Wednesday, 1 August 2012

PACKAGE: Tin Valley Wonders


SUGGESTED ITINERARY
Day 1
MORNING - Depart to Ipoh from Singapore
AFTERNOON - Arrival to Ipoh 
EVENING - HOT SPRING DIP + Dinner at Natural Limestone Cave

Day 2
MORNING / AFTERNOON - Breakfast @ Hotel + GOPENG OUTBACK + Lunch  
EVENING - Dinner @ Lau Wong Tauge Ayam Kuetiau (Note:Non-Halal Restaurant)

Day 3
MORNING - Breakfast @ Hotel 
AFTERNOON - Lunch @ Sin Yoon Loong Cafe (Note: Non-Halal Restaurant)
LATE AFTERNOON - Departure to Singapore

3) PACKAGE WRITE-UP
DAY 1: HOT SPRING DIP
Ipoh City known also as Hill City is covered by vast limestone hills which in this case offer 100% natural mineral hot spring. After a long day travelling; rest, relax and rejuvenate...The concentrated mineral in the hot spring will definitely hit the spot!


Its features are as follows:
·      The water in the hot springs and the thermal water in the pool are not recycled water. This is natural water from the Kopisan River which flows freely through the pools here.
·     Three million litres of thermal water percolate from the ground in Tambun and into the hot springs and spa daily and the hot water is maintained at 40 degree Celsius.
·     The thermal water contained minerals such as calcium carbonate, sodium, magnesium sulphate and iron, which are good for foot and skin problems as well as arthritis.
·        The facilities here include a new Infinity Pool, a Steam Cave, the Top of the World Jacuzzi Pool, the Geyser of Tambun, the Foot Spa and the Crystal Spa.

End the night with a private dinner in a natural limestone cave....what more is there to say?

DAY 2: GOPENG OUTBACK
Deep within the jungle at Gopeng, one of the most majestic white marble and limestone towers is called the Gua Tempurung. Concealed within the limestone is a massive system of caves of various dimensions honey combed inside the limestone hills.

This cave is metaphorically a breathtaking gallery of stalagmites and stalactites and other amazing rock formations which are superb speleological wonders found only in this part of the world. When exploring the cave one would have to crawl to fit through the labyrinth of stalagmites and stalactites. Bats can be heard squealing in the high caverns throughout the cave lending a very surreal atmosphere to the entire experience. It's all pitch black once you're in the cave and having flashlight is a must. A stalagmite aged over 2 million years old stands majestically right in the center of the cave that will have you at awe on the wonder of nature. At the exit of the cave, you will see the sunlight filters down through the lush jungle greenery with monkeys and birds frolicking all about.

On the river, you'll have the thrills of tackling exciting rapids and floating down the clear water river amidst lush greenery. Situated nearby the former tin mine town of Gopeng, this location has been seeing city slickers visiting almost every weekend as it has been revived as an outdoor recreational destination.

The conditions here are pristine, as you paddle pass lush rainforests, chirping birds and cool clear waters. On the way to starting point, you will be driven through old village roads, passing by “kampong” houses and fruit orchards

What to Bring
Change of clothes
Towel
Insect Repellent
Sun Block Lotion
Torch Light
Waterproof bag

What to Wear
Shorts & T-Shirt
Swimwear
Sandals with Strap
Goggles if you’re planning to wear contact lenses

IMPIANA HOTEL IPOH
A hotel with a 4-star rating, Impiana Hotel Ipoh is a premier hotel centrally located in Ipoh. Its strategic location allows easy access to the city centre both for business and leisure travellers. The hotel offers 200 spacious guestrooms with breathtaking views of rugged limestone hills. All rooms are equipped with modern facilities. Here, you will find efficient services and Ipoh's hospitality at its warmest.

The leading hotel in Ipoh, Impiana Hotel Ipoh is the preferred hotel among local and foreign visitors, be it for accommodation, dining, entertainment or relaxation. The hotel's Garden Terrace has acquired a "Halal" certificate for its kitchen, making it the place frequently patronized by everyone. Impiana Hotel Ipoh is a relaxing haven in the city. It provides impeccable service to make you feel right at home. 

Room Facilities
·         Air Conditioned
·         Satellite/Cable TV
·         Direct Dial Telephone
·         Private Bathroom
·         Mini Bar
·         Safe Deposit Box
·         Hairdryer Available
·         Iron & Ironing Board
·         Non-Smoking Rooms
·         24-Hour Room Service
·         High Speed Internet Access
·         Coffee/Tea Making Facilities
·         Daily local newspaper
·         Daily 2 bottles drinking water

Hotel Facilities
·         Parking
·         Elevator
·         Doctor on Call
·         Porter/Bellhop
·         Wake Up Service
·         24-Hour Security
·         24-Hour Front Desk
·         Laundry/Valet Service
·         Luggage Storage Area
·         Wheelchair Accessible
·         Shuttle Service Available
·         Currency Exchange Counter

 Website:

RATES
          Rates quoted are based on number persons (minimum 4 persons). Kindly contact us for the rates.
·         Rates quoted are based on PRIVATE basis
·         Rates quoted will be in Ringgit Malaysia (MYR) 
·          Rates will include
      Roundtrip airport/hotel transfer via VAN
      Rates quoted are in Ringgit Malaysia (MYR) and based on number of
·        Rates include
-          3-Days usage of coach/van with driver
-          2 nights’ Deluxe Room (twin-sharing) accommodation with breakfast at Impiana Hotel Ipoh
-          Meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunch, 2 dinners
-          Entrance fee to Lost World Hot Spring by Night
-          Caving @ Gua Tempurung + White Water Rafting
-         Soft Drinks (Coke, Sprite or equivalent) served in coach/van during pick-up and drop-off 
-          Welcome Gift upon arrival
-          UNO Quest staffs on site for ground handling
·         Rates do NOT include
-          Air tickets to Ipoh and vice-versa
-          Beverages during meals (unless specified)
-          Travel insurance

PRE-PAYMENT
·         50% deposit from the total amount  45 days prior to event date
·         30% payment from the total amount 7 days prior to event date

PAYMENT
·         Full payment to be settled within 7 days after the event
·         Payment may be made payable to UNO Quest Solutions via Cash or Cheque to the following account:
Name of Bank: Hong Leong Bank
Bank Account: 05401009148

CANCELLATION
·         50% cancellation charges will apply for bookings cancelled 15 days prior to event
·         100% cancellation charges will apply for bookings cancelled 3 days prior to event

DISCLAIMER
·         UNO Quest shall NOT in any way be liable to you and/or your group members for any death, injury, damage and/or loss howsoever arising whether by omissions and/or acts, negligent acts arising on the client’s part

Thursday, 12 July 2012

LOOKOUT: Unique Spots

Hi Guys


I'm looking out for venues/attractions that lay hidden around Malaysia. It can be a good makan spot or a refurbished historic structure or a unique homestay/inn


Think you got the picture.


Thanks!!







Wednesday, 11 July 2012

PACKAGE: Weekend with Mom Nature


SUGGESTED ITINERARY
Day 1
MORNING / AFTERNOON - Arrivals to Langkawi 
EVENING - Jungle Trekking / Evening Walk + Dinner at Local Seafood Restaurant

Day 2
MORNING / AFTERNOON - Breakfast @ Hotel + Mangrove Kayak Trip + Lunch
EVENING - Sunset Cruise + BBQ Dinner

Day 3
MORNING / AFTERNOON / EVENING - Breakfast @ Hotel + Free at Leisure + Departure to Singapore

PACKAGE WRITE-UP
DAY 1: GREEN CHEMISTRY DAY
JUNGLE TREKKING / EVENING WALK
This trip is a moderate trek of 3 hours into the tropical rainforest that gives the perfect opportunity to explore part of the nature of Langkawi. Experienced nature guide will show you a few of Langkawi’s 400 tree species with a height up to 70 meters, birds, butterflies and monkeys.

The first two hours will have the group in the jungle and the last part of the trip, the group will experience the shift change from day to nocturnal animals with a great chance to spot flying lemurs (100% chance) and flying squirrels (red giant and/or pygmy – 80% chance).

Notes:
·         Duration trip: 3-3.5 hours excluding transportation time
·         
     We recommend to wear closed shoes with some profile (sneakers or hiking boots), long pants and T-shirt and to bring a small backpack to carry mineral water and camera
·         
      Included: transfer from and back to hotel, mineral water (2 small bottles each), experienced guide, insurance
·     
      Trip will be done in the beautiful and extensive jungle behind the Berjaya Resort (no leeches!) in the Mat Chinchang area

DAY 2: BLUE BANG DAY
MANGROVE KAYAK TRIP
Enjoy the mangroves of Langkawi with a taste of adventure and some exercise during this 5 hour kayak trip . Have a good close up to the ecology of the mangroves while gliding with kayaks through a smaller area in the mangrove jungle away from the larger rivers.

During the 5 hour kayaking tour (that includes timing for lunch!) one might be lucky to see monkeys, snakes, eagles (we don’t feed them), otters, other special birds or monitor lizards.

Menu for lunch:
·         Tom Yam Soup
·         Fried Rice Prawn
·         Fresh Fruits
·         1 Soft Drink or 1 Mineral Water

Notes:
·         Kayaks are 2-seaters, very stable and life jackets are compulsory
·         
      Duration trip: 6-7 hours including transportation time
·        
          We recommend to wear swimwear under short pants and T-shirt, sandals or flip-flops, a hat or a cap and to  bring a towel and enough sun protection
·        
            A waterproof bag will be provided during the trip so the guest can bring a (small) camera along
·      
           Included: transfer from and back to hotel, mineral water (2 small bottles each), set lunch at floating restaurant, insurance, experienced guide, well-equipped kayaks, fish tour, visit bat cave, visit eagle area
·         
      Trip is focused on nature and not on speed or distance

SUNSET CRUISE
Glorious sunset with cocktails and scrumptious BBQ Dinner! Along with it is one of a kind “Salt Water Jacuzzi”. A perfect way to end your trip in Langkawi and it’s right here to experience total serenity at the Andaman Sea.

What to expect
·         Magnificent Sunset
·         Salt Water Jacuzzi
·         19-course BBQ Dinner
·         Open bar serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink
·         If lucky, dolphins might swim along the yacht










ASTON FAVE HOTEL
Aston Fave Hotel is a brand new 3-star hotel located at Cenang Beach. It is said to be the first of its kind in Langkawi to offer the perfect blend of style, functionality and value. Just a short stroll away from the beach or guests can indulge in the hotel’s eclectic coffee shop, relax at the hotel’s bar or lounge or get a tan at the hotel’s rooftop sundeck. Fave Hotel also offers free WiFi throughout the property as well as Spa facilities.

The eco-friendly Deluxe Room is equipped with LCD TVs, remote controlled Air-Conditioner, security deposit boxes, standing shower bathrooms and security key card locking system. 

Situated at Cenang Beach which is the liveliest and happening spot in Langkawi, guest can expect a myriad of attractions such as beachfront restaurants, bars, nightclubs and trendy boutiques.

Website:

Note: Word of caution that the operators providing motorised water-sport activities may NOT be licensed and covered by insurance. Hence should the group still would want to proceed with these activities, it is at own risk and UNO Quest will not be responsible with any losses, damages or death.







RATES
·        Rates quoted are based on number persons (minimum 4 persons). Kindly contact us for the rates.
·         Rates quoted are based on PRIVATE basis
·         Rates quoted will be in Ringgit Malaysia (MYR) 
·          Rates will include
-          Roundtrip airport/hotel transfer via VAN
-          2 nights’ Deluxe Room (twin-sharing) accommodation with breakfast at Aston Fave Hotel
-          Meals: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinner
-          Jungle Trekking / Evening Walk with transfer
-          Mangrove Kayak Trip with Mangrove Tree Planting with transfer
-          Sunset Cruise with transfer
-          Soft Drinks (Coke, Sprite or equivalent) served in coach/van during pick-up and drop-off
-          Welcome Gift upon arrival
-          UNO Quest staffs on site for ground handling
·         Rates do NOT include
-          Air tickets or any transfer mode to Langkawi and vice-versa
-          Beverages during meals (unless specified)
-          Travel insurance

PRE-PAYMENT
·         50% deposit from the total amount  45 days prior to event date
·         30% payment from the total amount 7 days prior to event date

PAYMENT
·         Full payment to be settled within 7 days after the event
·         Payment may be made payable to UNO Quest Solutions via Cash or Cheque to the following account:
Name of Bank: Hong Leong Bank
Bank Account: 05401009148

CANCELLATION
·         50% cancellation charges will apply for bookings cancelled 15 days prior to event
·         100% cancellation charges will apply for bookings cancelled 3 days prior to event

DISCLAIMER
·      UNO Quest shall NOT in any way be liable to you and/or your group members for any death, injury, damage and/or loss howsoever arising whether by omissions and/or acts, negligent acts arising on the client’s part

Monday, 28 May 2012

CHILDREN: LITTLE GREEN DETECTIVE CAMP


The Little Green Detectives Camp is only 10 days away!



Date: 6-8 June 2012
Time:9am-5pm
Venue:Tropical Spice Garden
Fees: RM150


Its a hands on nature camp for children to have really  explore their
curiosity and have fun! Activities include T shirt printing, making a worm
farm , making butterfly nets, flower teas,planting seeds, going on a nature
hunt and also making sandcastles on the beach! Lunch and 2 refreshments are
provided.

Transportation is provided with pick up points in Sunshine Bayan Baru and
in Tanjung Bungah. Transportation costs is an additional RM 40 with a bus
chaperon.
Children will also have children-friendly facilitators to guide them during
the camp.

Wednesday, 18 April 2012

PACKAGE: R.I.T

Russell's In Town (RIT)


Hi Guys....I know you're suppose to be looking at a package here....but before we could make the magic work, we just got news that the tickets to Russell's Notorious World Tour at Stadium Malawati have been sold out....!!!


Anyway we have sent our scouts to hunt down some tickets and I'm sure we will get some. Should you need these tickets and further arrangements, send me a quick mail so I'll secure these tickets and avoid any disappointment....


Talk to you soon





Tuesday, 3 April 2012

ABOUT: UNO Programs

First and foremost, here's a shout-out saying thanks to a load-full of you guys who have been enquiring about our programs. It is fantastic to know that our programs still make an impact and on behalf of my team, we appreciate your support  


Since we decided to officially announced this April that UNO Quest will gather all our existing programs along with 2012 brand new programs and come up with a standardized rates, our inbox were over-flooded with mails asking about details on our programs.


Since we now have our blog up and running and it is accessible to anyone and everyone, so we thought what better idea to share some details about what's on the table


COOK OFF - Treasure Hunt with a Cook-out...Starts with a hunt for spices in a 4.5 hectare naturally grown tropical spice garden using clues and orienteering instructions. This program ends with cooking outdoor right in the garden itself surrounded with spices in its natural state at one side and different types of bamboo at the other. This program also includes a guided tour that gives insights about the importance and influence spices brought into Penang's  history, tradition, culture and of course FOOD


SUNNY SANDY - This is a sand castle building activity. We will go creative here, using "out of the ordinary" tools to mould the sand to come up with a piece of art...Now I can be very sure that this is way better than one dipping his face in the flour or throwing water balloons


KENDURI MAKAN - This is an adaptation from a common practice among Malaysian, the Kenduri which means Feast. During a Kenduri, family members and friends will gather and prepare the food together. Participants in this program will do the same and yes!....there will be a trip to a wet market and fishing with the local fishermen. This program can be converted into a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program


STREET RAMPAGE - Amazing Race + UNESCO Heritage Site.... This includes mingling with  the locals, encountering Penang's endangered trades and indulging into locals' practices. This program was actually designed for CSR (support Penang's endangered trades)


HUNT RAMPAGE - A series of obstacles that one has to get through but before that is possible, you gotta hunt for it. This program is for those looking for a true teambuilding experience


TGIH - We will hike in Penang's own National Park. After that a well-deserved BBQ serving not only meat but also some catch of the day....BBQ will be prepared by a local fisherman folks so food will be just simply "to die for"


The programs above was actually inspired and designed specifically to meet clients' request and demands. All of them has brought huge success to our clients and some programs not only highlight teambuilding elements but also give lessons on Penang's rich traditions, heritage and culture.


So keep sending us your enquiries guys. Should you need something tailor-made, let us know and we will work with you to design something ideal for you. We can work-out other destinations as well like Langkawi, KL, Port Dickson, Malacca and the list goes on....  

Thursday, 29 March 2012

FACTS: Old is Gold

When you visit Penang, a common feature you will notice is the pre-war shophouses spread throughout the Island. In Georgetown itself you will find approximately 7,500 of these shop houses.Shop houses combines the functions of a house and a shop.The lower ground is used as a shop and the upper floor is where the family will stay. In some cases the entire house is used as a shop or a home.The standard features of these pre-war shophouses is the high ceiling, large wooden front door and wood-panel windows making it perfect for the hot/ humid climate.("Feng Shui" plays an important part as well). The most interesting fact is that each feature allows natural ventilation and lighting. As you walk along Georgetown, take time to observe these shop houses; the colourful tiles, fine carvings and beautiful plaster work which may come in handy as an example to decorate your own home. Just for your information,the prices of these prewar shophouses have gone up rocket high ever since Penang was gazetted as a UNESCO World Heritage site.. nothing less that RM1million for a shop house! Be sure to check our next blog to view pictures of these shophouses.

Wednesday, 28 March 2012

VIEW: Penang Island Forgotten By the World...

It is sad to know that most people do not realize that Penang Island is more than just famous food,beaches,malls and the stale information obtained from guidebooks.Some places in the Island are so concealed and located at the most odd areas that it seems as if it never wants to be found. The culture and the history of Penang Island has been long forgotten until recently Georgetown was awarded the UNESCO World Heritage status.The Island today is in the beginning of a new chapter.. a story of tradition versus modern culture..Stay tune to UNO Quest blog as we update you as frequently as we can on the information that only a Penangnite would know best.

VIEW: Benz OR Kenari

Since I started UNO Quest, there is this question that left unanswered.


As I started moving around Penang for my sales calls/meetings using my trustee motorbike then converted to a Kenari, I always wondered what would my clients' impression be if he/she saw me driving a Kenari. Will I have a better chance closing the deal if I'm using a shiny Benz?


There are those times when I happened to see one of my suppliers drive a better car than me, first thing that comes into my mind is..."Is he charging me a high price since he can afford a Benz?"....second thing that comes is..."Maybe his business is doing great hence GOOD BIZ = BENZ...?


7 years has passed now since UNO Quest was established, we're still going strong, our business continues to come mostly through recommendations and our programs are very well accepted.


Having said that, I still drive my Kenari and I can convert it to a "part-time" truck to carry my equipment for my programs. Maybe it is the fact that I always believe that "if it ain't broken, don't fix it" PLUS petrol consumption and road tax is low and the best of all....It never failed me.....


So maybe I got the answer figured out after all. Penang is small and I'm sure my clients have seen me with my green Kenari zooming on the streets...


So to my Suzuki and Kenari....UNA VIDA LARGA Y PROSPERA!!! 

Tuesday, 27 March 2012

VIEW: Quality VS Price

At this current days, QUALITY holds a secondary role when compared to PRICE?


Being in the Malaysian travel industry for more than 10 years now, I've witnessed the change of trend where quality in services has plunged from being one of the primary reasons to a secondary consideration.   

As co-founder of UNO Quest, thus attending a chain of business deals, I have come across many times the clash between QUALITY and PRICE and it has increased (and still going strong) these past few years. Strong chances, PRICE will be the victor in this clash of the titans.

Most of the time now, I have requests to work-out "mini" programs in order to save costs. Some would even say to cut down all the team-building elements and just come up with something fun but short and..."Oh yeah, please be cheap ah....". As UNO Quest is best known for providing experiential team-building programs with hands-on activities, it was a great challenge to comply with these requests. Failing to comply will result in business loss and clients opting for a cheap tele-match by the beachfront chasing eggs and dipping into flour to look for hidden sweets. 

Since most of the professional team-builders have problems providing quality programs with such a low cost,  many self-claimed team-builders begun popping up and creating ridiculously cheap programs with no learning/educational points embedded in their programs. Some would even end the program without a de-brief and saying...."Hope you had fun and Bye-Bye..."

It is a shame that not many people understand the real reasons why companies invest in team-building. Due to lack of understanding and fueled by cost factor, most people had instill in their mind that team-building is a chance for them to step out of the office, let their hair loose and have some FUN plus free food. Thus comes the other challenge in making clients understand the importance of team-building and the positive impact it will bring. 

Wednesday, 21 March 2012

PACKAGE: The Oscars @ MPO

On 31 March 2012 at 8.30pm, the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra will feature musics from motion movies such as "An American in Paris", "High Noon", "Monster Inc" and do expect the "Jaws"...!!


Music Conducted by Mark Fitz-Gerald




Cost per person starts from RM 699…!!!

Package Includes
Ø  1 roundtrip airport transfer to hotel and vice-versa 
Ø  1 roundtrip transfer from hotel to event venue
Ø  2 nights’ accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Kuala Lumpur with daily breakfast
Ø  One festival ticket

Package Excludes
Ø  International / domestic air-tickets
Ø  Airport Transfers / Transportation
Ø  Meals and any beverages
Ø  Other incidental charges

Payment
Ø  Bookings are confirmed upon receipt of full payment for the package
Ø  Bookings are allocated on a ‘first come first served' basis and subjected to availability.

Cancellation Policy
Ø  To be advised at the time of booking

Terms & Conditions
Ø  Check-in time for ALL Hotels is 15:00hrs and check-out time is 12:00hrs. Any charges incurred for early check-in or late check-out will be borne by the participants.
Ø  Currently there is no Value Added Tax or GST in Malaysia at the time of the preparation of this proposal. Rates will be reviewed to incorporate the impact of GST when it is implemented. Details of GST are to be advised by the Malaysian Government.


For any extension of stay or custom-made packages, kindly email requests toraymond@unoquest.com.my. Please visit our website www.unoquest.com.my for further details about the services we offer.