MARCH-JUNE 2008 PLAY I EAT I SHOP I RELAX I EXPLORE GOING BEYOND CASINOS AND CARD GAMES LasVegas JULY ON THE SLOPES OF VICTORIA INVITING BEACHES OF MALAYSIA KDN PPS 1356/4/2008 March-June 2008 on the cover departments The Las Vegas Strip – why all that glitters is not gold 18 BEEN THERE DONE THAT Our RCI Holiday Guides share their experience in Langkawi community 19 PROMOTIONS 4 HOLIDAY SNAPSHOTS 8 Deposit your Week and win RCI members’ holiday moments 20 WHAT’S NEW 6 WISH YOU WERE HERE A’ Famosa Resort, Malacca Find out why RCI member 21 RCI RENTALS Cynthia Ee loves Florida Enjoy special member rates at great locations 22 UPDATES features Operational resorts in Asia 8 VIVA LAS VEGAS 24 CRUISE EXCHANGE Beyond casinos and card games, 12 Introducing a new way to use Las Vegas has plenty more to offer your RCI Weeks the whole family By Yu-Mei Balasingamchow 12 VICTORIA’S CROWN JEWELS RCI’s Member Services Department is open on the following Public Holidays in 2008 Victoria’s diverse regions are tailored from 9 am to 6 pm: to suit the palate of discerning travellers By Ng Wei Chian 21 Mar Good Friday 01 May Labour Day 15 JEWELS IN THE SUN 19 May Vesak Day Malaysia has enough inviting beaches to 09 Aug National Day make you forget about food for a while 28 Oct Deepavali By Linda Wong Wye Ling 15 08 Dec Hari Raya Haji Exchange Fees Full Week Getaway Specials Call RCI’s Holiday Guides to find out the latest on International Exchange S$388 International Getaway 2008 RCI Fees promotional prices for Intra-Asia Exchange S$175 (2 - 365 days in advance) from S$400 RCI Getaway specials. Domestic Exchange S$148 Asia Getaway Alternatively, log on to our (31 - 365 days in advance) from S$200 website at www.rci-asia.com Weekend Exchange – 4D/3N for updated rates. (Selected Asia Resorts) S$119 All prices quoted are correct Midweek Exchange – 5D/4N Split Week Getaway Specials at the time of printing and (Selected Asia Resorts) S$119 are subject to change without Weekend – 4D/3N prior notice. Membership Fees* (Selected Asia Resorts) from S$199 1 Year S$150 Midweek – 5D/4N *Subject to GST charges for (Selected Asia Resorts) from S$169 3 Years S$360 Singapore members Guest Certificate S$70 5 Years S$500 is the official travel publication of RCI first EDITORIAL TEAM Eunice Yap Koh Chew Li Jacqueline Goh Elizabeth Chow DESIGN & PRODUCTION Chan Hui San Creative Director, Jongs Creations Bernard Soon Margaret Loh elcome to the new issue of Endless Vacation® magazine. Designers As we embark on a new year, many of you may already be Man Cheong Printing Pte Ltd planning how to utilise your holiday exchange. We hope Printer this issue of Endless Vacation® can bring you inspiring ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: vacation ideas, as we provide resources and tips on W Tel: (65) 6226 2800 destinations that appeal to different holiday preferences. Fax: (65) 6226 2300 First, take a look at glamorous Las Vegas, a city known for its mega- Endless Vacation is published by resorts, bright neon lights and over-the-top hustle. If the ‘ding-ding’ of slot RCI Asia Pacific Pte Ltd machines does not interest you, you can explore some of the surrounding The publisher reserves the right to refuse areas, which promise some truly spectacular scenery. to publish or republish any advertisement without explanation for such action. The advertisements featured in Endless Vacation® If you are longing for a retreat in a winter wonderland between June and magazine represent the views of the advertisers September, head Down Under to Melbourne, Victoria. Challenge yourself and are not necessarily endorsed by RCI® the on the ski slopes and soak up the lively alpine village atmosphere, or take a publisher. scenic tour along the Great Ocean Road and Murray River. For beach bums RCI® and Design are trademarks of Resort Condominiums International, LLC, and are who prefer the sun and sand, you can escape to the white powdery beaches registered in countries throughout the world of Malaysia’s Port Dickson, Tioman and Langkawi. These lovely tropical and may not be used without permission. beach getaways are Asia’s most exciting and alluring holiday paradise, and Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, no will provide a tranquil escape for young and old. responsibility can be accepted by the publisher for the quality of goods and services supplied Perhaps you are looking for a completely different holiday experience. by advertisers, prices quoted, typesetting and printed errors. Responsibility cannot be Why not choose to exchange your week for a cruise vacation? RCI’s cruise accepted for the accuracy of author’s work. deals offer a fantastic selection of packages on a variety of cruise lines. The publisher holds copyright to all material Not only do you get to visit different cities all on one cruise holiday, you published in the magazine. Reproduction in whole or part either electronically or also get to enjoy many entertaining onboard activities. It will be a holiday conventionally, without the written consent of like no other. the publisher is strictly prohibited. Typewritten features from contributors are welcome. Publication, however, is not guaranteed and Here’s a toast to a great year ahead and may you have a truly Endless Vacation magazine assumes no responsibility for the loss or return of material memorable 2008 filled with sweet RCI holidays! provided. ©Copyright 2008 RCI Asia Pacific Pte Ltd MICA (P) 169/01/2008 Full Service Areas Member Servicing Toll-Free Hotlines RCI Contact Details Bangladesh, Brunei, Brunei : 800 065 For all deposits, exchange requests, Cambodia, China, (enter 2#2#, dial 6412 2436) enquiries, contests and competitions, Hong Kong, Indonesia, China : 400 8111 688 please contact RCI Asia Pacific at: Laos, Malaysia, Hong Kong : 800 96 4847 Tel : (65) 6223 4333 Mongolia, Pakistan, Indonesia : 001 803 65 7311 Fax : (65) 6223 4334 Philippines, Singapore, Korea : 007 9865 17123 Email : [email protected] South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia : 1800 18 1121 Add : 8 Cross Street Thailand, Vietnam Philippines : 1027 1800 650 7091 #09-01/05, PWC Building Taiwan : 0080 165 1333 Singapore 048424 Thailand : 001 800 65 6060 Enjoy greater flexibility and a wider choice with our Premium Exchange resorts. All it requires is a Prince D’Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap minimal top-up to your regular exchange fee*. - A perfect base from which to explore the legendary Angkor temples and Limited Availability! Call +65 6223 4333 or your ancient treasures country’s toll-free number to make a booking today. - Hotel offers rejuvenating spa treatments or mouth-watering local * Minimum 7 nights stay required Khmer and international cuisines TOP-UP FEE/NIGHT FROM SGD 15 La Residence, Shanghai Legend Hotel, Kuala Lumpur Regal Oriental Hotel, Hong Kong - Surrounded by a dazzling spectacle of - Linked to The Mall and a stone’s throw - Nestled in Kowloon East sights and sounds from Putra World Trade Center - Gateway to Clear Water Bay Country - Located near the city’s latest attraction, - Conveniently accessible by light rail Club golf course and the marina club the Pudong New Area, Shanghai’s transit - Easily accessible to local traffic economic, financial and commercial - Modern amenities with high-speed network towards both business and centre broadband internet access tourists districts TOP-UP FEE/NIGHT FROM SGD 20 TOP-UP FEE/NIGHT FROM SGD 15 TOP-UP FEE/NIGHT FROM SGD 48 Saboey Resort & Villas, Koh Samui Grand Ville Hotel, Bangkok Maritime Park & Spa Resort, Krabi - Located on Big Buddha Beach - Located in the vibrant, bustling - Set in a landscape of exquisite beauty, - A boutique resort nestled amidst lush commercial district of Chinatown with forested mountains, lush tropical tropical gardens - A hotel with all basic amenities and gardens surrounding a placid lagoon - Stunning freshwater pool and facilities to comfort and pamper you - Near pristine beaches, idyllic coral islands and Krabi’s national forest parks cascading Jacuzzi with sea view TOP-UP FEE/NIGHT FROM SGD 5 TOP-UP FEE/NIGHT FROM SGD 27 TOP-UP FEE/NIGHT FROM SGD 15 MARCH-JUNE 2008 I 3 {holiday snaphshots} RCI moments 2nd “Will you share my room?” Surat Limtrakool Stayed at the Holiday Club Pyha, Finland 1st “A roaring good time – well, for some - at Genting Outdoor Theme Park.” Benilda B. Sacluti Stayed at the Genting View Resort, Malaysia rd “ Wow!!! Looks like I can fly like 3 an eagle over the Himalayas !!! “ Sangrawee Asawakul Stayed at the Club Mahindra Snowpeaks, Manali, India 4 I MARCH-JUNE 2008 RCI moments “ What a beautiful sight! “ Bong How Lan Stayed at the Therm Chitose Domino, Japan “Feeling the adrenaline rush at the famous Bull Fighting arena in Madrid.” Azdiar Mobed Stayed at the Sahara Sunset Club, Spain “ Smiles as sweet as the Lavender. “ Yim Ching Soon Stayed at the Silver Sands Resort, Perth, Australia “I believe I can fly!” Cecile Ventura Stayed at the Nipa Beach Resort, Philippines ENTRY FORM The personal information Name collected on this form will Home Country 1st PRIZE only be used to conduct this 1 week International competition and is consistent RCI Membership No Date of Picture Holiday for 4* with the RCI® Privacy Policy. Picture Caption • Each member can send a 2nd PRIZE maximum of 5 entries 1 Asia Midweek • Each entry must be accompanied by a caption Name of Accommodation During Stay Getaway * or write-up of not more than 50 words with mention of the All prints and slides should have been taken while on holiday with RCI and will be 3rd PRIZE location where the photograph considered the property of RCI Asia Pacific Pte Ltd.