WHALE SHARK SEASONS STARTS NOW IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA---SWIMMING WITH THEM IS ONE OF LIFE'S MUST-DO-BEFORE-YOU-DIE EVENTS!

KEE@FSWMAG.COM

NINGALOO WHALE SHARK OPERATORS SET FOR A BIG SEASON

 The 2014 Ningaloo Whale Shark season is officially here and is set to be a giant turnout, if last year is anything to go by! Whale Sharks were sighted in Coral Bay and Exmouth as early as January and February and good numbers are expected to remain in the area up until late July.

Every year the world’s largest fish congregate in the nutrient rich waters of Ningaloo Marine Park, which is considered as one of the best places in the world to swim with Whale Sharks, for reliability of numbers and accessibility of interaction with these leviathans of the ocean.

Growing up to 18 metres in length these gentle giants are considered harmless and safe to swim with as, although a species of shark, they are filter feeders like whales – hence the name whale shark.

Whale Sharks are listed as ‘vulnerable to extinction’ and are protected here in Western Australia. Part of the fee visitors pay for swimming with them goes towards the protection and research of these fascinating creatures.

Whale Shark swim tours are offered from Coral Bay and Exmouth between mid-March until early August and sometimes even longer if the whale sharks are still in the area.

Australia’s Coral Coast Chief Executive Officer, David O’Malley, said last year’s season was a record breaker with the highest ever number of passengers – over 20,600 (an increase from 17,000 in 2012). The largest number of tours ever taken – over 1,100 and an amazing whale shark sighting success rate of 98%.

‘We are confident that 2014 will be another hugely successful season with people from all corners of the globe expected to converge on the towns of Exmouth and Coral Bay for their chance to cross this amazing experience off their bucket list.’

THE NINGALOO WHALE SHARK FESTIVAL<www.ningaloowhalesharkfestival.com>, MAY 22-25

Plan your trip to Exmouth, a two-hour flight from Perth, now for the Ningaloo Whaleshark Festival 2014, which will be held from May 22 - 25, in and around the town.

All ages will enjoy the festival activities including a fun run, a float parade, bands, circus and fire show, kid’s beach games as well as art exhibitions.

Tijuana Cartel, Blue Shaddy, Huge Magnet, New Soundland and other musicians will entertain at a number of events throughout the weekend.

Dress up for the Opening Festival Gala at the Novotel Ningaloo Resort on the Friday night where Grace Barbe Afro-Kreol will feature.

The Festival program has expanded with night markets on Thursday, a family event at Federation Park.

Festivities will continue on Saturday at Talanjee Oval.

Dr Brad Norman will be on hand to talk about the whale shark research undertaken at Ningaloo and the photo ID program. Gulliver the giant whale shark will be on show. Other visiting scientists and research groups will also display their findings.

Sunday is Family Day at Town Beach with plenty of beach games and evening entertainment. Fire juggling, live music and circus shows are all part of the festival program.

There is the chance to swim with the whale sharks, the biggest fish in the world from April - July each year at Ningaloo.

Darren Cossill, general manager, Novotel Ningaloo Resort and the chairman of the Ningaloo Whaleshark Festival committee said: “Thanks to the community’s continued support and our generous supporters, we have expanded the festival. It is now a successful annual event on the state calendar.”

For further information on swimming with the whale sharks, visit westernaustralia.com 

About whale sharks

·         Latin name: Rhincodon typus

·         Harmless to humans: Although whale sharks are a species of shark they are completely harmless to humans as they are filter feeders
Weight: A 12-metre whale shark weighs approximately 11 tonnes with a mouth more than a metre wide

·         Length: Whale sharks are thought to grow up to 18 metres long, but the most frequently encountered size of whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef are between four and five metres

·         Pup length: 55cm – baby whale sharks hatch from an egg case while instead the mother’s body before being expelled into the ocean

·         Mostly male at Ningaloo: The majority of whale sharks seen in the Ningaloo Marine Park are juvenile males

·         Sexual maturity: May not occur until whale sharks are 8-9 metres long (around 30 years old)

·         Diving depth: 1500 metres

·         Lifespan: It’s thought whale sharks have a lifespan of more than 100 years

·         Threats: Illegal fishing, boat strikes

When do whale sharks visit Ningaloo?

Whale sharks visit the Ningaloo Marine Park after the annual coral spawning, which usually occurs in March and April. Krill and other tiny sea creatures swarm to Ningaloo Reef to feast shortly after the coral spawning. This phenomenon attracts whale sharks (the world’s largest fish) to Ningaloo Reef to feed on krill, plankton and copepods. Officially the whale shark season starts on 1 April, however the last few years there have been sufficient numbers of whale sharks to start tours around mid March. Tours are expected to run in Coral Bay between mid March and June and from Exmouth between mid March and late July. Tours sometimes continue into August if whale sharks are still in the area. Whale shark spotter planes are commissioned by tour operators during the season to locate whale sharks for tour boats.

2013 whale shark tour statistics

·         Last year’s season was a record breaker with the highest ever number of passengers – over 20,600 (an increase from 17,000 in 2012).

·         The largest number of tours ever taken – over 1100 tours

·         Success rate of 98%.

Whale shark conservation

Ecocean is committed to whale shark research and conservation and has set up a whale shark identification library that people can add their images to. The library is maintained and used by marine biologists to collect and analyse whale shark encounter data to learn more about whale sharks, as not much is currently known about their life story. The library uses photographs of the skin patterning behind the gills of each shark and any scars to distinguish between individual animals. www.whaleshark.org

More information on swimming with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef

For further information on swimming with whale sharks visit: www.australiascoralcoast.com/tours-activities/swim-with-whale-sharks

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN MARGARET RIVER REGION IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA

KEE@FSWMAG.COM
Now is autumn Down Under and Margaret River and Perth are wonderful places to visit!

The Lake Cave is stunningly eerie

 HERE ARE THE TOP 10 THINGS TO DO! 

Autumn is an ideal time to visit the Margaret River Region – fine sunny days, that summer sea breeze backs off and the temperatures are mild.  It’s great weather for hiking, the wine vintage is in full swing and there are loads of exciting events happening - here is our list of the top 10 things to do in the Margaret River Region in Autumn:

1) Go to the Pro: The Drug Aware Margaret River Pro is the not-to-be-missed surfing event for Autumn in the Margaret River Region. Held from 2nd – 13th April 2014, the Pro sees the world’s best male and female surfers battle it out at Surfer’s Point – and the best part is, it’s free for spectators!

2) Hike: Autumn is the ideal time to take a hike through the forest, along the coast on the Cape to Cape Track or any of the stunning walk trails in the region – grab a map from the nearest visitor centre, sturdy footwear, plenty of water and you’re ready to go;

3) Experience vintage: Autumn is harvest in the Margaret River Region – the vines are packed with ripe fruit and the grapes are being picked. Do a behind-the-scenes winery tour to experience the action, or just visit a cellar door or two – you might spot some winery workers in action;

4) Visit Augusta: Only 30 minutes’ drive south of Margaret River, Augusta is a town full of history, perched on the banks of the stunning Blackwood River, and only a stone’s throw from the beautiful Flinders Bay, Jewel Cave, and the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse;

5) Get creative: The Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival is on from 16th – 18th May 2014, featuring a huge line up of national and international authors, poets, journalists, bloggers, graphic novelists and publishers – don’t miss it!

6) Go caving:  A guided tour of Jewel or Lake Cave is an unparalleled experience in the Margaret River Region, or if you prefer self-guided, check out Mammoth Cave – one of the largest megafauna sites in the southern hemisphere;

Brookland Valley Vineyard offers romantic picnic in the great outdoors

Picnic at Vasse Felix vineyard with Vasse Felix platter

7) Pack a picnic: Autumn is picnic weather! The mild sunny days are perfect for packing a picnic and spending a day lazing at a local national park picnic ground, park, forest or even the beach;

8) Go mountain biking: Mountain biking is fast becoming the most popular adventure sport in the South West and whether you just roll over the bumps or you are a serious biking enthusiast, it doesn’t matter – Autumn is the perfect time to get on your bike and enjoy.

Cape Leeuwin is wildly stunning

Absorb the ruffed wildness and spectacular beauty of Cape Leeuwin lighthouse

9) Climb the lighthouse: Climb the tower of mainland Australia’s tallest lighthouse at Cape Leeuwin, where you can watch the rugged Indian Ocean crash against the Southern Ocean and learn the fascinating maritime history of the Cape;

10) Visit the Lake Cave Events Deck: Suspended out over the spectacular Lake Cave Doline, the Lake Cave Events Deck is a newly constructed wooden viewing platform with large glass portholes (and guess what – it’s free to visit!)

To find out more visit www.margaretriver.com> or drop into the Margaret River or Augusta Visitor Centres.

SHANGRI-LA KUALA LUMPUR, THE BEST HOTEL IN MALAYSIA, PARTICIPATED IN EARTH HOUR 2014

KEE@FSWMAG.COM

SHANGRI- LA HOTEL, KUALA LUMPUR

PARTICIPATES IN EARTH HOUR 2014

Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur continue their efforts to conserve energy and save the Earth by once again participating in the World Wildlife Fund for Nature’s (WWF) Earth Hour 2014 on 29 March 2014, between 8.30 p.m. and 9.30 p.m.

In a concerted effort to spread awareness about environmental and energy conservation, all non-essential power and lights throughout the hotel, including garden lighting, signage, water fountains and escalators, were turned off.  The hotel laundry operation was also stopped for an hour, and all restaurant lighting was adjusted to a minimum.

In addition to that, all employees were advised to switch off unnecessary equipment such as computers, fax machines, printers, photocopiers and other electrical appliances. In-room guest letters recommending the minimal use of electrical appliances, such as lights and air-conditioning systems in guestrooms were also disseminated by the management.

In light of recent events, a 7.5‑foot‑high structure spelling out the word ‘MH370’ and housing 1,200 tea light candles was specially constructed in the hotel garden. At the appointed hour, members of staff and hotel guests joined in lighting up the candles in commemoration of Earth Hour and in prayer and remembrance of the passengers and crew flight MH370.

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts remains committed to operating in an economically, socially and environmentally responsible manner while balancing the interests of diverse stakeholders.  In striving to be a leader in corporate citizenship and sustainable development, a corporate-level CSR Committee drives the company’s initiatives in the strategic areas of stakeholder relations, environment, health and safety, supply chain and employees.  Under the umbrella of sustainability, Shangri-La’s social responsibility programme consists of the two elements of “embrace” and “sanctuary.”  Embrace focuses on Shangri-La’s Caring People Project, which aims to promote the highest level of education and health support in underprivileged communities.  In sanctuary, the programme concentrates on Shangri-La’s Care for Nature Project, which promotes the conservation and restoration of biodiversity.  For more information, please access the CSR section on www.shangri-la.com.

Guests and staff of the Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur coming together to observe Earth Hour and to remember the passengers and crew of flight MH370

Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board Chairman Dato' Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen (centre) joins Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur General Manager Manfred Weber (right) and Area Director of Communications Dato’ Rosemarie Wee (left) in lighting the candles for Earth Hour and the passengers and crew of MH370

Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur guests gather to observe Earth Hour and light candles in prayer and memory of the passengers and crew of flight MH370.

BEST WESTERN PREMIER DUA SENTRAL IN KUALA LUMPUR WENT DARK FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE ON 29 MARCH 2014

KEE@FSWMAG.COM

Going Dark For A Better Tomorrow

 On Saturday, March 29, 2014 BEST WESTERN PREMIER Dua Sentral turned off its lights for Earth Hour, a worldwide grassroots movement for the planet organized by the World Wide Fund of Nature (WWF). Earth Hour is a global campaign initiated since 2008 and is celebrated across many cities. In 2012, it took place in more than 5,000 cities and towns across 147 countries and territories, making it the biggest growth year for the campaign since 2009.

An entire week of activities was scheduled to commemorate the global campaign on saving energy, reducing emission and climate change. As part of the event, BEST WESTERN PREMIER Dua Sentral’s invited its guests to try its special Earth Hour-themed beverage selections. The special promotion was available at Punch Bar & Lounge and priced from RM18.00++ per glass. The hotel also extended a 20% saving on a candle light massage for one of its combination from Bhuvana Blends – The Ultimate Bhuvana Relaxation, a combination of Green Tea Body Scrub, choice of massage and Revitalization Facial at Bhuvana Spa Luxe. Those offers were available from 24 to 30 March 2014.

On the night of the event, the hotel switched off all non-essential lighting between 8:30 pm and 9:30 pm in observance of Earth Hour. A candle lighting ceremony took place at the hotel lobby to signify the start of Earth Hour. At the same time, the hotel also had a BBQ Buffet dinner that featured 10 to 15 choices of sustainable menu options. The buffet priced at RM70.00++ per person. To spread awareness about Earth Hour, the hotel’s front line staff wore the glow in the dark t-shirt.

General Manager Ian Hurst says: ‘Earth Hour has fast become a significant global event bringing attention to the devastating effects of global warming. We feel very passionate about communicating this important global message and we encouraged our guests to join in and show support for Earth Hour 2014.’

In the area of environmental sustainable, BEST WESTERN PREMIER Dua Sentral’s focus is primarily in three segments: the environment, health and safety. In addition to LED lighting throughout the hotel and eco-friendly bathroom amenities, and an on-site organic herb and vegetable garden, the hotel will also be launching new initiatives in 2014, such as a battery-recycling programme and cross-department material recycling.

     Guests were served special Earth Hour-themed beverage selections during the candle lighting ceremony which took place at the hotel lobby and the hotel’s front line staff was using glow-in-the dark t-shirt to show support for Earth Hour.

      All non-essential lights were switched off between 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

On-site organic farm in the hotel

ABOUT BEST WESTERN INTERNATIONAL
Best Western International is THE WORLD'S LARGEST HOTEL CHAIN®, providing marketing, reservations and operational support to over 4,000* independently owned and operated member hotels in 100* countries and territories worldwide. An industry pioneer since 1946, Best Western has grown into an iconic brand that hosts 400,000* guests worldwide each night. Equally committed to the business and leisure traveler, Best Western recently embarked on a mission to lead the hotel industry in customer care. World Vision is the charity of choice for Best Western in building the world's largest family, with our hotels and staff sponsoring children in need around the globe. Best Western’s partnerships with AAA®/CAA®, Michael Waltrip Racing^TM and Harley-Davidson® help guests make the most of every trip. For the fastest way to a free night, join Best Western Rewards®, the only hotel frequency program that's truly global. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.bestwestern.com

THE KEE RESORT IS THE COOLEST AND SEXIEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL IN PHUKET AND DON'T YOU LOVE THE NAME!

KEE@FSWMAG.COM
I must assume The Kee Resort is named after me, Kee Hua Chee so I always recommend this marvellous and funky-cool hotel to every Malaysian! Of course a hotel named Kee after Kee Hua Chee subscribes to certain standards and The Kee Resort & Spa supersedes all expectations based on what you pay! 

Remember to always stay at The Kee Resort & Spa when in Phuket, Thailand! 

RM 12,600 PER NIGHT FOR 4 PERSONS IN THE ULTIMATE 3-ROOM NAPA RESERVE VILLA AT INTERCONTINENTAL SAMUI BAAN TALING NGAM RESORT ON KOH SAMUI ISLAND, THAILAND

KEE@FSWMAG
RM 12,600 per night is not cheap but this is Intercontinental at Koh Samui and 4 guests or family of 4 (OK if you have 5 I am sure the hotel will allow your third child to stay for free since the villa is bigger than most houses!) will be pampered to high heaven!

Read the list of perks! 

HIGH-LIFE PAMPERING EXPERIENCE AT INTERCONTINENTAL SAMUI BAAN TALING NGAM RESORT Five night ‘Samui Luxury’ experience at the illustrious Napa Reserve Villa  Five nights of unadulterated VIP hospitality are promised by Koh Samui’s 5-star resort InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam with a new ‘Samui Luxury’ package in its most prestigious villa. Designed for a family or group of four, ultra-pampering takes place in a prestigious three-bedroom Napa Reserve Villa; complete with personal butler. For the duration of their stay, guests can avail of a deluxe chauffeur service or a private speedboat with skipper to enjoy tailored trips across Koh Samui and its surrounds. Guests arrive and depart by round trip speed boat or limousine airport transfers, with a welcome bottle of Champagne greeting them to the 600 sq m haven overlooking a private 15-metre pool. Throughout the stay, VIP hospitality continues with a gastronomic five-course degustation dinner prepared by in-house chefs. Guests can choose to enjoy their private dining experience under the stars on the resort beach or in the cool surrounds of the villa. Helping guests to unwind, there is a choice of 60-minute Signature Treatments taking place daily at Baan Thai Spa followed by a sunset speedboat cruise to the nearby Five Islands marine reserve. Club Intercontinental benefits extend to daily breakfast at signature restaurant Amber, afternoon tea and sundown cocktails at Serene Lounge and an exclusive invitation to the weekly VIP sunset cocktail party hosted by the Resort’s General Manager. As part of the premium Intercontinental service, unlimited complementary soft drinks are available from the mini-bar as well as a clothes pressing service on arrival or before departure. With its own private beach and jetty in a secluded bay with breathtaking vistas, the resort scooped top honours in last year’s World Travel Awards (WTA) as the World’s Leading Luxury Resort and Asia Leading Honeymoon Resort. Rates for the ‘Samui Luxury’ package start from THB 125,000 (USD 3,866) a night for four. For more information regarding the ‘Samui Luxury’ package, please visit: samui.intercontinental.com/packages Bookings can be made by contacting reservations at Tel. +66 (0) 7742 9100 / email reservations@ickohsamui.com Koh Samui is an hour’s flight from Bangkok with direct domestic connections to Phuket and Pattaya. International direct flights link it with key Asian cities including Hong Kong, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. About InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts: The InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand has 170 hotels located in more than 60 countries with local insight that comes from over 60 years of experience. As a brand, we believe that superior, understated service and outstanding facilities are important, but what makes us truly different is the genuine interest we show in our guests. Our desire is to help guests make the most of their time. We connect our well-traveled guests to what’s special about a destination, by sharing our knowledge, so they enjoy authentic experiences that will enrich their lives and broaden their outlook. For more information, visit www.intercontinental.com, https://twitter.com/InterConHotelsor http://www.facebook.com/intercontinental. About IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group): IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global organisation with a broad portfolio of nine hotel brands, including InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo® Hotels, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn® Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express® Hotels, Staybridge Suites® Hotels, Candlewood Suites® Hotels, EVEN™ Hotels and HUALUXE™ Hotels & Resorts. IHG manages IHG® Rewards Club, the world’s first and largest hotel loyalty programme with over 74 million members worldwide. The programme was relaunched in July 2013, offering enhanced benefits for members including free internet for Elites across all hotels, globally. IHG franchises, leases, manages or owns over 4,600 hotels and 678,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories. With more than 1,000 hotels in its development pipeline, IHG expects to recruit around 90,000 people into additional roles across its estate over the next few years. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales. Visitwww.ihg.comfor hotel information and reservations andwww.ihgrewardsclub.comfor more on IHG Rewards Club. For our latest news, visit:www.ihg.com/media, www.twitter.com/ihg, www.facebook.com/ihg or www.youtube.com/ihgplc.

"JERSEY BOYS" THE MUSICAL IS COMING TO KL FROM 15 TO 27 APRIL 2014 AT ISTANA BUDAYA THERE IS A 20% DISCOUNT FOR FRIENDS OF MERCEDES-BENZ STYLO FASHION WEEK! JUST MENTION "STYLO" AND GET 20% OFF! FASTER BUY NOW BEFORE THEY CHANGE THEIR MIND!

KEE@FSWMAG.COM

Jersey Boys is an award winning musical of 54 major awards worldwide including Best Musical for Grammy Awards and Tony Awards.

As they were part of the STYLO celebrations, friends of STYLO will be given a special price when purchasing tickets to the upcoming Jersey Boys musical in Kuala Lumpur. A 20 percent discount will be given to all levels of ticket.

Call the number enlisted in this attached flyer and mention STYLO for the discount.

Jersey Boys Jersey Boys has been performed over 3000 times and is now the 15th longest running show on Broadway. It has been seen and adored by over 18 million people and that is why we are certain Malaysians too will be mesmerized by its brilliance and energy. This New York Broadway musical is going to rock its way into Istana Budaya from 15th until 27th April. Prices of tickets range from RM200 – RM680 per ticket.   Get your tickets now at TicketCharge STYLO Special Discount Special 20% discount on all Jersey Boys tickets via purchase at www.ticketcharge.com.my by entering promo code "STYLO". Alternatively, tickets can be purchased at TicketCharge Outlet by mentioning the promo code "STYLO".   STYLO Special Discount Special 20% discount on all Jersey Boys tickets via purchase at www.ticketcharge.com.my by entering promo code "STYLO". Alternatively, tickets can be purchased at TicketCharge Outlet by mentioning the promo code "STYLO".