Thai Sea Gypsy Islands Get Year Round Access

(PRWEB) August 12, 2005

A new cross border ferry service from Langkawi, Malaysia, to Ko Lipe is opening up Thailand’s Tarutao islands to year round tourism.

The ferry service is the result of government cooperation between the Thailand and Malaysia and the recent opening of a Thai Consulate in Langkawi.

The islands in Thailand’s Tarutao National Park were for centuries famous as a pirate base that made sea travel in the area dangerous. Later they were given by the Thai government to local Sea Gypsies, or Chao Leh people who have roamed the islands for centuries harvesting fish, shellfish, coconuts and plants. These ancient people have their own language, maternal culture and animist religion.

The islands have until now only been accessible by small boat from Satun which operates for 6 months per year. With strong year-round tourism, Langkawi island is expected to provide a steady and growing stream of day-trippers to Ko Lipe and Ko Adang, which will provide a strong economic boost to the Thai islands.

The ferry service already leaves from Telaga Harbour Park in Langkawi for the one-hour trip to Ko Lipe every Saturday. From September 2005, the service will operate daily.

All day island hopping tours stop to enjoy the best snorkeling spots and explore five or more of the 50 islands that comprise the Tarutao National Park.

Alternate tours including scuba diving, game fishing (catch and return), bird watching and eco tours with trained naturalists are offered. All tours are eco-friendly with great care being taken not to damage the unspoiled island environment.

The Tarutao National park islands offer some of Asia’s best underwater coral and marine life. More than 130 species of coral have been identified and a huge variety of colorful tropical fish are abundant. Other marine treats include dolphins, whale sharks, whales, turtles, shellfish and large fish. The area is famous for its crystal clear azure water and sparkling white sand beaches, with many visitors proclaiming them fantasy islands.

LANGKAWI

Langkawi island is one of Malaysia’s leading tourism destinations for honeymooners with idyllic nature, ancient rain forests and mountains, stunning colorful birds, caves, mangroves, a cable car and its own international airport with direct flights from London. It hosts one of Asia leading yachting regattas, a leading international bicycle race and was chosen by Four Seasons Hotels as the perfect Asian destination for their latest hotel and sap which opened here recently to international acclaim.

The opening of a new Thai consulate in Langkawi is sure to make this a favorite venue for visa renewal by expats living in Thailand. The island’s duty free status means that liquor, cigarettes, perfumes and other items are much cheaper than almost anywhere else in Asia.

Access Langkawi by air direct from London, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Flights are expected to start soon from Bangkok and Phuket, and ferry service to Langkawi runs daily year round from Penang, Satun and Alor Star. Star Ferry cruises also stop in Langkawi to enjoy the many sights and experiences the island has to offer.

For latest information, photos and trip booking please visit http://www.langkawi-insider.com.

For further information & story verification please contact:

CONTACT 1 (online information & booking)

Bill Gee – Chairman

Tourism Online Promotion

TOP-Lah Promotion Sdn Bhd

Tel + 6017 466 1022 (Malaysia time GMT + 8 hours)

CONTACT 2

The Royal Thai Consulate – Langkawi

Kampung Tok Senik

Langkawi 07000 Malaysia

Tel +604 955 5240 / 3240

CONTACT 3

Lambaian Pelangi Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd

Managing Director: Mr Mahadzir

Lot 1577 Tok Senik

Langkawi 07000 Kedah, malaysia

Tel +604 955 7260

H/P 019 518 1618

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Thai Sea Gypsy Islands Get Year Round Access

An Inside Look at Medical Tourism in Malaysia - American Reporter to be Given Unprecedented Access

Penang, Malaysia (PRWEB) March 7, 2005

The United States has the dubious distinction of having the highest healthcare costs in the world, by some accounts twice as high as those in other comparable nations. In fact, over the last five years healthcare costs in America have risen an average of $ 2,500 per family.

Following in the footsteps of their European cousins, a growing number of Americans are turning to medical tourism for their surgical procedures. Every year more and more people travel to countries such as Malaysia, Thailand and India, where they can save up to 70% off their surgical procedures. Simple cosmetic surgery costing over $ 8,000 in the United States can be as low as $ 3,000 in other countries, for exactly the same procedures and often with better service and care.

This March, writer and journalist Eric Paul Erickson will depart on an unparalleled journey with two American women who are traveling to Malaysia for surgical procedures. Erickson has been granted unprecedented access to not only document the experiences of these two women, but the inner workings of the country’s medical tourism industry.

Erickson will also be keeping a blog at http://www.medicaltourmalaysia.com which will go live March 11. Updated several times a day, the blog will give readers an even clearer picture of medical tourism in Malaysia, as well as insight into travel, customs and culture in the region including full color pictures. Blog readers will also be able to ask questions which Erickson will answer as part of his entries.

Once thought to only be the choice for those seeking lower cost cosmetic surgery, medical tourism has become the only option for a growing number of those in desperate need of life saving procedures. Recently a 73-year-old British man was told he would have to wait six months for heart bypass surgery covered by the National Health Service or pay $ 36,000 for immediate surgery. He chose neither, instead traveling to India for the procedure at a savings of $ 27,000.

Erickson will uncover the facts about medical tourism and health care in other countries, addressing the issues of safety, proper procedures, travel, accreditation, accommodations and culture. Through his eyes, Americans will be able to make their own decisions as to whether traveling abroad for medical procedures is for them. He will also delve into the growing business of the travel agencies arranging these trips which bring billions of tourism dollars to host countries such as Malaysia.

During his career, Erickson has worked for the Chicago Tribune’s City News Service, the Roswell Daily Record and CNS News. Currently he works as a freelance writer in Chicago where his work appears regularly in the Chicago Tribune, Hollinger newspapers and other area newspapers and magazines, as well as national publications. His articles and photos have continually received national recognition and distribution.

During his adventures Erickson has been given unusual access to many areas, including participation in the Chicago Police Department’s Street Survival course, being given clearance to observe anti-terrorism and explosives training in New Mexico, interviewing secluded Poor Clare nuns and spending Spring Training on the field with the Chicago Cubs in Arizona.

Following Erickson’s return March 24, full-length feature articles and briefs, both with accompanying photos, will be available for publication and all involved parties will be on hand for media interviews. For more information please contact Ian Bryan of The Sensible City; 312-528-9111 or ianbryan@sensiblecity.com.

Contact:

Ian Bryan

312/ 528-9111

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Find More Malaysia Adventure Tourism Press Releases

An Inside Look at Medical Tourism in Malaysia - American Reporter to be Given Unprecedented Access

World Wide Access

Yardley, PA (PRWEB) May 3, 2005

In keeping with its inclusive editorial policy, Global Traveler magazine takes a comprehensive look at the obstacles physically challenged individuals face and overcome as they travel across the nation and around the world.

Written by GT contributors Barbara and Jim Twardowski, “World Wide Access” reveals the potential $ 26 billion dollar market travel-related businesses miss when fail to meet the needs of physically-challenged travelers. The figure is based on a landmark study conducted in 2002 by Harris Interactive.

“These statistics demonstrate that if properly reached, people with disabilities can make an extremely profitable marketing target,” said Eric Lipp, founder and director of Open Doors Organization. ODO teaches businesses how to succeed in the disability market.

In the article, the Twardowskis cite the findings of a study titled “Improving Information on Accessible Tourism for Disabled People.” The study, posted on the European Union’s Web portal at europa.eu.int, suggests “Improved accessibility will not only result in economic benefit to the tourism industry, but will also assist the move towards full social integration.”

“Accessible travel is a niche market that cuts across all niche markets…accessible travelers’ needs cross all types of travel and all destinations,” said Roberta Schwartz, Director of Education for the Society for Accessible Travel.

Global Traveler magazine offers timely information for the travel industry as well as other regular features incorporating up-to-date information regarding health and safety issues in travel, popular business travel destinations, great golf spots and more.

Published by FXExpress Publications, Inc., Global Traveler magazine is circulated nationally and focuses on the top 10 U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and San Francisco. Global Traveler is also available in select airline lounges, including Alitalia Airlines, China Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines EVA Airlines, Finnair, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, South African Airways, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines and others selected newsstands and news boxes with a paid ABC circulation of 60,238.

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World Wide Access

VANCOUVER, B.C. (PRWEB) February 10, 2006 A new Canadian medical tourism agency is helping American patients obtain the surgeries they desperately need at world class hospitals around the globe. So why would Americans travel for medical services? Because the costs arranged by the Vancouver-based MedSolution are typically 50 to 90 per cent less than what is currently being charged by US hospitals. Millions of Americans, many of them seniors, have endured years of pain and suffering because they simply cant afford the surgeries that can vastly improve their lives, said MedSolution spokesman John Knox. In the USA a hip replacement can cost $ 40,000 for an uninsured patient. A coronary bypass can cost as much as $ 80,000. MedSolution can arrange the same procedures at a five-star hospital in India for about $ 6,000 to $ 8,000. Medical tourism the concept of combining vacation travel and health care has been a popular option for British and European patients over the past five years. Knox said MedSolutions roster of licensed, experienced surgeons can provide patients with access to all manner of procedures ordered by US physicians, including (but not limited to): -orthopedic (full and partial knee, hip & joint replacements) -cardiac (heart bypass, heart repairs, etc) -interventional cardiology (angiography, angioplasty, catheterization); and -gastric (banding & bypass); -cosmetic surgery A persons health shouldnt be held hostage by hospital bills and expensive insurance policies, Knox said. Were offering real solutions for patients seeking a safe and practical way to escape these costs and get on with living healthy lives. Dr. Animish Chokshi, medical director at the Krishna Heart Institute and Specialty Clinic in Ahmedabad, India, said MedSolution is going to revolutionize the way Seattle patients think about health care. MedSolution has made it their personal mission to help American patients find professional surgical care that can immediately bring positive change to their lives, Chokshi said. Why suffer at home, when the world is waiting with open arms? Knox said MedSolutions clients can expect the same standard of care at Krishna as would be expected within the American system, where Indian doctors are renowned for their professionalism and expertise. Affiliates undergo an extensive screening process which includes background checks with local health authorities and professional associations, and they must adhere to OR procedural standards endorsed by the World Health Organization. A final requirement affiliates must meet is the ability to communicate with MedSolutions clients in fluent English at all stages of patient contact. My visit to Krishna has been one of the most positive experiences in my life, said Milwaukee resident Gary Konkol, 54, who recently received a hip replacement at MedSolutions partner facility in India. From the moment their staff met me at the airport in India, I never expected that strangers would treat me with so much care and kindness. The staff really cared about my mental well-being. Like a lot of Americans, Konkol was frustrated with his lack of options under the US medical system. Troubled since childhood by a sore hip, his insurance company refused to cover the cost of replacement surgery because the problem stemmed from a pre-existing condition. After discovering that India could offer the same procedure for a quarter of typical US rates, Konkol packed his bags for what ultimately became a life-changing experience. The medical treatment was excellent. However, the loving care that was shown to me during my stay went beyond any of my expectations, Konkol said, noting with amazement that the surgical team was able to extend his troubled leg by almost three inches. Knox said there are many advantages for patients working with MedSolution over those scheduling their own international surgeries, primarily lower costs and speedy access to information. MedSolutions high patient volume allows the company to offer surgical rates which are lower than anything a patient would be able to negotiate for themselves. Blue Cross Blue Shield International has also recently approved a number of MedSolutions procedures in India for coverage, an option that may provide even more cost savings for US patients. In addition to India and France, MedSolution is currently building partnerships with a number of other surgical facilities in Mexico, Costa Rica, Brazil, Malaysia, Turkey, Poland and South Africa. Within the next few months, the company will expand its surgical options to include dental surgery and in vitro fertilization. Patients who require surgical treatment can contact MedSolution to explore unique solutions to their health care needs. For a full list of medical and surgical services available, please visit http://www.medsolution.com or call 1-800-984-0457. ### US Patients Access Life-Saving Surgeries Overseas For 90% Less

VANCOUVER, B.C. (PRWEB) February 10, 2006

A new Canadian medical tourism agency is helping American patients obtain the surgeries they desperately need at world class hospitals around the globe.

So why would Americans travel for medical services? Because the costs arranged by the Vancouver-based MedSolution are typically 50 to 90 per cent less than what is currently being charged by US hospitals.

Millions of Americans, many of them seniors, have endured years of pain and suffering because they simply cant afford the surgeries that can vastly improve their lives, said MedSolution spokesman John Knox.

In the USA a hip replacement can cost $ 40,000 for an uninsured patient. A coronary bypass can cost as much as $ 80,000. MedSolution can arrange the same procedures at a five-star hospital in India for about $ 6,000 to $ 8,000.

Medical tourism the concept of combining vacation travel and health care has been a popular option for British and European patients over the past five years.

Knox said MedSolutions roster of licensed, experienced surgeons can provide patients with access to all manner of procedures ordered by US physicians, including (but not limited to):

-orthopedic (full and partial knee, hip & joint replacements)

-cardiac (heart bypass, heart repairs, etc)

-interventional cardiology (angiography, angioplasty, catheterization); and

-gastric (banding & bypass);

-cosmetic surgery

A persons health shouldnt be held hostage by hospital bills and expensive insurance policies, Knox said. Were offering real solutions for patients seeking a safe and practical way to escape these costs and get on with living healthy lives.

Dr. Animish Chokshi, medical director at the Krishna Heart Institute and Specialty Clinic in Ahmedabad, India, said MedSolution is going to revolutionize the way Seattle patients think about health care.

MedSolution has made it their personal mission to help American patients find professional surgical care that can immediately bring positive change to their lives, Chokshi said. Why suffer at home, when the world is waiting with open arms?

Knox said MedSolutions clients can expect the same standard of care at Krishna as would be expected within the American system, where Indian doctors are renowned for their professionalism and expertise.

Affiliates undergo an extensive screening process which includes background checks with local health authorities and professional associations, and they must adhere to OR procedural standards endorsed by the World Health Organization.

A final requirement affiliates must meet is the ability to communicate with MedSolutions clients in fluent English at all stages of patient contact.

My visit to Krishna has been one of the most positive experiences in my life, said Milwaukee resident Gary Konkol, 54, who recently received a hip replacement at MedSolutions partner facility in India.

From the moment their staff met me at the airport in India, I never expected that strangers would treat me with so much care and kindness. The staff really cared about my mental well-being.

Like a lot of Americans, Konkol was frustrated with his lack of options under the US medical system. Troubled since childhood by a sore hip, his insurance company refused to cover the cost of replacement surgery because the problem stemmed from a pre-existing condition.

After discovering that India could offer the same procedure for a quarter of typical US rates, Konkol packed his bags for what ultimately became a life-changing experience.

The medical treatment was excellent. However, the loving care that was shown to me during my stay went beyond any of my expectations, Konkol said, noting with amazement that the surgical team was able to extend his troubled leg by almost three inches.

Knox said there are many advantages for patients working with MedSolution over those scheduling their own international surgeries, primarily lower costs and speedy access to information.

MedSolutions high patient volume allows the company to offer surgical rates which are lower than anything a patient would be able to negotiate for themselves.

Blue Cross Blue Shield International has also recently approved a number of MedSolutions procedures in India for coverage, an option that may provide even more cost savings for US patients.

In addition to India and France, MedSolution is currently building partnerships with a number of other surgical facilities in Mexico, Costa Rica, Brazil, Malaysia, Turkey, Poland and South Africa.

Within the next few months, the company will expand its surgical options to include dental surgery and in vitro fertilization.

Patients who require surgical treatment can contact MedSolution to explore unique solutions to their health care needs. For a full list of medical and surgical services available, please visit http://www.medsolution.com or call 1-800-984-0457.

###

US Patients Access Life-Saving Surgeries Overseas For 90% Less