[top photo: See Taiwan in its full splendour with Dynasty Travel.]

by Leong Phei Phei

MALAYSIA is an ideal holiday spot for those looking for a quick, inexpensive getaway.

Mr Sebastian Yap, executive director of Transtar Travel, says: "For those who want to stretch their dollar, Malaysia is best. In Singapore, it's hard to find a hotel stay that is less than $100 per night, for instance.

But for the same price, you can stay in a fouror five-star hotel in Malaysia. In terms of food, you can add a bottle of beer to your buffet meal because it is so cheap there.

"Best of all, there are many beautiful beaches in Langkawi and Redang; good food and great heritage in Penang and Malacca. You'll also enjoy a relaxing time at Genting Highlands and other hill resorts." Mr Yap recommends travel by coach because it is inexpensive and comfortable.

"If you go with our company's coaches, you pay a bit more. But for that price, you get to enjoy a luxurious ride. Our First Class Solitaire coaches, for instance, come with reclining seats, personal entertainment system, a lot of leg space, and also an experienced crew who will serve you airline-quality food on board."

Transtar Travel is a leading coach operator specialising in tours to Malaysian cities. It will be showcasing its First Class Solitaire buses at the Appetites and Escapades fair this weekend at Suntec Singapore.

Another participant, Luxury Tours & Travel, will be highlighting its two-day "Melaka Nyonya With Farm Trail" package at the fair.

Mr Alvin Kok, its senior travel executive (group), says: "There'll be food, culinary demonstrations, heritage trail of the Peranakan culture, history of Malacca, and not forgetting, Singaporeans' favourite activity - shopping!"

Those who book this tour will travel on a 44-seater air-conditioned coach with services of an English-speaking guide.

They also get to stay in a five-star hotel. According to Mr Kok, response has been overwhelming and the special departure on Aug 8 is already filled. The next departure date is Aug 15.

Those who prefer a rest-and-relax holiday can check out Five Stars Tours- four-day-three-night Gem Island Resort package, which includes spa treatments, snorkelling sessions and a villastay with a sea view.

Fans of MediaCorp artiste Jeff Wang may want to sign up for a four-day cruise-cum-coach trip to Redang.

You get to enjoy a two-night stay at the Laguna Redang Resort, one night on board the Superstar Virgo cruise ship, and interactions with the artiste. Golden Travel Services is offering a six-day cultural journey to Xiamen and Changsha in China.

The itinerary includes visits to the historical city of Changsha, the mountainous region of Zhangjiajie, Mao Zedong's hometown Shaoshan, his former residence, and the new Mao Heritage Museum.

Mdm Lin Deng Li, chairman of Golden Travel Services, says: "We have conducted several trips to China focusing on the local culture and arts as well as the cuisines.

However, this trip offers more depth as it revolves around a historical character of the modern Chinese history. One will be able to gain a better understanding of the late Chairman Mao from a cultural point of view at the end of the trip."

Dynasty Travel, on the other hand, has best buys featuring destinations from all over the world, including a 5-day Taiwan Shopping and Hotspring trip at $598, 6- day Tokyo Leisure trip at $1,288, and 13- day Wonders of USA trip at $2,688.

Some of these trips come with "bonuses" such as stays at four-star hotels, free stays and discounts on rail travel.

You may also wish to check out the "Colours of Autumn" packages, featuring Taiwan, Korea, Romania, Bhutan and more.

This article was first published in The Straits Times Special. It is produced by the Special Projects Unit, Marketing Division, SPH.