Malaysia Airlines has inaugurated a thrice weekly service from Frankfurt Airport to …
Malaysia Airlines has inaugurated a thrice weekly service from Frankfurt Airport to Kuching on exotic Borneo – the world`s largest island rainforest. As of March 28, a Malaysia Airlines B777-200 departs Frankfurt every Sunday, Monday and Thursday at 12:30 and arrives in Kuching via Kuala Lumpur at 10:05.
At Frankfurt Airport, passengers check in for Malaysia Airlines in Hall D of Terminal 2. First and business class passengers can use the airline`s Golden Lounge, also in Terminal 2. Located in Transit Area E opposite Gate E9, the Golden Lounge is open daily from 09:00 to 12:00. In cooperation with Deutsche Bahn, Malaysia Airlines offers Rail & Fly tickets, an integrated ticket that covers travel to and from FRA via intercity trains. Furthermore, passengers arriving at FRA`s Long-distance Train Station can check in their luggage right at the nearby Check-in T area (Fraport counters), before proceeding to Terminal 2 for their flight to Kuching.
Under a long-term contract, Fraport AG`s Aviation Ground Services and Logistics (BVD) division provides full-handling services (ramp, baggage and passenger handling) to Malaysia Airlines at FRA. Fraport also has multi-year handling agreements for Malaysia Airlines` freighter service, as well as for other Asian carriers.
To launch the FRA-KCH route in the German market, Malaysia Airlines and various tour operators are cooperating with introductory travel packages that start at €699. Individual travelers who are only interested in the flight to Borneo can save about 15 percent on the ticket price when booking at least 60 days before departure. These so-called early bird specials are available to Kuching and many other destinations, start at €596 depending on the season. Running until March 27, 2005, these specials can be booked at any travel agency in Germany.
Kuching is the capital city of Sarawak, the largest of the 11 states in the Malaysian federation. Sarawak stretches some 800 kilometers along the northwestern coast of Borneo. Considered one of Asia`s urban gems, Kuching is a clean and vibrant waterfront metropolis situated on the Sarawak River and framed by the Matang Mountains. A city of modern architecture and historic charm, Kuching`s attractions include festivals, traditional bazaars, ethnic streets, shopping malls, and fascinating museums. Considered one of the best museums in southeast Asia, the Sarawak Museum dates back to 1891 and features the most extensive collection of Bornean history, art, and ethnology in the world. The Santubong Peninsula/Damai Beach resort area and the nearby Sarawak Cultural Village are only a 45 minute drive from Kuching. This living village presents the cultural life of Sarawak`s various tribal groups. The rhythmic Rainforest World Music Festival is held every summer here, too. Sarawak`s cultural mosaic includes Malayan, Chinese, Indian and almost 30 indigenous groups such as the Dayak Iban. However, English is widely spoken throughout Sarawak.
Beyond Kuching stretches a lush and exotic jungle paradise. The rain forests of Borneo are among the oldest on our planet and support an amazing diversity of flora and fauna. The state`s natural treasures include 10 national parks (five are close to Kuching), the world`s largest cave system, and coastal reefs. Sarawak Eco-biotourism Year 2004 is an initiative aimed at promoting sustainable tourism compatible with nature. Established several years ago, the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) is the focal point for the state`s biodiversity inventory, monitoring, research, education, utilization, management and conservation. Just outside Kuching, the Matang Wildlife Centre and the Semenggok Wildlife and Rehabilitation Centre are fascinating to visit and especially important for their work in helping native organg utan populations.
Sarawak offers a multitude of adventure activities such as jungle trekking, exploring caves, snorkelling and scuba diving. But it is also an ideal destination for so-called soft adventure and eco easy travel, for those seeking exotic holidays without rigorous or extreme conditions.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
