MALACCA CITY DAY ON 15TH. APRIL 2013

Melaka City will celebrate her birthday on 15th. April 2013. Melaka City has come a long way and visitors are coming in droves to Melaka during the weekend. Last Saturday night, I witnessed dozens of tour buses parked along Stadthuys. Tourists from overseas and outside Melaka were visiting Melaka. It was amazing seeing so many tour buses within a small area.

Certainly, the proclaimation of Melaka and Georgetown as Heritage cities of UNESCO since 2008 has a tremendous impact on both cities. In Melaka, a large number of budget hotels, international hotels and boutique hotels have sprouted around the city to cater for visitors and tourists. Some heritage buildings are converted into hotels and you can even find a quaint lodge at Jalan Kampung Jawa. This small hotel was recommended by Tripadvisor as well.

SOME RE-LOCATION AT JALAN KEE ANN

From 1st. April 2013, the hawker stalls at Jalan Pasar Baru have been relocated at the side road of Jalan Pasar Baru instead of at the main road. Operation times of these stalls are from 9.00am until 12.00 midnight daily. Before that the operation times was from 6.00 pm until midnight.

This location is better as the stalls can operate longer hours and does not hinder traffic as before. The taxi stand is now in front of the coffee shop located opposite their old stand.

HAPPY GOOD EASTER

We will like to extend our Easter greetings to all Christians around the world. May we pray for peace, harmony and good tidings for all in the years to come.

OLD CATHAY CINEMA TO BE CONVERTED TO PANGGUNG BANGSAWAN

The former Cathay Cinema at Jalan Munshi Abdullah is being renovated into a Panggung Bangsawan. The area was recently boarded up and the notice board was erected. Hopefully, live, creative cultural shows can then be staged there for locals and tourists. We can highlight our diverse cultures, songs and arts.

BEST WESTERN MELAKA WANA RIVERSIDE OFFICIALLY OPENS

Malacca gets a Best Western hotel

Published: 2012/12/08

MALACCA: Best Western International (BWI), which is touted as the world's largest hotel chain with over 4,195 hotels in more than 100 countries, has made its mark in the historical city of Malacca with the official launch of the Best Western Wana Riverside Hotel.

Located next to the scenic Malacca River, in the heart of the Unesco World Heritage Site, the hotel offers up to 170 rooms, suitable for both business travellers and families with rooms ranging from superior, deluxe, grand deluxe, studio and executive.

Naresh Mohan, who is managing director of Trinidad Hospitality Sdn Bhd, BWI's area development office in Malaysia, said with the inclusion of the Best Western Wana Riverside Hotel, the chain now has five hotels in Malaysia.

"Besides Malacca, we have two Best Western hotels in Sabah and one in Perak, as well as a Best Western Premier in Kuala Lumpur.

"By 2015, we plan to expand the brand to 20 properties in Malaysia," he said.

Mohan said BWI offers three tiers of hotels: midscale Best Western, upscale Best Western Plus and its luxury Best Western Premier hotels to cater to various classes of travellers and their needs.

"In 2014, we expect to complete a Best Western Premier in Ayer Keroh, near the Malacca International Trade Centre.

"Not only will it have a five-star hotel, there will be offices and residences as well as a wide range of facilities," he said at the launch, here, on Thursday.

Also present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam and Wana Properties Sdn Bhd chairman Datuk Wan Mohd Najib Wan Mohamad.

Mohd Ali, in his speech during the launch ceremony, said he was impressed with what had been done with the hotel since it was taken over by the new management.

"The building was in disrepair after it had been abandoned by its previous management, but after it was bought over by Trinidad Hospitality and Wana Properties for RM37 million in 2010, I am glad to see that there have been many improvements made," he said.

Mohd Ali said while the hotel was operating smoothly, he was told that there was a problem with parking for its guests due to a lack of parking facilities in the area.

"The management has suggested to the state government that nearby non-historical, abandoned buildings be converted into multi-level parking lots, which we will take into consideration, as indeed, parking has become an issue which we must quickly address," he said.

Read more: Malacca gets a Best Western hotel http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/bwis/Article/#ixzz2EXQSFvVE

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013

As 2012 draws to a close in 3 weeks' time, we want to wish everyone of Christian faith "A Very Merry Christmas" and to everyone " A Very Happy New Year 2013 ". Hopefully, 2013 will be a good year in our undertakings, health and happiness.

Enjoy your year end holidays and festivities. Do not drive if you drink and drive carefully.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR

HAPPY DEEPAVALI 2012

To all Hindus around the world, we wish to extend our "Happy Deepavali" greetings. May the festival of lights help us in overcoming our shortcomings. Let us celebrate and bathe in the Lights of Deepavali.

HAPPY DEEPAVALI

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