Nama Pelajar: Nur Adibah Abdullah@Dubah ak Gait No. K.

P: 670909135306

FACULTY OF EDUCATION AND LANGUAGES OUMH1203 ENGLISH FOR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION

NUR ADIBAH ABDULLAH@ DUBAH AK GAIT NRIC: 670909135306 NO. TEL: 0138149678 012-8553297

TUTORS NAME: DR. CHEMALINE OSUP LEARNING CENTRE: IPGM, KAMPUS RAJANG

SEMESTER JUNE 2009

Nama Pelajar: Nur Adibah Abdullah@Dubah ak Gait No. K.P: 670909135306

COMPANY ANNUAL TRIP 2009

Nama Pelajar: Nur Adibah Abdullah@Dubah ak Gait No. K.P: 670909135306

1. Introduction and methodology 1.1 Purpose statement The recreational and cultural unit of the company has always been entrusted with the responsibilty of planning and organizing the companys annual trip. To fulfill this responsibility, the recreational and cultural unit has to collect information on the intended destination for the companys annual trip. The information collected would include factors such as costs, activities for adults and children, accomodation and facilities available, advantages and disadvantages of the destinations. This year is no exception, and again the recreational and cultural unit of the company is given the similar task of collecting information on the intended destination for this years annual company trip. Armed with this valuable information, the recreational and cultural unit of the company is required to submit a proposal stating the pros and cons on the destinations which the company intended for the companys annual trip. The proposal would provide all the necessary informations which would enable the company executives concerned to decide on the best destination for the companys annual trip.

1.2 Initial planning As the head of the recreational and cultural unit of the company, the first thing which the unit carried out was to call for a unit meeting. The main purpose of the meeting was to form the working committee and relegate the duties related to collecting the necessary information on the 2 potential destinations for this years company trip. Apart from deciding on the duties, the meeting also decides the tentative datelines which the personel concerned have to submit their information. This will ensure that all available data on the 2 potential destinations is collected, analyzed and presented. The company have decided to consider 2 destinations for the companys annual trip; Langkawi Island and Cameron Highlands. Both destinations are within the country and also accessible by land transport. This is because the company have decided to answer the governments call to promote the Visit Malaysia campaign. Furthermore, being accessible by

Nama Pelajar: Nur Adibah Abdullah@Dubah ak Gait No. K.P: 670909135306

land transport would enable any employee who wishes to join the companys annual trip to bring along their family. This would enable the employees to get to know their colleagues and family better. 1.3 Data collection During the initial meeting, the recreational and cultural unit of the company have agreed that the personel appointed for the collection of data on the 2 destinations for the companys annual trip to gather any available information that they can find. As such, information from sources such as the Internet, brochures, books, newspapers, travel agents and other sources has been duly considered.

2. Results and discussions 2.1 Langkawi island

The first destination which the unit feels have met the companys criteria is Langkawi Island. This destination is located in the state of Kedah. It has some of the most interesting tourist attractions in this part of the world. According to aguidetoasia.com. (2009: 2) Langkawi Island is, Kedahs most famous destination , known over the world for its idyllic setting. It comprises a group of 99 islands, among them is the Isle of the Pregnant

Nama Pelajar: Nur Adibah Abdullah@Dubah ak Gait No. K.P: 670909135306

Maiden, Pulau Singa Besar, and Pulau Payar; just to name a few. The main town of Langkawi Island is Kuah, described by aguidetoasia.com. (2009: 2) as, a shopping haven with many modern shopping areas.

2.1.1 Explanations/ reasons for choice The main attraction that Langkawi Island has to offer is the many popular tourist destinations that could be found in and around the island. On Langkawi Island itself, there are a few world famous tourist attractions. Air Hangat Village, Mahsuri Mausolem, Lagenda Park, 7 wells, and Underwater World langkawi are no stranger to any tourist who has been to Langkawi Island. The location of these famous tourist attractions, which is within the island itself means that more interesting places could be covered in the trip in a very short period of time as there is no need to travel to other places. In terms of transportation, this factor would definitely help save some of the transportation expenses. It would also mean that participants who joined the trip would be spared the exhausting journey to that result from having to travel to the surrounding islands.

2.1.2 Activities/ Events available The Underwater World Langkawi is a must- visit for nature lovers who love the underwater sealife. cuti.com.my. (2008: 1) states that this tourist attraction is a, unique gigantic 15- meter long walk- through tunnel consisting of 500,000 liter seawater which houses many big fishes and sea creatures including the Giant Green Turtle. Another landmark which nature lovers would appreciate is is the 7 Wells. This geological marvel is located in the north- western corner of the island. According to cuti.com.my. (2008: 1) the attraction is a magnificient waterfall with its, cascading waters broken by a series of seven natural pools. The lush green forest that surrounds the waterfall adds a mystical touch to the natural spendour.

Nama Pelajar: Nur Adibah Abdullah@Dubah ak Gait No. K.P: 670909135306

Next is the Lagenda Park which is, a scenic park with beautiful gardens of vivid local blooms, plants and fruit trees. It is a 50- acre park with 17 story- telling monuments, 4 artificial lakes and a man- made beach which provide a picturesque and fitting backdrop for buildings showcasing Malaysias rich cultural heritage. (cuti.com.my.: 2008: 1) Air Hangat Village is another tourist attraction that can be found in Langkawi Island. This is a new tourist attraction which actually sprung from the famed Hot Springs. The entertainment complex includes, a 3- tier hot- spring fountain, 18 meters hand carved riverstone mural depicting the legends of Air Hangat, day- long outdoor entertainment programme featuring Malaysian/ ASEAN cultural dances and traditional sports and games, live displays of Malaysian/ ASEAN customs, Malay folk and classical dances are performed at the Park, alongside other traditional Malay art and craft activities (cuti.com.my: 2008: 1) The crown jewel of Langkawi Island is the fabled Mahsuris Mausoleum. cuti.com.my. (2008: 1) describes the place as a, shrine erected in honour of Mahsuri, a fair maiden who was unjustly accused of adultery. Legend has it that Mahsuri bled white blood when she was executed and in her dying breath, she had curse that the island would remained barren for seven generations.

2.1.3 Budget In terms of personal expenses, a trip to Langkawi is worthwhile as employees who wish to join the company trip do not have to incur a substantial burden on their budget and moreover, the company also do not have to spend too much on accommodation and transportation expenses. This situation is ideal considering that Langkawi Island has much to offer but with a small cost. According to cuti.com.my. (2008: 1), there are numerous ways in which to get to Langkawi Island. These include by road via Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis, by air from Kuala Lumpur direct to Langkawi Island; daily flights by Malaysia Airlines, and 5 times weekly by Air Asia, by rail from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar and Arau; later by bus or taxi to Kuala

Nama Pelajar: Nur Adibah Abdullah@Dubah ak Gait No. K.P: 670909135306

Kedah or Kuala Perlis, by ferry from Kuala Perlis in Perlis, Kuala Kedah in Kedah, Georgetown in Penang Island, and Satun in South Thailand, and by cruise from Port Kelang and Singapore.

2.1.4 Advantages/ Disadvantages The main advantage that Langkawi Island has to offer is the availability of good, affordable accommodation. A good example is Desa Motel which is located at Jalan Pantai Tengah. According to Langkawi-online.com. (2009: 1), the motel offers either Deluxe or Family rooms with price tags ranging from RM85 to RM118 per night. There are other motels and hotels in the island which offer other deals on accommodation. A wide range of local and western cuisine is also offered by restaurants and eateries throughout the island. The visitor can choose from eating in an expensive hotel restaurant or at a simple food outlet. Another interesting fact about Langkawi is the fact that it is spewn with places with legendary background. Apart from 7 Wells, and Mahsuris Mausoleum, another mystical tourist attraction to Langkawi Island is Lake of The Pregnant Maiden. It is located on an island south of Pulau Langkawi. It is the largest lake in the Langkawi. Legend has it that a lovely fairy princess had married an earthly prince. She had buried her first child, who had died shortly after birth, in the clear waters of the lake and blessed the waters that any childless maiden who bath in the lake would conceive thereafter. Hence, it is a destination to check out for maidens who wished to conceive.

Nama Pelajar: Nur Adibah Abdullah@Dubah ak Gait No. K.P: 670909135306

2.2 Cameron Highlands

Cameron Highlands had a unique association with the British officers who were stationed in Malaya during the colonial era. The temperate climate of the highlands had attracted them to make the highlands their retirement home. However, the highland was first discovered by a government surveyor, William Cameron, in 1885. An endearing report written by Cameron sent Sir Hugh Low on a frenzy of visualizing the area as a sanatorium, health resort and open farmland. The plateau was later bestowed Camerons name. Today the highlands remained an attraction to local and foreign tourists who are overwhelmed by its beauty as did Cameron back in 1885. hotelreservation.com.my. (Undated: 1) described that Cameron was, so enamored by the wide area of gentle slope and plateau land that he gave an endearing report.

Nama Pelajar: Nur Adibah Abdullah@Dubah ak Gait No. K.P: 670909135306

2.2.1 Explanations/ reasons for choice Cameron Highlands is the largest and best- known hill resort in Malaysia. The resort is located some 1524m above sea level, enabling it to have a cool climate, with temperatures of 20C and rarely falling below 10C. The low temperature all year round allows the cultivation of terraced flower gardens, strawberry farms, tea plantations, orchards and vegetable gardens. Cameron Highlands is noted for its supply of cabbages, tomatoes, carrots, green peppers and lettuce, hence earning it the title Green Bowl of Malaysia. Apart from a major hub for the cultivation of various plants, Cameron Highlands is also a flourishing tourist attraction. hotelreservation.com.my. (Undated: 1) states that, the cool fresh air on the highlands offers an attractive retreat for city dwellers who want to retreat temporarily from the noise and pollution in the city.

2.2.2 Activities/ Events available One of the interesting places to visit is the Cactus Valley in Brinchang. It stands on a steep hillside on the edge of town. Visitors can view thousands of unusual cactus varieties on show plus many other plants flowers and fruit. Towards Kea Farm from Brinchang is the Multicrops Central Market. Here visitors purchase potted plants, flowers and souvenirs. A little further along the road at Kea Farm itself there are two large markets selling fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers. There are also two butterfly farms, Butterfly Farm and Butterfly Garden, both of which have a collection of other unusual insects. There is also Ee Feng Gu Honey Bee Farm. Visitors can also visit Rose Centre which displays an unusual mixture of plants, flowers, and sculptures, all set on a steep hillside. A little further down the main winding road towards Kampung Raja, Rose Valley at Tringkap village is also worth a visit. Its pleasant landscaped gardens were designed by its owner Mr Cheong and display thousands of roses and many other plants and flowers.

Nama Pelajar: Nur Adibah Abdullah@Dubah ak Gait No. K.P: 670909135306

The Sungai Palas tea plantation is another place to visit. There are great views of the estate from the road leading to the central processing factory. The plantation also offers regular tours to view the various tea making processes can be made from the visitors centre and tea shop opposite the processing factory. Apart from that, there are orchid gardens, a camellia garden and many more rose gardens, including Robertson Rose Garden along the Sungai Palas estate road, which visitors should visit. holidaycameron.com. (2004: 1) suggests that, First time visitors to Cameron Highlands will probably be surprised at the number of things to see and do that cannot be found in the rest of Malaysia. For the more adventurous, Cameron Highlands also offers many interesting jungle walks. Some are just a short gentle stroll and others a half- day stiff track for the very fit. Visitors who wished to go on jungle walks may get the necessary information from hotels and guest houses.

2.2.3 Budget Going to Cameron Highlands is relatively cheaper from Kuala Lumpur via Tapah. By car, the journey is about 60 kilometres from Tapah, a town on the Kuala Lumpur- Ipoh Highway. By rail, visitors can board the train to Tapah Road Station which offers its services on a daily basis. Another economical way to travel to Cameron Highlands is by coach. A number of companies provide regular, efficient express and tourist coach service to and from Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Singapore. Taxi or bus services are also available from Tapah town and Tapah Road Station

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Nama Pelajar: Nur Adibah Abdullah@Dubah ak Gait No. K.P: 670909135306

2.2.4 Advantages/ Disadvantages The main advantage of a vacation in Cameron Highlands is the serenity and the scenic beauty which it offers. City dwellers look to Cameron Highlands resort as a place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the noisy and polluted city life. To outside tourists, Cameron Highlands provide an escape to a natural panorama which might be a rare sight to most developed nations. In terms of accommodations, there are numerous motels, hotels and chalets around the highlands which provide a good range of facility. For instance, Balas Holiday Chalet offers a minimum daily rate of RM66, with direct dial telephone, satellite/ cable TV and hot/ cold running water. For a better luxury, vistors can put up at Century Pines Resort, Tanah Rata or Equatorial Hotel, Brinchang. Other equally luxurious accommodations are Heritage Hotel, Strawberry Park Hotel, Smoke House Hotel ( all in Tanah Rata), Lake House Hotel (Ringlet), Hotel Rosa Pasadena, and Iris House Hotel (all in Brinchang) However a major setback for the annual trip to Cameron Highlands could be the very limited activities that are available. There are no doubt countless green sceneries to mesmerize the vistors but not many activities that they can participate in, apart from the educational trip to the tea processing plant. Visitors would then have to be contented with the green natural surrounding that is in abundance throughout the highlands.

3. Conclusion It must be realized that both destinations have their individual advantages and disadvantages. Langkawi Island offers a variety of interesting places to visit which provide not only pleasure but enriching the visitors historical knowledge of the island. An added advantage is that the places of interest to visit in the island is located not far apart from each other, hence the visitor can cut on transportation expenses. aguidetosia.com. (2009: 2) testifies that Langkawi Island is, known over the world for its idyllic setting, legends and myths. On the other hand, Cameron Highlands also offer its own unique clandestine scenery

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Nama Pelajar: Nur Adibah Abdullah@Dubah ak Gait No. K.P: 670909135306

as the main attraction. There are numerous flower nursery, vegetable gardens and tea plantation for the visitor to visit. The accommodation offered by operators also gives good value for the money. hotelreservation.com.my. (Undated: 2) testifies to the fact that, the beauty and tranquillity of this captivating plateau has cast its spell of enchantment over locals and visitors alike.

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Nama Pelajar: Nur Adibah Abdullah@Dubah ak Gait No. K.P: 670909135306

4. References aguidetoasia.com. (2009). Kedah- Malaysia. Retrieved on http://www.aguidetoasia.com/malaysia/kedah/introduction.php 13 July 2009 from

cuti.com.my. (2008). Langkawi Island- getting there. Retrieved on 20 July 2009 from http://www.cuti.com.my/Sub/Kedah/Langkawi/langkawi_getting_there.htm cuti.com.my. (2008). Underwater World Langkawi. Retrieved on 20 July 2009 from http://www.cuti.com.my/Sub/Kedah/Langkawi/langkawi_underwater_world.htm cuti.com.my. (2008). Seven Wells/ Telaga Tujuh. Retrieved on 20 July 2009 from http://www.cuti.com.my/Sub/Kedah/Langkawi/langkawi_telaga_tujuh.htm cuti.com.my. (2008). Legenda Park/ Taman Lagenda. Retrieved on 20 July 2009 from http://www.cuti.com.my/Sub/Kedah/Langkawi/langkawi_legenda_park.htm cuti.com.my. (2008). Air Hangat Vilage. Retrieved on 20 July 2009 http://www.cuti.com.my/Sub/Kedah/Langkawi/langkawi_air_hangat_village.htm from

cuti.com.my. (2008). Lake of The Pregnant Maiden/ Tasik Dayang Bunting. Retrieved on 20 July 2009 from http://www.cuti.com.my/Sub/Kedah/Langkawi/langkawi_tasik_dayang_bunting.htm cuti.com.my. (2008). Mahsuri Mausoleum/ Makam Mahsuri. Retrieved on 20 July 2009 from http://www.cuti.com.my/Sub/Kedah/Langkawi/langkawi_mahsuri_mausoleum.htm cuti.com.my. (2008). Balas Holiday Chalet. Retrieved on 20 July 2009 from http://www.cuti.com.my/hotel/info.php3?id=477&hotel=Bala%27+Holiday+Chalet. cuti.com.my. (2008). Cameron Highlands. Retrieved http://www.cuti.com.my/Sub/Pahang/guide_cameron.htm on 20 July 2009 from

hotelreservation.com.my. (Undated). History of Cameron Highlands. Retrieved on 20 July 2009 from http://www.hotelreservation.com.my/hotel/cameron/history.htm hotelreservation.com.my. (Undated). Getting to Cameron Highlands. Retrieved on 20 July 2009 from http://www.hotelreservation.com.my/hotel/cameron/getting.htm holidaycameron.com. (2004). Places to visit. Retrieved on 20 July 2009 from http://www.holidaycameron.com/placestovisit.htm

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Nama Pelajar: Nur Adibah Abdullah@Dubah ak Gait No. K.P: 670909135306

Appendix 1: Proposal Outline 1. Introduction and methodology 1.1 Purpose statement 1.2 Initial planning 1.3 Data collection 2. Results and discussions 2.1 Langkawi island 2.1.1 Explanations/ reasons for choice 2.1.2 Activities/ Events available 2.1.3 Budget 2.1.4 Advantages/ Disadvantages 2.2 Cameron Highlands 2.2.1 Explanations/ reasons for choice 2.2.2 Activities/ Events available 2.2.3 Budget 2.2.4 Advantages/ Disadvantages 3. Conclusion 4. References

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