The F1 World Championship series this year will have its second round on April 6 to 8 at Sepang, which is at the southern part of Selangor near
Kuala Lumpur.

The 2007 Australian Grand Prix – the opening race of the World Championship series — saw Kimi Raikkonen of Finland winning the first round and beating defending World Champion Fernando Alonso of
Spain, who came in second place. Finishing third is England’s Lewis Hamilton while Nick Heidfeld of
Germany came in fourth.
Italy’s Giancarlo Fisichella landed the fifth spot in the race.

A large turnout of F1 fans from Singapore, Thailand, and
Indonesia is expected at the coming Malaysian Grand Prix as stated by Izuddin Rosli – Sepang International Circuit’s Sales and Sponsorship Manager. 

The third leg of the race will happen on April 13 to 15 in Bahrain right after the Malaysian Grand Prix and will continue onto the fourth round in
Barcelona, Spain on May 11 to 13.
Brazil will play host to the last round of the F1 World Championship series on October 19 to 21.

The 2007 Malaysian Grand Prix’s advantage location – which is near the

International
Airport via the Express Rail Transit. For online bookings, visitors can log on to http://www.bintangwarisanhotel.com.

Happening from March 11 to April 28, 2007, the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 will have 16 teams from five continents vying for the title. Aside from the West Indies, participating countries include England, Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, the Netherlands, Zimbabwe, Ireland, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Kenya, Bangladesh, Bermuda, and Canada.

The tournament will be held in 11 state-of-the-art stadia across the West Indies, with the opening match happening at the Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica on March 13. Warm-up matches will take place on March 5 to 9 prior to the opening match.

The teams are divided into four groups comprising of four teams each. The two leading teams from each group will compete for the Super Eight Series, of which the emerging winners will fight in the semi-finals. Finalists will compete for the final round on April 28 at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.

Originally formed to create a set of rules and regulations that would govern international matches involving England, Australia, and South Africa, the ICC Cricket World Cup is now living by its vision of promoting the game as a global sport as well as building bridges between continents, countries, and communities.

The said tournament is expected to draw thousands of cricket fans to the Caribbean. ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed states, “There is a level of excitement around the region now… We are very pleased with progress and we look forward to coming back to see a great (Cricket) World Cup.”

Cricket fans from around the world can watch the games on TV through ICC Cricket World, the weekly TV show of ICC. This will be broadcasted by major international sports TV networks. For those fans who intend to watch the tournament right where the action is can look for accommodations at Christar Villas Hotel. This casual and comfy hotel is situated in Kingston, Jamaica, where the opening match of the tournament will take place.

For hotel bookings, visitors can log on to: www.christarvillashotel.com.

Incorporating Bakery and Confectionery Indonesia and in conjunction with Retail Indonesia 2007, the exhibit will feature food products ranging from chilled and frozen foods, dairy products, snacks and ice cream, confectionery, liquors and wines, non-alcoholic beverages, to poultry, meat, and fresh produce. Hotel and catering equipment such as tableware and accessories, bar and coffee equipment and supplies, baking and confectionery equipment, and shop fittings and display equipment will also be showcased.

The exhibit will be held at the Jakarta International Exhibition Centre and is projected to be bigger than the last one as Indonesia hopes that the said event will be a driving force to further boost the country’s economy. This will also serve as an opportunity for manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and wholesalers in the food and hospitality sector to expand their business in the region as well as learn new trends in the industry.

An introduction to French wine and cheese will be the main highlight of the event. Visitors will be treated to an educational presentation on the history of wine and cheese making as well as wine and cheese matching. Aside from a demonstration on how to serve wine and cheese, visitors will also be given the opportunity to taste various kinds of wine and cheese.

The Food and Hotel Indonesia is held only every two years so food and wine connoisseurs can seize this opportunity to attend the event by booking an early accommodation. They can check out Hotel Nagoya Plasa in Batam, Indonesia for top-quality accommodations. This charming, luxurious hotel is just two hours away by plane from Jakarta.

For online reservations, they can log on to: www.hotelnagoyaplasa-batam.com

As part of the ten-year celebrations, the festival has added a special feature in the main event. Called The Art of Reggae, this additional feature is a special tribute performance honoring reggae music – the music native to Jamaica. World-renowned reggae artists like Shaggy, Wayne Wonder, Luciano, and Freddie MacGregor will spearhead the tribute performance.
Other artists scheduled to perform at the festival include Ne-Yo, Cyndi Lauper, Earth Wind and Fire, Roy Ayres, Pieces of a Dream, Monty Alexander – Jamaica’s own jazz legend, among many others.

In line with the organizers’ plan of staging a bigger and better event, the festival is being moved to the Aqueduct on Rose Hall in Montego Bay, instead of holding it at the driving range at the Cinnamon Hill Golf Course. Satellite concerts by the winners of the recently concluded Jazz Fest Quest – a regional US talent competition for unknown jazz, blues, Latin, and reggae musicians – will also be held at various locations in Montego Bay prior to the major event.

The Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival is considered as the premier entertainment showcase in Jamaica. Over the past years, it had bear witness to incredible performances by international artists such as Alicia Keys, John Legend, Mary J. Blige, James Ingram, Air Supply, George Benson, and Patti Labelle.

Avid fans of reggae, jazz, and blues can fly to Jamaica this January and watch the gathering of international talents for a series of jamming sessions. Those looking for accommodations can check out Royal Reef Hotel. This warm and casual hotel in Montego Bay, Jamaica offers comfortable rooms at affordable rates.

For online reservations, visitors can visit their website at: http://www.royalreefja.com.

Year 2007 was officially declared as Visit Malaysia Year by the Malaysian government last January. Visit Malaysia 2007 aims to promote international tourism as well as solidarity and harmony among its people. It is the third installment of the Visit Malaysia campaign which started in 1990. This coming year’s celebration promises to be truly spectacular and extra special as 2007 also marks the 50th anniversary of Malaysia’s independence.

Organizers have prepared a host of various events that feature the many fascinating facets of Malaysia. The lineup of events for January will just be a glimpse of what this beautiful country has to offer to tourists. All year round, there will be exciting events that tourists can look forward to while visiting Malaysia such as cultural performances, festivals, exhibitions, sports events, heritage shows, and even mega sales.

One of the highlights of Visit Malaysia 2007 is the Golden Jubilee celebration of Malaysia’s independence, which will happen on August. A variety of programs will be held all throughout the month of August to commemorate this significant event. Tourists are invited to join in this joyous occasion as Malaysians take great pride in celebrating their 50 years of independence.

The tourism board of Malaysia is expecting an influx of 20.1 million tourists this coming year. It is the government’s aim to make Malaysia one of the top holiday destinations in the world.

The Malaysian Association of Hoteliers (MAH) has also released a statement saying that they are more than ready to welcome tourists with around 150,000 available rooms in all categories. Vacationers who are planning to make Malaysia their holiday destination next year can check out accommodations at Fishing Bay Resort in Mersing, Malaysia. The resort is five hours away from Kuala Lumpur by car and less than two hours drive from Johor Bahru.

For online reservations, they can visit: http://www.fishingbayresort.com.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Fishing Bay Malaysia Resort
reservations@fishingbayresort.com
07 – 799 6753

Running until December 17, the film lineup of the festival includes critically acclaimed international films such as The Queen (UK), Little Miss Sunshine (US), Volver (Spain), and The Lives of Others (Germany). These big films as well as a hundred of other films will be screened at the newly renovated Djakarta XXI Theatre and Studio XXI at EX. The JiFFest this year also marks the first ever Indonesian Feature Films Competition wherein Indonesian films that were released from November of last year up to October of this year will compete for a top prize.

This year’s film lineup is organized in categories consisting of World Cinema, Panorama, House of Docs, S-Express, Variety, and EU Film Festival. Film buffs can choose from the festival’s wide selection of feature films, documentaries that include the eco-documentary, An Inconvenient Truth from the US, and short films from countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, China, Thailand, and the Philippines. Most of these films will be shown to the public for free. The audience will just have to register at several registration outlets stated in the program guide then they can get their membership cards to attend the film screenings.

Meanwhile, organizers of the International Film Festival Bali (IFFB) 2007, which will happen from December 14 to 17 in Bali, promise to bring international film stars and directors to the island for the annual event. The IFFB will be an extension of the 8th Jakarta International Film Festival.

Visitors to Indonesia who want to see films of international class as well as catch a glimpse of international movie stars can check out hotel accommodations at the Planet Holiday Hotel in Batam, Indonesia. Batam is just a short ferry ride away from Singapore. From Jakarta, it is over an hour by plane.

Interested tourists can visit their website at: Planet Holiday Hotel in Indonesia.

Come New Year’s Eve, the famous beach resort will be overflowing with live entertainment, a selection of scrumptious food and drinks, and party music ranging from hip hop, trance, R & B, chill out, to retro and Latin. Feel the rhythm and groove to the music beat of DJ mixes of MTV’s hottest hits of 2006. The Siloso Beach Party starts at 8 PM until the wee hours of January 1, 2007.

A fan of MTV Asia? Then get a chance to see up close and personal two of MTV Asia’s hottest VJs, Denise and Utt as they join the party and countdown the New Year. Party goers can also choose to enjoy the foam pool that will be set up or mingle with the other dancers in the dance floor. Wet or dry, however party animals choose to party, they can be sure that this New Year countdown will be fun and unforgettable.

Sentosa Island is located southwest from Singapore’s central business and entertainment district. It can be reached through a short causeway or cable car. Siloso Beach is one of the three popular beaches in Sentosa. Admission is free and visitors can get there by hopping on one of several buses that ply to and from the resort.

Visitors and party people who want to join in the New Year countdown celebration can check out for hotel accommodations at The Aspinals Hotel. This budget hotel is situated in Little India, which is within the central business district of Singapore.

For online reservations, visitors can visit their website at: Aspinals Hotel in Singapore.

Experience a very unique and warm Christmas in Jamaica. This beautiful island nation holds a very old Christmas festival called Jonkunnu, where bands of male dancers perform a mime and dance in the streets decked in colorful costumes. The Jonkunnu Mento Festival is held every year in Kingston, Jamaica in honor of John Canoe (also known as John Conny), a 17th century African merchant who is considered a local hero.

This year’s festival will be held on December 9 to 10 at Phoenix Avenue in Kingston.
Watch the spectacular street parade and be entertained by a band of Jonkunnu performers. Dance to the rhythm of Jamaican music influenced by African beats. Sample the spicy goodness of traditional Jamaican food. Christmas in this land of reggae and ska music will surely be fun and memorable.

Watch out for the Mento Music Competition and listen to some Jamaican folk music which greatly influenced today’s ska and reggae music. Other event highlights include the kiddie Jonkunnu Costume Competition where local children vie for the most creative costume and win trophies. Witness the fantastic masquerade as Jonkunnu performers perform their antics and scare little children with their scary costumes.

Said to have originated in the time of slavery when the slaves were given free time during the Christmas season, the Jonkunnu festival is widely celebrated in Jamaica and the Jonkunnu dance can now even be performed during state events.

Interested travelers wanting to experience a Jamaican Christmas can fly to Kingston, the capital of Jamaica, and book an accommodation at Altamont Court Hotel. This 58-room hotel is located in the heart of Kingston so watching the street parade won’t be a problem. For online reservations, visitors can log on to: www.altamontcourt.com.

Incorporating Gift Fair 2006, Stationery Fair 2006, and Toys & Dolls Fair 2006, the MICE 2006 will feature more than 100 local and international consumer product exporters and producers, each showcasing their latest and best products and services. This annual trade fair and expo aims to foster business opportunities among overseas traders as well as give them the chance to exchange ideas and offer their products and services to the general public.

Exhibitors and visitors alike can check out the wide array of products that will be on display. Products on display include gift items, toys, food products, shoes and apparel, sports and leisure goods, leather goods, household products, furniture and furnishings, office accessories, jewelry items, consumer electronic products, and many more.

Last year’s Malaysian International Consumer Products Expo attracted more than 10,000 visitors, both local and foreign, and drew a total of 81 exhibitors from all over the region. Manufacturers and other participating exhibitors are assured of a big turnout this year as the event is being held in the central business and commercial district of Kuala Lumpur.

Those who would like to participate or visit the trade fair and shop around should take advantage of this event. Not only will they be able to have the opportunity to do business with other traders but also enjoy the sights while in the city.

There are many hotels surrounding Kuala Lumpur where visitors and exhibitors of the expo can stay. For quality accommodations, they can check out Quality Hotel City Centre. This classy hotel in Kuala Lumpur is just five minutes away from the Putra World Trade Center, so participants of the trade fair will have no trouble going to and from the event.

For online reservations, go to: http://www.quality.com.my/KL/index.php.

There will be plenty of fun and laughter for the audience during the festival as buskers or street performers from around the world showcase their unique talents and wackiest performances on the streets of Kuala Lumpur. A Mardi Gras-like parade will kick-start the event on December 2. Dubbed Buskers’ Grand Parade, this carnival parade will happen at Dataran Merdeka and will feature marching bands, giant inflatable statues, fantastic costumes, life-size masquerades, and spectacular flower displays.

Audience participation is expected and admission is free. In the spirit of charity-giving, attendees will be encouraged to make a contribution by tossing a coin or two (in this case, notes are preferred for lighter carriage) into the buskers’ hats. Proceeds of the donations will be given to several charity homes that the organizers are supporting.

Night clubbers and bar hoppers can also watch these street performers as they add mischief and laughter to Kuala Lumpur’s night life on December 8 and 9 at the Buskers’ Late Night Madness, happening at the Asian Heritage Row and Jalan P. Ramlee.

Spearheaded by Tourism Malaysia in cooperation with Pempena Sdn Bhd and Interexpo Sdn Bhd, the Kuala Lumpur International Buskers’ Festival 2006 hopes to draw 500,000 participants to watch 20 international buskers from six countries outwit and outplay each other with their crazy antics.

Visitors and locals alike who plan to be in Kuala Lumpur this December can take part in this grand, festive event. Those looking for a place to stay while at KL can check out Casa Rachado MAA Resort. This affordable resort is ideal for travelers who want to spend their holidays in Malaysia and away from the city life. Attendees of the festival don’t need to worry about the location as this resort is located at Port Dickson, Malaysia – just over an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur. For room accommodations, visitors can check out their website at: http://www.casarachadoresort-portdickson.com.