Tel:  02-6651-2747  or  1300-738-888
Email:   coffsharbour@escapetravel.com.au

 

Malaysian Borneo

'Selamat Datang' is the traditional Malaysian greeting that welcomes visitors to this vibrant and exotic country. Malaysia is a country with two distinct parts. Peninsula Malaysia constitutes the long fringe of land, extending down from Asia, which borders Thailand and Singapore. The South China Sea separates the easternmost part of Malaysia - on the island of Borneo.  Malaysian Borneo consists of two states, Sarawak and Sabah.

The Borneo jungles contain some of the oldest undisturbed areas of rainforest in the world. Some of the best and most spectacular areas of rainforest have been incorporated into National Parks, which to some extent, are a good enough reason to make the effort to visit Borneo. You cannot help but be captivated by the wonderful diversity of plant and wildlife to be found.  No visit is complete without sighting the "wild man from Borneo" - the Orangutan - either in the wild or in one of the rehabilitation centres in Sabah or Sarawak.

In Sabah, you can find hornbills, egrets, macaques, elephants and sea eagles, as well as wild orangutans and the Proboscis Monkeys. Take an afternoon jungle river cruise and watch whole families of the monkeys crash through the trees and dive into the water. Visitors to the area have seen them diving 20 metres into rivers, then swimming strongly across the river with their webbed feet, trying to avoid the crocodiles!   Gone are the days of the impenetrable jungles with dangerous headhunters and tremendous hardship. Borneo is now open to the tourist and offers 5 star accommodation!

If you are feeling energetic, climb South-East Asia's highest mountain - Mt. Kinabalu. It is a two day climb that most people with a reasonable level of fitness can undertake and enjoy. No special skills or equipment are required.  From the summit on a clear morning, it is possible to see to the Philippines and beyond!

Sabah is not all about rainforests and wildlife however.  It is also known for its sandy white beaches, clear water and beautiful corals. It has often been said that Sabah is dominated by the mountains, and that Sarawak is riddled by rivers.

In Sarawak, to travel up river by boat and watch the changing panorama of longhouses, forests, towns and farms is to catch the essence of travelling in the Borneo of old.  Enjoy trips to the various tribal areas. Borneo was the home of some of the last of the world’s headhunters. It is now only about 50 years since the last heads were taken by some members of the Iban tribes of Sarawak. Some of the older tribesmen have a head or two to their names. Relics of the head-hunting days can still be seen in some of the villages. You can participate in a visit to a Longhouse - the original condominium or apartment block. The population of whole villages live together in one long building which has separate living, eating and sleeping quarters. Enjoy a meal or a drink of rice wine with the local people while they show you some of their culture. Hospitality to visitors is a way of life in the longhouse.

A holiday to Malaysian Borneo can be whatever you would like it to be - from visiting and interacting at the largest orang-utan reserve in the world, to exploring some of the world's largest and most fascinating caves at Mulu. There is also the adrenalin rush of white water rafting, and trekking through a vast portion of the world's most beautiful flora and fauna. Bird and butterfly trips are readily available, as are botanical tours, mountain climbing, mountain bike tours, 4 wheel drive tours, and more.

Malaysian Borneo offers an exciting and diverse range of holiday options – choose one destination or combine several to create a unique and unforgettable holiday experience.

BORNEO - Rainforest World Music Festival
 This unique festival brings together renowned world musicians from all countries, and indigenous musicians from the interiors of the mythical island of Borneo.  FESTIVAL & KUCHING TOURING:  6 nights from $2211* per person twin share.  Includes return flights, 6 nights accommodation in Kuching, breakfast daily, return airport transfers, transfers to/from the Rainforest Music Festival venue for 3 days, 3-day pass for Rainforest Music Festival, English speaking guide, tour of Kuching City, Sarawak Cultural Village and Bako National Park & taxes payable from Australia.READ MORE >>

SABAH - Kota Kinabalu
 From $1805* per person twin share. Includes return flights, 4 nights accommodation at the 5-star Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort, breakfast daily, return airport transfers and taxes payable from Australia.  READ MORE >>

 To find out more information email: sarah.luck@escapetravel.com.au
 

      Did you know.......


Evidence of human life dating back 40,000 years has been found in Malaysia. Before the skull was found in the Niah Caves of Sarawak, it was thought that people had only been living in the region for 10,000 years.

From 1838 until after the Second World War, a large chunk of Sarawak was ruled by a British family, independent of the British government.

The Sarawak Chamber in the Gunung Mulu National Park is the largest cave in the world.

Mt Kinabalu in Sabah is the highest mountain between New Guinea and the Himalayas.

Malaysia only became a country in 1963, when Sarawak and Sabah elected to join the newly independent Malaya in a union.
 


Email:   coffsharbour@escapetravel.com.au
 
   


Resort of the Week:   Andaman White Beach Resort, Phuket
 


Andaman White Beach Resort is a romantic holiday destination in Phuket, Thailand. The resort is located in a private and secluded white sand beach with endless views of the Andaman Sea extending in all directions.  Andaman White Beach Resort is a tranquil oasis, far from the madding crowd, yet within easy reach of shopping and nightlife. Andaman White Beach’s stunning location was showcased in both movies, The Beach and The Quest.  The resort spills down the hillside to greet a stretch of pristine white sand fringing a private cove on Nai Thorn Noi Beach.

The resort exudes an air of romance and quiet warmth, offering splendid escape with discreet understatement, always with a smile. Enjoy fine dining, sunsets, and soothing spa treatments in this home away from home.


Andaman White Beach Resort.  Stay 6 & Pay for only 3 nights! 
From $1463* per person twin share.  Includes return flights to Phuket, 6 nights at the Andaman White Beach Resort in a Seaview Deluxe Room, buffet breakfast daily, return airport transfers and taxes payable from Australia.   READ MORE >>

To find out more information, email:  belinda.parmenter@escapetravel.com.au
 
 

Email:   coffsharbour@escapetravel.com.au
 

 

  EUROPE & UK:


Emirates Autumn Sale to Europe
 Fly to Europe from $2658* per person return.  Includes return flights to Europe with Emirates, a credit of $500* to spend on accommodation, car hire, sightseeing, tours and more, and taxes payable from Australia.  READ MORE >>
 


Escape to Europe for Winter:  Essential Rome
 Savings with Cathay Pacific! From $2465* per person twin share.  Includes return flights to Rome with Cathay Pacific, arrival airport transfer, 3 nights accommodation, breakfast daily, illuminated Rome evening tour Eternal Rome half day tour & taxes payable from Australia.  READ MORE >>

UK Self Drive Tour:  Classic Britain.
 8 days / 7 nights from $1800* per person twin share land only.  Enjoy the contrasts of English and Scottish life at your own pace stopping as often as you like along the journey.  Price includes 7 nights accommodation, breakfast daily welcome pack, National Trust Guide, tax & service charges, and 3 x city sightseeing open top bus tours: Cambridge, Bath & Edinburgh.  Car rental is not include in the price.  READ MORE >>

For more information, email peter.elks@escapetravel.com.au or CLICK HERE for website.
                                                   1300-738-888

 

  USA & CANADA:


Self Drive:  American Music & Movie Trails
 A unique tour that takes you in search of soulful sounds and sights made famous by Hollywood. You have the opportunity to get to the very heart of American
Rock & Roll, Gospel, Soul, Blues and Jazz music. 14 days / 13 nights from $1135* per person twin share land only.  Includes 13 nights accommodation, Welcome Pack, Taxes and Service Charges. READ MORE >>
 


Discover Edmonton
 Gateway to a land of majestic mountains, pristine lakes, mighty rivers and northern adventures, Edmonton is a fantastic starting point for those wanting to experience and explore Canada's Great Outdoors!  Edmonton City Stay from $379* per person twin share land only. Includes return airport transfers, 3 nights accommodation at the Sandman Hotel plus your choice of Alberta Past & Present tour or Fort Edmonton Fur Trade Tour.   READ MORE >>

For more information, email roger.atwal@escapetravel.com.au or CLICK HERE for website.
                                                   1300-738-888

 

  ASIA:


Vietnam and Laos
 From $1425* per person twin share.  Includes return flights, 3 nights accommodation in Hanoi, 4 nights accommodation in Luang Prabang, arrival airport transfers, breakfast daily and taxes payable from Australia.  READ MORE >>
 


Hong Kong Disneyland - Family Holiday!
 From $1549* per adult & from $856* per child - quad share (based on 2 adults & 2 children travelling together). Includes return Qantas flights to Hong Kong, 2 nights at Disney's Hollywood Hotel, 2 nights at the Pacific Hotel Kowloon, return airport transfers, 2 day Disneyland Park Entry Ticket (for the price of 1), and taxes payable from Australia.  READ MORE >>

For more information, email sarah.luck@escapetravel.com.au or CLICK HERE for website.
                                                   1300-738-888

 

  SOUTH PACIFIC:


FIJI - Escape the Winter Chills! 
Low Season Specials
 Fiji getaway from just $745* per person twin share.  Includes return flights to Nadi, 3 nights accommodation, breakfast daily, return airport transfers and taxes payable from Australia.
 READ MORE >>
 


Tahiti - Eat for FREE*
 From $1979* per person twin share.  Includes return flights to Papeete, 5 nights accommodation at the Sofitel Tahiti Resort, FREE breakfast and dinner daily, return airport transfers and taxes payable from Australia.  READ MORE >>

Vanuatu Luxury
 Stay at Sebel Vanuatu... overlooking Vila Harbour, the Sebel Vanuatu boasts a stunning waterfront position and extensive water views from every guest room. From $1325* per person twin share.  Includes return flights, 4 nights accommodation in a Harbour View Room, return airport transfers, continental breakfast daily and taxes payable from Australia.  READ MORE >>

For more information, email belinda.parmenter@escapetravel.com.au or CLICK HERE for website.
                                                   1300-738-888

 

  NEW ZEALAND:


Motorhomes:  
Heavily Reduced Insurance Liability!
   10 day holiday from $645* per person twin share.  Includes return flights to Christchurch, 10 days Apollo Motorhome rental, unlimited klms, airline charges and government taxes.  READ MORE >>
 


AAT Kings Early Eagle SAVINGS!  Book Early and Stay a Little Longer!  
Just book and deposit your 2008/09 AAT Kings Low Cost escorted holiday departing after 1 October 2008 by 30 September 2008 and enjoy up to 2 nights BONUS ACCOMMODATION*.  That's an extra day or 2 in Auckland or Christchurch before or after your touring, absolutely FREE*. READ MORE >>

Self Drive:  Wild West Coast & Fiordland
The West Coast & Fiordland regions are home to some of the most dramatic and magical scenery in New Zealand.  Highlights include mystical Milford Sound and crystal blue ice caves of Fox Glacier!  From $1426* per person twin share.  Includes return flights to Christchurch, 8 days Europcar car rental, unlimited klms, 9 nights accommodation, Skyline Gondola & buffet dinner, Milford Sound Nature Cruise, Foxtrot Tour - half day glacier walk, TranzAlpine, Rail & airport transfer and taxes payable from Australia.  READ MORE >>

For more information, email haydee.payer@escapetravel.com.au or CLICK HERE for website.
                                                   1300-738-888

 

  CRUISING:


Papua New Guinea
 11 nights cruising on Orion Expedition Cruises from $9655* per person twin share cruise only.  Includes 11 night cruise onboard Orion Expedition Cruises with all meals and entertainment onboard the ship and government fees and taxes.  READ MORE >>
 


Italy, Greece & Croatia:  Under 18's cruise FREE*
 7 nights cruising on MSC Musica from $1260* per person twin share cruise only.  Includes 7 night cruise onboard MSC Musica with all meals and entertainment onboard the ship and port charges.  PLUS:  Children aged under 18 cruise FREE* when travelling with two adults in the same cabin! (Children to pay port charges of $180*).  Venice, Bari, Olympia, Santorini/Mykonos, Athens, Corfu, Dubrovnik.  READ MORE >>

Whitsundays - Save up to 40% cruising Sun Princess
 12 nights cruising on Sun Princess from $2396* per person twin share cruise only.  Includes 12 night cruise onboard Sun Princess with all meals and entertainment onboard the ship, government fees and passenger handling charge.  BONUS:  $100 onboard credit per person*!  READ MORE >>

For more information, email dawn.smith@escapetravel.com.au or CLICK HERE for website.
                                                   1300-738-888

 

  AROUND AUSTRALIA:


Port Macquarie Short Break
 Escape for the weekend.... 2 nights from $199* per person twin share land only.  Includes 2 nights accommodation at the 4.5-star Rydges Hotel Port Macquarie.   READ MORE >>
 


Outback Rail Tour
 There's nothing quite as spectacular as the Australian Outback.  10 days from $3645* per person twin share land only.  Includes first class sleeper from Brisbane to Charleville, 8 days touring in an air-conditioned coach, 1 night  in Charleville, Cosmos Centre, 1 night in Quilpie, 2 nights in Birdsville, Entry to Birdsville Working Museum, 1 night in Boulia, 1 night in Winton, Waltzing Matilda Centre, 2 nights in Longreach, Qantas Founders Outback Museum, Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame, Candlelight River Cruise, First class sleeper from Longreach to Brisbane, PLUS 9 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 9 dinners. READ MORE >>

Adelaide Escape
 Escape to the elegant city of Adelaide for fine food, great wine, a sense of history and the good life.  4 nights from $375* per person twin share land only.  Includes 4 nights accommodation at the 4.5-star Rockford Adelaide with a BONUS cooked buffet breakfast daily.  READ MORE >>

For more information, email haydee.payer@escapetravel.com.au or CLICK HERE for website.
                                                   1300-738-888

 

Email:   coffsharbour@escapetravel.com.au
 
 


Malaysian fish curry
 

INGREDIENTS:
4 small eschalots, halved
3 garlic cloves
3cm piece galangal or ginger, peeled, finely grated
2 tsp shrimp paste or 4-5 large anchovy fillets
1/4 cup (60ml) canola or sunflower oil
4 small red chillies, seeds removed, roughly chopped
20 fresh curry leaves, plus extra to serve
1 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
270ml can coconut milk
1 1/2 tbs tamarind concentrate
2 lemongrass stems, outer leaves discarded, bruised with back of a knife, cut into 4cm lengths
800g skinless and boneless bream, flathead, ling or snapper fillets, cut into 4cm pieces
1 tsp raw sugar, or to taste
Roti canai (see related recipe), to serve
 

METHOD:
Process eschalots, garlic, galangal, shrimp paste and 2 tablespoons water in a food processor, or pound in a mortar using a pestle, to form a paste.
Heat oil in a wok or large, deep frypan. Add paste, chilli, curry leaves, paprika and turmeric and stir over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until moisture evaporates. Add 1/2 cup (125ml) water, coconut milk, tamarind and lemongrass and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes or until mixture reduces slightly. Add fish and sugar and simmer for 5 minutes or until the fish is just cooked. Adjust seasoning with salt and sugar to taste.
Serve scattered with extra curry leaves, with roti canai to dip in sauce.

Notes & tips:  Galangal and fresh curry leaves are from selected greengrocers and Asian food shops. Shrimp paste and tamarind concentrate are from Asian food shops, where roti canai are also available frozen.

Source:  delicious. - December 2006 , Page 204.  Recipe by Kate Tait
http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/14816/malaysian+fish+curry
 

Email:   coffsharbour@escapetravel.com.au
 

Airport Parking in Coffs Harbour
 CLICK HERE for more information


 

1300- 738 -888


 * Prices are per person, twin share (where accommodation/car hire is included, unless otherwise stated), subject to availability at the time you make a booking and conditions apply.  Travel date restrictions apply. Prices may vary due to changes in taxes, currency and flight routings.  Travel agent booking fees may apply in addition to prices quoted. Offers may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please see our website for further details.
   

Kelly Travel Company, Escape Travel.
PO Box 1224
 Suite 3, 144-148 High St,
(Corner Moonee Street)
Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
Phone: (02) 6651-2747
Fax: (02) 6651-3334 
Email: coffsharbour@escapetravel.com.au
Web: www.kellytravel.com.au
ABN: 37 067 920 441 

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