Batu Hitam (Black Stone Beach), Balok, Kuantan

Driving back from Kuantan Port we decided to stop off at Batu Hitam (Black Stone Beach) in the Balok area of Kuantan. It is about a 15-20 minute drive from Kuantan town and is located along the coastline a short distance before Swiss Garden Resort & Spa (travelling from Kuantan town).

Batu Hitam is famous for the numerous black rocks strewn across the sand. It's great for a visit, and of course, for me, it's a great photography opportunity too! Obviously, it's best to go when the tide is out.

At Batu Hitam, Balok, Kuantan, with Lauren on a breezy day

Lauren shows a really interesting rock at Batu Hitam, Kuantan

Lauren amongst the black rocks at Batu Hitam

Interesting sand detail on a black rock at Batu Hitam

My wife and I enjoying the breeze at Batu Hitam

Lauren and Leah at Batu Hitam

My wife relaxing on a bench at Batu Hitam

A glimpse of paradise in Langkawi; Visit Malaysia 2014

2014 is Visit Malaysia year, and a great place to start is the paradise island of Langkawi. Two of my sisters-in-law, Florina and Felicity, recently spent 2 nights at Ombak Villa by Langkawi Lagoon Resort and didn't want to leave this stunning paradise!

Check out their cool video of this gem of Malaysia:

Here are just a few of the many photos they took in Langkawi. I can feel their excitement in each picture!

(All photos credited to Florina and Felicity Michael)

Langkawi Lagoon Resort

Watching the sunset in Langkawi

Chalets at Langkawi Lagoon Resort

Florina on the beautiful beach

Breathtaking views at Langkawi

Chilling out for an afternoon sailing on a boat

My crazy sister!

Breakfast at Langkawi Lagoon Resort

Thanks Florina and Felicity. Langkawi looks awesome! To learn more of the resort or book your stay, please visit the website here: Langkawi Lagoon Resort

You are now ready to pack your bags and come to Malaysia!

Rebranding Launch Ceremony of Vistana Kuantan City Centre (Vistana Hotel Kuantan)

A fresh coat of paint and a new logo adorn the new Vistana Kuantan City Centre

I was invited to attend the Rebranding Launch Ceremony of Vistana Kuantan City Centre. Refurbishment is complete and the hotel has a fresh, clean and simplistic new look.

Page 1 of the guest book. I like being punctual.

Two F&B staff preparing drinks at the new Barista section

In the Ballroom, waiting for the event to begin

A look through the front doors of Vistana Kuantan City Centre to the new-look lobby

The lobby is a little larger and more spacious now as the front desk has been moved back a few spaces. Seating has also been added for guests to relax while waiting.

The new-look lobby at Vistana Kuantan City Centre

The trendy lobby at Vistana Kuantan City Centre typifies the new brand promise of 'Vibrance, Verve and Value.'

This is HUB247, the business solutions centre, to the right of the lobby, featuring discussion table, computers, TV screens and two private cubicles with power points

The lift lobby on the Ground Floor at Vistana Kuantan City Centre

Beautifully simplistic signage at Vistana Kuantan City Centre

The swimming pool has had new floor tiles and looks a lot more spacious

The Executive Suite essentially has the same layout but with new furniture in the living area. With the connecting room at the far end, even a large family can stay here. One could easily have between 8-10 visitors in the Suite too

Bedroom in the Executive Suite at Vistana Kuantan City Centre

Our tour of the hotel took us to an Executive Deluxe and Executive Suite room on the 6th floor, as well as the new-look function rooms on the 1st floor along with a brand new gym.

One of the function rooms at Vistana Kuantan City Centre featuring mirrors, glassboard, whiteboard and overhead projector

Another function room setup at Vistana Kuantan City Centre

Another function room on the 1st floor at Vistana Kuantan City Centre

A simple gym has been prepared on the 1st floor of Vistana Kuantan City Centre

YAB Dato' Sri DiRaja Haji Adnan Bin Haji Yaakob, Menteri Besar of Pahang arrived and the event soon started.

The Chief Minister of Pahang arrives at Vistana Kuantan City Centre

Dignitaries take their places on stage in the Ballroom at Vistana Kuantan City Centre

Dato' Mark Yeoh Seok Kah, Executive Director of YTL Hotels, opened proceedings

The Chief Minister of Pahang speaks as a camerman adjusts his equipment

Media, guests and VIPs gather in the Ballroom for the Vistana Kuantan City Centre Rebranding Launch Activation

The dignitaries watch a short video presentation of the new Vistana brand

Hotel Manager Sharon Ang escorts the Chief Minister of Pahang out of the Ballroom for a tour of the hotel

I was very fortunate to have a pleasant conversation with the Chief Minister of Pahang in the Cafe when he stopped to have a chat with my wife and I before he left for KL.

Do come and drop by the new Vistana Kuantan City Centre and sample the hotel for yourselves. It is highly recommended for business travellers and the friendly staff are really great. Great value for a stay the next time you come to Kuantan!