01/08/2025

FRIDAY | AUG 1, 2025

23

LYFE

MALAYSIANS are renowned for their love of travel and their knack for sniffing out the best deals, but many overlook a crucial aspect of travel budgeting: the fees associated with accessing cash overseas. While a flight or hotel deal might seem like a steal, hidden automated teller machine (ATM) charges can quickly erode those savings. “Malaysians have a knack for uncovering fantastic travel deals, yet the joy of these savings can be overshadowed by unexpected fees at their destination. Our latest data reveals significant disparities in ATM fees across countries, which can affect how far your ringgit can truly go. Travel should be about creating cherished memories, not fretting over hidden costs. By understanding these fees, Malaysians can ensure their ringgit goes further, allowing them to focus on enjoying their journey,” said Wise senior product manager Yee Won Nyon. Tips to help travellers stretch their holiday budget further Always pay in local currency When an ATM or card machine offers to process your transaction in your home currency, always decline and choose the local currency instead. Choose to pay in the local currency to avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion fees. Know your card fees Although most providers allow withdrawals overseas, these are usually very expensive. Check what fees your card provider charges for F OR four decades, Berjaya Tioman Resort has stood gracefully against the tides of the South China Sea, and its 40th anniversary is more than a mere milestone – it is a celebration of sustainable business and a statement of bold vision for the future. The resort’s enduring legacy of hospitality is also bolstered by its strategic reinvention. Its rejuvenated facilities, personalised guest experiences, and sharpened focus on eco-tourism and sustainability reflect how the resort is adapting to evolving traveller values by upgrading guest experiences while preserving its cultural and island heritage. Established in 1985 as the first hotel under the Berjaya Group, the resort has witnessed decades of transformation on Tioman Island, staying true to its commitment to environmental conservation through various initiatives. “Among our sustainability practices are waste reduction efforts such as eliminating single-use plastics in rooms, promoting linen reuse, and supporting reef-safe tourism activities. “The resort also organises underwater clean-ups and coral planting programmes, engaging staff and guests in its conservation drive,” said representatives from the group to reporters during a media familiarisation trip organised by Berjaya Land Bhd. A unique ecological partnership has also blossomed between the resort and a grassroots turtle conservation site nearby, operated independently by a local villager. “While not officially sponsored, the resort offers ongoing material support and encourages guests to witness turtle hatchling releases, fostering awareness of Tioman’s delicate marine life,” they said. As the largest resort on the island, Berjaya Tioman Resort also shares its facilities with the local community, providing free access to its swimming pool for school training sessions and open use of its football field. “These long-term gestures, coupled with a staff base made up largely of second generation locals, reflect a sustainability model grounded in environmental care and community integration,” they added. The resort’s commitment to sustainability and preservation is reflected by its staff’s dedication to conserving the local flora. For staff member Tonny Johan, who oversees the resort’s gardens, working amid

Island legacy o Berjaya Tioman Resort stands against tides for four decades Berjaya Tioman Resort’s 40th anniversary in Tioman Island is a celebration of sustainable business and a statement of bold vision for the future. – PICS FROM BERJAYA TIOMAN RESORT

practise basic green measures, such as using organic trimmings for composting. Although the composting process is managed at the resort level, Tonny’s role at the ground level ensures the supply of raw materials and day-to-day upkeep of the resort’s natural surroundings. “What I like most about this job is that it gives me meaningful work. I am doing what I love, caring for the environment. It also allows me to spend quality time with my family. “I have always loved work like this because it makes me feel connected to nature,” he said with a quiet smile. Tonny’s dedication reflects how sustainability in Tioman is not always policy led, sometimes, it is simply lived. – Bernama

Tioman’s lush greenery is more than just a job – it is a calling, deeply rooted in his heritage and a genuine love for the environment. While not trained in formal conservation, Tonny’s instinct to protect native plants contributes to the island’s sustainability efforts, a value aligned with Tioman’s broader eco-conscious direction. Originally from Endau, Johor, Tonny, who is from the Orang Asli community, joined the resort over a year ago as one of the staff responsible for landscaping and groundskeeping. Much of his work involves caring for the local flora. “There are a lot of trees that are native to this area, so we try to preserve them,” he said. Tonny and his landscaping team also

Aerial view of Berjaya Tioman Resort.

Your dream holiday could cost more: Hidden costs of withdrawing money abroad

ATM fees in popular Malaysians’ travel destinations

Snorkelling at Tioman Island.

Ranking

Destination

Average ATM withdrawal fee

Kayaking at Tioman Island.

Vietnam Indonesia

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

27.10% 10.91% 5.80% 5.08% 2.50% 1.28% 1.20% 0.87% 0.20% 0.05%

South Korea

Turkiye Thailand Singapore Australia

Beware of hidden cost of withdrawing cash from ATMs abroad.

Japan

UK

overseas withdrawals. Use a multi-currency card

China

10

Some providers may offer free ATM withdrawals abroad up to a certain threshold. The Wise card allows free withdrawals twice a month for amounts under RM1,000. Stick to ATMs located directly at banks during their opening hours. These are generally more secure and less likely to charge additional fees than standalone ATMs in tourist areas. Withdraw strategically 0 Use bank-owned ATMs

0 Make fewer but larger withdrawals If your card has a flat fee per withdrawal, taking out a larger sum less frequently can save money compared with many small withdrawals. 0 Check daily limits Be aware of both your bank’s daily withdrawal limit and any limits imposed by the foreign ATM.