travel Archives - IKON Malaysia

Germany’s Tiny Gem with a Thatched Roof Lighthouse and a Population of 16!

12Nov

By Webmaster IKON MalaysiaNo Comments

Travel

Germany’s Tiny Gem with a Thatched Roof Lighthouse and a Population of 16!

So, there's this tiny spot in Germany called Oland – like, super small. It's one of those halligs, you know, those landmasses that are kinda connected by narrow-gauge railways to the mainland and this other hallig called Langeneß. Population? Well, unofficially, they're rocking a whopping 16 people as of 2019. Now, here's the kicker – Oland is home to Germany's tiniest lighthouse. And get this, it's the only one sporting a cool thatched roof. I mean, how quaint is that? It's like the little lighthouse that could, holding it down in the middle of nowhere with its unique vibe. Oland, you're a gem in the German landscape, even if you're just a blip on the population radar. Watch more about the island here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jqv-fK44Zg

Malaysia Airlines commences inaugural flights to Amritsar, Trivandrum

12Nov

By Webmaster IKON MalaysiaNo Comments

Business, Travel

Malaysia Airlines commences inaugural flights to Amritsar, Trivandrum

National carrier, Malaysia Airlines commenced its inaugural flights between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Amritsar (ATQ) and Trivandrum (TRV) with a send-off event held at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 on Nov 8 and 9, 2023 respectively. Flight MH118 bound for ATQ departed from KUL at 6:50pm local time, whereas flight MH116 took off for TRV from KUL at 9:30pm local time, after which both flights were greeted with a water salute upon arrival at the destination airports. Both flights were operated by the airline’s Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft, said the Malaysia Aviation Group Bhd (MAG) in a statement today. “For Amritsar and Trivandrum, we proudly hold the distinction of being the first full-service premium carrier to offer flights to South Asia and the Pacific....

Amsterdam Introduces Highest Tourist Tax in Europe to Combat Overtourism

7Nov

By Webmaster IKON MalaysiaNo Comments

Travel

Amsterdam Introduces Highest Tourist Tax in Europe to Combat Overtourism

Starting in 2024, Amsterdam, known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture, will implement the highest tourist tax in Europe, raising the levy on overnight stays from 7% to 12.5%. This move is part of the city's ongoing efforts to combat overtourism. The City of Amsterdam stated, "The tourist tax will be further increased to fund the extra spending so that visitors make a bigger contribution to the city." They believe this will also play a crucial role in addressing the challenges posed by overtourism. Given an average room rate of €175 per person, this increase will elevate the tourist fee from €15.25 to €21.80 per night. In comparison, other major cities like Barcelona and Paris charge significantly lower tourist taxes, averaging around €2.25 and €4 per person per d...

Bhutan lowers the daily tourist cost by 50% to attracts more travellers

10Oct

By Webmaster IKON MalaysiaNo Comments

Travel

Bhutan lowers the daily tourist cost by 50% to attracts more travellers

In an effort to strengthen a sector that is still trying to recover a year after COVID-19 restrictions ended, the Himalayan monarchy of Bhutan will cut in half the $200 daily fee it charges tourists. When Bhutan lifted two years of COVID restrictions in September of last year, it increased its "Sustainable Development Fee" to $200 per visitor per night from $65, stating that the money will be used to offset the carbon produced by tourists. The administration announced in a statement that the new cost of $100 per night would go into effect in September and last for four years. "This is in view of the important role of the tourism sector in generating employment, earning foreign exchange … and in boosting overall economic growth," it said. Bhutan, a long-isolated country, be...

First Hyatt Place officially opens in Bukit Jalil City

9Oct

By Webmaster IKON MalaysiaNo Comments

Business, Lifestyle, Travel

First Hyatt Place officially opens in Bukit Jalil City

The Hyatt Place Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Jalil is the first international hotel to open in Bukit Jalil City, a developing business and lifestyle district in Kuala Lumpur. The new four-star hotel, the first Hyatt Place in Malaysia and the second in all of Southeast Asia, is expected to enhance the thriving 50-acre integrated development with its top-rate hospitality and upscale service. 250 roomy suites and rooms with separate work and sleeping areas are available to World of Hyatt members as well as tourists and business travellers. Before having their morning coffee from the Starbucks Reserve café on the main floor, guests can unwind on a sun lounger or swim in the rooftop pool. Fitness enthusiasts will like the fully-stocked, round-the-clock fitness centre, which has a designated y...

Amidst China’s Golden Week, Malaysia is expecting an increase flow of tourist

2Oct

By Webmaster IKON MalaysiaNo Comments

Culture, Travel

Amidst China’s Golden Week, Malaysia is expecting an increase flow of tourist

Malaysia's tourism industry is hoping for more visitors over China's eight-day Golden Week vacation to make up for years of weak business owing to pandemic disruptions. The annual week-long event in China that includes the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day began on September 29 this year. According to Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association vice president Mint Leong, arrivals have steadily increased from the Chinese market, even though they are still below pre-pandemic levels. “Chinese tourists are returning to Malaysia in a slow and steady way because after the summer holiday in this Golden Week, we can see Chinese tourists coming to Malaysia, but the number is not as big as before. But they come and stay for at least five days and four nights. That’s an improvement over sh...

Malaysia is considering granting Chinese tourists visa-free entrance

2Oct

By Webmaster IKON MalaysiaNo Comments

Travel

Malaysia is considering granting Chinese tourists visa-free entrance

To support its tourist recovery during the busiest months of the year, the Malaysian government is thinking about adopting Thailand's policy of abolishing visa requirements for Chinese visitors. According to a source from Malaysia's Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed the Ministry of Home Affairs to prepare a report on visa exemptions for Chinese tourists, according to The Rakyat Post. According to Sin Chew Daily, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing of the ministry said that if the policy were to be put into effect, Chinese tourists would be able to enter the country without a visa "for a specific number of days." Chinese visitors can currently enter Malaysia with a 15-day visa. In 2023, Malaysia is expected to welcome at lea...