Free Cultural Awareness and Protocol Seminar at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre

The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre is offering international organisers of events coming to the Centre a training day on 'cultural sensitivity and protocol'.

We're ideally placed to offer this as Malaysia has a cultural mix of 50% Malay, 33% Chinese , 9% Indian and 8% Indigenous tribes (such as Orang Asli and Iban) and have had extensive experience of high level government meetings, royal and non royal dignitary attendance at events and all the inherent protocol that is so important in Malaysian life” said Jenny Salsbury, Director of Marketing & Sales for the Centre.

There is also an introduction to the role that food plays in communication - both in business and socially - in this part of the world and the pros and cons of the different cuisines when running meetings. The Centre will also introduce the various settings and styles of banquet - several of which international organisers may not have come across prior to running an event in Malaysia.

There are four modules offered which cover areas like: Malaysia's cultural mix and how it evolved, Festivals and public holidays, Languages and names (addressing people correctly), Social exchange, Business and Social etiquette, Royal and Federal protocol. Also covered are the resources and services available to anyone wanting to do business in Malaysia; Government Relations, PR, Market Research, Tourism Malaysia and more.

This facility is a free service and is an excellent way of helping international organisers do successful business in Kuala Lumpur.

Asia's largest traffic tunnel opens in Mandi

Mandi (Himachal Pradesh), Asia 's longest traffic tunnel built on the Manali-Kirtpur Highway was inaugurated by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Vir Bhadra Singh on Sunday.

The 2.8-kilometre-long double-lane traffic tunnel is expected to help in the promotion of tourism in the State."Tourism will be promoted with this. It will save the travel time of tourists. They can spend more time enjoying their stay in Himachal Pradesh. We are trying to save on the travel time for theconvenience of the visitor," Singh said.

The horse-shoe shaped tunnel has a diameter of 10.5 metres and has been built at a cost of Rupees 35 crore.

"The tunnel was constructed in three years. This is Asia's largest tunnel. It has the diameter of 10.5 metre with 7.5 metre wide pavement having a sidewalk of 4.5 metre width," said S S Thakur, an executive engineer.

The tunnel will connect Aut and Thalot in the Larji hydro-power project area, which is located 40 kilometres from Mandi.

Experience the Power of Water

At the COMO Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri, guests are encouraged to return to basics, to rediscover that sense of poise that naturally exists in all of us. This means pealing away layers of stress, toxins and the mind’s day-to-day distractions, allowing The Estate’s health professionals to improve a client’s state of wellbeing. This is achieved through a combination of diet, exercise, instruction and nurture. A key element used throughout the process is water.

Just as in the oldest spa traditions, The Estate’s location is predicated upon the existence of The Source, a natural spring on site that has long been revered by locals for its healing properties (the word ‘spa’ is derived from ‘sanitas par aqua’ or ‘health through water’). The Balinese have always used this spring in conjunction with the profusion of unique medicinal plants that grow in the surrounding forest. In fact, Ubud, where The Estate is located, derives its name from ‘Ubad’, meaning medicine in the local language.

Water from The Source fills ‘Kedara’, which is Sanskrit for ‘Water Garden’. This is a unique area of The Estate, located at one remove from the main property down numerous stone steps. You pass through the forest, towards the edge of the River Ayung. There are four treatment bales, relaxation areas and small, fresh pools. There is also a hot tub, and perched a little higher, The Estate’s Pilates Studio. The spirit is unique. The only sounds are of the forest’s birdlife and the gentle flow of water as it runs close by. Many guests wander down to simply read a book, to meditate, or catch up on much-needed sleep. Others come for specific treatments, as per their condition, with recommendations made by The Estate’s resident naturopath.

Further exploiting the power of water is The Estate’s Vitality Pool. This is found at ‘Ojas’ (Sanskrit for ‘Essence of Life’), which is the main treatment area located at the property’s heart. The water is chlorine-free and using a bio energy water treatment system, is kept soft and clear. It can help heal skin rashes. It is also anti-ageing. High pressure jets are employed for massage and also for exercise.

Those who like to use water to more physical effect are encouraged to go whitewater rafting. The starting point is just below ‘Kedara’, where clients are collected in rafts for a two-hour ride down the river. Not only are the sights quite magical –- locals bathing in the water, waterfalls cascading down through the forest –- but the experience is energetic, exhilarating and safe for those of all levels of confidence and fitness. Rafting on the Ayung River also differentiates The Estate from most spas where exercise is confined to running on a treadmill.

Likewise, the accommodation at The Estate is unique, consisting of large villas built into the forest. These include Tirta-Ening (Clear ‘Water’), a Residence dominated by a 91sq metre principal suite with an exquisite Japanese water garden featuring a private waterfall. The entire Residence has a Zen feel. The sound of water can be heard throughout. Also of note are the new Retreat Villas, ‘Taramala’ (‘Garland of Stars’) and ‘Vasudhara’ (‘Mother Earth’). Both feature private therapy rooms and personal pools –- again, harnessing water to help create the perfect healing environment.

Thailand Hotels List

The Imperial Queen's park Hotel
The Imperial Queen's park Hotel is superbly located in the city's most fashionable and increasingly important commercial district, with easy access to the Expressway. The hotel comprises of two 37-storey towers that overlook beautiful Benjasiri Park on Sukhumvit Road; within walking distance are fantastic shopping and entertainment opportunities as well as the Bangkok Sky Train.

The Imperial Tara Hotel
The Imperial Tara Hotel, a city hotel for executive travellers, situated in the hub of one of Bangkok's fast growing business and entertainment areas;only five minutes from the Benjasiri Park, shopping complex and entertainments, and fifteen minutes from the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre; the two nearest access points to the airport expressway are Sukhumvit and Rama IV.

The Imperial Impala Hotel
The Imperial Impala Hotel, a find outstanding value for money hotel, located in a most pleasant area of Sukhumvit, only a few minutes walk to the Benchasiri Park and shopping centres and near the Queen Sirikit
Convention Center.

The Imperial Samui Hotel
The Imperial Samui Hotel is nestled amongst coconut palms and exotic tropical blooms on a hillside overlooking the dreamy views of crystal blue waters of the gulf of Thailand, the Imperial Samui Hotel offers a luxury Mediterranean style resort with a unique and only seawater pool in the beautiful island of Ko Samui.

The Imperial Boat House Hotel
The Imperial Boat House Hotel, set on fabulous Beach on the northeast corner of Ko Samui, is a unique and innovative resort comprises 34 authentic teak rice barges cleverly converted into luxury boathouses, as well as eight low-rise southern-style hotel buildings. Each is “moored “in the gardens and offers superior suite-style accommodation.

The Imperial Tara Mae Hong Son Hotel
Escape to the remote beauty of mountainous northwestern corner of Thailand and discover the joys of traditional Thai hospitality at the luxurious Imperial Tara Mae Hong Son Hotel.

The imperial Mae Ping Hotel
The Imperial Mae Ping Hotel is located in the middle of Chiang Mai city. It is within an easy reach just five minutes walking to the exotic shopper's paradise, the "Night Bazaar", where you'll find many interesting handicraft and Thai souvenirs.

The Imperial Chiang Mai Resort
The Imperial Chiang Mai Resort is the only one of a kind in Chiang Mai. A sports club-cum-hotel in a spacious park of trees, right on the bank of the Ping river, with spectacular mountain backdrop. The refreshing climate and relaxed rhythm of living has made this place a favourite retreat for nature-lovers seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of capital cities.

The Imperial Golden Triangle Resort
The spectacular beauty and unique attractions of the Golden Triangle at the heart of Sourtheast Asia are now yours to enjoy - here at The Imperial Golden Triangle Resort. Set amongst majestic mountains of the North and surrounded by the Mekhong and Ruak Rivers at the point where Thailand shares borders with Laos and Myanmar.

The Imperial Phukaew Hill Resort
The Imperial Phukaew Hill Resort, a Swiss-style retreat, set against a backdrop of pristine mountain scenery in Phetchabun, offering endless opportunities for exploring one of the most beautiful but least known regions of Thailand.

The Imperial Lakeview Hotel & Golf Club
The Imperial Lakeview Hotel & Golf Club, a fascinating place for a golfing and family vacation, located on the west coast of the Gulf of Siam, approximately 2 hours drive or a 25 minutes flight from Bangkok,and 25 kilometers from Hua-Hin (Thailand's oldest major beach resort and golfing area).

The Eurasia Hotel
The Eurasia Bangkok is located in a new business area off Ratchadapisek Road, not far from Donmuang International Airport.

The Baanrommai Resort
With only 25 stylishly comfortable room units strategically spread over four acres of luxurious tropical gardens filled with huge old trees that spread their awning branches like a vast, velvet green canopy over the grounds creating a cool and peaceful sansctuary; a glittering, blue canal-style swimming pool which winds its way through - to stop a few feet short of the sea; and exceptional service Baan Rom Mai Resort is the closest you'll get to heaven on earth.

Thavorn Palm Beach Resort Phuket

A truly tropical masterpiece set amongst exotic gardens and offers Karon's longest beachfront. The resort feautures five glorious swimming pools, lush gardens, walking paths and Thai sculptures.

Hong Kong Express Airways launches flights to Chongqing

Hong Kong Express Airways has launched its newest scheduled service - between Hong Kong and Chongqing in central southwestern China. Using its fourth 76-seat Embraer 170 passenger aircraft, the Hong Kong-based airline will operate three flights per week between the two business hubs - every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

Fast approaching its first anniversary, Hong Kong Express Airways has to date been keenly focused on establishing a key route network between its home in Hong Kong and Mainland China whilst simultaneously exploring routes throughout wider Asia. Chongqing is the airline’s fifth scheduled service in a fast growing network that currently comprises Hangzhou, Ningbo, Nanjing, and the hot Thai leisure destination Chiang Mai, launched just last month. In addition to its scheduled services, the airline also operates daily charter services to Taichung in Taiwan in conjunction with Mandarin Airlines and similarly to Laoag in the Philippines.

Situated on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River close to the recently completed three gorges dam, Chongqing is a dynamic economic hub. Home to nearly 32 million people, the city is not only China’s largest but quite possibly the world’s largest city.

Fly Between Singapore and Thailand for just Sin$ 2

Tiger Airways is launching its 2nd anniversary celebrations with an offer of 10,000 seats to all its destinations in Thailand at an unbelievable Sin$2.00 (THB60) one way (excluding taxes).

The seats are for travel in September 2006 and will go on sale from today, 31 July to 6 August 2006, or until the seats are sold out.

“We have chosen Thailand to launch our 2nd anniversary celebrations because the country has a special historical significance for Tiger Airways. The Thai capital of Bangkok was the first destination Tiger Airways flew to on its inaugural flight from Singapore on 15 September 2004,” said Tiger Airways CEO, Tony Davis.

Sin$2 (THB60) (one way excluding tax) fares also available for Thailand-Singapore bookings.