Tuesday, December 23, 2025

HOTEL MEMORIES (SELANGOR)

24 MARCH 2000: HOLIDAY VILLA SUBANG
The photo was taken during the Asean Engineers Certificate Presentation organised by The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia held at Holday Villa Hotel & Conference Centre in Subang Jaya,Selangor.
In the year 2000, the hotel was at its peak, famous for its Olympic-sized swimming pool, 10-pin bowling alley and the popular Palm Terrace Coffee House. 
Sadly, the hotel permanently closed its door on October 1, 2021, after 33 years of operation.It was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting travel restrictions. 


30 MAY 2000 - THE MINT HOTEL KL
The Mint Hotel opened in the late 1990's was a prominent landmark due to its location right alongside the KL-Seremban Highway. It was often a preferred stop for business travelers and tour groups entering Kuala Lumpur from the South. 
After being well-known name for years, the hotel eventually closed and remained vacant for a period. It was later refurbished and rebranded as the Nouvelle Hotel. 
Most recently, when returning from Bangi on 13 December 2025, I passed by this hotel which has now changed its name to Kingston Hotel.



30 MAY 2000: PALACE OF THE GOLDEN HORSES
A wonderful stay at Palace of The Golden Horses in Seri Kembangan, Selangor during the Geosynthetic Asia 2000 Conference organised by The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia from 29-31 May 2000. 
Latest information by AI Overview the hotel ceased operations in 2023, making my photos valuable records of its "Golden Era" when it was known as "Asia's Most Extraordinary Hotel". 


20 MARCH 2000: PJ HILTON HOTEL, PETALING JAYA
IEM Staff Appreciation Lunch held at the PJ Hilton Hotel (former Jaya Puri Hotel) located at Petaling Jaya, Selangor. 
The hotel opened in 1984 as Jaya Puri Hotel, has been a staple of the city's skyline. 


2004 / 2005: HOTEL SERI MALAYSIA BAGAN LALANG
Hotel Seri Malaysia Bagan Lalang located at Pantai Bagan Lalang, Sg. Pelek, Selangor. The 2-star hotel is a short walk from Bagan Lalang Beach and offers family rooms. an outdoor pool and an on-site restaurant. My family vacation at this hotel in 2004 & 2005.

2004 - HSM BAGAN LALANG

2005: HSM BAGAN LALANG

17 APRIL 2004: PALACE OF THE GOLDEN HORSES, SERI KEMBANGAN
On 17 April 2004, The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) held its 45th Annual Dinner at the Palace of The Golden Horses, Seri Kembangan, Selangor. The event was a gala celebration for the Malaysian engineering community. 
The Guest of Honor was Tun Dr. Mahathri Mohamad, the then 4th Prime Minister of Malaysia, being ushered by Ir. Prof. Abang Abdullah Abang Ali (IEM President). 
The Palace of the Golden Horses, a world-class luxury hotel often referred to as "Asia's Most Extraordinary Hotel", located within the MINES Wellness City, famous for its grand palatial design that blends Moorish and Malaysian architectural styles. 


16 APRIL 2005: SUNWAY PYRAMID CONVENTIONAL CENTRE
The photo capture a significant milestone at the IEM 46th Annual Dinner held on 16 April 2005 at the Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre. 


26 MARCH 2005 : TEMPLER PARK GOLF RESORT
Now known as Templer Park Country Club, located in Rawang, Selangor is known for its scenic views of the surrounding forest reserve and Bukit Takun limestone hill. I once attended a meeting at this resort with the METD Committee, The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia.


27-28 MARCH 2006: ARMADA HOTEL, PETALING JAYA, SELANGOR
On 27 March 2006, a professional training or seminar focusing on ASME Code Section IX was held at the Armada Hotel in Petaling Jaya (PJ), Malaysia.
Based on the date and location, this was likely a technical workshop for engineers and inspectors in the oil and gas, power generation, or manufacturing industries. ASME Section IX is the industry standard for Welding, Brazing, and Fusing Qualifications.
The Armada Hotel is a well-known 4-star business hotel located along the Federal Highway in Petaling Jaya. In 2006, it was a primary hub for technical seminars and corporate training due to its central location and proximity to major industrial zones like Shah Alam and Klang.


1 APRIL 2006: GRAND BLUEWAVE HOTEL SHAH ALAM
Leadership Training workshop organized by the Mechanical Engineering Technical Division (METD) of The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM).
The Mechanical Engineering Technical Division (METD) is one of the most active divisions within IEM, focusing on the professional development of mechanical engineers.
Held on April 1, 2006, at the Grand BlueWave Hotel in Shah Alam (now known as the Mardhiyyah Hotel & Suites), the event was part of IEM's ongoing initiative to develop soft skills and management capabilities among its members.
The hotel where this took place, the Grand BlueWave, was officially certified as a 5-star hotel by the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Tourism in 2006.


22 APRIL 2006: PALACE OF THE GOLDEN HORSES
The 47th Annual Dinner of The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM), held on April 22, 2006.
The event took place at the Palace of the Golden Horses in Seri Kembangan, Selangor. This venue is a well-known luxury hotel in Malaysia, often used for high-profile corporate and diplomatic events due to its grand architecture.


2006: SUBANG SHERATON HOTEL & TOWERS, SUBANG JAYA, SELANGOR
Two events organised by IEM were held at this hotel in 2006:
  1. 7 March 2006: Tunnelling & Trenchless Technology Seminar
  2. 9-11 May 2006 : 10th International Conference on Concrete Engineering and Technology (CONCET 2006).
The seminar focused on major infrastructure projects of that era, most notably the SMART Tunnel (Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel), which was under construction at the time and is a world-first dual-purpose tunnel.

Following the Tunnelling Seminar in March, the 10th International Conference on Concrete Engineering and Technology (CONCET 2006) was held at the same venue, the Sheraton Subang Hotel & Towers, from May 9–11, 2006.

The Subang Sheraton Hotel & Towers is now rebranded as the Dorsett Grand Subang in March 2009. 




29.11.2006: SUNWAY LAGOON RESORT HOTEL
The 24th CAFEO (CAFEO 24) was a milestone event hosted by the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) at the Sunway Lagoon Resort Hotel.
The conference ran from 29 November to 2 December 2006, was themed "Branding of ASEAN Professional Engineering Services and Education for Global Mobility". 

The event was officiated by prominent Malaysian leaders, including Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu (then Minister of Works) and Datuk Ong Tee Keat (then Deputy Minister of Higher Education).



17 & 18 DECEMBER 2007: CRYSTAL CROWN HOTEL, PJ
On 17 & 18 December 2007, a professional technical training course on the ASME Code Section VIII Division 1 was held at the Crystal Crown Hotel in Petaling Jaya (PJ), Malaysia.
This session was likely part of a professional development series for mechanical, design, and QA/QC engineers working in the oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors—industries that are prominent in the Petaling Jaya and Greater Kuala Lumpur area.

The Crystal Crown Hotel PJ is a well-known 4-star business hotel located on Jalan Utara. It has been a popular hub for engineering and industrial seminars since it opened in 1995 due to its proximity to major industrial zones and corporate offices.


8-11 MAY 2007: SUBANG SHERATON HOTEL & TOWERS
A Significant moment from the 16th Southeast Asian Geotechnical Conference (SEAGC) whick took place from May 8-11, 2007. 
The event was a major gathering for the geotechnical engineering community in the region, bringing together experts to discuss the latest innovations and challenges in the field.
The Hotel is now known as Dorsett Grand Subang in March 2009. Before it was Sheraton, it was originally the Merlin Subang.


19 April 2008 : SUBANG SHERATON HOTEL & TOWERS
The 49th IEM (The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia) Annual Dinner, held on 19 April 2008, was a milestone event.
These annual dinners are the highlight of the engineering calendar in Malaysia, used to celebrate achievements and present the IEM Awards.
The Guest of Honor was Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak the then Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia. 




30 JULY 2009: HOLIDAY INN GLENMARIE SHAH ALAM, SELANGOR
A One Day course organised by Electrical Engineering Technical Division, covered topics like Electrial safety, power system protection or Energy Management. 
The Hotel is now rebranded and is now known as the Glenmarie Hotel & Gold Resort. 


18 APRIL 2009 : ONE WORLD HOTEL, BANDAR UTAMA, PETALING JAYA, SELANGOR
This event, held on 18 April 2009 at the One World Hotel in Bandar Utama, was a major milestone for The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM), marking half a century since its founding in 1959.
This was the night Dato' Ir. Prof. Dr. Chuah Hean Teik took office as the IEM President for the 2009/2010 session, succeeding Datuk Ir. Hj. Keizrul bin Abdullah.
The event was graced by then-Works Minister Dato' Sri Ir. Mohd Zin bin Mohamed, along with international engineering leaders from Singapore, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
The One World Hotel is a popular hub for major corporate events and leisure travelers. Its strategic location remains one of its biggest draws, as it is directly connected to the 1 Utama Shopping Centre, one of the largest malls in the world.



2010: ARMADA HOTEL, PETALING JAYA, SELANGOR
Events or courses organized by the Mechanical Engineering Technical Division (METD), which is a branch of the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM).
The Hotel Armada Petaling Jaya is a landmark in the PJ Skyline, largely due to its strategic position right along the Federal Highway. 


16 APRIL 2011: PUTRAJAYA MARRIOTT HOTEL
The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) 52nd Annual Dinner and Awards Night, which took place on April 16, 2011, at the Putrajaya Marriott Hotel.




15.12.2013: DE PALMA HOTEL KUALA LUMPUR
De Palma Hotel Ampang (now known as Grand Barakah Hotel) hosted a high-profile gathering on December 15, 2013, featuring prominent Malaysian Muslim figures and social activists.
  • Mizz Nina (Shazrina Azman): Pictured on the bottom left. This event took place during the year Mizz Nina famously chose to wear the hijab and shift her focus from the music industry to humanitarian and spiritual work.
  • Wardina Safiyyah: Pictured on the bottom right. A popular actress and TV host who was a leading figure in promoting Muslimah fashion and educational causes.
  • The top right photo (dated 02.02.2013) features Haji Sharin Low, the President of the Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association (MACMA) Selangor.
The Hotel was famous for being one of the first Shariah-compliant hotels in Malaysia, making it a "hub" for Islamic NGO's and activities. 


15.2.2014: HOMESTAY AL-HANAH, BESTARI JAYA, SELANGOR
During the Health Screening Program in Kg. Jaya Setia, Bestari Jaya, Selangor, my colleagues and I stayed at the Al-Hanah Homestay in Kg. Jaya Setia, Bestari Jaya on 15 February 2014.
Located in Bestari Jaya (formerly known as Batang Berjuntai), Selangor, this homestay was well-known for its traditional Malay wooden architecture and peaceful village (kampung) atmosphere.


6 MAY 2014: MY T-HOTEL, TAMAN RAJA NONG, KLANG, SELANGOR
During the Health Screening Program at S.M. (Private) Chung Hua, Klang, Selangor, my colleagues and I stayed at this hotel on 6 May 2014.
Located at Jalan Kota Raja, Kampung Jawa, Klang Selangor, the hotel is now known as OYO 89615 T Family Hotel. 


3 May 2014: SUNS INN, KUALA SELANGOR
During the Health Screening Program in Kg. Bestari Jaya, Selangor, my colleagues and I stayed at this hotel on 3 May 2014.
A Budget-Friendly hotel, a popular choice for travelers visiting Kuala Selangor due its strategic location in Taman Bendahara. The hotel is just a short drive to Bukit Malawati dan the Kampung Kuantan Firefly Park. 


19 AUGUST 2018: EZI HOTEL, BANDAR BOTANIK, KLANG, SELANGOR
A 2-star budget hotel located at Bandar Botanik, Klang known for its proximity to major shopping landmarks. Just a 2-minute walk of GM Klang Wholesale City and about 10 minutes from AEON Mall Bukit Tinggi, Klang. 
During the Klang Heart Week Program at GM Mall, Klang, Selangor, from 17-19 August 2018. My colleagues and I stayed at this hotel.


3.12.2022: D GATEWAY PERDANA HOTEL, BANDAR BARU BANGI, BANGI, SELANGOR
On December 3, 2022, I, my wife and mother-in-law attended the wedding ceremony at D'Gateway Perdana Hotel, at Plaza Bangi Perdana, Jalan Gerbang Wawasan 1, Section 15, Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor.
Located at Plaza Bangi Perdana, also known as Bangi Gateway, the hotel is situated within a shopping complex. 


Hj Zulheimy Maamor
Lembah Keramat, K.L
23/12/2025: 8.17 p.m




















 






Monday, December 22, 2025

HOTEL MEMORIES (CHINA)

1 AUGUST 2001 : HUILONG HOTEL, CHENGDE, CHINA
Often referred to as Huilong Dasha Hotel in Chengde, China. The hotel is a well-known landmark in Chengde, due to its proximity to the city's main transport hub and its historical status as one of the earlier multi-functional high-rise hotels in the area. Situate at No. 1, Xinjuzhai North, Chezhan Road, in the Shuangqiao District, just 5-10 minute walk from the Chengde Railway Station. 
I stayed at this hotel during the IEM staff trip to China in 2001. The hotel serves as a base for tourists visiting Chengde's UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Chengde Mountain Resort, Putuozongsheng Temple, Puning Temple etc. 


31 JULY 2001: BEIJING TAIWAN HOTEL, BEIJING (北京台湾饭店)
The Hotel is famous for its distinctive twin Chinese Pagoda Towers on the roof. This "Sino-modern" style was very popular for prestigous buildings during the 1980's and 1990's. The Hotel was located at Jinyu Hutong. 
We stayed at this hotel during the IEM Staff Trip to China in 2001. 


27 JULY 2001: BEIJING LANDMARK TOWER, BEIJING
Beijing Landmark Towers (北京亮马河大厦) is still well-known fixture in the Chaoyang  District today. Opening in 1990, the hotel was a popular choice for business travelers dutie to its proximity to the China International Exhibition Center and various embassies. 
We stayed at this hotel during IEM Staff visit in 2001. 


24.12.2003: XIN KAI FU HOTEL, SHANGHAI
Located at 888, Sichuan Bei Road, Shanghai, China, originally opened in 1996, it was a 27-story building with 276 rooms. It was a prominent fixture in the Hongkou District, known for its proximity to the Bund and the Shopping district of North Sichuan Road. 
We stayed at this hotel during IEM Staff visit in 2003 to Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou. 
Latest information on website, this hotel is no longe operating under the name in 2025. It is now known as Hitime Internation Tower. 



22.12.2003: JIAN FENG HOTEL, HANGZHOU, CHINA
Also known as Xin Yu Jian Feng Hotel is located at Qiutan North Road (Qiutan Bei Lu). in the District of Hangzhou. It is known locally as the Jianfeng Mansion. Located near the Qingchun Squae and theINtime Mall, a very busy commercial area today. 
We stay at this hotel during IEM Staff visit to China in 2003.



22.12.2003 : ZHEJIANG RAILWAY HOTEL, ZHEJIANG, CHINA
Zhejiang Railway Hotel (浙江铁道大厦) an iconic landmark in Hangzhou, China, known for its unique "H-shaped" or "gate" architecture that straddles the entrance to the Hangzhou Railway Station. 
We did not stay at this hotel, we only having our Dinner for that night at his hotel. 


2016: TAISHUN BUSINESS HOTEL, BEIJING
Taishun Business Hotel (also known as Taishun Shangwu Jiudian in Chinese, written as 泰顺商务酒店 on the building's facade). Located at Zhoujiazhuang, Chaoyang District, Beijing. China, near the East Fourth Ring Road. It was a popular choice for group tours because of its proximity to the Beijing Happy Valley theme park.
Based on recent information for 2025, the Taishun Business Hotel is no longer operating under that name. It is now operating as a Ji Hotel. 


12.11.2017: DAYS INN FRONTIER YANGSHUO HOTEL, GUILIN
Situated at Guanlian Road, strategically placed near the Li River and about 15-20 minute walk from the famous West Street (Xi Jie). This hotel was a popular 4-star choice for international travelers known for its blend of traditional Chinese architecture and modern western amenities. 
I stayed at this hotel with my familes during our vacation to China in 2017. 




13.11.2017: UNIVERSAL HOTEL, GUILIN, CHINA
Also known as Univeral International Hotel, a well-known 3 to 4-star Hotel favored by International tour groups because of its prime location in the heart of the city. 
Located at Jiefang East Road, right on the banks of the Li River, its surrounding would have offered some of the most iconic views of Guilin. 



NOVEMBER 2017: ROYAL TULIP LUXURY HOTEL, GUANGZHOU, CHINA
A 5-star Luxury hotel located at the foot of Baiyun Mountain in Guangzhou, China. The hotel featured between 178 and 302 rooms, known for their modern design and signature-glass enclosed bathrooms with rainfall showers. 
Me and my family stayed at this hotel during our vacation to China in 2017. 




That's a brief account of my travels to China. So far I have traveled to almost 9 regions in China.

Hj Zulheimy Maamor
Lembah Keramat, K.L
22/12/2025: 12.10 p.m