Contact: Cristina Samiley
Tel: 213-683-2112
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.tourismmalaysia.ca

Malaysian Pilot breaks World Record as the Youngest to Fly Around the World

PUTRAJAYA – Malaysia’s latest tourism attraction may not be its sandy white beaches or lush jungles, but a handsome young Malaysian who broke several records for being the youngest pilot to travel solo around the world in a tiny, single-engine Cessna 210 Silver Eagle aircraft.

Captain James Anthony Tan, 21, is the first (and youngest) Malaysian to travel over 21,000 nautical miles across 20 countries, within a 50-day period. He succeeded in completing his expedition, dubbed “1Malaysia Round the World (1MRTW)” in 48 days, arriving back in Malaysia on May 14th, 2013.

This historic flight across the world broke two world records – the “World Guinness Book of Records” and the “World Aviation Academy” record for being the youngest pilot to fly 14,000 nautical miles solo around the world. Captain James also received the honor of stamping a first record in the ‘Malaysia Book of Records’ as the youngest Malaysian and ASEAN pilot to ever attempt the journey.

Tourism Malaysia is proud to announce its support of Captain James and has provided a warm welcome at major stops on his journey, namely in Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Jordan. His stops in North America in April included Anchorage, Juneau, Vancouver, Denver, Indianapolis, Teterboro, and St. Johns.

Tourism Malaysia, through its overseas offices and in collaboration with the Malaysian Embassy/High Commission of the respective countries have also arranged for press conferences and media interviews to generate publicity about the expedition, and at the same time allowing foreign media to hear about beautiful Malaysia from the young pilot himself.

“Malaysia is my home,” says Captain James. “We have many things to see and even in a lifetime, I would not be able to witness all the wonders of my country.”

Captain James has become an unofficial tourism ambassador of Malaysia, bearing the Visit Malaysia Year 2014 (VMY 2014) logo on his plane while flying around the world. Last year, Malaysia received 25.03 million tourists, with tourist receipts totalling RM 60.6 billion. It is believed that Captain James’ expedition will help create an awareness of Malaysia and its many tourist attractions especially on the eve of the VMY 2014 campaign, scheduled to happen next year. This will contribute significantly towards Malaysia’s goal of achieving 36 million tourist arrivals and 168 billion in tourist receipts by 2020.

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Contact: Cristina Samiley
Tel: 213-683-2112
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.tourismmalaysia.ca

Seri Chenang Resort Villas Opens it Doors to Luxury Travelers

LANGKAWI, Malaysia – The highly awaited Seri Chenang Resort and Spa in Langkawi, Malaysia opened its doors to the world on May 16th, 2013. Comprising of six villas, this upscale boutique resort fuses traditional Malay styling with luxurious amenities to create a one-of‐a‐kind experience.

Conceptualized and managed by brother and sister team, Mohammad Shukor and Norlin Dato’ Zainal Abidin, the resort consists of traditional Malay kampung-style villas. Each villa has its own distinct architectural characteristics, showcasing the different styles of Malay architecture from the states of Terengganu, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Melaka and Kedah.

Perched on the banks of Chenang River, the resort is set in lush tropical foliage with sweeping views of Langkawi’s paddy fields, mountains, and the sea. The resort is complemented by facilities such as an infinity swimming pool, a gymnasium, a gallery, a resort boutique, and most importantly, the exclusively designed Kayangan Spa.

The treatments menu for the Kayangan Spa features a distinguished choice of therapies that draw on the rituals of Malaysia’s age--‐old ancestry. Native compounds are made with pure and natural ingredients following traditional recipes and rituals. The spa serves to provide deep relaxation and blissful rejuvenation of the body and mind for guests to feel revitalized.

The highlight of the resort is the 24-hour highly personalized services provided for guests from the moment they arrive at the airport until they leave. Specially trained butlers are assigned to the villas to ensure that guests feel at home and are given personal attention and concern --‐during the length of their stay.

Seri Chenang Resort & Spa Langkawi is now accepting bookings. Room rates start from RM1800 (approx. USD$600 and CAD$615 at the time of writing). For more information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit their website (www.serichenangresort.com).

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Contact: Cristina Samiley
Tel: 213-683-2112
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.tourismmalaysia.ca

Malaysia’s Award-Winning Homestay Program: A Unique Cultural Experience

LOS ANGELES – For those looking for an affordable, one-of-a-kind travel experience, Malaysia’s award-winning Homestay Program transports visitors to an oasis of tranquility and rustic charm. Clinching the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) 2012 Ulysses Award for Innovation in Public Policy and Governance, this truly unique program offers tourists a first-hand experience of life in a traditional village in Malaysia.

The Malaysian Homestay is more than a form of accommodation. Rather, it is a unique and authentic Malaysian experience that encompasses village lifestyle, culture, agriculture, cuisine and more. Under the program, tourists get to live with a local family in a village (known as kampung locally) house and learn about their close-knit family relationships, enjoy sumptuous home-cooked food, and discover the simple lifestyle in the country.

Since its introduction in 1995, the Malaysia Homestay program has become increasingly popular among local and foreign tourists. The villages that participate in the program are carefully selected and comply with strict guidelines set by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia. To date, there are over 3,000 homestay operators from 159 villages that spread all over the country, in every state.

Given the varied locations and settings, every homestay presents a different experience. For example, visitors to the Kampung Seri Tanjung homestay, Melaka, can make a trip to the many Dutch and Portuguese historical landmarks there. For a taste of island life, visitors can head to the Desa Wang Tok Rendong and Pulau Tuba homestay in Langkawi.

This program is suitable for families, students, or corporate groups. The simplicity of the kampung folks, along with their engaging pastimes, will create a unique and memorable holiday. Experience genuine Malaysian warmth and let the homespun hospitality work its charm!

For more information regarding the Malaysia Homestay Program, please visit www.go2homestay.com.

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