Marriott International yesterday announced the signing of a hotel management agreement with Westfield Global Sdn. Bhd., to bring The Westin brand to the popular island of Penang.

Located along the iconic, sea-facing promenade of Gurney Drive, The Westin Hotel, Penang is slated to open in 2026. With 217 rooms and suites featuring the brand’s iconic Heavenly® Bed, the hotel will offer guests sweeping views of greenery and the Andaman Sea beyond. Overlooking newly opened Gurney Bay Park, a seafront public recreational space including a skate park and retail areas, the hotel’s prime location is a mere stone’s throw from Gurney Drive’s popular attractions of local street food, with Gurney Drive Hawker Centre and popular shopping malls of Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon.

It is only a few minutes drive from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town and its multitude of cultural, historical, and, culinary attractions. It is also close to other popular Penang attractions including Kek Lok Si Temple, Malaysia’s largest Buddhist temple and Batu Ferringhi, known for its beach and water activities. For business travellers, it is an excellent option being just a 30-minute drive from Penang International Airport and less than an hour’s drive from Bayan Lepas Industrial Zone, home to several multinational high-tech manufacturing firms.

The Westin Hotel, Penang will form part of a larger development known as the Westin Hotel & Residences, striking the perfect balance between vibrant city living and an exclusive residential environment.

“We are delighted to bring the beloved Westin brand to the celebrated destination of Penang and be a part of the island’s offering for both leisure and business travellers. As a destination, it continues to excite with its unique appeal. We are confident that The Westin Hotel, Penang will exceed expectations in offering both leisure and business travellers a thoroughly fresh, yet familiar and certainly enjoyable stay in Penang”, said Andree Susilo, Senior Director – Development, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International.

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Marriott International to bring The Westin Hotel to Penang. This partnership is a significant step towards advancing Penang’s tourism sector and this underscores our goal of providing a world-class wellness hospitality experience which enhances the reputation of Penang as a global travel destination. We both share a commitment to offering guests an experience and residents a life like no other and The Westin is known around the world to offer the gold standard of hospitality”, said Dato Yeoh Yih Sean, Group Managing Director of Westfield Global Sdn. Bhd,

Plans call for the hotel to feature all-day dining and speciality restaurants, a lobby lounge and a pool bar, with additional leisure facilities such as an outdoor swimming pool, WestinWORKOUT ®

Fitness Studio, Heavenly Spa by Westin™ for ultimate pampering, as well as the Westin Family Kids Club. Guided by Westin’s six pillars of well-being, the brand continues to evolve and deliver its signature wellness programs to adapt to the needs of the modern traveller and deliver industry-leading experiences designed to empower guests to be the best version of themselves.

The hotel will also be an ideal destination for events of all sizes such as weddings, seminars, workshops, and conferences. Not only is there a spacious grand ballroom to accommodate up to 1,000 people, it is also equipped with various event spaces and meeting rooms.

The hotel is anticipated to be Marriott International’s fourth Westin in Malaysia, in addition to The Westin Kuala Lumpur, The Westin Desaru Coast Resort and The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa.

Source: Tourism.gov.my

Photo for illustration only

The Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) welcomes the suggestion to expand water taxi services on the mainland.

MBSP mayor Datuk Azhar Arshad said it is a good suggestion as it can boost tourism both on the mainland and island.

“The water taxi services will also offer a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative, easing congestion on the roads and providing seamless connectivity,” he said when contacted by Buletin Mutiara today.

However, Azhar said a comprehensive study for the implementation of the water taxi services needs to be done first.

“From there, we will decide whether we should implement the services on the mainland or not,” he said.

Previously, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the water taxi services to Seberang Perai would depend on the level of support received for its implementation on the island.

However, Chow said it is subject to the decision of the MBSP as the project falls under the jurisdiction of the city council, not the state government.

Chow added that the water taxi services is an initiative by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), so the service will be provided only on the island, for now.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

Sinaran Residences at Utropolis Batu Kawan completed ahead of schedule.

Homeowners of Sinaran Residences at Utropolis Batu Kawan recently welcomed the good news of receiving the keys to their new home three months ahead of schedule. The early handover is a testament to the impressive track record that Paramount Property has established through the years.

As The People’s Developer, Paramount Property’s core promise to the community is to build with people in mind and to deliver products that anticipate future trends and stand the test of time, fulfilling every aspect of living – now and for the future.

A Home for Your Every Leisure

Sinaran Residences’ concept of “living without boundaries” is synonymous with the extraordinary lifestyle that the project has to offer. Here, recreational leisure goes beyond the podium and rooftop. Instead, you will find facilities peppered throughout the entire building and across many levels. From the stylish lounge area on the ground floor to the futsal, basketball, and badminton courts on the sixth floor right up to sky-high facilities on the rooftop, there are just so many ways to indulge at Sinaran Residences.

The Glamping Deck on the rooftop offers a panoramic view of the horizon.

The multi-purpose basketball and mini futsal court.

Urban Living with a Generous Touch of Greens

At Paramount Property, every development that the company undertakes is purposefully planned to uplift the community it serves. This is achieved through efforts in its three broad pillars – wellness, environment, and society, all of which are reflected at Sinaran Residences.

From healthy pursuits to social engagement among residents, the project boasts over 50 facilities, all of which have been thoughtfully curated to cater to different aspects of life.

Spacious indoor gymnasium overlooking the swimming pool.

The project also acknowledges the importance of nature with lush greens seamlessly infused into the overall architecture of the building, creating a welcoming environment that embraces you with the fresh scents of nature as you spend your time outdoors.

A well-equipped playground and outdoor recreational areas surrounded by lush greens.

Where Work and Play Go Hand-in-Hand

Beyond recreation, the development anticipates the changes of today’s work culture where flexibility has become a norm. Within the premise, there is a designated co-working space area, a meeting room, and even a private dining area for its residents to conduct their day-to-day business in the most efficient manner.

This allows homeowners to distinguish their private sanctuary at home away from work, putting them in the right mindset and to be able to leave it all behind and ‘return home’ at the end of the day, yet never needing to leave Sinaran Residences.

Designated co-working space area that is open to all residents.

Meeting room available for private discussions.

The Assurance of an Award-Winning Developer

With an established track record of excellence, homeowners are assured of quality craftsmanship when it comes to owning a home by Paramount Property. Sinaran Residences is 100% sold, a testament to the people’s trust in the developer.

Homebuyers who are interested in owning a home at Utropolis Batu Kawan can check out Savana, its latest phase of development. Oozing with class and a contemporary design, this majestic 36-storey residence introduces the concept of versatility to a home, encouraging homeowners to reimagine spaces and configure layouts according to their lifestyle needs.

Savana’s unique configuration of the living, dining, and kitchen areas.

Savana takes on a contemporary concept in layout and design.

Aside from maximising the comfort and functionality of a home, Savana also boasts a nature-inspired way of life with a large breadth of indoor and outdoor recreational spaces as well as charming landscapes for the enjoyment of its residents.

Units for Savana have also reached 50% in sales and interested purchasers are urged to secure their units now.

An Exciting Address to Call Home

Utropolis Batu Kawan where Savana and Sinaran Residences are located, is the first university metropolis in Penang. The fully integrated development brings together residential, commercial, education, wellness, and hospitality as one comprehensive address.

Utropolis Batu Kawan is a dynamic address with high investment potential.

To be part of this dynamic address, call 012-501 0733 or visit www.paramountproperty.my today.

About GEM Residences

GEM Residences, a commercial development by Belleview Group at Prai, Penang. It is part of the company’s 6 hectares mixed development along Jalan Baru, diagonally opposite Megamall Penang. Next to it will be the upcoming largest mall in the northern region – GEM Mall, the tenant mix include SOGO (first and largest departmental store in the northen region at 212,000 sq.ft.) and a supermarket (largest at 50,000 sq.ft.).

*Photo taken in March 2024

Find out more about GEM Residences

Ideal Property Group proudly announces its recent triumph at the esteemed Fiabci Malaysia Property Award 2023. The company’s premier development, Queens Residences Q1 (Q1), located in the picturesque bay in Bayan Lepas, Penang, was honoured as the winner in the Mid Rise Residences category. This accolade reaffirms Ideal Property Group’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the realm of property development.

Q1, the first phase of the expansive Queens Waterfront master plan, has garnered widespread acclaim for its exceptional location, sustainable features, and unparalleled quality. Q1 offers residents an exclusive seafront lifestyle coupled with the convenience of being just 6 kilometers away from Penang International Airport. This prime location, nestled within a vibrant industrial and technological hub, makes Q1 an ideal choice for both homeowners and investors seeking unparalleled connectivity and growth potential.

“We are thrilled to receive the Fiabci Malaysia Property Award 2023 for Queens Residences Q1,” said Dato’ Ng Tyan Ping, COO of Ideal Property Group. “This recognition is a testament to our unwavering dedication to creating exceptional living spaces that prioritize quality, sustainability, and community well-being. We are immensely proud of Q1 and its contribution to redefining the standard of luxury living in Penang.”

One of the key strengths of Q1 lies in its dedication to fostering sustainable living. Q1 complies with the Green Building Index (GBI) standards, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable development right from the start. The development has proactively implemented various energy consumption control measures, including energy-efficient building design, rainwater harvesting systems, and low-flow fittings to enhance water efficiency. Furthermore, Q1 Residences has achieved a high score of 85% for Quality Assessment System in Construction (Qlassic), highlighting its meticulous attention to quality craftsmanship and construction excellence.

Moreover, Q1 is not just a residential enclave; it is a thoughtfully planned community that fosters a low-carbon lifestyle without compromising on aesthetics. The development features a commercial lifestyle hybrid mall on the ground and first floors, complemented by sea-facing alfresco dining options. Additionally, Q1 is attached to a 50-ft wide promenade spanning approximately 700 meters, encouraging healthy outdoor activities and fostering a sense of community among residents.

With its unique architectural charm and prime seafront location, Q1 has emerged as a popular choice among locals and investors alike. The appreciation value of units at Q1 continues to soar, reflecting the development’s high potential for long-term growth and investment returns.

“Q1 embodies our vision of creating vibrant and sustainable communities that enrich the lives of residents,” added Dato Ng Tyan Ping. “We are delighted to see the positive impact that Q1 has had on its residents and the surrounding community, and we remain committed to delivering excellence in every project we undertake.”

Q1 marked the inception of the Queens Waterfront master plan, encompassing a total of 4 development phases. Ideal Property Group completed Q2 in 2022 and is currently progressing with Q3 under construction. The company remains steadfast at the forefront of real estate industry, continuously setting new standards for integrated development in Penang, leading the way for future advancements in the region.