Have a great 2009 of vacations ahead

The Zon Regency, Johor Bahru

FACILITIES

Restaurants, Cafe & Bar, Gym, Spa, Swimming pool, Banquet facilities, Baby sitting on request at a fee, Laundry, Dry Cleaning & Valet services.

Unit Amenities - Superior room with either twin, queen or king size beds. Complimentary tea/coffee making facilities, IDD telephone with voice messaging system. Personal electronic safe, remote controlled TV & radio with multi channels.

M-Suites, Johor Bahru

FACILITIES

Exclusive swimming pool with jacuzzi, Life Spa by Clark Hatch (at a fee), Laundry & Valet facilities, Safe deposit box, Business Centre.

Unit Amenities - Tropical Studio Suite with either twin, queen or king size beds, Complimentary coffee/tes making facilities, IDD telephone, Remote Controlled TV.

Brisdale Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

 FACILITIES 

Swimming pool at 17th floor, Covered Car Park, Safe Deposit Box, Laundry & Dry cleaning, Baby Cots, Wake up calls, Limousine & Car rentals, Bell Hop Service, 24 hours Security, Electronic Door Lock System.

Amenities - Attached bathroom, piped-in-music individually controlled air-conditioning system, In-house movies & ASTRO cable TV, IDD telephone, Fridge, Coffee & Tea making facility, Inter-connecting rooms, Free Wi-Fi.

Cititel Express Kuala Lumpur

FACILITIES 

Fully equipped Business Centre, Laundry service, 24 hours Reception & Security service, Free parking

Unit Amenities - Coffee& Tea making facility, Fully Air-conditioned, TV, Safe Deposit Box, IDD Telephone, Fridge.

Copthorne Orchid Hotel (Penang)

FACILITIES

Concierge, Complimentary parking, Convenience store, Safe Deposit facility, Internet Centre, 24 hour room service, Sauna & Jacuzzi, Swimming pool, Children's pool, Spa Centre, Tour desk & water sports centre

Unit amenities

All rooms have a private bath & balcony individually controlled air-conditioning, direct dial telephone and personal bar, Vision-4 in-room entertainment, satellite TV with in-house movies, Tea & Coffee making facility.

Heritage Hotel Cameron Highlands

Heritage Hotel Cameron Highland.

FACILITIES - Laundrette, Safe Deposit Box, Coffee house, Travel Desk, Convenience store, Sauna & Jacuzzi at a fee, Car park

Unit Amenities - TV with Vision-4 movies, IDD telephone, Complimentary Coffee and Tea making facilities.

Heritage Hotel, Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan

Let's begin with Heritage Hotel, Ipoh.

FACILITIES - Laundrette, Safe Deposit Box, Coffee house, Car park

Unit Amenities - TV with Vision-4 movies, IDD telephone, Complimentary Coffee and Tea making facilities, Fridge.

Checklist to submit when you visit/stay@HGVC

Facilities Checklist for location: (name of location)

Yes / No ======================

Comments

Bathroom hot/cold water
Room coffee/tea making
Extra bed availability
Electric iron
Shaver outlet

Complimentary/discount breakfast
Spa/Restaurant discount
Other special offers

Peak/Shoulder seasons

Other nearby attractions

Star * ratings (your personal rating)
5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star

*Check [x] in either Yes/No box
* Send this form back by email to - the.facilitator@gmail.com
* Or, return this to Liasion Committee members

Latest listing as at November 2008

List of Resorts open to members as at November 2008
==========================
Local
-----
1. Heritage Hotel Ipoh, JLn Raja Hilir,Perak - Superior room
2. Heritage Hotel Cameron Highlands, Tanah Rata, Pahang - Superior room
3. Butterworth Travel Lodge, Lorong Bagan Luar, Butterworth, Penang - Standard Twin room

Additional local resorts
-----------------------
4. Zon Regency Hotel (Eden Garden)Komplek Bebas Cukai JB Stulang Laut - Std Twin room
5. Copthorne Orchid Hotel (since November 2007), Penang
6. Cititel Express Kuala Lumpur
7. The M Suites, JLn Skudai, Johor Bahru - Tropical Studio Suite
8. City Bayiew, Jln Hang Tuah, Melaka - Superior room
9. Genting Permai Park & Resort, 10Km Genting Higlands, Pahang - 3-Bdroom Apartment
10. Pangkor Puteri Resorts, Jln Pasir Bogak, Perak - 2Bdrom Apartment
11. Paradise Lagoon Hotel, Port Dickson, Negri Semibilan - 2-Bdroom Apartment
12. Sutra Beach Rsort, Kg. Rhu Tapai, Setiu Terengganu - Std/Twin Bedroom
13. Holiday Villa Cherating, Kuantan, Pahang - Std/Deluxe room
14. Stanford Hotel, Jln T.A.Rahman, Kuala Lumpur - Std Twin room
15. Radius International, Warisan Sq, Kota Kinabalu - rooms/suites

Others
------
16. Aseania Seaview Resort, Jln Pantai Tengah, Pualu Langkawi - Superior room
17. Country Villas Kajang, Country Heights Kajang, Selangor - 3-Bdroom Apartments
18. Royal Crown Hotel, Phuket, Thailand - Superior room
19. Best Western Resort Country Club, New Dehli, India - 2-Bdroom Apartment

Types Timeshare Units Facilities

I have been searching the Internet for ideas in how to do a good job of a facilities chair. After much reviews I came across this article. And, it dawn on me that I have to solicit information from my own home timeshare provider. If they do not provide such information, I am stuck. However, looking on the bright side of things, a good timeshare provider will surely share the best features of their facilities under their management. Eventhough there is yet an organization to audit and provide awards or star ratings to timeshare resorts, there is a need for due recognition. Perhaps, by having timeshare owners do reviews on their visit, we can begin our journey towards reconizing the better places and enhance our experiences as timeshare owners.

So, allow me to re-iterate what other authors feel about the faciities that attract and retain members of timeshare organizations.

When we begin talking about the types timeshare units together, it starts to form the main idea of what this subject is about and how you can grasp the idea of timeshare rentals easily and quickly. The different types are distinguished by their location, space and all the necessary facilities, they provide you with. The prices for various types timeshare units change according to the above mentioned categories.

First of all, you should pay attention to the location of your timeshare resort when you choose among different types timeshare units. Because, notwithstanding the size ( two bedrooms or one ), the types timeshare units which are located in the most prestigious resorts, for example facing the sea coast, will cost more expensive, because they are in popular demand. Or, located near ecological sites, etc.

All types provide you with all the necessary facilities in accordance with the number of guests. So, if you have the timeshare rental for 5 person, you will find the appropriate quantity of forks, plates and other utensils in the kitchen of any type timeshare units. According to the number of persons, who are going to spend their holiday in timeshare resort, different types timeshare units provide you with the necessary quantity of rooms, so nobody will be troubled or feel uncomfortable.

You may find all the necessary information, concerning the different types timeshare units while browsing the timeshare resale sites. Having this information about the types timeshare units handy will help you a great deal the next time you find yourself in need of it and when you discuss timeshare pros and cons with people. They offer you the data about prices, location, demands, seasons and owners of different types timeshare units. So, if you have any particular interests in types timeshare units, you are able to learn useful information there. You should admit that it will be very appropriate for you to have the most convenient apartments among the numerous types timeshare units, when you decide to exchange or sell your timeshare rental in the course of time.

So you have read about the types of timeshare units. As they say, knowledge equals power, so continue to read information on timeshare for rent until you feel you are adequately educated on the subject.

Timeshare re-visited

Planning your next vacation? Perhaps timesharing — the use of a vacation home for a limited, pre-planned time — is on your list of options. Timesharing is a popular way to take a vacation, but problems can occur. Consider the risks and the benefits before you sign a contract.

Many sellers of timeshares offer gifts to get you to listen to a sales presentation. If you're only going to the presentation to get the gift, be aware that many giveaways include gems of little or no value; "gold" ingots, with minimal gold content and worth no more than a few dollars; or vacation "awards" or "certificates," which don't cover costs for travel and food.

There are two basic types of timesharing plans. In a deeded plan, you buy an ownership interest in a piece of real estate. In a non-deeded plan, you buy a lease, license, or club membership that lets you use the property for a specific amount of time each year for a specific number of years. With both types, the cost of your unit is related to the season and the length of time you want to buy. For example, a winter week in a warm climate is worth more than a summer week in the same location.

The purchase will cost thousands of dollars. Before you sign any papers or pay any fees, understand what you're buying. Consider these points when you're making your decision.

Practical Factors. One reason people buy timeshares is the convenience of pre-arranged vacation facilities. Consider whether you'll be able to use a timeshare facility year after year. Are your vacation plans sometimes subject to last-minute changes, or do they vary in length and season from year to year? Does the property have flexible use plans? Are you — and will you be — in good enough physical and financial health to travel to your timeshare? If you're evaluating a timeshare plan with units in several locations, ask whether the club has enough units to satisfy demand.


Investment Potential. Never consider the purchase of a timeshare as an investment. Timeshare resales usually are difficult. You may face competition from the original seller. Or, local real estate agents may not want to include the timeshare unit in their listings. Once all the timeshares have been sold, ask if the developer will be setting up a resales office on site.


Total Costs. The total cost of your timeshare includes mortgage payments and expenses, such as travel costs, annual maintenance fees and taxes, closing costs, broker commissions, and finance charges. Annual maintenance fees can range from $300 to $500. Since these fees can rise at rates that equal or exceed inflation, it's important to ask if there's a fee cap for your plan. Keep in mind that these fees must be paid whether or not you use the unit. To help evaluate the purchase, compare your total timeshare costs with rental costs for similar accommodations and amenities for the same time and in the same location.


Document Review. Don't act on impulse or under pressure. Take the documents home to review. Ask a professional or someone familiar with timesharing to review the paperwork before you buy. If the seller won't let you take the documents, perhaps this isn't the deal for you. A good offer today usually will be a good offer tomorrow. Legitimate businesses don't expect you to make snap decisions. Find out if the contract provides a "cooling-off" period during which you can cancel and get a refund. If not, ask to include this clause. Most states where timeshares are located require a cooling-off period. If there is no cooling-off period, be sure you understand all aspects of the purchase and carefully review all materials before you sign.


Oral Promises. Make certain all promises made by the salesperson are written into the contract.


Exchange Programs. These programs allow you to arrange trades with other resort units in different locations for an additional fee. However, these trades usually cannot be guaranteed. There also may be some limits on exchange opportunities. For example, you may need to make your request far in advance. Or, even at an additional cost, you may not be able to "trade up" to a better unit at peak time in an exotic location. When you trade, expect a unit of approximately the same value as your own.


Reputation Research. Your resort will be a good place to vacation only if it is run properly. Research the track record of the seller, developer, and management company before you buy. Ask for a copy of the current maintenance budget. Learn what will be done to manage and repair the property, replace furnishings as needed, and provide promised services. Will these arrangements be adequate? Will they extend over a long period of time, or just the near future? Visit the facilities and talk to current owners about their experiences. Local real estate agents, Better Business Bureaus, and consumer protection offices also are good sources of information.


Unfinished Facilities. Purchasing an undeveloped property is extremely risky, but if you decide to do so, commit money to an escrow account. This is one way to protect your financial investment if the developer defaults. Also get a written commitment from the seller that the facilities will be finished as promised.


Default Protection. Learn your rights if the builder or management company has financial problems or defaults. Check to see if your contract includes two clauses concerning "non-disturbance" and "non-performance." A non-disturbance provision should ensure that you'll continue to have use of your unit in the event of default and subsequent third party claims against the developer or management firm. A non-performance protection clause should allow you to keep your ownership rights, even if a third party is required to buy out your contract. Contact an attorney who can provide you with more information about these provisions.


Foreign Properties. Be especially wary of offers to purchase timeshares or vacation club memberships in foreign countries. If you sign a contract outside the United States for a timeshare located in another country, you generally will not be protected by U.S. federal or state contract property laws.

1st Meeting of the Liasion Committee with HGVC management & Trustee

This meeting is to be held at the Heritage, Ipoh on 11th October 2008. The Liasion Committee meets at 9 am and the joint LC/HGVC/Trustee meeting to follow at 11am.

The 11 person LC members are:
Mr. Ramadas a/l Perumal
Mr. Veeramai a/l Chandran
Mr. Liew Sin Chow
Mr. Toa Kim Meng
Mr. Khoo Kay Hock
Mr. Wong Kim Siong
En. Abdul Satar bin Abdullah
Mr. Gnanasagaran a/l Ratnasamy
Mr. Liew Thim Mun
En. Lokaman bin Hamzah
Dr. Leong Kwok Onn

To all HGVC members, get yourself a sun tan in Singapore or somewhere during your next vacation. More benefits are expected to pleasantly surprise you.

HGVC new operations hours

Beginning from 1 sept 2008, HGVC Offices at (Kuala Lumpur HQ,Ipoh,Penang) have new working hours and will be from MONDAY TO FRIDAY (9AM-6PM). The offices will close on SATURDAYs, SUNDAYs and PUBLIC HOLIDAYs.

TimeShare re-sale value 2003-2007

Undergoing MyBlogLog Verification
If you had been thinking of selling off your timeshare, think again. Between the years of 2003 till last year, there was a survey done on the resale value of timeshare in the world.

Although our HGVC did not appear on the top 10 list, the other HGVC did. Maybe, they had not seriously done a survey of the Malaysian timeshare industry, at all. I believe that Berjaya Timeshare would also have the possibility of appearing on the world charts in this industry.

According to Stroman’s Top 10 Best Selling Timeshare Resorts were;
1.Sheraton Vistana Orlando, FL
2.The Manhattan Club, NY, NY
3.Orange Lake Country Club, Orlando, FL
4.Marriott’s Desert Springs Villas Palm Desert, CA
5.Hilton Grand Vacation Club Flamingo Las Vegas, NV
6.Hilton Grand Vacation Club Sea World Orlando, FL
7.Worldmark by Wyndham Resorts
8.Marriott’s Cypress Harbour, Orlando, FL
9.Marriott’s Desert Spring Villas II Palm Desert, CA
10.Marriott’s Grande Ocean Resort, Orlando, FL



And, the next chart showed the resale value over the survey period of 2003 to 2007.

There are important Trends to take note. For one, the ever expanding internet will continue to help timeshare resales. More timeshare resorts will be built. First time buyers will seek resort resale values. Consumers will fully understand that timeshare “Resale beats Retail” for
value. A timeshare multiple listing system will attract cooperating brokers. However, "caveat emptor"; Timeshare Resale Consumer advice buyers and sellers is to seek a timeshare specialized licensed broker to get resale advice. Title companies unfamiliar with timeshare closings may have difficulty qualifying and closing timeshare sales especailly when international legal matters are involved in the transaction.

The most common misconception is when today’s resale prices are compared to today’s new sale prices. That is usually followed by a negative statement about how they go down significantly in value. This is a significant disservice to timeshare consumer/owners by the media. The average time share resale is approximately 10 years old. Actual resale data of a particular resort can be compared to the sale price when it was originally sold. This result will give you a real gain or loss if you do not consider the opportunity costs or the time value of the monies invested.

If you like to read the whole report, this is the link. http://www.timeshareads.com/study/Timeshare_2003-2007_Study.pdf

Happy reading.

Heritage Grand Vacation Club members communications portal: The other HGVC

Heritage Grand Vacation Club members communications portal: The other HGVC

The other HGVC

By the way, if you were unaware of the other HGVC, here is the link. http://www.hgvc.com/ Our original link is here but it does not seem to be updated often enough to be useful. http://www.hgvc.net/

AGM update

It has been confirmed that there was insufficient quorum on 28th June, so the adjourned meeting shall be held at Ballroom Level 1, Heritage Hotel, Ipoh on Saturday, 19th July 2008 at 11am.

See you there.

Some vacation packing tips

Vacation packing tips are useful as a reminder for the well travelled vacation taker but for those just planning to go on a vacation, the following tips are invaluable.

1. Choose your vacation luggage carefully. While togetherness is great, it's advisable for each of you to pack at least one bag of your own for clothes and toiletries.

2. Select vacation bags with wheels. Even garment bags come on rollers these days, so there's no need for anyone to wrench his back before the big night. And you won't feel so guilty including everything you'd like to pack.

3. Pack right for the weather. You wouldn't carry the same things on a safari vacation as you would on a trip to the tropics or Europe.

4. Going someplace where you'll need to dress for dinner? Place sports jackets, pressed shirts, and dresses in a shared garment bag. If possible, keep them separated by dry cleaners' plastic or tissue paper to avoid wrinkling.

4. Roll, rather than fold, vacation garments. It saves packing space and also can cut down on wrinkles.

5. Make sure your name, home, and vacation address are on a luggage tag and somewhere inside the bag you pack as well.

6. Pack your carry-on bag carefully. Pieces do get lost. Travel with one complete change of clothes, vital medicines, and sundries you can't live without in your carry-on.

7. Know what size carry-on your airline permits, and how many pieces are permitted on board.

8. Hate to shlep heavy shoes, books, and/or sporting equipment? Make life easy for yourselves: Send it ahead via any available courier service, and arrange with your hotel to hold it until your arrival.

9. If you're on a budget, pack things like sunscreen, sunglasses, and skin lotion rather than planning to buy them at a vacation resort, where they're often expensive.

10. Make a photocopy of all your credit cards that shows numbers clearly. Pack a copy for yourself and leave the original with a trustworthy friend.

Reselling of membership

Under section 2 subsection 8 of our HGVC trust deed (section 2.8), it states;

No Obligation to Repurchase
Without affecting the Operator's rights contained in Clause
21.1 of this Deed, the Operator shall not be obligated or required under any circumstances whatsoever to repurchase the Timeshare Memberships at the request of the Timeshare Members or anyone of them.

Is it not clear that there should not be any agents acting on their behalf to solicit for membership resale?

Reselling Your Timeshare

Unscrupulous companies typically contact you by phone, mail or the Internet asking you to call a phone number about your timeshare. The salesperson may claim that the market is "hot" for resales, when in fact the market varies considerably depending on location and the prime season for that particular unit. For an advance fee of about RM300 to RM700, some salespeople promise to sell your timeshare for a price equal to or greater than your purchase price. They may claim to have a list of sales agents and potential buyers. While the seller may possess these lists, it is unlikely the parties are interested buyers. To further entice you, they may promise a money-back guarantee or a government bond if they can not sell your timeshare within a certain amount of time.

In the end some owners have found that their timeshare did not sell, their fee was not returned and they were given a bond worth as little as RM60 to RM70. If you are considering reselling your timeshare and are approached by a company offering to help, the Better Business Bureau recommends the following:

Do not agree to anything over the telephone until you have had a chance to check out the company.

Ask the person to send you written materials.
Ask for references, including address and phone number and contact them.
Ask where the company is located and in what states it does business.
Ask if the company's salespeople are licensed to sell real estate where your timeshare is located. If so, verify this with the state licensing board.
Find out if the company charges a commission. Do they handle the entire closing and provide escrow services? Do they charge an up-front listing or advertising fee? What does it cover and is it refundable?

Be wary of companies charging an advance "appraisal" fee for services. Consider opting for a company that offers to sell for a fee only after the timeshare is sold.
Contact the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org), state Attorney General's office, and local consumer protection agencies in the state where the company is located to find out if complaints have been lodged against the company. If you have any complaints against any marketing agent, you may also try http://www.complaints.com.my

Keep in mind that there are other resale options. You may try selling your timeshare yourself, by placing an ad in a newspaper or magazine, or contacting a real estate agent familiar with the area. If all the timeshares have been sold in your development, consider asking the seller to establish an on-site resale office. As an alternative, you may consider an exchange program. For a fee, these programs allow you to arrange trades with other resort units in different locations.

Booking efficiency

Last Friday 20th June 2008, I did a fax booking for one night at M-Suites, Johore Bahru. This morning on 24th June 2008, I received a confirmed booking by fax. This paves a path towards a happy membership with HGVC. I certainly hope that such services will continue.

Keep up the good work at the management of Heritage Grand Vacation Club.

AGM reminder 28th June 2008

Come and support your Liason Committee at the 8th AGM to be held at Ballroom Level 1, Heritage Hotel, Ipoh on Saturday, 28th June 208 at 11am or at the adjourned AGM (same location) on Saturday, 19th July 2008 at 11am. If you wish to get some more details, you may contact Mr. Liew Thim Mun (membership 100906/I) by email, tmliew@streamyx.com or voice 017-8888 381.

HGVC latest destination - Sabah

Radius International Hotel, Waterfront, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah is a newest and stylish “ BOUTECH ” concept hotel as the Group’s first “ BOUTECH ” Hotel in the region. The term “ BOUTECH ” is the combination of the words “boutique” and “technology” to reflects the size of the hotel and the technologically skewered infrastructural interior design. The hotel was design to not just fit today’s needs but also for the needs and changes of tomorrow.

The hotel is located on the 7 th Floor of Warisan Square, a shopping centre in the middle of Kota Kinabalu. Guest will find an easy walking access to all local attractions, commercial districts, retail, eating and entertainment facilities. Just 10 minutes away from Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Nature and adventure, Islands and beaches, golfing and diving, all these are interesting offering available in Sabah, The Land Below The Wind .


How to get there? Click on map to get larger picture.

Latest resorts

List of Resorts open to members as at June 2008
==========================
Local
-----
1. Heritage Hotel Ipoh, JLn Raja Hilir,Perak - Superior room
2. Heritage Hotel Cameron Highlands, Tanah Rata, Pahang - Superior room
3. Butterworth Travel Lodge, Loron Bagan Luar, Butterworth, Penang - Standard Twin room

Additional local resorts
-----------------------
4. Zon Regency Hotel (Eden Garden)Komplek Bebas Cukai JB Stulang Laut - Std Twin room
5. Copthorne Orchid Hotel (since November 2007), Penang
6. Cititel Express Kuala Lumpur
7. The M Suites, JLn Skudai, Johor Bahru - Tropical Studio Suite
8. City Bayiew, Jln Hang Tuah, Melaka - Superior room
9. Genting Permai Park & Resort, 10Km Genting Higlands, Pahang - 3-Bdroom Apartment
10. Pangkor Puteri Resorts, Jln Pasir Bogak, Perak - 2Bdrom Apartment
11. Paradise Lagoon Hotel, Port Dickson, Negri Semibilan - 2-Bdroom Apartment
12. Sutra Beach Rsort, Kg. Rhu Tapai, Setiu Terengganu - Std/Twin Bedroom
13. Holiday Villa Cherating, Kuantan, Pahang - Std/Deluxe room
14. Stanford Hotel, Jln T.A.Rahman, Kuala Lumpur - Std Twin room
15. Radius International, Warisan Sq, Kota Kinabalu - rooms/suites

Others
------
16. Aseania Seaview Resort, Jln Pantai Tengah, Pualu Langkawi - Superior room
17. Country Villas Kajang, Country Heights Kajang, Selangor - 3-Bdroom Apartments
18. Royal Crown Hotel, Phuket, Thailand - Superior room
19. Best Western Resort Country Club, New Dehli, India - 2-Bdroom Apartment

Malaysian Holiday Timeshare Developer's Federation

(Company No. 259066A)
No. 1023, Level 9, Block B1,
Pusat Dagang Setia Jaya,
No. 9, Jalan PJS 8/9,
46150 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor.
Tel: 603-78771476, 603-78618980
Fax: 603-78731212
E-mail: mhtdf@po.jaring.my

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
1. CHAIRMAN MR KHOR POH WAA
(BERJAYA VACATION CLUB BHD)

2. VICE CHAIRMAN
MR RICKY YIP CHUN MUN
(COUNTRY HEIGHTS LIFESTYLE BHD)

3. HON SECRETARY
MR FRANCIS CHAN
(SWISS GARDEN INTERNATIONAL VACATION CLUB BHD)

4. HON TREASURER
MR CHOY KENG SENG
(HERITAGE GRAND VACATION CLUB BHD)

5. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS
MR JOE HICKMAN
(INTERVAL INTERNATIONAL SINGAPORE (PTE) LTD)

MR GONZALO MAQUEDA
(RCI ASIA - PACIFIC PTE LTD)

MR CIRIOCO PUBLO RAJ
(SUNWAY INTERNATIONAL VACATION CLUB BHD)