Revellers can look forward to ringing in the new year with a bang in two of the city's most iconic landmarks.
Mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Phesal Talib recently announced that City Hall together with Visit KL, Tourism Malaysia and KLCC Properties are organising countdown celebrations, known as the KL New Year Countdown 2014, at Dataran Merdeka and KLCC.
The four-hour events will kick off at 9pm on Dec 31.
At Dataran Merdeka, catch the performances of Zainal Abidin, Amy Search, Jay Jay, Aweera Mojo, Najwa Latif, Def Gab C and more.
The crowd can also join in the fun with a "Joget Lambak with Cultural Dancers" and win prizes in a "Visit KL Guess What" quiz.
There will also be a food bazaar at Dataran Underground. Starting at 3pm, the bazaar offers over 50 varieties of party food such as cupcakes, pizzas and pavlovas with a local twist.
Revellers can also write down their resolutions to be placed on a Resolution Tree@KL City Gallery, with prizes to be won for the best resolutions.
The highlight of the evening is the spectacular countdown before the fireworks display.
At KLCC, the celebrations are aptly themed Fabulous 2014@KLCC with performances by Jaclyn Victor, among others, at the KLCC park.
There will be laser shows, cultural performances and a giant water screen showing the upcoming highlights of Visit Malaysia Year 2014.
"The celebrations will see Kuala Lumpur's largest fireworks display," said KLCC Properties chief executive officer Datuk Hashim Wahir.
Phesal advised the public to use public transport such as the LRT and Monorail which will be extending their services to 2am.
However, those who wish to drive can park their vehicles at Dataran Merdeka Underground, Daya Bumi, Padang Merbok and around Central Market.
To facilitate preparations, Jalan Raja Laut will be closed from 7pm to 1am on Dec 31.
Datuk Seri Ahmad Phesal Talib (second from left) with the celebrities who will be ushering in the new year.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Sweets and treats in Genting
This school holiday, Resorts World Genting (RWG) is delivering a host of sweets and tasty treats during the Cookies, Candies and Cream promotion.
Previously RWG had a Chocoholics and Candylicious promotion.
The cookies and pastries served at the Coffee Terrace are prepared by Genting grand executive pastry chef Alan Yeong Wai Luen.
"We consistently try to serve different types of desserts for our customers.
"Since many of them come here often we continuously strive to provide something different for every meal," he said.
Yeong said that all the cookies and pastries such as the macaroons, glass mousse cake, ais kacang, cendol and snowflakes are made in- house.
The candies and ice cream are from Gelatomio.
The buffet at the Coffee Terrace also has a rotating menu ensuring visitors who dine here often don't get bored with the food.
On top of the upgraded dessert section, the Coffee Terrace also serves Asian and Western dishes ranging from nyonya, local, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Japanese and Western dishes.
Once your craving for sweets has been satiated, take a stroll outside the Genting Grand Hotel where a fabulous light show will commence.
The entire facade of the Genting Grand Hotel will be transformed into a giant projection screen where festive specials will be screened.
The "screen" is as big as a football field and the images are clear and sharp, as the latest projection technology is being used.
The Christmas specials are screened every 20 minutes, accompanied by the group II Divo's Christmas songs.
It is the first of its kind in Malaysia and it is a great opportunity for visitors to experience this show.
For New Year's Eve there will be a countdown special. For Chinese New Year you can expect a touch of Choy San Yeh and there will be a special screening for Valentine's Day. Alan Yeong Wai Luen showcases his sweet specialities.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
KL's tallest Christmas tree
The lighting of the tallest Christmas tree in Kuala Lumpur was met with cheers and admiration on a cool night at Suria KLCC recently.
Hours before the lighting up, shoppers had already gathered outside to take pictures in front of the 20-metre high Christmas tree.
The tree is located just outside the mall, facing Lake Symphony.
When the time came for the tree to be lit, over 500 people began the countdown to the lighting of the tree by Suria KLCC chairman Datuk Hashim Wahir.
Thirty thousand environmentally friendly LED lights and hundreds of Christmas baubles made the tree shimmer and sparkle.
The spotlight was on the green giant, which stole the limelight from the towering Petronas Twin Towers.
Spectators were then treated to Christmas carols by the Dithyrambic Singers.
As the tunes of Jingle Bells and We Wish You A Merry Christmas echoed through the night, more tourists and shoppers posed for pictures.
A visitor from Sabah, Clement Wong commented on how nice it was to look at the tree, saying that it was the largest tree he had ever seen.
For American Ron Frisinger, the tree was a sight to behold.
"I have seen taller trees, but this one is certainly beautiful to look at, especially with the Twin Towers behind it," he said.
Meanwhile Hashim said that Suria KLCC is always looking for ways to spread festive cheer among its visitors.
"Christmas is one of those festive seasons that many people find magical and special, so this Christmas we wanted to give our customers something special too.
"By lighting up the tallest tree in the city, we hope it will brighten hearts with some magical moments," he said.
The tree which took five days to complete weighs 13,500kg.
The majestic tree can be viewed by the public at Suria KLCC until Dec 25.
Suria KLCC will also be entertaining visitors with dazzling performances until Dec 26.
Several lucky children will also get to see Santa Claus on stage and receive candy canes.
Datuk Hashim Wahir (third from right) with the members of Suria KLCC’s management team and the beautiful tree in the background.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Save more with KLIA Ekspres value packages
Express Rail Link (ERL) is once again offering the KLIA Ekspres Group Saver and Family Package during this year-end school holiday. Also making a return is the Touch 'n Go on KLIA Transit.
ERL chief executive officer Noormah Mohd Noor, in announcing the return of these promotions, said: "Our customers have recognised the convenience and reliability of our train services. With our 99.7 per cent on-time performance, we can assure them of a safe and smooth ride at very affordable rates."
The KLIA Family Package offers one-way travel for two adults and two children aged 2 to 12. At RM75, the package is 25 per cent cheaper than the total of four tickets at regular price.
Those travelling in a group of three or more can enjoy the Group Saver rate of RM25 per person one way. The regular fare is RM35.
The packages can be purchased online from now until Jan 1 at www.KLIAekspres.com or through the KLIA Ekspres mobile app for Android and iPhone users. The e-tickets are valid for use on the selected travel dates within the travel period.
The Touch 'n Go on KLIA Transit offers a 10 per cent savings for those using Touch 'n Go cards at KLIA Transit gates from now until Feb 14.
The discount will be automatically calculated at the gate. Customers can also buy and reload Touch 'n Go cards at ERL stations.
For details on the offers, visit www.KLIAekspres.com/deals or call customer enquiry at 03-2267 8000 on weekdays, 8.30am to 6pm.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
