15/08/2025

LYFE FRIDAY | AUG 15, 2025

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Malaysian Paper

KL, JB among top revisited cities T WO Malaysian cities – Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru – have earned spots in Agoda’s latest Repeat Visitor Ranking, which highlights Asian city destinations that travellers just cannot resist returning to. o Travel data shows tourists keep coming back for more Agoda’s latest Repeat Visitor Ranking.

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The ranking, based on booking data from the first half of the year, reveals the top 10 destinations with the highest number of repeat visitors. Kuala Lumpur, known for its mix of cosmopolitan buzz and cultural heritage, continues to draw returning travellers with its irresistible culinary scene, world-class shopping and modern iconic landmarks. Johor Bahru, just across the border from Singapore, has steadily grown in appeal as a leisure destination, thanks to its family-friendly attractions, expanding lifestyle offerings and easy access. Agoda’s data revealed these Malaysian cities share the spotlight with other perennial favourites across Asia. Topping the overall list are Bangkok, Tokyo, Seoul, Bali and Osaka, followed by Taipei (Taiwan), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Da Nang (Vietnam), Johor Bahru (Malaysia) and Hong Kong rounding out the

top 10, each offering distinct experiences that keep travellers coming back for more. “Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru standing alongside regional favourites reflect the strength and consistency of their draw for travellers. This highlights not only their appeal as city breaks but also the increasing interest in rediscovering familiar places that continue to evolve and surprise,” said Agoda country director Malaysia and Brunei, Fabian Teja. These destinations prove that sometimes, a single trip just is not enough. Travellers often find themselves drawn back to their favourite destinations, whether it is to explore more of what they missed the first time, revisit beloved spots or simply soak in the familiar atmosphere. Travel data shows that many travellers even return to the same destination multiple times within the first six months of the year, proving the magnetic pull of these unforgettable places.

Gua Tagang pumps up adrenaline with zipline, via Ferrata activities Extreme activity lovers scaling the vertical limestone wall at Gua Tagang, Merapoh.

GUA TAGANG in Merapoh now offers an exciting new extreme experience through via ferrata and zipline activities that challenge visitors both physically and mentally, further boosting nature-based tourism attractions in the Lipis district in Pahang. Launched earlier this year, both activities provide a unique experience for extreme sports enthusiasts. The via ferrata features a 130-metre vertical climbing route on a limestone wall, while the 200-metre zipline is said to be among the longest in Peninsular Malaysia. Via ferrata, which means “iron path” in Italian, is a climbing route made up of iron ladders and safety cables anchored into the rock surface, allowing climbers to scale the wall with the aid of a more secure support system. Mohd Syukri Jali, 50, a licensed tour operator and SGI Outdoor Merapoh Travel & Tour Sdn Bhd managing director, said the via ferrata at Gua Tagang was developed in compliance with international extreme sports safety standards and is equipped with a guided climbing system and professional equipment. “To reach the starting point of the via ferrata (at Gua Tagang), climbers must first navigate a steep and slippery 100-metre jungle trail before beginning the ascent,”he said during the recent Geopark Odyssey: Heritage & Archaeo Tourism programme in Pahang, organised by Tourism Malaysia Eastern Region. Mohd Syukri, who has 30 years of experience in extreme sports, explained that the route consists of three main zones, namely vertical climb, horizontal traverse and a hanging section, that test climbers’ balancing skills as well as their physical and mental endurance. According to him, a rescue system, including lowering, is in place for participants who cannot continue the climb. “We assess participants’ fitness levels

Gua Tagang offers steep and slippery tracks, climbing paths that can only be traversed with a rope. – PICS FROM BERNAMA beforehand as the maximum route height is 50 metres above ground level. Safety is our top priority,” he said. For the zipline activity, he said it offers the thrill of gliding along a steel cable from a special platform at the top of the cave, with participants secured by a safety rope system or harness. “The 200-metre zipline at Gua Tagang is among the longest in Peninsular Malaysia. It takes eight to 10 seconds to glide, depending on body weight. The maximum weight limit is 90kg,” he said. Both activities are only offered to groups, each with at least 10 participants, with a package price of RM780 per group. A combination package for via ferrata and zipline is available at RM156 per person. – Bernama

New self-service bag drop facility allows faster check-in at Kota Kinabalu airport Kuala Lumpur continues to draw returning travellers with its culinary scene, world-class shopping and modern iconic landmarks. – 123RFPIC

KOTA KINABALU International Airport (KKIA) has taken a step forward in enhancing passenger experience and operational efficiency with the deployment of Self-Service Baggage Drop (SSBD) units. Now operational at Check-in Island B, counters B9 to B12, the SSBD service is available for Malaysia Airlines and Firefly passengers. This technology rollout is part of Malaysia Airports’ initiative to drive digital transformation across its airport network. The SSBD system is designed to optimise passenger flow, reduce queuing time and offer travellers a more

autonomous, efficient check-in process. On average, a bag can be processed in under 30 seconds, with minimal to no queuing, even during peak hours, significantly improving overall check-in speed. The new system enhances both user experience and operational resilience. Its implementation followed a comprehensive phase of system testing and frontliner training to ensure a smooth transition and consistent service quality. Apart from KKIA, SSBD is also available at KL International Airport, Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport and Penang International Airport.

The SSBD service is available for Malaysia Airlines and Firefly passengers.

Smart passenger-centric technologies will empower travellers with greater convenience.