If you are coming to Johor Bahru, one nice place to spend the night is Dorsett Hotel. I’ve spent 6 nights in Dorsett hotel last year while attending a course, and I’m happy with the experience. The hotel rooms are nicely and modernly decorated. It provides free wireless internet for its customer and the speed is fast.

To reserve a room, go straight to their offer website:

http://www.goodhopehotel.com.my/skudai-johor_bahru/seasonal_promotion_2010/0112311210/

*Terms & conditions apply. *Applicable to Standard Room & Superior King Room only. *Room availability base on first come first serve basic. *Not applicable with other promotions, such as 5+1 Room Promotion. *Not applicable during peak season.
*Not applicable for group booking & travel agent. *Promotion & rates subject to change without prior notice.
For more details & information, please call +6 07-557 2828 or email to
reservation@goodhopehotel.com.my

To go to GoodHope official Website: Click here.

Recently, there are only two art schools in Malaysia, one in Sarawak, and another in our local home, Johor Bahru at Jalan Abdul Samad here. Obvious reason to build art school in these two places simply because both have diverse art and culture heritage, which is true.

Now with 248 students and increasing number each year, the State Education Department is planning to move the school to a new place in Seri Alam within three years as the school currently shares the buildings of SMK Mohd Khalid.

The department’s deputy director, Markom Giran said while waiting for that three years, his department has spent RM400,000 on two cabins that were turned into classrooms for students. Each cabin housed four classrooms with 46 students.

Well, my personal opinion on the idea of turning a cabin into classrooms is quite okay since the facility provided is standardize just like in a normal class. They still have furniture and for students, they do not have to sit on a mat though.

Plus, just anytime, the cabin can also be turned into studios for dancing practices, theater rehearsals and such. Okay now we talk about multifunction.

In terms of academic syllabus, the school focuses on dance, music, theater and visual arts in addition with other academic subjects.

Yeah, I understand very well that to balance studies with another interest and passion, arts for instance, is not an easy job. But I know they can make it through while becoming the ‘ambassador’ for promoting our culture to the world.

Visit Johor Bahru Art School.

For UTM students or outsiders, you are invited to come and visit the campus PC Fair held at Dewan Iskandar, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. The event will be held for 3 days starting from today until Wednesday (25-27 January 2010). Various computer equipments, hardware and software are sold at significantly discounted price. Check it out yourself.

He was 77 and has ruled the state for almost three decades. The Sultan left behind his wife, the Sultanah of Johor Sultanah Zanariah and 10 children.

It is a sad day for all Johoreans, he will be missed. His death is all over the news, you can find most of them here:

Sultan Of Johor Always Wanted The Best For His Subjects
The Sultan of Johor, Sultan Iskandar who died on Friday at the age of 77, was a Ruler who was firm but fair and always wanted the best for his subjects to the extent that Johor emerged as one of the most developed states in the country. [Bernama]

Sultan of Johor dies
The Sultan of Johor, Sultan Iskandar Ibni Almarhum Sultan Ismail, passed away at 7.15pm yesterday. He would have been 78 in April. A Sultan for almost three decades, he had been admitted earlier in the day to the Puteri Specialist Hospital here due to an illness. Two hours before his death, the Tengku Mahkota of Johor Tunku Ibrahim Ismail was appointed regent. [TheStar]

Sultan Iskandar: Raja berjiwa rakyat
DYMM Sultan Johor Tuanku Sultan Iskandar Al Haj Ibni Almarhum Sultan Ismail Al Khalidi yang mangkat senja hari ini merupakan seorang Raja yang amat disayangi dan berjiwa rakyat. Baginda berumur 77 tahun pada 8 April lepas. [bigdogdotcom]

Sultan Johor mangkat
JENAZAH Sultan Iskandar dibawa ke Istana Besar dari Hospital Pakar Puteri, semalam. Rakyat berkabung 7 hari; Semua majlis rasmi dibatal; Pemasyhuran sultan baru hari ini. [BeritaHarian]

Sultan Johor mangkat
Sultan Iskandar, yang diputerakan di Istana Semayam, Johor Bahru pada 8 April 1932, dimasyhurkan sebagai Sultan Johor pada 11 Mei 1981. Tiga tahun kemudian pada 15 November 1984 baginda dilantik sebagai Yang di-Pertuan Agong kelapan. [UtusanMalaysia]

Sultan of Johor dies
Sultan Iskandar was the third son of the late Sultan Ismail Sultan Ibrahim and the great grandson of the Father of Modern Johor, the late Sultan Abu Bakar. He received his early education in Johor Baharu, before pursuing his studies in Australia and united Kingdom. He was also the Colonel-in-Chief of the Malaysian Special Service Regiment (Commando) and was always seen clad in a military uniform during official events due to his passion for military service. His name was associated with many schools in Johor, as well as sports events like the Iskandar Johor Open Golf Tournament and southeren Johor development corridor, the Iskandar Malaysia. [MalayMail]

Sultan Iskandar (1932-2010)
Ghani also announced that the people could pay their last respects at Istana Besar from 9am to 10.30am today while VIPs would be able to do so from 11am to noon. Those wishing to pay their last respects will have to adhere to the respective dress codes. Sultan Iskandar will be buried at the Mahmoodiah Royal Mausoleum at 2pm. The menteri besar also announced a seven-day mourning period for the people of Johor and 40 days for the royal family. [NSTOnline]

Mt .Austin Downhill Challenge Race the first edition in the year 2010 will be held at Mount Austin, Johor Bahru for two days at the end of this month. The event is organized in conjunction of Element Cycle and ROAM (Riders on a Mission), supported by Malaysian Downhill Association (MDHA).

Details are as below;

Venue: Mt Austin, Johor Bahru, Malaysia

• Practice: 30th January 2010
• Qualifying: 31st January 2010 (AM)
• Race Date: 31st January 2010 (PM)

Categories;

• Elite (National riders)
• Expert (State and Sponsored Riders – Preset)
• Masters (30 & Above)
• Sports (19-30)
• Junior (<18)

Registration fees : RM 75

So, what is exactly a downhill challenge?

After almost an hour of searching, I find this information that might help you.

In simple words, downhill challenge is like a motor cross challenge in hilly muddy (etc) places. Except for this one, one is using a bicycle. The type of bike they ride is a bit different from BMX bicycle or the one you have in your backyard. It is build for extreme outdoor riding and endurance purpose.

This sport requires participant to cycle in a ‘natural-build-track’ that may include estates, farm, forest and such. The mud, stones, steep valley, unsmooth track, and narrow trail are among the challenges that riders need to encounter. Cool isn’t it?

While Element Cycle and ROAM are two groups among several that actively involve in mountain biking and downhill challenge activity in Malaysia.

Winners for each category in this competition will receive cash up to RM1500, gifts and medals.

Those who love outdoors and enjoy bike riding, don’t hesitate to join and the rest, just be there and feel the adventure.

Contact person : Azman +60127693544, Ramesh +60127007979
Email: elementcycle@gmail.com