thrill seekers who are looking for a heart-pounding, gut-wrenching, nerve-tingling and totally exhilarating experience! Among the popular sites for white water rafting in Malaysia are the Padas and Kiulu rivers. The best time to go for this activity is after the rains as the water level rises and the current is stronger. Novice rafters can try this sport during the dry season, as the current is not so strong.

Angling

Surrounded by a long coastline and filled with many lakes and river systems, Malaysia offers vast scope for angling opportunities. A popular spot for fresh water fishing is Tasik Kenyir in Terengganu. Covering an area of about 380 sq km, it is South-East Asia’s largest man-made lake and the country’s largest expanse of fresh water. Malaysia’s tropical seas also hold the king of the seas, Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, oversized specimens of groupers, coral trout as well as other deep reef dwellers.

GOLFING GREENS

With more than 200 golf courses located in various types of terrains throughout the country, Malaysia offers an exhilarating experience for visiting golfing enthusiasts. Many of the international-class courses were designed by golfing greats and renowned golf course designers such as Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent-Jones Jr, Max Wexler and Ted Parslow. These courses offer world-class conveniences, great scenery and surrounding holiday attractions to please the most discerning golfer.

LEISURELY HOMESTAY

If you fancy waking up in the morning amidst lush greenery and fresh cool air, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, then take a trip to one of the homestay households in numerous states in Malaysia. The Homestay Programme was launched with the intention of promoting the tourism industry and providing an extra source of income for the local folks. It is based on the traditional Malay kampong concept where guests stay with their hosts’ families and get to enjoy a first hand experience of daily kampong life.

The kampongs or villages that are involved in the Homestay Programme are committed to ensuring that their guests experience village-style living first-hand and are accustomed to welcoming foreign guests from around the world. These kampongs have been carefully selected and conform to strict guidelines set by the Ministry of Tourism.

MEMORABLE THEMES FOR CORPORATE DINNERS AND FUNCTIONS

Tourism Malaysia offers exciting theme ideas for your corporate functions. Each theme has its own unique attractions and promises a delightful combination of sights and sounds for your guests. Among the colourful themes to consider are:

1. An Evening in an Arabian Bazaar
The Arabian Nights come alive, with a bazaar filled with merchandise, voluptuous belly dancers, Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves, complemented by delicious Middle Eastern fare such as kebabs, stuffed pigeons, shawarmah and desserts.

2. Murut Head-hunters Night
This wild adventure in the depths of a Borneo jungle begins with a wilderness trek through a tunnel of dark, moist tropical foliage that leads into the ballroom that is transformed into a spectacular rainforest. Be treated to a spread of Sabah’s ethnic specialties set on low tables lined with banana leaves, while seated on floor cushions.

3. Pirates Night
A swashbuckling adventure with the infamous Long John Silver, Blackbeard and Captain Hook. Cross the gangplank to enter an age where pirates roamed the high seas. Dine on a lavish bounty of the day’s catch and try your hand at numerous games to test your pirate skills.

4. Mambo
It’s rumba night at a Latin American carnival. Indulge in hot Latin dances and exciting games and feast on mouth-watering South American dishes in a night of colours, rhythm and glitter.

5. Black and Gold Elegance
Touches of black and gold lend an air of elegance to the event while the soothing music from a harpist and flutist fill the air. Start the evening with canapés and champagne and be feted to a delicious gourmet meal. After dinner, simply sit back and enjoy the symphony or dance the night away to fabulous contemporary music.

6. Jungle Adventure
It’s a trip back to nature as you trek through thick foliage to discover the mysteries of the rainforest, complete with the authentic sounds of birds, elephants and other exotic animals. Mingle with the local tribe, be entertained by the native dancers and join them for a treasure hunt. After all the excitement, it’s time to enjoy the many delectable dishes specially prepared for you, under the cool shade of trees.

7. Colonial Party
A majestic mansion set in huge grounds brings on nostalgia for days gone by. Elegance is the keynote. A sumptuous array of food is laid out on silver trays. A string orchestra plays as couples waltz. For entertainment, a school marching band with bagpipes can be arranged. And to top off the evening is a fireworks display.

8. Penang Chinatown
Be greeted at the entrance by drumbeats, clashing cymbals and the sculpture of a majestic Chinese dragon. Peep into your future with a fortune teller, have your name written in artistic Chinese calligraphy and sit in a decorated trishaw to have your picture taken. Feast at the hawker stalls that offer a wide selection of appetising Malaysian dishes, from fried noodles to roasted duck, soy sauce chicken and grilled prawns.

9. Malaysian Night
Enjoy a traditional warm welcome by a professional Kompang group and receive special door gifts from staff dressed in traditional ethnic costumes. Watch the live action, as hawkers prepare local specialties such as teh tarik (Malaysian tea), roti jala (a local savoury pancake), satay (meat on skewers) and fried kuay teow (fried rice noodles). You can also try your hand at popular local games such as top spinning and congkak.

10. Bonfire BBQ Dinner
On arrival, be garlanded and freshen up with a welcome drink served in a bamboo mug with a bamboo straw. Dinner is presented when you hear the drum beats. Be entertained by a cultural show featuring Malay, Chinese and Indian dances while you dine.

11. Jungle Safari
Be greeted by service staff dressed in khaki shorts and with a drink in hand, enter the ballroom decorated in a jungle setting. Enjoy a buffet spread laid out on long tables with coconut frond skirting or treat yourself to a sit-down dinner at tables decorated with tablecloths of jungle colours. A 45-minute snake show provides the thrills, together with blowpipe and top spinning competitions.

12. Longhouse Party
You are escorted to a longhouse by a festive procession, and are served a drink of tuak rice wine by Iban maidens. Once all are seated on ornamental rush mats, the Chief performs a welcome ritual. Dinner is served traditional-style, with fun, games and longhouse sports. To liven up the party, there’s dancing to the beat of brass gongs and skin drums.

PICK YOUR DREAM THEME

The theme for your incentive trip or corporate event is only limited by your own imagination. To find out more, you can contact Tourism Malaysia (www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my) or any local inbound tour operator. Whatever the preference is, all parties involved have the same ultimate goal; to ensure that everyone enjoys themselves!