05/12/2025

LYFE FRIDAY | DEC 5, 2025

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Ecotourism theme park to open in Selangor next year M AGIKA Studios, an ecotourism and edutainment theme park, is expected to become Selangor’s newest attraction when it is o Magika Studios to show beauty of mangrove forests emphasise the use of technology and entertainment as a medium for environmental education,” he said at the memorandum of understanding signing ceremony between LLSB and KRUESB at the Shah Alam Convention Centre recently. Also present was KRUESB president and CEO Datuk Norman Abdul Halim. He said among the main attractions offered will be animatronic and audio-visual presentations that bring local folklore characters and environmental conservation messages to life. economic and tourism activities in Selangor, positioning the Klang River as a symbol of sustainability and state pride,” he said.

VIETJET RESUMES CON DAO FLIGHTS Vietjet has restarted its domestic services to Con Dao. Malaysians can now conveniently reach the island via seamless connecting flights through Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, Vietjet’s major hubs. The airline currently operates daily flights from Kuala Lumpur to these two Vietnamese cities as well as Da Nang, the country’s renowned beach paradise. Tickets are now available for booking as Vietjet restores one daily round-trip service from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao. From Dec 15, frequencies on both routes will double to two round-trip flights per day to accommodate surging year-end travel demand. Con Dao is an island famed for its crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, lush biodiversity and storied heritage sites. To mark the resumption, Vietjet is offering promotional one-way fares from as low as 490,000 dong (RM77, excluding taxes and fees) on the Con Dao routes. STAR VOYAGER RETURNS TO PORT KLANG FOR ROUND-TRIP HOLIDAYS StarCruises has announced the return of its Port Klang round-trip cruises. The sailings, which run from Dec 19, 2025 to Feb 2, 2026, arrive just in time for the school holidays and festive travel season. A mid-sized liner that accommodates 2,000 guests, the Star Voyager brings together a rich variety of experiences that appeal to every type of traveller. Guests can enjoy diverse dining options, from international buffet selections and local delicacies. The return to Port Klang marks a convenience boost for Malaysian travellers, who can now embark on two new itineraries. Every Friday, the Star Voyager will depart on a three-night journey to Bintan (Indonesia) and Singapore, while every Monday offers a four-night escape to Phuket Island (Thailand) and Singapore. MAKING TRAVEL TO SINGAPORE MORE REWARDING Shopping and rewards platform ShopBack has partnered with the Singapore Tourism Board to make travel to Singapore more rewarding for Malaysian travellers. Through cashback, perks and giveaways on travel bookings made via ShopBack, Malaysians can now enjoy even greater value when visiting Singapore. From hotels and attractions to tours and experiences, participating online travel agents and merchants will offer upsized cashback and limited-time giveaways until end of March 2026, helping travellers get more out of every trip. Key partners will include travel and lifestyle platforms such as Klook, Traveloka, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Expedia and Booking.com offering upsized cashback of up to 12% on accommodation bookings and activities in Singapore. Travellers can look forward to earning 9.5% cashback on Klook when purchasing tickets to attractions such as the Singapore Zoo, or 9% cashback on Traveloka when visiting Gardens by the Bay. GENTING SKYWORLDS CELEBRATES ITS ONE MILLIONTH GUEST OF YEAR Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park recently welcomed its one millionth guest of 2025. The milestone visitors were four siblings from Pahang who came to enjoy a family day out at the park. Zawani Zamri (28), Zuriatina Zamri (23), Adib Zamri (20) and Adlee Zamree (15) received four Genting SkyWorlds Unlimited Passes along with a special family photography package. Visitors can take advantage of the ongoing last call promotion for the Unlimited Pass. New sign-ups can enjoy 30% off for a price of only RM211 until Dec 31. The Unlimited Pass provides 365 days of unlimited visits, with up to three complimentary Virtual Queue reservations per visit. This offer is valid only for guests who have not previously registered for any Genting SkyWorlds Unlimited Pass.

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“In addition, other attractions include guided tours along a 1km boardwalk to enjoy the beauty of mangrove forests and wildlife in their natural habitat, as well as river and water activities for tourists and the local community,” he said. Located just 30 minutes from Kuala Lumpur, Magika Studios is expected to become Selangor’s newest tourism product, drawing local and international visitors in line with the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. Meanwhile, Norman expressed his appreciation to the Selangor government and LLSB for the opportunity to bring to life the cinematic experience of the multi-award-winning film Magika in the form of an edutainment-themed attraction. “This collaboration enables us to combine our expertise in entertainment and digital technology with LLSB’s aspirations to nurture awareness of environmental conservation,” he said. – Bernama

Syaiful said the collaboration, among others, aims to highlight how sustainable development can be realised in tandem with the preservation of natural ecosystems, ultimately making the Klang River not only a rehabilitated waterway but also a new pulse for the state’s green economy and tourism. He said the project will feature immersive light displays and creative storytelling using local folklore characters, developed with the goal of increasing public awareness of conservation and the preservation of the Klang River ecosystem. “This project reflects our commitment to ESG principles, particularly in enhancing public awareness of environmental conservation through creative education and responsible tourism. “By combining elements of nature, innovation and storytelling, Magika Studios will not only increase public appreciation for river conservation but also stimulate

completed in the middle of next year. Landasan Lumayan Sdn Bhd (LLSB) managing director Syaiful Azmen Nordin said the development of the theme park at the 28.32-ha Mangrove Point in Port Klang – a joint venture between the master developer of the Selangor Maritime Gateway project and KRU Entertainment Sdn Bhd (KRUESB) – had already begun in October. He said the Magika Studios project is the second phase of collaboration with KRUESB, with a joint allocation of RM5 million. “Magika Studios will be a unique attraction that showcases the beauty of mangrove forests while promoting sustainability values through entertainment and education. “This project is part of the ESG (environmental, social and governance) development initiatives under SMG, which

M’sia among Asia’s cheapest year-end destinations AS travellers look forward to the year-end holiday season, digital travel platform Agoda has revealed the most affordable domestic and international flight routes across Asia, with Malaysia emerging as one of the top three cheapest destinations for year-end travel. For international travel, Malaysia and Indonesia offer the most budget-friendly fares. – 123RFPIC

For international travel, Malaysia and Indonesia offered the most budget-friendly fares, with flights from Johor Bahru to Phuket and Pontianak to Kuching priced from RM103. These routes provide great escapes to sunny islands and lush nature during the holiday season. Thailand follows in second place with flights from Krabi to Kuala Lumpur booked from RM115. Completing the list are South Korea (RM132), Japan (RM161), Taiwan (RM46), Vietnam (RM190) and India (RM301).

route. Ideal for those seeking a cultural and nature-filled escape, this route offers a unique gateway to Sarawak’s highlands, scenic rice fields and traditional longhouse communities. Tied with Malaysia as the second most affordable market for domestic flight is South Korea, where fares from Jeju to Seoul give budget-friendly access to the island’s beaches and the bustling capital city. Leading the chart is Thailand, with the Udon Thani–Bangkok route starting from only RM25.

Agoda’s data, based on bookings made from Sept 1 to Nov 19, 2025 for departures between Dec 20–31, showed Malaysia as one of the most affordable domestic flight markets, with fares starting from just RM37 for the Bario to Miri