PHOTO GALLERY MARKS SHANGRI-LA KL’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY

 

A photo gallery depicting Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur’s (SLKL) 40 year history and evolution was unveiled recently by General Manager Daniel Kaeflein together with the hotel’s long-service team, celebrating SLKL’s 40^th Anniversary.

Opened on 19 September 1985 by former Prime Minister Tun Mahathir Mohamad, the newly launched Photo Gallery walked invited guests down memory lane, celebrating four decades of heartfelt hospitality, stellar service, and cherished memories.

Titled “Where Moments Become Memories: 40 Years of Heartfelt Hospitality,” the visual journey reveals SLKL’s significant milestones and transformations throughout the decades. Many iconic moments, key refurbishment programmes, notable guests, dedicated staff, prestigious accolades and the hotel’s social responsibility and sustainability commitments are highlighted.

Speaking at the launch, General Manager Kaeflein said, "We’re not only celebrating 40 years of Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur but also the extraordinary people who have been instrumental throughout the journey. This photo gallery pays tribute to the cherished memories, guests we’ve welcomed, and colleagues whose dedication ensure the Shangri-La hospitality remains unparalleled."

Aside from the traditional white silk kebaya worn by SLKL’s Guest Relations Officers to the current maroon and gold songket design, the  photo walls also gave glimpses of the hotel’s major refurbishments in 2002 and 2010 as well as ongoing transformation in 2024–2025.

Admire photos of the hotel’s distinguished guests, from royalty to international celebrities. Heartfelt testimonials of loyal team members who have served and grew with SLKL in the past 40 years are included.

In addition, the showcase includes SLKL’s Gift of Life charity initiative which has raised over RM5 million since 1985 to support children in need of life-saving medical care. Numerous accolades received by the hotel including Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Awards 2023 for Best Business Hotel in Kuala Lumpur and Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards No.1 Hotel in Southeast Asia among others are proudly displayed.

The celebratory event is part of the Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur’s 40^th Anniversary highlights. Other initiatives planned will include a specially curated "Timeless Journey" Anniversary Menu at Shang Palace and Anniversary Buffet Specials at Lemon Garden.

SELANGOR SUPER SAVERS 2025 CAMPAIGN

Screenshot from Selangor Super Savers website

Tourism Selangor’s Visit Selangor Year (VSY) 2025 campaign, “Surprising Selangor” got a boost from the Malaysian Association of Hotels, Selangor Chapter (MAHSEL) and the Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners (MAHO) through the Selangor Super Savers 2025 (SSS2025) campaign recently.

Officiated by YBrs Puan Chua Yee Ling, Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Selangor at Dorsett Grand Subang, the SSS2025 campaign aims to showcase the best of Selangor while enhancing the working relationship among hotels, shopping malls, theme park operators and tourist attractions in the state.

Also present at the launch were Tuan Haji Shaharuddin M Saaid - Executive Director, Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners; Datin Jasmine Abdullah Heng - Chairman of the Malaysian Association of Hotels, Selangor Chapter; B C Ong - Council Member Rep for Selangor / Central Region of the Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners; Mr CK Ang – President of Malaysian Association of Theme Parks & Family Attractions and Mr William Tang - Vice President 1 of the Malaysia Shopping Malls Association.

With the launch of SSS2025, both MAHSEL and MAHO hope to support Tourism Selangor in achieving its target of 8 million tourists by this year end.

A dedicated online portal, https://selangorsupersavers.com/ was also unveiled. Highlights include stay packages offering a minimum of 10% off Best Available Rates, RM50 F & B credit and late check out till 3 pm as well as up to 10% off meeting and wedding packages by 21participating hotels in Selangor: Le Meridien Putrajaya, Marriott Putrajaya, Moxy Putrajaya, Four Points by Sheraton Puchong, Crystal Crown Hotel Harbour View Port Klang, Pegasus Hotel, Dorsett Grand Subang, Mines Beach Resort, Royale Chulan Damansara, M World Hotel and Acappella Suite Hotel among others.

Visitors staying in any of the participating hotels can enjoy extra perks and discounts at theme parks and shopping malls such as GL Play by Gamuda Land, Jungle Gym Eco-Sanctuary Mall, Jungle Gym i-City, Jungle Gym Quayside Mall, Just Farm, Wet World Shah Alam and Sunway Pyramid. 

On phase 2 of the SSS2025, MAHSEL and MAHO hope more industry players in Selangor will support the campaign until end of 2025 as a precursor to Visit Malaysia Year 2026, targetting 26.1 million tourist arrivals and a domestic spending of RM97.6 billion.

A photography and short video contest - Experience Selangor is currently open and submission should be uploaded by/on 30th April 2025. Exciting prizes courtesy of Dorsett Grand Subang, Dorsett Putrajaya, Only World Group and other participating hotels await. For full contest details as well as terms and conditions, log on to:

https://selangorsupersavers.com/experience-selangor.html

 

LONDON TEA EXCHANGE DEBUTS AT SHANGRI-LA KL

 

The Great British Affair promotion by Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur got off to a tea-rrific start with an exquisite London Tea Exchange Afternoon Tea experience at the Lobby Lounge.

 

Available now until 31 October 2024, a fine selection of premium tea from London Tea Exchange will be served to complement delicious afternoon tea treats by the Shangri-La team.

 

At an exclusive preview to mark the debut of London Tea Exchange into the South East Asian market, the luxury tea brand hosted a tea tasting session at the Shangri-La KL.

London Tea Exchange Group Chairman Sheikh Aliur Rahman who joined the event virtually via live stream from London said: “London Tea Exchange has some 3,400 some premium teas sourced from over 40 countries across the globe. Our established, longstanding relationship with many individual tea estates mean some of the rarest tea are exclusive to London Tea Exchange.”

According to Aliur, London Tea Exchange is low-key but a purveyor of fine teas to numerous royal households around the world. “We’re proud of the instrumental role London Tea Exchange played in raising the daily wage of tea plantation workers. As part of the Fair Pay Foundation, we’ve helped to raise the income threshold for tea plantation workers, almost all of them women who earn less than USD4 per day.”

 

The tea tasting session saw us beginning with English Breakfast, a classic tea popularised in 1800s. On the palate, we discerned earthy Sri Lankan tea nuanced with the maltiness of Assam tea leaves and the smokiness of Indonesian black tea.

Another quintessentially British favourite, The Earl Grey captured our hearts with its refined blend of Yunnan black tea and Ceylon tea, gently scented with pure bergamot oil from Calabria, Italy. It was an enlightening discovery as we learned more often than not, the bergamot flavour is usually sprayed onto tea leaves hence the resultant aroma and flavour tend to be heavier and overpowering on both the nose and tastebuds.

My favourite has to be Milk Oolong which comprised hand-rolled Oolong tea leaves. The withered, slightly wet tea leaves are heated in milk steam to bestow the Oolong tea with a distinct creamy taste. 

Fruity tea lovers will take an instant liking to Bora Bora, a sweet, tangy tea made with strawberries, tropical papaya and a myriad of fruits to bright, palate-pleasing tea which can be enjoyed hot or cold. 

Floral with hints of raspberries, rhubarb and cherries, the Sea of Blossoms blend incorporates an array of carefully selected exotic blossoms to produce a soothing tea.

There’s a playful and inventive side to London Tea Exchange as well. The team took over two years to develop and perfect the Pistachio & Truffle blend, paying homage to the Middle Eastern culture. Using real pistachios and chocolate truffle, the subtle nutty-rich tea proved intriguing and luxuriant on the tongue.

LONDON TEA EXCHANGE AFTERNOON TEA AT LOBBY LOUNGE

To further showcase its range of fine teas, London Tea Exchange is partnering with Shangri-La KL’s Executive Chef Scott Brands and his team to proffer a limited time Afternoon Tea (3pm-6pm) at RM220 nett per set for two persons.

Most of the savoury creations flaunted pink hues, in tribute of Pink October. We sampled delicious Savoury Snow Crab Rolls, Diced Apple and Mustard Cress, and Norwegian Salmon Pinwheel for openers.

Top marks went to the Smoked Duck and Foie Gras Croquette with Cherry but no less appealing were the Trout Caviar with Beets Brioche and Summer Truffle Egg Salad.

Rose petal and cherry accentuated Sencha Sakura tea was chosen by the chefs to imbue its delicate flavour into the creation of Rose Ivoire Chocolate Mousse Meringue whilst the Sea of Blossom Tea lent its ethereal floral-berry notes to the crisp Wild Berries Macarons.

A stellar Dark Chocolate Mousse with Paillete Feuilletine (crisp leaf-like flakes) Victoria Cake infused with Orange & Cinnamon Tea grabbed our attention at first bite. It was well seconded by the enticing Sea of Blossom Mille Feuille.

We did adequate justice to the pink-hue Dried Fruit Scone with Bora Bora Tea and Plain Scones, piling a generous amount of Raspberry Jam, Clotted Cream and Whipped Butter on them. 

The tea treats made excellent pairing with Milk Oolong but the Premium Emperor’s Palace Tea – a Fujianese green tea with subtle honey notes won’t go remiss either.

For reservations at Lobby Lounge, Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, call tel: 03 2786 2378.

FLIGHT CLUB SOARS AT KUALA LUMPUR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TERMINAL 1

Serving signature dishes such as Nasi Lemak with Beef Rendang and Curry Laksa with Prawns, the latest Flight Club restaurant at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 offers travellers a taste of Malaysian cuisine prepared with locally sourced ingredients. 

It's the third and largest Flight Club outlet by Plaza Premium Group (PPG), the world's leading airport hospitality service provider. Open 24 hours daily, the restaurant is a boon for travellers as they transit through the capital city of Malaysia. 

The latest Flight Club comes after the recent launch of Flight Club Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI), elevating the airport dining experience with its selection of freshly cooked international and local delicacies. Handcrafted coffee beverage by espressolab is also served.

Flight Club restaurant joins Plaza Premium First, Plaza Premium Lounge, and other PPG’s airport dining brands: Flight Club Signature, The Summerhouse and Flight Club Grab'n'Go in making PPG's presence felt.

To celebrate its opening, Flight Club is extending an exclusive offer to travellers who registered as Smart Traveller member: they are entitled to 30% off from the total dining bill for a limited time. Terms and conditions apply. 

 

MERCHANTS ALL DAY DINING AT CROWNE PLAZA KLCC

 

Specialities from four corners of the world beckon from Merchants All-Day Dining restaurant at the new Crowne Plaza Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC).

Located on Level 13, this modern and inviting outpost serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and even brunch to both hotel guests and the public daily. Neutral tones reign within: pristine white tiled walls with contemporary light fixtures, rustic communal tables, open kitchens and eye-catching décor evocative of a bustling marketplace form an inviting backdrop for dining, entertaining and relaxing purposes.

Open 6.30am to 10.30 pm (operational time applicable for various meal sessions), Merchants also has a tastefully furnished private dining room, available for reservations.

Pix courtesy of Crowne Plaza KLCC

Currently, the Selera Kampungku Buffet Dinner (RM188+ per adult) is served for ‘buka puasa’ (6.30pm-10.30pm) until 7 April.

On our maiden visit recently, lunch can be had from Merchants’ a la carte menu offerings of local classics and international fusion options. We opted for Gambas Al Ajillo (RM50), Grilled Australian Angus Beef Burger (RM55) and River Shrimp Curry Noodles (RM60) as there was only two of us.

Lunch started on a positive note with toasted baguette slices as the perfect accompaniment for the delicious tiger prawns. Cooked in olive oil, garlic and chilli flakes, the crustaceans were yummy and tasted even better when paired with the crusty bread soaking up the robustly flavoured oil.

That appetiser paved the way for the scrumptious burger. Sandwiched between a sesame seed bun, the juicy mince Angus beef patty was enhanced by caramelised onion, melted Cheddar cheese, smoked beef slices, sliced tomato, lettuce and gherkins.

For different taste variations, we tried sampling the burger with mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard and sweet chilli sauces in miniature bottles on the side. Chopped onion and jalapeno also provided sharp albeit welcome flavour accents. These condiments worked well with the burger. Our only complaint was the rather dry thick-cut fries.

If you choose to have the curry noodles, you can pick either wantan noodles, yellow noodles or rice vermicelli. We preferred rice vermicelli and it was a good choice to absorb the aromatic spiced broth.

The river shrimp imbued the soup with its rich, natural sweetness; its meaty texture adding textural appeal to the equation. Varied textural interest was drawn from the inclusion of chicken, beancurd puffs, long beans and beansprouts.

We completed our meal with Sago Gula Melaka (RM25), a pretty creation of moulded large sago pearls complemented by mildly creamy coconut milk with palm sugar syrup. As desserts go, it passed muster as we personally prefer the smaller sago pearls for nicer mouthfeel.

To work off our lunch a little, we went on a quick tour of the hotel, starting from the rainforest-inspired RhymBa Lobby Lounge & Bar where huddle spots and solo pods accord guests a nice respite or double up as functional work spaces.

The different room categories were pleasantly modern and versatile, designed to blend work/life travel needs for productivity and relaxation. Furnished in neutral tones to suit today’s business and leisure traveller expectations, each room come with spacious and well-appointed bathroom, comfy sofa couches, and tactile rainforest element décor.

Up of level 32 we were shown to Le Midi, a modern brasserie cum bar with expansive views of the city skyline and a speciality menu of French fusion fare.

Relaxation reaches new heights with the hotel’s rooftop infinity pool and cutting-edge gym. Also available is a spacious ballroom and five well-equipped function rooms with all the essential mod-cons.

For more information and reservations, call Crowne Plaza Kuala Lumpur City Centre, tel: 03-27828888. Address: No 22, Menara 8 Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, Kuala Lumpur.