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.

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!!! 

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. 

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.

PACKAGE: Down South 1511

Malacca Fiestas – Living Traditions

Malacca celebrates some of the grandest living traditions in Malaysia. Here are some of the "must see" traditions that definitely worth the time to experience...

GOOD FRIDAY - It is a religious day for Catholics to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ during the Holy Week. At St.Peter's Church, built during the 18th century, Catholics and non-Catholics from all over the world stream into St.Peter's from as early as 6am. 

The Chapel of Senhor Morto which has a mosaic background depicting the crucified Lord contains a casket-like structure made out of wood and glass and lies there is a life-size statue of the dead Christ. In the late evening of Good Friday, a massive procession is held with Christ being carried on a wooden bier.

San Juan Feast - Known also as Feast of St.John the Baptist, it is celebrated by the Portuguese community on 23 June every year. Mini flames that look like "Little White Lights" are seen on the verandas, fences and balconies at the Portuguese Settlement.   

After service at the Portuguese settlement, a small bonfire is set at the settlement and some members of the community will light up their wicker torches and walk to all the homes within the settlement lighting up white candles. This feast is celebrated to commemorate St.John the Baptist leading the way to evangelisation prior to Christ’s coming during the pagan times. Back during 1950s and 60s, the Portuguese community wore green to represent the community’s rejuvenation, purity and innocence.

San Pedro Feast – Celebrated by the Portuguese community usually between 23 to 29 June every year, this traditional festival is celebrated for more than four centuries in honour of St.Peter, the patron saint of fisherman. During this celebration, expect to watch some entertaining folk dances and local band performances. If lucky, one could also enjoy a mock-up Portuguese wedding and be apart in a disappearing activity called the “Langgai” pushing competition. Also in line for the celebration will be food stalls showcasing authentic Eurasian cuisines.    

Also an event known as “Gensay Barco” which traditionally held in Lisbon will take place here in Malacca blessing the fishing boats.

Datuk Chachar Festival – A week long festival held during late April or early May annually, it is a festival where devotees fulfilled their vows after their wishes are granted. It is held at the Sri Muthu Mariamman Temple which is famous among locals to seek treatment for Chicken Pox, Herpes and Shingles. Prior to festival, devotees must go through a cleansing ritual consisting of fasting, abstaining from meat, performing prayers and chanting. This festival shares similarity with Thaipusam however the Datuk Chachar Festival is only celebrated in Malacca.

Intrudu – It is celebrated by Portuguese all over the world to mark the last day of enjoyment before the start of Lent season. Intrudu is held on the Sunday preceding Ash Wednesday which starts a 40-day period of prayer, fasting and penance. It is a water splashing fun-filled day in the Portuguese Settlement to symbolize purification before the start of Lent. Also the act of splashing water on one another reminds the Portuguese community the importance of water and was the livelihood of their forefathers. A practise one should take note is that should anyone splash water to an elderly, he/she must offer a glass of wine to show respect.

Anyone and everyone can join in and the celebration starts from 9am to 12 noon...Be prepared for WAR...!!!

In the evening, a football match will take place between the community’s married men and bachelors with a twist. Here players will be in women’s clothes with matching handbags, heels and even G-strings!!...

Cost per person starts from  RM 619…!!!

Package Includes

Ø  2 nights’ accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Malacca with daily breakfast

Ø  Daily Transfers from hotel to event venue

Ø  One half day city food trail tour with lunch at local restuarant

Package Excludes

Ø  International / domestic air-tickets

Ø  Meals and any beverages unless stated

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.

PACKAGE: Birthday Bash with a 3D Adventure

A private birthday party with a twist.....


Slides and Ladders is a giant children's 3D adventure game which is adapted from the classic Snakes and Ladders...Come check it out...!!!

Cost per person starts from RM 140…!!!

Package Includes

Ø  Buffet Lunch with Clay Oven BBQ station

Ø  Private Usage of Slides & Ladders

Ø  DJ and Standard Sound System

Ø  Free flow of one type of fruit juice

Package Excludes

Ø  Any other non-alcoholic beverages

Ø  Transfer to Event Venue

Payment

Ø  Bookings are confirmed upon receipt of full payment for the package

** Note: This event accommodates a minimum of 30 persons and a maximum of 50 persons **

PACKAGE: Dine Under the Stars...

Situated inside the garden, The Pavilion us a large outdoor gazebo fitted with picnic benches and tables. It is airy, spacious and overlooks the Straits of Malacca threw the forest trees.

The night begins with a walk in the garden. Upon reaching The Garden of Bamboos which is the highest peak in the garden, your waiters await to serve you beverages. You could enjoy the wild scenes happening in the garden which includes a visit by the garden’s permanent tenants, the Dusky Leaf Monkeys.

This spot happens to also capture the best of views and while the sun sets and you enjoy the company of your fellow guests, a perfect stage is set for a spectacular wondrous night ...!!!

So the stage is set....with “Tandoor”; a clay oven roasting spicy chicken seasoned with yogurt and curry based sauce...chef prepare right before you “Naan” bread, an Indian flat-bread...just a perfect combination

It’s not always you could have a private dining in the heart of a garden surrounded by spices..!!! 

Cost per person starts from RM 140…!!!

Package Includes

Ø  Buffet Dinner with Tandoori and Naan "Live Station"

Ø  Private Guided Tour

Ø  Private Usage of Event Venue

Ø  DJ and Standard Sound System

Ø  Free flow of one type of fruit juice

Package Excludes

Ø  Any other alcoholic / non-alcoholic beverages

Ø  Transfer to Event Venue

Payment

Ø  Bookings are confirmed upon receipt of full payment for the package

** Note: This dinner accommodates a minimum of 30 persons and a maximum of 50 persons **