BIG Jul-Sept 2015

July | September 2015

AVAILABLE ON INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS, AIRLINE OFFICES, HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & CAFES THROUGHOUT BORNEO

biG dates

Events to look out for this quarter Editor’s Note

Publisher

CHMP MEDIA EDITOR-AT-LARGE

Wan Zainal Shazali EDITOR

Pauline Chan ASSISTANT EDITOR

Intan Abu Daniel DESIGNER

Novri Rinaldi EditoriaL

Pamela Fletcher Iris Tan Geraldine Sim SALES & MARKETING

Bina Chauhan Brunei | biG contact@borneoinsidersguide.com T: (673) 2331031 F: (673) 2231031 Unit 49, Second Floor Haji Munchit & Hajah Dayang Rapiah Complex Kg Jaya Setia, Berakas, BD2713 Brunei Darussalam

expressed by the various writers in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of biG Magazine.

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NUZUL AL-QURAN Brunei

Some musicians have found fame like Rozella from Sabah. Some have stood under the worldwide spotlight like Sada Borneo who auditioned on Asia’s Got Talent.

Some, are still waiting for the fame train to come their way. Whichever stage of the journey they are in right now, the key to success and even more success is good old fashion determination and hard work – advice that former Guns N’ Roses lead guitarist Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal shared when he visited Brunei in April and gave masterclasses to music students from several schools around the country. While budding musicians need to have a passion for their craft, they also need lots of practice, innovation and a drive to keep learning. Of course, as the engaging Bumblefoot has shown, a bit of humility and a cool sense of humour won’t hurt either. So let’s hear it for the guys and gals who are spreading joy through their music and give them our support.

9th KOTA KINABALU JAZZ FESTIVAL

Cover photo: Cover photo was taken at Do It Good Records

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July 4

We went in search of a tune for this issue of BiG and found a handful of young and talented individuals who make beautiful music in their daily lives. Most of these musicians we spoke to have full-time jobs and they sing, write songs and perform for an audience in their spare time, hoping to capture the attention of a record label.

They find ways to get their music heard even though the opportunities for performing in public are scarce, especially in Brunei. But thanks to the great internet, we are becoming acquainted with these new talents via social media postings.

This special day commemorates the revelation of the first verses of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad SAW.

July 17

Brunei

HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI Brunei, Sabah, Sarawak

This is a time of togetherness when Muslims worldwide celebrate the end of Ramadan with family and friends.

July 24-25

An annual fund-raising jazz extravaganza, sway along to contemporary and classic jazz hits performed by talents worldwide at the Nature Resort City of Kota Kinabalu.

August 29

BORNEO ULTRA TRAIL MARATHON 50K/100K 2015 Competitors will have the option to cover either 50km or 100km in a race starting in the district of Kota Belud and finishing in the village of Pukak.

aug

7-9

Every year, His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei delivers a royal address to the public on the occasion of his birthday. Celebrations will be postponed until after Hari Raya Aidilfitri as His Majesty’s birthday coincides with the holy month of Ramadan.

15 BORNEO BIRD RACE 2015 Brunei

A 10-day race covering over 1,000 kilometres of the Borneo rainforest, the Brunei leg of the Borneo Bird Race will have international bird clubs gathering at the Ulu Temburong National Park in search of as many bird species as possible.

September 25-27

Sabah

Sabah

HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN OF BRUNEI’S 69TH BIRTHDAY

sept

REGATTA SARAWAK Sarawak

This annual event features teams from government agencies, private sectors and neighbouring countries competing in a boat race along the Sarawak River.

September 24

HARI RAYA AIDILADHA Brunei, Sabah, Sarawak

This holiday marks the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, and is spent with prayers and the sacrifice of cattle.

www.bruneitourism.travel www.sabahtourism.com www.sarawaktourism.com

RAINFOREST WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL Sarawak

This unique festival brings together indigenous musicians from Borneo and for a 3-day event held at the heart of the Borneo jungle

Photography by WallAtLarge

biG stands for Borneo Insider’s Guide. It is a quarterly magazine that aims to entertain and share with readers the best there is to offer on lifestyle and travel in enigmatic Borneo and beyond. It is distributed at travel fairs, international events and Brunei high commissions abroad. biG is available at the arrival hall of Brunei International Airport, Brunei Tourism offices, Royal Brunei Airlines business class, all hotels, popular food and beverage outlets and foreign missions in Brunei.

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints

JULY

biG has a distribution network in the neighbouring states through the Sabah and Sarawak Tourism Boards as well as via prominent hotels in the respective capitals. Besides being Brunei’s very own publication for bridging its residents with a myriad of commercial and cultural offerings within the country, each issue also serves as the world’s window into the rich tapestry of Borneo’s life and culture.

www.borneoinsidersguide.com

Contents biG dates

biG trail

biG appetite

biG directory

biG scoop

biG focus

biG listings

biG navigator

biG buzz

biG essentials

Get out and about; let us show you what you can do around Borneo this quarter.

We scour around town and discover the newest and best products for you to love and desire this quarter.

biG feature

Take a closer look at what the Borneo Islanders are up to.

Follow our plucky writers as they bring you stories from around Borneo.

See who and what we’re pointing our cameras at.

We put our ears up and find out what is buzzing in town.

We try the food so you can follow suit.

Check out our food journeys.

We make a list of places to eat, drink and chill.

Here are some helpful tips for visitors just stepping onto our shores.

Find travel agents & operators, and places to stay in Brunei.

Find your bearings in Bandar Seri Begawan, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching with our walking maps of hot spots around the capital.

biG screen

See what’s playing in the movies around town.

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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biG scoop

biG scoop

Juice Up!

The ‘Vinyl’ Solution

Juicing is a great way to get all the nutrients you need in the most natural way, especially if you’re not a big fan of eating fruits and vegetables whole. Taking the hassle out of mixing your own fruit juice at home is Fruto Juice Bar KK which offers a wide range of tried and tested delicious juice blends and smoothies that is all natural without added preservatives.

Need to squeeze into that figure-hugging dress for the weekend? Have no fear, just order the fruit detox set! Try the Purple Power Frupresso - a mix of purple cabbage, purple carrots, grapes and blueberries or the BMPC (Banana, Mango, Pineapple and Coconut) Tropical Blend.

These are the days of the vinyl revival. Harking back to days long before music lovers can get their tunes online, the owners of Do It Good Records opened a brick and mortar shop to bring the old-world charm into the souls of music lovers of all ages. Vinyl records offer an unparalleled sound quality you just don’t get from modern day MP3s.

At Do It Good Records, nostalgic music from a vinyl plays in the background while you flip through their wide variety of records. Toes will automatically tap and heads will nod in rhythm – the vibe in this place will make any music fan spontaneously combust with joy. A selection of record players are also available for purchase.

2nd Floor, Oceanus Waterfront Mall, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Tel: (6088) 273 426 www.facebook.com/FRUTOJUICEBAR

#7, Ground Floor, Block A Q-Lap Complex Kg Kiulap, BSB, Brunei Darussalam Email: digrecords@outlook.com Instagram: @doitgoodrecords

WallAtLarge

Sape Swag Tea-riffic!

The Tea-Fu Chinese Tea Shop is here to liven up your tea caddy. The shop has a wide selection of healthy and authentic Chinese tea imported from China and Taipei. And if you’re unsure about which type of tea you should buy, you can sit down and sample the various teas while a tea expert explains the different benefits of each type and even demonstrate the proper way to prepare your pot of tea. The shop also offers accessories and other paraphernalia for sale. So why not give that cup of coffee a miss and brew a cup of tea instead? #37, Ground Floor, Lot 1626 Gadong Central, Bandar Seri Begawan Tel: (673) 242 8979

Out with the old and in with the older! These days, a number of bands and musicians have been adding traditional musical elements to their songs and one such example is the trance-inducing magical sounds of the sape - a traditional instrument of the Orang Ulu tribe in Sarawak. If you’re looking to add some sape groove to your rhythms then you’re in luck: Sape’Star is the place to go to if you’re looking to reconnect with your tribal roots or if you just want to learn about the instrument.

Going to a sape jam session and don’t have an instrument of your own? Not to worry, they sell handcrafted sapes as well. So why not take a step back in time and learn something old?

Near 722 Lorong Matang Jaya 1, Taman Matang Jaya 93050 Kuching, Sarawak Tel: (6017) 853 9385 www.melodyofborneo.blog.com Sarawak Tourism Board

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

11

Smells Like Indie Spirit Music is the most magical form of communication there is. When people of different backgrounds and cultures get together, the language they can all speak is music.

Borneo is known for its rich and colourful multi-layers of traditions and customs belonging to the different races that inhabit this island, music is a universal ingredient that connects them all.

With the varied sounds and rhythms found on this island, it’s no wonder that we are seeing an increase in musicians producing their own brand of music that is tied to the energy and spirit of the Borneo way of life.

In this issue of BiG, we set our sights on the independent musicians of Borneo and talk about their original songs, traditional grooves and how to amplify your own unique sound around Borneo and beyond.

Image by WallAtLarge

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4.

3.

Eda Brig is a band of three who released their sophomore album ‘Visi’ online earlier this year. The band has a solid discography of eclectic rock songs, incorporating musical elements such as local traditional instruments in their tracks. Far from being a run-of-the-mill band, Eda Brig has its own grass-roots following of local fans and supporters. www.edabrig.com Cousins Hafiz and Azim of Astroturf first started out writing and performing music in 2009.

The band can be described as alternative although their music features elements of a wide variety of genres. They are currently working on their second album. soundcloud.com/astrotrf

1. Astroturf 2. The Ellewan 3. Kala K 4. SAI 5. Eda Brig

1.

Sound Bites from Brunei’s Indie Music Scene In this issue of BiG, we talk to a bunch of bands you probably haven’t heard of. If you have, then you’re most likely part of a contained community of indie musicians and their followers.

Text: Intan Abu Daniel

I

ndie music refers to artists who are not signed to any major record companies. If your mind is conjuring up images of glamorous youths with guitars, think again: there are months and years of unglamorous toil spent on writing, rehearsing, recording and performing – the industry is time and capital-intensive. What propels our local indie musicians forward is a mix of ambition, passion and daring to dream.

The Hunt for a Record Label In the eyes of a musician, a record deal is always the big dream. SAI, a solo artiste discovered by Muksi

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Musik, says, “I need publicity, and for those gates to open I need to be out there. Right now, Muksi Musik handles my publicity and BitPulse Media promotes my music overseas. To make it big in Brunei, you need to make it big outside Brunei.”

This is especially challenging for bands whose music is a little too alternative for the mainstream culture, like Astroturf, whose progressive rock sound would possibly never make it on the local airwaves. “If there was a label for us, it would be ourselves” says Hafiz who forms half of this rock duo with Azim.

5.

2.

“To record our music, we use what we have,” Azim adds. “I have a drum set and we have the equipment. We searched tutorials on how to record our songs, then we put them up on the Soundcloud website and hope that people will enjoy it.”

Kala K, an R&B solo singer who will be representing Brunei in the upcoming World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Hollywood in July this year said, “Once I’m done with WCOPA, I want to find a producer in the US and get an EP done there. I can’t expand here as much as I would like to. It’s the dream, and you should never be afraid to dream big.”

Working by Day, Jamming by Night To have a music career in Brunei sometimes means you have to keep a day job. The guys from Eda Brig have been in the music scene since 2009 and have released two albums, but they’re all still holding down full-time jobs. Other local artistes have part-time jobs or are still finishing up school.

Hafiz from Astroturf says, “I see it this way: we’ll finish school and take up jobs because we can’t survive solely on music. Our jobs can sustain our passion.”

days, you have to go through a few official hurdles to have an outdoor gig. If we can get past that, then there will be more opportunities for everyone’s songs to be heard.” Right now, they depend on getting their music out to the public the usual way: through social media. “To make people aware of us and hear our songs, we need to be savvy with social media platforms. It’s the only way forward.”

“I want to do my degree first before I think about being a full-time musician,” says Michelle from acoustic duet The Ellewan. “We need to finish our education. I want to be qualified.”

Any conversations about this issue tend to lean towards the negative: lack of music labels and restrictions on performances. But the local bands have always made the best of their situation and will continue to do so.

Making It The reality is that without a record label and without general support, it’s very challenging for musicians to get their music out into the market. Some local musicians have had varying degrees of success, but getting themselves heard remains a difficult issue for most.

“There aren’t a lot of opportunities here, it’s true,” says Azim from Astroturf. “And maybe if we were in a different country, things would be easier. But that said, our whole sound and style is credited to being brought up here in Brunei – we wouldn’t be the same band if we started out somewhere else.”

Alif from Eda Brig says, “When we first started out in 2009, there were more opportunities to perform. But now, getting heard is tricky – we can’t perform as much as we used to. These

The truth is that all local indie artistes are hard workers aspiring to do what they love and they need our encouragement and support. But first, let’s start by listening to them.

“It took us two years to write our second album ‘Visi’,” says Alif from Eda Brig. “It took us that long because of personal commitments at the time. Real life always gets in the way.”

Michelle and Erwan from The Ellewan started doing duets as a hobby. Their first performance was during an orientation session in college where they played a mash-up of songs. They will be representing Brunei at the WCOPA event in July. www.facebook.com/theellewan SAI only just started considering a music career in August last year when he auditioned for Muksi Musik who were holding auditions for local talents to represent. From then on, it’s been a whirlwind ride for the 21-year old musician. He released his first single - a quirky Jason Mrazstyle song called ‘IG’ – on Kristal FM this April.

Youtube channel: Muksi Musik Kala K is a solo R&B singer who first started singing at the age of 11 but performed for the first time at Kaleidoscope Studio. From then on, Kala K has kept herself busy: performing at corporate events and weddings, winning the Kristal FM Acoustic Session Live! in 2014 and compiling a list of her own original music for her performance at the WCOPA in July. soundcloud.com/kala-k

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

17

biG feature

biG feature

2.

3.

1. Niko Coyez and Julien Cottet performing at music bar The Shack 2. Julien Cottet is famously known as the only European who can play the sape 3. Julien Cottet performing with the sape 4. Malaysian band Sada Borneo performed at ‘Asia’s Got Talent’ 5. Cottet makes sapes in his workshop.

According to Sada Borneo, it is an added bonus to be able to make traditional instruments from scratch.

4.

generate an interest and motivate the new generation to learn how to play a traditional instrument at the same level as any contemporary instrument.”

“The appreciation of traditional music is currently growing with festivals and cultural events like the Bidayuh Music Festival and the upcoming Sape’ Symposium at Kampung Budaya in August.

It is very good to see that it is actually moving and this is just the beginning!”

1.

Traditional Beats in the Modern World Bornean music was catapulted into the regional spotlight by a Malaysian band called Sada Borneo at the popular television show Asia’s Got Talent.

Text: Geraldine Sim

S

tanding rather unassumingly on the dazzling stage, Sada Borneo filled the glittering metropolis of Singapore with the mystical soothing sounds of the Borneo rainforest. The melody of traditional and modern musical instruments complemented by the sound of rain, thunder, frogs and crickets mystified the entire audience. The crowd gave a standing ovation and celebrity judge Van Ness Wu

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

commented, “It was really magical. You took me to another place. I really loved it.”

As a Sarawakian, I felt immense pride for the acceptance of our traditional instruments at this popular show.

Would Sada Borneo’s success serve as a benchmark to the indie artistes in Sarawak working to share their music with the world?

The members of Sada Borneo certainly hopes so, “Sada Borneo generally means ‘Sound of Borneo’. We are trying something new by combining various types of traditional and modern music instruments and even elements of nature such as bird sounds, rain, thunder and sounds of frogs and crickets to create music. Basically any instrument we can get, we will try to include it in our music, if it fits well.”

5.

“Traditional music is important because it reflects who we are and where we came from. The best way to preserve this music is by reviving it and mixing it with the current sounds to suit our generation’s music preference.”

is in danger of extinction and with it gone, society would lose its roots and culture.

For example, when a performer plays an original song at any venue in town, the audience doesn’t pay attention, even if the song is brilliant. The crowd here only revels in cover performances of mainstream music.”

Niko Coyez, a renowned travelling musician from Reunion Island who has made Sarawak his base, made this observation, “Traditional music in Sarawak

Coyez continued, “Talented traditional musicians travel from the depths of the rural interior to perform at concerts or music festivals but they are given minimal

time to perform. The pop bands are given significantly longer performance slots. It is sad to see this happening as traditional music here is beautiful. The sound of the sape for example is soothing and healing.”

Julien Cottet, a French sape player and music teacher in Sarawak offered his take on preserving traditional music, “Being a musician in Sarawak has been a very nice and enjoyable experience with a lot to share. One of the ways to preserve part of the local culture is to

According to Sada Borneo, the younger generation can play an important role in preserving this traditional music. “We find that playing these musical instruments will help them to better understand and preserve our culture. It is an added bonus to be able to make your own instrument from scratch.”

“Radio stations too play an important role in promoting our local music. These radio stations should have a special slot to showcase music from indie bands. These slots should be during peak hours and not just once a week. This way, the public will learn to appreciate local talents more.

There are so many gems here waiting to be discovered,” the band concluded.

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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Breaking the Mould The music scene in Sabah is still very much dominated by cover bands and singers belting out popular and familiar tunes to entertain patrons at hotel lounges and cafes. From love ballads to rock and every genre in between, there’s always somewhere to go to catch an act of your musical fancy. Taking a chance to write, sing and produce your own music is confined to only a handful of budding artists brave enough to venture out on their own.

Text by Pamela Fletcher

T

he indie or independent music scene in Sabah is still raw and so easy to lump into a bucket with ‘quirky’ written all over it.

Some people get it, some don’t. But every once in a while, a new act would bubble to the surface and start a ripple, unnoticeable at first but slowly gaining momentum to make a visible impact.

The Indie Artist Acoustic jazz guitarist extraordinaire and

composer Roger Wang led the way for many young Sabahans to take that plunge into indie music and break out from the formulaic mould of cover versions. As a young hopeful musician in the 1990s, he had the insatiable need to define himself as a solo artiste and took upon himself to write, arrange, produce and record his debut solo album. The album was a surprising success and so well-received that Roger could take his music where he wanted it to go. In the next decade,

he went on to record eight collaborative albums and to refine a brand of music that blends the accessibility of pop music with the intricacy of jazz. Having performed extensively throughout Malaysia and regionally, Roger has taken on the role of mentor and motivator for novice Sabah musicians who are finding their own way into the music industry with their own unique sound.

One such person is Rozella Mahjhrin, a writer by profession who decided to put words to her music instead of on paper.

Roger Wang produced her first song “Genevieve” which she performed during the Kota Kinabalu Jazz Festival in 2014.

Since then she has worked with local music producer, Bryan Limus, who has been her grounding force and fiercest critic.

“When I first heard her music, I thought, ‘what was that?’” remembers Bryan.

“You have an expectation and when the performance doesn’t live up to it, you just have to tell it as it is. I thought she could do better and we both agreed on that.”

The Music Producer “Music was always there to help me through my darkest hours and celebrate my best moments. Music was the soundtrack to my life and it inspired me to want to create the same for other people as well - to have their own soundtrack to their lives,” she explains.

But it took a huge leap of faith to actually perform her own songs in front of an audience.

“I started out not to be a singer but I had to put a voice to my music to get it out there.

Nobody knows you or your songs so you just have to sing it. When you are in the spotlight, you are inviting people to judge you so it was a scary experience. It’s a vulnerable place to be in and I still feel the same butterflies today,” she muses.

Bryan was in Australia working as a mix engineer when he got interested in music producing. Being a music producer gives you the right tools to get a singer or a band to sound the way they want to and he found out that he was actually good at it.

Bryan first worked with his brother’s band, Sour Tiger’s Hideout when he returned to Kota Kinabalu three years ago and helped them find their unique sound, tone and music character for their first indie EP. He then started working with more indie artistes which led to his first collaboration with Rozella.

So what does he think about Rozella?

“Rozie’s music melds R&B, soul and electronica – sometimes it’s hard to define.

You can’t pigeonhole it and it depends on

how the listener perceives it. It’s fresh and new in Malaysia, but internationally it’s been around for a few years,” says Bryan.

Coming from a jazz background, Rozella wanted to explore different ways to make her new music more honest and true to her growing musical awareness. Hesitant at first, she became more confident to share her ideas with Bryan – and to accept constructive criticism.

“When people tell you that your music is not good and you want to prove yourself, it can be a rough journey. Rozie was in a period of transition – her music did not capture her essence but in the past year, she has grown so much. Her lyrical content is now deeper and more mature. War, angst, lost love, hope, anguish – sometimes all in the same song which is pure gold because it touches every listener in a different way. She is really putting herself out there to create her own style,” explains Bryan.

Established Sabah indie artists like Froya who is based in Kuala Lumpur has been very supportive and has even invited Rozella to open for her at her latest album launch. Doors are opening up for Rozie to live out her dreams and the close-knit network of Sabah indie performers and music producers are doing all they can to keep these doors open for her and other new indie artistes in Sabah.

2.

Elycia Yuri

1.

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3.

1. Acoustic jazz guitarist and composer Roger Wang 2. Music producer Bryan Limus 3. Rozella Mahjhrin

Story Moment Photography

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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J U LY - SEP T E M BER 2 013

J U LY - SEP T E M BER 2 015

THE

DIAMOND VIP

A CHM P M EDI A PU BLIC AT ION

KEEPING IT REAL

PAR ADISE ON EARTH

ECLECTIC ROOMS

A REMARK ABLE TRIO

Zhejiang’s Fuchun Resort revealed

Fabulous furniture from Salone Del Mobile 2013

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JA N UA RY - M A RCH 2 01 4

How Nur Fazura is staying true to herself while reaching for the sky

Graff ’s sparkling new look on Bond Street

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enrich your world

Why Wu Chun is happy to go home and play the biggest role of his life

A CHM P M EDI A PU BLIC AT ION

FIRST STEPS

HOW COMPLICATED!

FASHIONABLE HOMES

Understanding the need for bespoke shoes

6 watches to blow your mind

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MUSIC CITIES

SUPERSTAR POWER

Top beauty brands from Asia

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A CHM P M EDI A PU BLIC AT ION

ASIAN PERSUASION

12/18/13 12:40 PM

DESIGNS ON

NATURE Meet Kenneth Cobonpue as he brings his sustainable designs to the world

A CHM P M EDI A PU BLIC AT ION

ICELANDIC ADVENTURES

SUIT YOURSELF

HERITAGE HOTELS

Top things to see and do in the land of glaciers

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SCION

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NOW AVAILABLE AT BEST EASTERN BOOKSTORES IN BRUNEI

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A noble descendant, a privileged individual. Scions have the world at their feet. They hold the key to a vault of privileges that only an exclusive few can enjoy. At SCION, the line of wealth, luxury and high-living begins.

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biG trail

FOLKLORES AND LEGENDS OF BRUNEI

a dragonstone that the younger brother coveted and took for himself. He hid the stone in the surroundings of a pokok pisang (banana tree) which was stored in a large tempayan (earthen jar). His older brother became angry when he found out and a great battle ensued. After the siblings parted ways, the older brother now rests as Mount Kinabalu in Sabah with the dragonstone, and the younger brother is now known as Bukit Tempayan Pisang in Muara.

Text: Intan Abu Daniel

A country with a long history is bound to have its own collection of mystery and magic and Brunei has its fair share of folklores and legends that are retold from generation to generation. Some of these tales are fantastical while others are believed to have an historical basis.

Jong Batu, Kampong Ayer Take a boat ride to Kampong Ayer and you will come across a large rock somewhere near the south of the Brunei River and east of the Istana Nurul Iman. At a certain angle, the rock resembles a capsized ship. This is Jong Batu and it tells the tale of Nakhoda Manis and his heartbroken mother.

The story goes like this: Dang Ambon was a wealthy widow who lived with her only son, Manis – a restless man who desired to be a captain of a ship and travel abroad, like his deceased father before him. Dang Ambon was reluctant to let her son go but eventually gave him permission to leave. Years passed without word from her son. Dang Ambon fell into a broken state – she prayed that her son would return home safely and gave alms until all her fortunes dwindled.

One day, news spread that Nakhoda Manis had returned to Brunei on a ship anchored in the Brunei River with his beautiful and wealthy wife. Overjoyed at the news, Dang Ambon took a little boat and paddled out the river to see her son.

Nakhoda Manis at first did not recognise this old woman in tattered clothing but after Dang Ambon told him things that only his mother would know, only then did he believe her. But he was mortified – he had brought his beautiful wife home to meet his wealthy mother and share his fortunes but instead he found his mother poor, hungry and no fortune left for him.

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He cast his mother away. Heartbroken, Dang Ambon made a prayer to God: if Nakhoda Manis was really her son, then teach him a lesson. A thunderstorm came and huge waves crashed upon Nakhoda Manis’ ship. When the weather cleared, the ship had turned into rock, along with Nakhoda Manis and everyone else on board.

Batu Gasing Awang Semaun A gasing (spinning top) that belonged to Awang Semaun – a great warrior who was the brother of the first Sultan of Brunei was believed to have turned into a rock.

According to local folklore, Awang Semaun and his nephew, Awang Sinuai, were playing a game of gasing one quiet day at Bukit Patoi in the Temburong district. When it was Awang Semaun’s turn to spin his gasing, it struck his nephew’s and flew away from Temburong to the Brunei River, where it bounced off the waters like a skipping stone and landed on Berambang Island, still spinning.

Enemies on the island spotted the spinning gasing and recognising it as Awang Semaun’s, used their own gasing to strike it and it flew off again, this time landing upside-down on the banks of the Berambang Island, where it spun until it turned into a big rock.

Today the rock resembles an upside-down gasing with marks around the rock that resembles the rope that is typically wound around a gasing.

Batu Gasing Awang Semaun is located on the outskirts of Berambang Island facing Brunei River.

Lumut Lunting Island Lumut Lunting Island, located at the mouth of the Brunei River, has a legend associated with the story of a cockfight between Brunei and Majapahit, as told in the famous poem Syair Awang Semaun.

According to the poem, there was a cockfight between Mutiara, a chicken belonging to Awang Sinuai, and Asmara, the opponent owned by Radin Angsuka Dewa from the Majapahit Empire.

Mutiara defeated Asmara and in a fit of embarrassment and anger, the King of Majapahit cursed Mutiara into an island. In mid-flight, Mutiara fell into the Brunei River and became a small island now known as Lumut Lunting. Chronicling the earlier days of our current Sultanate, the tale of Lumut Lunting Island signifies the beginning of the ‘new’ Brunei Empire.

Lumut Lunting Island is located between Sinbungur Island and Berambang Island.

To visit Jong Batu, Batu Gasing Awang Semaun and Lumut Lunting Island, you will need to travel by boat. Any water taxi from a jetty lining the Brunei River will be able to take you there.

Bukit Tempayan Pisang Recreational Park Bukit Tempayan Pisang acquired its name from the legend of two mountains who were two brothers, and in their possession was

Within the Bukit Tempayan Pisang Recreational Park are two caves with their own stories. The first is Gua Harimau (Tiger’s Cave). It is a tale of two friends who were both learning martial arts. One was talented and good while the other was more inclined towards dark magic and possessed the ability to transform into a tiger.

The two separated – the good one got married and had a son named Mamang.

The other one got married as well and stayed in the jungle where he and his wife lived as tigers. News spread one day that Mamang had married a girl from the village named Mawar and the tiger was jealous of his friend’s good fortune. One day, when the newly-wed couple took a walk through the jungle to bathe at a waterfall in the area, the tiger grabbed Mawar and dragged her into a cave.

Mamang ran back to the village to alert his father and with a group of villagers, they set out in search of his wife.

In their search, they discovered a hole in the ground which led to the Tiger’s Cave.

Mamang went down the hole, came across the tiger and killed it. After his father killed the second tiger, they searched the cave for Mawar, but sadly, all that was found was a piece of her leg.

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Lunting Island

Tujuh Telaga Mandian Puteri Tujuh Telaga Mandian Puteri (The Bathing Wells of Seven Princesses) was, as its namesake, believed to have been the bathing wells of seven heavenly princesses. The story goes like this: Upon seeing these princesses bathe in the wells, a local villager took the winged dress of the youngest princess, preventing her from flying away with her sisters. She remained behind, married the local villager and bore his children. It wasn’t until years later that she discovered her winged dress hidden by her husband. She became enraged and flew away, leaving her husband and children behind.

People are known to stop by the Tujuh Telaga Mandian Puteri to take water from the wells or even bathe in them. It is believed that the water in any of the seven wells can cure diseases.

Tujuh Telaga Mandian Puteri is located in Kampong Tanjong Maya in the Tutong district.

The folklore and legends in this article were compiled and written under the authority of Dr Maslin Hj Jukim@Jukin, Lecturer for the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) at the Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD).

Not far from Gua Harimau is Gua Radat (Radat’s cave) – named after Awang Radat, a local man who possessed mystical powers and was wedded to a fairy princess.

It was said that during the full moon, he would go to the cave to be with his wife.

Bukit Tempayan Pisang Recreational Park opened to the public in 2013 and is located at Simpang 196, Kampong Kapok in Mukim Serasa.

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biG trail During Ramadan, parking lots are converted into marketplaces. The most popular markets are the ones at the parking lot at the Brunei National Stadium in Berakas, in front of Radisson Hotel Brunei in the city center and in front of the Land Transport Department building in Tutong district.

Break Fast with the Locals

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Muslims break their fast daily with iftar, which occurs after nightfall at the call of the Maghrib prayers. Before it’s time to break fast, restaurants that are closed during the day will have their doors thrown open with gusto. All across the country, buffets are on offer at most restaurants and it is the perfect opportunity for those who wish to sample authentic Malay cuisine. These restaurants are packed full with families and friends eating together throughout the month of Ramadhan.

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Perform Tarawih Prayers Fazizul Haqimie Photography

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spirituality and enjoy a calm existence that is aspired by many but often absent elsewhere in the world. What Brunei lacks in entertainment and life after dark, it makes up with For those who are looking to take a break from the an alternative big city pace and bright neon lights then Brunei environment that might just be the right place for a restorative holiday. offers warmth, hospitality and peace through the s an independent Islamic sultanate, Islamic way of living, the strong traditions, Brunei might be considered the history and culture of the country, and it strict uncle of its Southeast Asian provides a sense of renewal in its vast and neighbours but despite what you might hear, verdant nature that any visitor – regardless this country is not all about imposing rules of race, ethnicity or religion – can enjoy. or laws. Brunei is well known for its tranquil position, friendly people, harmonious Observing Ramadan in Brunei society and precious natural resources.

Set every ninth month in the Islamic The wealth from oil has provided a high calendar, fasting during the entire month quality of living for its people and allowed of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of it to keep its other precious resource intact Islam and is observed by Muslims all over and undisturbed, its ancient rainforest, the world by abstaining from eating or which brings a nurturing balance to the drinking from dusk to dawn. environment. With the basic necessities of the citizens well provided, Brunei is able Holiday-goers might find themselves wary to peacefully pursue the higher needs of of visiting during this holy month, especially

Brunei Darussalam: Serene and Spiritually Enriching

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upon realizing that all restaurants in Brunei are not allowed to serve dine-in customers in the daytime! A public observance of the fasting is mandatory here and all adults are required to abstain from food, drink, smoking or displays of affection in public. But there’s more to this spiritually-enriching month than not eating or drinking – this is a time for Muslims to strengthen their relationship with Allah together and a time to spend precious moments with friends and family.

Here is a list of other things you can enjoy during the month of Ramadan:

Visit the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Exhibition Gallery Centuries of Islamic history are exhibited in this gallery. The Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Exhibition Gallery which is housed at the Darul ‘Ifta Building, showcases a collection of rare ‘mushaf’ handwritten in various styles of calligraphy, centuries-old miniature Al-Quran, prayer beads, walking sticks and astrolabes dating back centuries.

Address: Simpang 26, Jalan Babu Raja Getting there: by taxi Visiting hours: 9am-5pm (Tuesday-Thursday/ Saturday-Sunday), 9am-11.30am/2pm-5pm (Fridays) – closed on Mondays

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1. His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei and members of the royal family lead a congregation through the streets of the capital during Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday 2. Tarawih prayers performed during the month of Ramadan 3. Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a time to spend with families and friends.

Buy Food at the Local Tamu Marketplaces The quietness that permeates the country in the daytime disappears when the sun starts to set. At the local tamu marketplaces, hawkers fire up their grills and you can find both traditional and nonlocal food on display, packed and ready to go. Colourful cakes brighten up stalls and beverages ranging from bright pink air bandung to the milky green chendol tempt both the fasting and the non-fasting visitors. The tamu marketplaces are packed with people and the scene is loud, lively and full of commotion at this time from the first day of Ramadhan to the last.

Tamu Gadong Location: Gadong wet market Getting there: Bus 22, 01

The liveliness continues long after meals, when men and women congregate together at mosques to perform the tarawih prayers – these are prayers carried out only during Ramadan, where long portions of the Quran are recited.

Celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri Following the triumph of fasting during the month of Ramadhan, families and friends now greet each other with a cheerful “Selamat Hari Raya!” on Hari Raya Aidilfitri. This joyous occasion marks one of the most important religious holidays celebrated in Brunei and it signifies the end of Ramadhan. Aidilfitri is a time of togetherness when families and friends ask for forgiveness from each other. During this time, people visit the homes of other Muslims, usually decorated with colourful lights for this occasion, and feast on traditional Malay delights such as rendang, ketupat and all kinds of delicious Malay kuih.

Must-do: Visit the Istana Nurul Iman which opens its doors to the public on the second, third and fourth day of Aidilfitri. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei and members of the royal family, who greet every visitor during these three days, and also to take a peek inside the largest residential palace in the world.

Gerai Tudung Saji Location: Tamu area of Tudung Saji, Kuala Belait Getting there: Bus/taxi/car to Kuala Belait

Note: All visitors are required to wear smart attire when visiting the palace; shoulders and knees should be covered.

Other Islamic Holidays in Brunei Isra’ Mikraj 16 May 2015/27 Rejab 1436H A holiday celebrating the ascension of the Prophet Muhammad SAW. Bruneians observe this day with special prayers and gatherings at mosques.

Nuzul Al-Quran 4 July 2015/17 Ramadhan 1436H Annually celebrated on the 17th day of the month of Ramadhan, this special day commemorates the revelation of the first verses of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad SAW. Hari Raya Aidiladha 24 September 2015/ 10 Zulhijjah 1436H Also known as Hari Raya Haji, this holiday marks the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, performed by millions of Muslims annually. The day is spent with prayers and the sacrifice of cattle which is then distributed to the poor and needy.

First day of Hijrah 14 October 2015/ 1 Muharram 1437H The first day of Hijrah is observed on 1 Muharram which marks the first day of the Islamic calendar.

The first Islamic year began with the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 610AD. The day is spent with community prayers at the mosques.

Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday 24 December 2015/ 12 Rabiulawal 1437H On this morning of the anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) birth, thousands of people congregate in the streets of the capital dressed in traditional Malay clothing as His Majesty the Sultan leads his people in a march around the capital.

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The Great Mosques of Brunei

Masjid Mohammad Bolkiah Located in Serusop, this humble-looking mosque first opened its doors to the public on November 23rd, 1979. This mosque can accommodate 3,000 worshippers.

Visitors can get there by bus 36 and 38.

As the main religion of Brunei, Islam has a great role in influencing the design of many buildings and landmarks in the country and Brunei is home to some spectacular mosques that are both simple in its beauty and grand in design.

David Kirkland

Masjid Omar Ali Saifuddien Quite simply the most famous landmark in Brunei and the most stunning, this magnificent mosque sits in the heart of the capital. Built within its own lagoon and surrounded by lush greenery and floral gardens, the mosque seems to be floating.

The mosque features luminous stained glass windows, Italian marble floors,

A mosque is a holy place for Muslims – it is a place for the Muslim community to come together for prayers. The mosques are open to anyone who wishes to visit but there are some rules that visitors have to strictly observe. (For more information, go to page 56)

Shanghai granite walls and chandeliers from Britain. It is simply a stunning vision in white marble crowned with a glittering dome made of real gold.

A marble bridge takes you across the lagoon to a replica of a 16th century Sultan Bolkiah Mahligai Royal Barge.

The Masjid Omar Ali Saifuddien was built in 1958 and is named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei. Visitors can get there on foot from the bus terminal in the city centre or by taxi.

Ash-Shaliheen Mosque

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Masjid Jubli Perak, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Located in Kampong Jangsak, this handsome mosque that sits on top of a hill was built on September 2nd 1996. The mosque’s construction was financed by the Islamic Religious Counsel of Brunei along with donations from various Muslim government officers and staff. The mosque can accommodate 1,200 worshippers.

Visitors can get there by bus 55 or by taxi.

Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Malik Mosque Located in Kampong Tungku, this mosque began construction in 2010 and was completed two years later.

It opened its doors to the public on July 27th 2012. The mosque can accommodate 1,000 worshippers.

Visitors can get there by bus 21, 22 or 57/58.

The structure of the AshShaliheen Mosque was designed

by Abdel-Wahed El-Wakil, a renowned Egyptian architect. The mosque is an interesting blend of traditional and contemporary designs with a modest exterior of textured walls and turquoisecoloured domes. The stunning and intricately designed interior features authentic Moroccanmade brass chandeliers, an artwork of hand-chiseled mosaic tiles decorated with a border of verses from the holy Quran, and exquisite Italian marble in an open courtyard fountain decorated with beautiful mosaic designs.

One of the newest landmarks in Brunei, the mosque opened its doors to worshippers and the public on July 12th, 2012. Visitors can get there by taking bus 34, 23 or 24, or by taxi.

Masjid Sufri Bolkiah This stately mosque was built to cater to the residents of Kampong Burong Pingai. It was first built in 1965 but was renovated in later years to accommodate the growing number of worshippers in that area. Today, this mosque can house over 1,500 worshippers.

Visitors can get there by taxi.

David Kirkland

Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque

Arkitek Idris

This mosque is considered one of the grandest monuments to Islam in the region and it is the largest in the country.

Situated in Kampong Kiarong, this mosque is adorned with 29 domes to signify His Majesty the Sultan as the 29th ruler of Brunei. The magnificent structure

is surrounded by fountains and landscaped gardens. Visitors can enter the mosque itself and view the fine artistry of its interior or simply take a walk about the gardens and admire the structure from the outside.

The Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque was built in 1992 to commemorate the 25th year of His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei’s reign. Visitors can get there by taking bus 01c, 20 or 22, or by taxi.

Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Mateen Mosque Completed in 2012, the concept of this mosque is both traditional and contemporary, combining Islamic and Malay architecture with the use of geometric shapes. It is a beautiful mosque located in Sengkurong with water fountains on both sides of the main entrance symbolizing purity and serenity. The mosque can accommodate 1,600 worshippers.

Visitors can get there by bus 42 or 45.

Masjid Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah The opening of this mosque was officiated on His Majesty the Sultan’s 67th birthday in July 2013. The mosque can accommodate 1,000 worshippers and has a VIP Room, library, IT room and lecture hall.

Visitors can get there by bus 37 or by taxi.

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Tourism Malaysia

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Indonesia Tourism

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Away But At Home Community-based tourism is one of the most unique ways for visitors to experience the village life. Homestays in these regions offer tourists accommodation and activities. It is a truly authentic experience unlike any other so visitors can have a taste of the local lifestyle.

Cambodia Chi Phat Community-Based Ecotourism in Koh Kong Province With mountains, mangroves and low land swamps, plus many types of cultural artifacts to see, Chi Phat and its surrounding area has a variety of attractions to offer.

Activities include single and multi-day mountain biking and trekking, traditional boat trips, forest camping, wildlife and bird watching and village explorations.

Visit www.tourismcambodia.org for more information on homestays and tour packages.

Information and text obtained from www.tourismcambodia.org

Indonesia Kampung Naga Located within Neglasari village in

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West Java, this ‘green’ village and its inhabitants are famous for their simple and harmonious lifestyle. Here, you will see hundreds of high ebony trees, local green houses made of bamboo, large green paddy fields and the long Ciwulan river.

Visit www.indonesia.travel for more information on homestays and tour packages.

Information and text obtained from www.indonesia.travel

Lao PDR Ban Nalan, Luang Namtha Province Situated on the banks of the Nam Ha River, Ban Nalan is a Khmu village of approximately 35 families. Visitors will see traditional Khmu culture, such as their method of pounding rice and the weaving of distinctive square-based baskets.

Laos Tourism 1. Poring hotsprings near the Walai Tokou Homestay in Sabah 2. The Chi Phat waterfall in the Koh Kong Province in Cambodia 3. Kampung Naga, Indonesia 4. The picturesque town of Putao, Myanmar 5. The Khmu village at Ban Nalan, Lao PDR

Visit www.tourismlaos.org for more information on homestays and tour packages.

Information and text obtained from www.tourismlaos.org

Malaysia Homestay Walai Tokou, Kundasang, Sabah Walai Tokou Homestay is located in Kundasang Ranau which is mainly populated by the Dusun natives who cultivate temperate vegetables. Visitors are warmly welcomed by traditional dances and a “Paku Dita” drink on arrival. Visitors might also want to check out the hot bath at the Poring hotsprings or the Kundasang War Memorial.

Visit www.sabahhomestay.my for more information.

Information and text obtained from www.sabahhomestay.my

Myanmar Putao, Kachin State Putao is a picturesque town in Kachin State blessed with the views of breathtaking snowcapped mountain ranges. Putao is a trekking paradise for nature lovers, and is the only trekking and hiking area in the country. Aside from trekking, visitors can explore the authentic cultural lifestyle of the highlanders who live here.

Visit www.myanmartourism.org for more information on homestays and tour packages.

Information and text obtained from www.myanmartourism.org

Cozy Mountain High Text: Pamela Fletcher Images: H.Benjamin Residence

With just 16 rooms and a restaurant, H.Benjamin Residence is a place with lots of space. Each room has a private balcony for a quiet spot to laze at your pleasure or you can stroll around its spacious grounds and breathe in all that fresh mountain air.

Kinabalu Park with its many welltrodden nature trails is located 16km away and perfect for a day out for bird watching and trail walking. The Mount Kinabalu Summit Trail starts here and it takes you up and down the mountain on the same route but you can opt to turn off midway along the trail and continue down the path to Mesilau on your return. Accommodation facilities are available at Mesilau but with H.Benjamin Residence just a few short kilometers away, trekkers now have the choice of a more intimate accommodation to recuperate from their adventure.

While the relaxed zen-like atmosphere might inspire you to twist into some contorted yoga pose, there are places nearby that you can visit for more active pursuits. The 18-hole golf course at Mount Kinabalu Golf Club, the family-

Urbanites in Kota Kinabalu are already getting excited about this cozy mountain retreat because when it comes to weekend getaways, it should be all about you and the people you want to connect with.

Living a balanced life means getting in that all-important down time to just breathe, relax and rejuvenate. For a weekend getaway that can do just that, put on your happy trail shoes and head over to H.Benjamin Residence in Kundasang.

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his newly opened boutique hotel is located 102km from Kota Kinabalu city and at a cool 1,700m above sea level, it sits right at the foot of Mount Kinabalu. The two-hour drive there will have put you into the right frame of mind as scenic views of the deep green hills of the Crocker Range and scattered rustic villages pass by your window. The looming silhouette of Mount Kinabalu cuts into view every so often but once you reach your destination, you will have it as your natural background to wake up to every morning.

friendly Desa Cattle Dairy Farm and the Kundasang War Memorial are all within 10km distance of the lodge.

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All That Jazz Text: Iris Tan Images: Sarawak Tourism Board

The Borneo Jazz Festival kicked off its two-day event on May 8th 2015 at the Resort City of Miri. A raging success each year, this year proved no different. New and seasoned performers worldwide hit the stage to perform a decade of Jazz by the sea.

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epresenting the local scene was All The Best, led by Miri-born Shafiee Obe – the group’s keyboardist and music director. All The Best jazzed up the first evening with their blend of contemporary jazz with a twist of traditional Bornean flavour.

The first night continued with Swedish band Jump4Joy - a group who knows how to get down and boogie! This high energy group performed with their signature strong New Orleans flavor, electrifying the audience with their toetapping sounds.

Also on stage the first night of the festival was Lluís Coloma, featuring the multitalented Spanish jazz pianist Louis Coloma and his band, belting out an inspired fusion of New Orleans sound, Blues and BoogieWoogie. After their performance, The Nylons took center stage. Hailing from Canada, this award-winning group of four came to the festival to represent the best of a cappella jazz, wowing the audience with their harmonies and slick stage performances.

On the second night, The Doodaddies thrilled with their uplifting grooves.

The Australian four-piece Chicago style blues band wowed the audience with the red-hot guitar chops of Dave Brewer and sensational harmonica sounds from “Diamond” Dave Billing. Later that night, four young guns known as Mo’ Blow from Germany performed their funk jazz and worked up the audience with their high energy and groovy tunes.

The audience was clearly looking forward to the performance by Anthony Strong – the singer-pianist hailed as “England’s new jazz superstar”. He enthralled the audience in last year’s Borneo Jazz Festival and continued to dazzle with original compositions with his energetic band members. Finishing off the international performances of the festival was the Dirty Dozen Brass Band – a world famous music machine known for their highoctane performances.

During the two-day event, festivalgoers also enjoyed a variety of local and international cuisine, and an array of souvenirs and local handicrafts available for purchase.

2015 marked the tenth anniversary of the Borneo Jazz Festival which was first introduced in 2006 when the spectators were about 3,000 strong. Last year’s turnout was as high as 8,000, proving the success and popularity of the festival and the growing appeal of jazz in the region.

The Borneo Jazz Festival was held in conjunction with Miri City Day. Miri offers great holiday adventures from the sea to the mountains. Visitors can find accommodations from budget hotels to 5-star resorts. The month-long celebration of Miri City Day is the best time for visitors to come and explore the wonders of Miri.

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Here

About their recent ‘Raya in the City’ collection on Zalora.com: “We launched our ‘Raya in the City’ collection on Zalora.com last April and we’re launching this same collection in Brunei at Bajoo Boutique sometime in June. We use Zalora as our online shopping platform because we can reach the other countries easily and it has the traffic that we need. It’s a great way to achieve brand awareness so at this moment we don’t have any intention of setting up our own online site.”

Comes

the Bride

Learn more about FIZIWOO’s designs on their Facebook page: www.facebook/officialfiziwoo.com

Farhanna Pura

Owner and Designer of Na Forrér, Brunei

As a part of the Cross-Border E-commerce Training (CBET) localisation workshop, BAG Networks hosted a bridal showcase at the new Design & Technology Building at Anggerek Desa Tech Park on 5th May, 2015.

Farhanna first started her online fashion operation Na Forrér back in May 2010 when she launched her made-to-measure fashion brand. Today, Na Forrér is one of the most well known local fashion brands in the country and earlier this year, Farhanna launched her first bridal collection.

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dream for any future blushing bride, the event showcased original bridal gowns by Fen Fen Fang’s online store Sarah Bridal from China, FIZIWOO from Malaysia, and local designers Anyati Abdullah Orcullo and Farhanna Pura.

We sit down with the designers featured in the showcase and chat with them about their brands and the business of weddings.

Image: Elly Asbellah

Fen Fen Fang

CEO of Sarahbridal, China

Fen Fen started her online roots at Alibaba.com and after just one year of learning the e-commerce business, she decided to open her own online store. Since then, her business has grown from two people to over 100 employees to cover multiple overseas markets.

How it all started: “My husband and I started our own company and after doing a lot of research, we decided to specialize in wedding gowns. There are many benefits in exporting wedding dresses for us, especially the high-profit margins. Most wedding gowns from American or European brands are tailored in China so what can cost thousands abroad will cost less in China.”

The designs: “We have local designers that work specifically for us.

The majority of our bridal gowns are western-style but we’ve started to focus on emerging markets and create for Muslim weddings.

However at the moment, we only accept custom-made wedding dresses, so if there’s a demand, we can make it to your requirements.”

On balancing work and family: “This is why I chose e-commerce – it gives me flexibility of time. It gives me the benefit of working at home and more time to care for my daughter.”

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Image: BAG Networks

Check out Fenfen Fang’s online store Sarahbridal at www.dhgate.com/store/sarahbridal

Anyati Abdullah Orcullo

Designer and Owner of Anyati’s Boutique & Atelier, Brunei

Local fashion designer Anyati Abdullah Orcullo specialises in bridal gowns for Brunei Malay weddings. She is also an author and published the ‘Brunei Malay Wedding’ book in 2014.

On designing bridal dresses using traditional hand-woven songket: “My job is to design a dress that brings out the best in a bride and make the best use of this hand-woven fabric because the songket alone cost a fortune. Clients consult me about their dress and with their budget in mind, we work on the special dress that they dream of wearing.”

On the importance of compromise in a Malay wedding: “I counsel them on the importance of compromise because with big families, it’s never just about the bride’s and groom’s choice! At the end of the day, I design what the bride and groom want within the context of what’s traditional, what’s modern, what’s acceptable to their families and of course, what they want in the first place.“ Learn more about Anyati’s designs on her Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Anyatis

Que Ariffin

Brand Manager of FIZIWOO, Malaysia

The FIZIWOO brand was established by a young aspiring designer, Mohd Hafizi Radzi Woo in 2009. Two years later, he was joined

by Izree Kai Haffiz. FIZIWOO was the first brand from Malaysia to incorporate tweed and lace in a couture wedding gown so expect sleek designs, innovation and plenty of style in a FIZIWOO collection.

About bridal couture: “Our bridal couture is made-to-measure, not ready-to-wear. Most brides-to-be prefer to go to a designer and discuss what they want which gives allowance and space for the designer to design a dress for them.”

On ‘made-to-measure’: “We focus more on made-to-measure only because I believe that every single person has their own taste. Basically I design for them first. We go through a consultation process: what kind of design, cutting, colour, beading, material and most importantly, the budget they want for the outfit I’m designing for them. Most of the clothes I’ve been asked to design are Hari Raya clothes, corporate wear and even prom dresses.”

On her bridal wear: “I can do custom-made bridal wear but I also have a collection that I previewed earlier this year on a fashion runway at an International Women’s Day event and the Brunei Wedding Festival. When it comes to bridal wear, I believe in one thing: every bride should look elegant.”

Learn more about Na Forrer on her Facebook page: www.facebook.com/naforrer or follow her on Instagram @naforrer

E. Asbellah

Make-up Artist, Brunei

Elly Asbellah is a make-up artist based in Brunei who received formal training from institutes and make-up gurus. He is busy providing his skills through make-up consultations, seminars and workshops, and creating stunning looks for all kinds of events. He was a finalist at the prestigious International Bridal Makeup Competition held in Indonesia last year. Besides his make-up business, he will also be launching his own line of fake-eyelashes sometime this year. Elly uses make-up products exclusively from La Tulipe Cosmetiques.

Learn more about E. Asbellah on his website www.easbellah.com or follow him on Instagram @ellyasbellah

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An American

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Hero in Brunei Mikkel Elbech

When U.S. rock musician Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal sat down at the table with us, we all wanted to know if he has tried the local dish ambuyat and he responded, “Yeah, I actually like it.” The famous guitar virtuoso, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer, who has toured all over the world at sold-out concerts as the lead guitarist with the rock group Guns N’ Roses, came to Brunei in April and spent some time with children from the local and international schools, jammed with them, shared his experiences in the music industry and even went out for some durians.

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on gave special performances and masterclasses to music students from the International School Brunei, the Jerudong International School and selected students from various local schools in the country. He played his guitar with a gulingtangan band and proved that “if you put a whole bunch of musicians from around the world in a room to play music, no matter where they’re from, in five minutes, they could probably make music together like they’ve done it forever.”

He also spent some time with a group of local talents discussing careers in the music industry and listening to their own personal experiences in music.

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Ron thrilled the U.S Embassy staff and invited guests with a solo performance on the embassy grounds. Ron’s visit coincided with World Intellectual Property Day April 26. The U.S Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, Craig Allen in his opening speech before the concert, called for a stand to actively protect the valuable contributions made to society by composers, performers and the music industry. He added that by building awareness of the role of copyright as an incentive for creativity, we can make sure that the future generations will also be able to enjoy the fruits of the creative musical process.

Ron is a cultural ambassador for American music and for many other worthy causes. He works with U.S Embassies around the world on crosscultural music programs and supports dozens of international charities, visiting schools, orphanages and children’s hospitals throughout the world with his unique ‘fretless guitar’ in hand.

Ron released his 10th CD entitled “Little Brother is Watching” on February 24.

The album was composed, produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by Ron at his studio in New Jersey, and it also features drummer Dennis Leeflang and a crowd of 100 fans stomping, chanting and singing background vocals recorded at a listening party in New York. His current collaborations include DMC from the iconic rap group Run DMC and Scott Weiland in the supergroup Art of Anarchy (released on June 2). His music is often heard in TV, film and videogames including the theme song to VH1’s “The Metal Show”.

biG buzz

biG buzz

Lamb Shish Kebab with Rice

Standing Chicken and Lamb Doner

Sole Sisters Images by Fitness Zone

1,300 women showed up dressed and ready to run at the ‘She Runs’ event on May 17, marking the first ever female-only charity run in the country. The charity run was organised by Fitness Zone together with the Council of Women of Brunei Darussalam and saw female participants from Brunei and other countries taking part in the 3.7km and 5km categories.

The guest of honour, Her Royal Highness Princess Hjh Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, was present to officiate the launch of the Fitness Zone Serusop and deliver a sabda to the participants of the charity run. Also present at the event was Datin Paduka Hjh Adina Othman, Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.

The rain that morning did nothing to dampen the determination of the big-hearted women who gathered at the starting point outside Fitness Zone Serusop - the first fitness centre in Brunei exclusively for women. A strong sense of sisterhood permeated the scene, uniting all the women present with a common goal: raise awareness and funds for the Children’s Cancer Foundation (YASKA).

There were many fun-filled activities during the event including musical performances by local singers and games such as the ice bucket challenge, obstacles challenge and the 30-Second Inspiration Speech. Winners were rewarded with prizes such as airline tickets, sponsored by Royal Brunei, and club memberships and other goodies provided by Fitness Zone. There were also vendor booths providing products by The Body Shop, The Energy Kitchen, Revive and Redbull.

The event received fantastic support from various local companies: Royal Brunei sponsored airline tickets; Baiduri Bank gave free registration to the first 20 women under their Smart Executive Programme who registered for the run; Kingston Beverage & Creamery provided Red Bull, Purity drinking water and Revive Isotonic drinks before, during and after the run; The Body Shop gave away exclusive gift packs with two years free membership to the first 200 participants and exclusive discount vouchers to everyone else who participated. Other supporters included D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd and Armtrix Enterprise. TelBru was the title sponsor of the event.

YASKA is a non-governmental organization that provides support to children who are undergoing treatment for cancer and their respective families. It also aims to increase public awareness about children’s cancer in Brunei.

Meat Grill

Casbah London Kebab Opens in Kuching

H

omegrown fast food chain, Casbah London Kebab, has been a popular purveyor of spitted meat in Brunei since it first opened in 1999. With its menu of delectable doners, succulent shish kebabs and lovely lulehs, the restaurant quickly opened branches in Sengkurong, Times Square, Lambak and Kuala Belait, and its expansion outside Brunei was simply just a matter of time.

Famous for serving affordable and healthy Middle Eastern food as well their hugely popular English Fish and Chips and Cod Roe, Casbah has been catering to an ever-growing local clientele.

Casbah’s success in the local market prompted its proprietor, Hjh Sandrawati Abdullah to seek opportunities outside Brunei.

Feri Ferdian

English Fish and Chips

On March 14, Casbah London Kebab took its first step abroad and opened a new branch in Kuching, Sarawak. The Kuching branch offers the same menu of delicious, healthy food and the same charm as the Brunei outlets – a spacious interior with a tasteful décor that was conceptualised with the famous kebab houses of London in mind.

With its first overseas challenge a success, Casbah plans to expand further to Kota Kinabalu and Bali, building on their dream to propel this local restaurant brand into an international fast food chain.

Casbah London Kebab in Kuching is located at: Sublot 27, Ground Floor, River Edge Commercial Development Jln Merdeka, Petra Jaya Kuching, Sarawak Tel: (6082) 422 730 Email: londonkebab.kuching@gmail.com

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

39

biG buzz

made in brunei

Getting to know

FAI ZAINI

A Filmmaker, Painter, Illustrator and Sculptor I grew up surrounded by art and creatives. My mother used to draw portraits of us when we were younger and my father used to paint

Mohd Aqqil bin Mohd Ariffin - 'Repercussion of Gravity'

Jawi Calligraphy Murals at my old home. I guess these interests were passed on to me and a career in the creative industry, although unplanned, was bound to happen somehow.

Origin Films is my day job, although it’s hard to call it a ‘job’ because we enjoy what we do. Besides my work at Origin, I head a group of artists who specialise in graffiti art and we have done many commissioned graffiti, workshops as well as public demos. Aside from all of this, I paint.

The turning points in my career as an artist and a creative were defined by two events. As soon as I completed my Masters degree in Painting and Film & Video, I jumped right into the film production of Yasmine with Origin Films, where I was appointed the second assistant director - my very first film set experience. After completing the film, I was invited to join an international art exhibition in Kuala Lumpur. My painting was purchased by a very prominent figure from Malaysia even before it had a chance to be exhibited.

The local skate park graffiti painting at the National Stadium,

Nur Amnani binti Hj Awg Md Taib - ‘Separative Self’

awarded to us by the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sports, is a project

Faisal bin Osman - ‘Heritage through Calligraphy’

that I’m very proud of. The public was free to come and paint with us, and we were happy to provide young painters a space to be creative

Wan Nur Zahidah binti Metussin - ‘Asmara the Rooster’

Images by Hadiana Yahman and Hairol Abdulkhan

A

collection of creative arts and designs by 54 finalyear students from the Art and Creative Technology (ACT) major at University Brunei Darussalam (UBD) was displayed in a month-long exhibition from April to May. Spectacle 2015 is the third of a series of memorable exhibitions by graduates organized by the ACT programme.

Professionally curated and displayed in two venues at the university - the Art Gallery at the Chancellor’s Hall and the new Art Studio in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FASS) building of UBD - the exhibition was open to the public and attracted hundreds of art enthusiasts and visitors.

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

they in turn have inspired me in more ways than they are aware of.

The art and design works showcased in Spectacle 2015 span a tapestry of themes including natural beauty, ethical values, personal suffering, social issues and cultural heritage. Individual artists executed their stories through various mediums such as original paintings, murals, photographs, sculptures, animations, mixed media installations, videos and computer graphics.

Through the artwork on display at Spectacle 2015, the students sought to inspire, challenge, bemuse or simply delight the visitors and prove that contemporary art is a positive outlet for the younger generation to express their concerns and feelings, and make a connection with others. For the visitors, it was a wonderful way to discover the talented artists who are creating beauty in Brunei.

To see more fantastic artwork at the UBD Spectacle 2015, check out their Instagram account @UBDSpectacle2015

An artwork that holds no body of research is an empty piece of work.

Being able to draw well is not as important as why you have picked a particular subject to draw and how it will benefit its audience.

Being an artist in Brunei is amazing. There are so many unexplored questions to be addressed and so many opportunities to grab hold of.

There’s no excuse for half-hearted artwork. We are a nation with an important history and creative roots such as metalworking and weaving, and we should embrace them. And I believe Bruneians are more than capable of reaching international standards.

You can view a few of Fai’s collections at the Origin Films office, or visit his

Image: Ebi Lim

What A Spectacle!

and expressive. I am proud to say that I was able to inspire them and

website: www.tagone.blogspot.com or follow him on Instagram @tag_one_kws_znc

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

41

biG appetite

biG appetite

Bombastic Bowls of Biryani Who doesn’t love a good chicken biryani? This aromatic one-pot taste of heaven is a staple part of Indian cuisine that is beloved worldwide.

The dish is made with long-grain basmati rice that is layered and cooked together with spices and chicken in a large covered cooking pot which is then either cooked over a slow flame or shoved into an oven, sealing in all those yummy flavours and natural juices that makes for a mouth-watering biryani. In Brunei, any chicken biryani worth its salt is served with a side dish of pickled achar or raita – a yoghurt sauce with sliced cucumbers and seasoned with spices – which tips the biryani from delicious to heavenly.

Chicken biryani is available at just about any Indian, Pakistani and Arabic restaurant in Brunei. We spice things up in this issue of BiG and after sniffing around, settle on six Indian restaurants in the country that serve up some of the best chicken biryani.

Sameer Restaurant & Catering

Lotus Family Restaurant

Delhi Darbar Restaurant & Catering

Sameer is the Indian cuisine version

Lotus has been serving authentic Southern

Delhi Darbar specialises in Southern Indian

of Pizza Hut – there seems to be a

and Northern Indian cuisine in Brunei for

cuisine and it has been serving authentic

Sameer restaurant everywhere. This

10 years and it’s going from strength to

Indian delights to those in the Jerudong area

is a testament to the good Indian food

strength. The restaurant in Delima has a

for just over two years now. The most sought-

that they serve. Specializing in North

simple setting, but you don’t go to Lotus for

after dish on its menu is the biryani, which

Indian food, Sameer serves up a mean

decor, you go there for its delicious food. If

you can have in three ways: vegetarian, with

dish of chicken biryani. Sameer’s biryani

you’re looking for a hot and spicy biryani,

a choice of meat or with Tandoori chicken.

is not too spicy and the rice is perfect -

this is the place for you. The biryani is fiery

The taste lives up to its reputation and even

light, fluffy and fragrant with chunks of

mix of chicken curry gravy which, combined

exceeded our expectations. The rice itself is

tender chicken. Served with raita, dhal

with the rice, the tender chicken pieces and

just beautiful – lightly spiced and perfectly

and chicken curry gravy, the overall

the egg, makes for a rich and spicy explosion

cooked. The chicken pieces are tender and

combination becomes a perfect balance

of tastes. If the heat is too much to handle,

flavoursome, complementing the rice, egg

of tastes – not too rich but just right.

quell it with a bit of cool raita that comes with

and raita. The Delhi Darbar is well worth the

it. The rice itself is excellent – even-coloured

trip all the way to Jerudong and we foresee a

and fragrant from the spices.

few more trips there very soon.

Price: $6.00

Price: $5.00

Price: $5.00

Spg 158, Sungai Akar Central, Sungai Akar, BSB

27, Block ‘B’ Delima Jaya Complex, Spg 6, Jln Muara, BSB Tel: 234 2049

Spg 38, Jalan Jerudong (opposite the Jerudong Prison) Tel: 267 2826

Tel: 233 6613 (call for other branches)

Rajah’s Restaurant & Catering

Bombay Palace Restaurant

Amulya

Rajah’s has been a popular choice

Located in Batu Bersurat, this charming

Ladies and gentlemen, we might have a

for Indian food among the locals and

restaurant hits all the right spots with

winner here. A quiet restaurant in the busy

expatriates since it opened in 2010, and

its comprehensive menu of Northern

hub of Kg Jaya Setia, this Northern Indian

many Indian-food lovers flock to this

Indian delights. Its chicken biryani doesn’t

restaurant serves an addictive plate of

restaurant in Batu Satu for their banana

disappoint: plentiful and tasty, with big

biryani. The fragrant biryani rice mixed with

leaf lunch sets. Their chicken biryani scores

chunks of chicken tucked into the rice and

cashew nuts and big portions of tender

high on quantity: their biryani rice is served

served with an egg and chicken curry gravy.

chicken is served with achar and poppadom

with huge pieces of chicken and one boiled

You also get to choose whether you want

– the dish is so good we keep going back

egg, and it comes with a bowl of raita and

your biryani medium spicy or very spicy.

again and again. If you’re in the area, make

chicken curry gravy. A hearty quick-fix if

Add that thoughtful option to their excellent

sure you drop by Amulya for some biryani –

you’re looking to satisfy a biryani craving.

service, Bombay Palace is certainly a very

you won’t regret it!

pleasant place to enjoy your biryani.

Price: $4.90

Price: $6.50

Price: $4.50

#3, Grd Flr, Blk A, Bangunan PAP Umi Kalthu, Batu 1 ¼, Jln Tutong, BSB Tel: 224 0379

#9, Grd & 1st Flr, Blk B, Bangunan Pg Mainuddin & Anak-anak, Batu Bersurat, BSB Tel: 242 7313

#3 & 4, Grd Flr, Jalan Setia Square, Berakas, Ka Jaya Setia, BSB Tel: 233 9230

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

45

biG appetite

biG appetite

Another Café

Bite Restaurant

the.Dyak Restaurant

CABO

#2, Grd Floor, Bangunan Hj Abd Rahman Kg Kiulap, Bandar Seri Begawan, Tel: (673) 223 3593 OPEN DAILY: 8am-12am Text: Intan Abu Daniel; Image: Aida Idris

#1, Grd & 1st Flr, Blk A, Spg 150 Bangunan Habza, Kg Kiarong, Bandar Seri Begawan, Tel: (673) 717 0327 Opening Hours: 10am-10pm (closed Fridays) Text: Intan Abu Daniel; Image: Filzah Saiman

Sub-lot 29, Grd Floor, Panovel Commercial Complex Jln Simpang Tiga, 93300, Kuching, Sarawak, Tel: (6016) 868 0071 Opening Hours: 11.30am–8.30pm (Mon-Sat) Text: Thanis Lim; Image: Cyril Teo

Lot 32-0, Lorong Lintas Plaza 3, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Tel: (6088) 252 182 Opening Hours: 11am-12am (Wed-Mon) Text & Image by Pamela Fletcher

First Impressions Another Cafe’s grey stripped walls, low-hanging lamps and visible wires all contribute to an industrial look that puts the ‘hip’ in this hipster look. The decoration is minimal but effective: gold letters spells out ANOTHER CAFÉ on one side of the wall, knick-knacks line a shelf behind the bar area and a rustic bicycle hangs overhead from the ceiling – an object which has thrilled many diners and has become an Instagramworthy picture.

Food The menu is presented on a clipboard that hangs on the wall next to each table and there are sandwiches, finger food, pastries, breakfast options and a few main courses – not an extensive list but what you get is good, simple fare that’s memorable. The Eggs Benedict we tasted was delicious and the Creamy Fettucine, served with sun-dried tomatoes and grilled mushrooms, was particularly good. The Rustic Parmesan Fries that came with mayogarlic sauce was divine. The Panini sandwiches were

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

extremely satisfying and the Dutch apple pie, which we requested with a scoop of ice cream, was delicious!

Drinks Coffees rule here, along with a choice of other types of beverages. The owner of the café perfected his brewing techniques prior to opening the café and it shows: our Flat White, Latte and Americano were bold in taste and perfect in temperature, and the affogato was just plain heavenly.

Service Service was quick and the staff was helpful.

Price The beverages and desserts cost about the same as other cafés. While the food prices may be a bit more in comparison to other cafés, the portions do make it seem justifiable.

Verdict It might be called Another Café but the place and its quality of food ensures that it is not just another café. Take a seat, enjoy a great cup of coffee, and make sure you take a shot of that hanging bicycle.

First Impressions A welcomed addition to the Kiulap dining scene, this two-storey restaurant is both posh and cozy. Faux leathercovered booth seats run the length of the wall that is decorated with wallpaper. Go up the stairs and you’ll see another seating area with a feel of alfresco dining where sunlight streams through the tall open glass windows.

Food The menu is brief but filled with intriguing options.

We assembled a meal from starters to dessert and the dishes arrived in a timely fashion on warmed tableware and photo-ready. Fresh Mushroom Soup served with a scattering of puffed rice and a Champignon Ravioli kicked things off nicely, followed by Crumbled Prawn Balls stuffed with mozzarella cheese on a bed of stewed beef. Our Braised Persian Beef ‘Pot Pie’ - a beef stew with chicken foie gras and carrots sheltered under a roof of puff pastry - was big enough to feed two ravenous diners. The Pan Fried Dory Steak served with

a spicy salsa sauce turned out to be quite delicious. To round things off, we had the Ryokucha (Green Tea) Molten Lava Cake served with red bean ice-cream and puffed rice, which was a real stand-out and one we would recommend.

Drinks No surprises on the list but if you’re looking for a pop of something sparkling and sweet, there’s red or white grape juice to accompany your meal.

Service Service staff was friendly and very accommodating.

Price Prices for mains range from $10 for Fish and Chips to $32 for a succulent Rack of Lamb while appetisers go from $3 for a simple Chicken ‘Chips’ & Fries to $10 for the Crumbled Prawn Balls. Those looking for a quick affordable meal can feast on the set lunch items for $5.

Verdict Beautiful dishes and great service – a classy restaurant that hits all the right spots.

First Impressions Dyak, pronounced as Da-yak, serves authentic indigenous Dayak cuisine which you can’t find in posh restaurants. When you enter Dyak, feast your eyes on the collection of old Dayak photos, jewelry and musical instruments that adorn the walls and be greeted by Dayak music in the background.

Food Expect a full-on Dayak family-style dinner where you share a few dishes served with red unhusk rice.

Recommended vegetable dishes are the Petai Gulai Kechala (petai stir-fried with fresh local herbs) and Daun Ubi Randau Guring (sweet potato leaves with desiccated coconut, chilies & dried shrimp). The signature dish, Manuk Lulun - a traditional flavourful chicken soup cooked with herbs in a hollow bamboo - is an eye-opening experience. Tilapia Terung Dayak, fresh tilapia turmericinfused soup cooked with sour eggplant terung Dayak, will broaden your culinary

experience while Kari Jani (pork belly jungle curry) is an explosion of flavours. Be sure to try out their Pusu Empikau anchovies stir-fried with chili and fermented durian paste – which is simply delicious! For dessert, go for their Tapai and Tuak ice-cream that is made from the fermentation of local rice.

Drinks Quite a few special mocktails, fresh juices as well as homemade local tuak and other beverages.

Service The waiting staff is very helpful in explaining the stories behind the dishes and is attentive to our needs.

Price The price might be slightly costly, but very good value for money, especially for a cuisine not typically available in the city.

Verdict Serving exotic cuisine that represents the culinary heritage of Sarawak, the.Dyak Restaurant should not be missed when you visit Kuching.

First Impression From the outside, the colourful wall mural is the first thing that catches the eye.

The interior with its assorted table arrangement and cozy ambience comes alive with Latin music in the background, setting the mood for a casual dining experience and perhaps, even a bit of toe tapping during the meal.

Food Opened in December last year, CABO aspires to bring the authentic flavours of Mexico to Kota Kinabalu.

All the classic Mexican dishes can be found on the menu: tortillas, fajitas, burritos and salsa. And what is Mexican food without its quintessential chilli, the hotter the better! We took the plunge and went for the Jalapeno Popper – Jalapeno peppers deep fried in batter with a cheese filling and dip - and boy, was it hot! To cool our burning palate, we had the Tortilla Soup, Cabo Taco and Crazy Catrina Burrito, each with mixed greens or salsa added for a tangy punch and crisp bite. The

burrito didn’t quite come up to mark with its rather bland taste but the soup was hearty and the taco deliciously fresh.

Drinks The Horchata (milk with cinnamon and ground rice) comes highly recommended if you’re having the Jalapeno Popper as it is the perfect remedy for cooling the ‘burning’ side effects of consuming the Popper.

Coolers, soft drinks, coffees and other beverages offer plenty of choice on the drink list.

Service Very attentive staff with good knowledge of the menu and helpful recommendations.

Price Our bill for two persons came up to around RM75 which wasn’t cheap but it was good value for an indulgent treat.

Verdict Mexican cuisine is comfort food at its best especially when shared with friends and family. CABO hits all the right notes with its fresh ingredients, authentic Mexican flavours and up-tempo music.

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

47

A compilation of reviews and articles from bloggers and newspapers in Brunei

biG listings

advertisers gallery

BRUNEI LISTINGS

BRUNEI

Guidelines: : The restaurants and eateries listed are arranged by food types, and not in order of our preference. Reviews are written from a typical diner’s perspective and written based on actual visits to the establishments listed, without the prior knowledge of the restaurants. Information given on menus, hours or prices may change and should be checked. In Brunei, all restaurants are closed between 12 noon and 2 pm on Fridays.

FRESH FLAVOURS

NEW RESTAURANTS AROUND TOWN

1, Ground & First Floor, Blk A, Spg 150, Bgn Habza, Kiarong (673 7170 327) There are three simple steps toward enjoying a premium grilled cuisine at Momo Restaurant: First, you choose your meat, then you select from a unique list of sauces, and then take a pick from the wide variety of side dishes. We heartily recommend the OP Nolan Ribs with a rosemary shallot sauce accompanied with a bowl of creamy truffle oil infused mashed potatoes.

Don’t forget to order the Ginger Crème Brulee for dessert!

| OPEN DAILY 11.30am-2.30pm/6.30pm10.30pm, Grd Flr StarLodge, JERUDONG (673 261 1618) Kitaro Lodge Its subtle décor doesn’t give away much, but it’s a good indication of the quality of food in this restaurant to see Japanese expats frequently dining here. The attention to detail in their food presentation is also worthy of a mention, making their dishes some of the most Instagramfriendly in town. | OPEN DAILY 11am-

2.30pm/6pm-10.30pm; Unit 5-7 Grd Flr The Centrepoint, GADONG (673 245 7373) or Grd Flr StarLodge, JERUDONG (673 261 1618) Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Despite new coffee shops popping up around town, the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf undoubtedly remains the most popular purveyor of caffeine in Brunei with over five branches throughout the country. This global coffee chain continues brewing their specialty coffee for the masses, including their ever-popular Ice-Blended coffee drinks. | OPEN DAILY 8am-11pm; 36

& 37 Maya Puri Building, JLN SULTAN (673 222 0589) or #1-16A 1st Flr The

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Mall, GADONG (673 245 7460) – Call for other branches Bello Café ‘Bello’, which is Italian for ‘beautiful’, is certainly the right name for this elegantly designed café with their beautifully-styled food. Offering a tasty range of snacks, desserts, western and local main dishes, they are famed for their Swiss Burger and Chocolate Lava Pudding.

| OPEN DAILY Mon-Fri 7.30am-10pm, Sat 7.30am-11pm, Sun 8am-10pm; L1/12 Seri Kiulap Mall, KIULAP (673 223 3989) Casbah London Kebab Pick lamb, chicken, beef or fish and have it dressed and wrapped your way – tikka, kebab, doner or shawarma style! A quick and deliciously meaty meal for hungry diners on the go. | OPEN DAILY; #G2a

Grd Flr Times Square Complex, KG JAYA SETIA (673 234 3001) (Times Square Branch) or #204 Spg 210 Kg Lambak, JLN BERAKAS (673 880 3183) – Call for other branches Deals This modern, refreshing and contemporary restaurant offers an extensive menu. Enjoy a gastronomic experience featuring new dishes such as roasted slipper lobster with black pepper and roasted garlic butter, Grilled Australian ribeye and many more popular dishes. | OPEN 7pm onwards

(Mon-Sat), closed on Sundays and public holidays; Radisson Hotel Jln Tasek, BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (673 224 4272) Tasek Brasserie A perfect spot to dine with family and friends in the heart of the city, Tasek Brasserie provides casual dining in a relaxed atmosphere.

Customers can enjoy light snacks and a cool mocktail while lounging at the outdoor pool, or dine on the variety of cuisine from their ala carte menu or sumptuous buffets.

pizza chain in Brunei. Visit any of its 16 restaurants and delivery outlets around Brunei or simply pick up the phone and order up a hot and fresh pizza right to your doorstep.

| OPEN DAILY 6am-6pm; Radisson Hotel Jln Tasek, BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (673 224 4272)

| OPEN DAILY 10am-10pm (9am-11pm on Tues, Thurs and Fri), delivery orders from 10am-10.30pm; Units 2&3, Grd Flr Blk J, Kompleks Abdul Razak, GADONG (673 222 6111) – call for other branches

Goldiana Café & Lounge Open 24 hours a day, the Goldiana Café & Lounge is widely popular for its monthly themed buffets.

Customers have a choice of dining on the wide selection offered at the buffet or ordering from the ala carte menu which offers a variety of Western, Malay and Chinese cuisine. For dessert, there is a mouth-watering selection of cakes at their lounge area. | OPEN DAILY; 1st

Flr Orchid Garden Hotel, KG ANGGEREK DESA (673 233 5544) Vanda Chinese Restaurant Vanda’s popular Sunday dim sum brunch buffet brings families over every week, dining on hot dim sum while children take a dip in the swimming pool on the same floor.

The restaurant is similarly packed on other days, as Vanda proves its reputation as one of the premier Chinese restaurants in town with the array of delectable cuisine from their ala carte menu. | OPEN

DAILY; 1st Flr Orchid Garden Hotel, KG ANGGEREK DESA (673 233 5544) Pizza Hut An introduction hardly needs to be made here – this international franchise has been delivering pizzas to our homes since 1993, and it’s still going on strong today. With weekly promotions and a new ala carte menu, there’s no wonder that Pizza Hut remains at the top of the

23 Grd Flr Blk B Delima Jaya Complex, Berakas (673 233 9997) – Call for other branches

Laguna Dua Restaurant & Lounge 31 Grd Flr Airport Mall, Kg Jaya Setia (673 233 6219)

Chatterbox Kopitiam

Lee Loi Fatt

2 Grd Flr Bgn Hasbullah 2, Gadong (673 820 1212)

4 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Gadong (673 223 6432) – Call for other branches

Dim Sum Restaurant

Bite

Momo Restaurant

Ceri Café

Dairy Queen (DQ) Creator of the delicious Blizzard, this international franchise serves up some of the delicious ice-cream dishes in Brunei, not to mention a variety of ice-cream cakes for any occasion. They also offer a variety of delicious hot dogs, like the hugely popular and satisfying Chili Cheese Dog. Go to any of their 10 stores across Brunei for an Oreo Blizzard Treat served to you upside down!

It’s a Grind Coffeehouse 1, Grd Floor, Bgn Al-Warasah, Muara Town (673 2772424)

Restoran Makan & Soto Rosmini 1 Spg 15, Jln Gadong (673 871 9946)

Farmbasket Snack Bar

Rice Bowl

A1 Blk A Grd Flr Urairah Complex, Kiulap (673 223 4666)

72 T.C.Y Building, Batu Bersurat (673 853 0665)

Fun Toast Kopitiam

Rovansil Restaurant

36 Grd Flr Airport Mall, Kg Jaya Setia (673 223 2888)

1st Flr Citis Square, Kg Jaya Setia (673 233 7129)

Sapphira Cake House

HOME-GROWN TALENT

3 Grd Flr Seri Anigma, Kiulap (673 223 2021)

FAVOURITE HOME BRANDS

Selera Alam Kitani Restaurant & Catering

Amanah Harith

24 & 25 Grd Flr Blk D Kg Delima Satu, Berakas (673 233 3733)

683 Spg 681, Jln Jerudong (673 261 2140)

Aminah Arif 2 & 3 Blk B Grd Flr Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kiulap (673 223 6198) – Call for other branches

Babu’s Kitchen C44 Blk C Grd Flr Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 245 7868)

4 Bgn Yong Siong Hai, Gadong (673 245 6413)

Serikandi 18 & 19 Blk B Qlap Complex, Kiulap (673 246 0432) – Call for other branches

Taty’s Café A9 Grd Flr Muara Centre, Muara Town (673 878 9393) – Call for other branches

Fun Wok Hong Kong Restaurant 4 & 6 Grd Flr Kiulap Plaza Hotel, Kg Kiulap (673 223 2397)

Little Hotpot Restaurant 25 Grd Flr Blk B Regent Square, Kiulap (673 223 4399)

Lucky Restaurant 1st Flr PAP Umi Kalthum Building, Jln Tutong (673 222 0181)

Mangrove Z’yan Restaurant Mangrove Paradise Resort, Kota Batu (673 278 6868)

Mariscos 7-10 Roof Top Bgn PSI Lorong Sharifful Bahri, Kg Tungku (673 247 0355)

G S Seafood Restaurant Sri Aman Complex, Tutong (673 422 1882)

Millennium Restaurant Blk C Scouts Centre, Kg Mata-Mata (673 242 4168)

Golden Leaf Coffee House Blk 1 Grd Flr PAP Hjh Norain Building, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 222 0422)

My Place Cafe

Gratitude Café

MyTown Eating House

Grd Flr Serusop Complex, Kg Delima Satu (673 234 1123)

Grd Flr The Crown Princess Complex, Jalan Tutong (673 224 1880)

1 Blk B Spg 508 Jerudong Complex, Jln Jerudong (673 261 0741)

Hadfa Seafood Restaurant Development Area Phase 4 Rimba Horticulture, Gadong (673 710 6168)

Nyonya 3 Grd Flr Bgn Hasbollah, Gadong (673 244 7090)

| OPEN DAILY 10am-10pm; #G35 Grd Flr The Mall, GADONG (673 222 6111) – call for other branches

Chop Jing Chew

SCR XPRESS CITIS SQUARE

Fayze Jaya Restaurant and Café

Anjung Saujana & Cilantro’s Gourmet Patisserie

38, 39 & 40 BT Complex, Kg Jaya Setia (673 242 4385)

Departure Hall, Lvl One, Brunei International Airport (673 233 1853)

101 1st Flr The Mall, Gadong (673 242 6719)

Jessamine Restaurant & Café

Ayam Penyet AP

26B Grd Flr Delima Jaya Complex, Berakas (673 234 1394)

20 & 21 Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 242 7342)

Hot Pot King Steamboat Restaurant

Kaka Restaurant

Axtivo Restaurant

2 & 3 Spg 100 Jln Jerudong (673 267 2333)

Spg 13 Hj Uthman Complex, Berakas (673 233 5642)

Kayu Nasi Kandar

Berry Wan Hot Pot

2, 3 & 4A Blk B Spg 593-3, Beribi (673 265 3886)

101 Bgn Kumbang Pasang Gadong Properties, Jln Gadong (673 242 6336)

Jade Crystal Kopitiam & Café 25 Grd Flr & 1st Flr Blk D Madang Complex, Berakas (673 233 6238)

2 Blk B Bgn Pg Hj Menuddin, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 245 3672)

Big Mama’s Restaurant (BMR)

LaMee Restaurant

Seasons Restaurant

26 Q-Lap Complex, Kiulap (673 223 6699)

10 Grd Flr Blk C Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 243 0113)

Lvl 2 The Centrepoint, Gadong (673 242 2291)

The latest avatar of one of the oldest food franchises in Brunei, the strategically located outlet can accommodate over a hundred patrons in three seating areas: the main dining area, the lobby and the outdoor balcony overlooking the Kebajikan Field. The ala carte menu caters to the gastronomic delights of patrons who relish great food at great prices and quick service, with over a hundred dishes to choose from besides the iconic Chicken Rice. The restaurant is currently holding a promotion: offering complimentary cakes for any private function held at the lobby area. | OPEN DAILY 7.30am-10pm;

#20&21, 1st Flr, CITIS SQUARE (673 718 0315/233 9391) - call for other branches

10 Spg 5 Jln Gadong, Kg Menglait (673 242 4132)

MY Favoureat Restaurant 9 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Munchit & Hjh Rapiah, Kg Jaya Setia (673 233 9410)

ASIAN DELIGHTS DELICIOUS ASIAN FARE

Hamberly Hills Café Sumbangsih Corner Sumbangsih Mulia, Beribi (673 245 7126)

Old Time Kopitiam G2 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Ibrahim, Kg Menglait (673 244 8282)

Hot Point Café & Restaurant

A12 & 13 Grd Flr Blk A Bgn Habza, Kiarong (673 223 4548)

Impian Rasa Restaurant 5 Grd Flr Bgn Pg Hjh Rafeah (673 265 3858)

Pho Real 1st Flr Times Square Food Court, Kg Jaya Setia (673 897 1266)

Pondok Sari Wangi Restaurant 12-13 1st Flr Blk A Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 244 5043) – Call for other branches

Restoran Ummi Salomeh

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

51

biG listings

biG listings Kafe Kausar Grd Flr Shakirin Complex, Kiulap (673 882 9495)

Le Taj 2-3 2nd Flr Seri Kiulap Complex, Kiulap (673 223 8996)

Lemongrass Restaurant 7A Grd Flr Bgn Urairah, Kg Kiulap (673 223 0316)

Lotus Family Restaurant 27B Grd Flr Delima Jaya Complex, Berakas (673 234 2049)

MOD Thasanan Thai Food 1 Blk A Bgn Habza, Kiarong (673 223 4139)

Nur Wanita Seaworld Neptune

WYWY Restaurant

8 Spg 791, Jerudong (673 261 2613)

C1-C2 Blk C, Kg Sengkurong (673 266 0196) – Call for other branches

Seri Kamayan 1st Flr Utama Bowling Centre, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 222 6217)

Shikai 1 & 2 Blk E Grd Flr Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 245 6222)

Waroeng Penyet 1st Flr Times Square Shopping Complex, Kg Jaya Setia (673 234 0848) – Call for other branches

You Me Restaurant Sing U Me Restaurant B14 Warisan Mata-Mata Complex, Gadong (673 242 1860)

Singapore Table 10 Grd Flr Bgn Hasbullah 3, Gadong (673 245 0099)

13 & 14 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Hassan Abdullah, Kg Menglait (673 245 3940)

FINE CHINA

CHINESE CUISINE AT ITS FINEST

Sui Heng Restaurant

Phongmun Restaurant

Grd Flr Hj Munchit & Hjh Rapiah Complex, Kg Jaya Setia (673 233 8321)

2nd Flr Teck Guan Plaza Jln Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 222 9561)

Sweet N Savoury Café

All Seasons Restaurant

No. 3, Grd Flr, Blk C, Warisan MataMata, GADONG (673 242 1203)

17 1st Flr Times Square Shopping Centre, Kg Jaya Setia (673 233 8068)

Popular Restaurant

THE SPICE ROUTE SPICY DISHES FROM AROUND THE REGION

WESTERN STAR

ENJOY THE BEST FROM THE WEST

Home Kitchen by Tree-Bit Café D8 & D9 Lot 11620 Grd Flr Jln Gadong, Kg Mata-Mata (673 242 9366)

13 Grd Flr Blk A Q-Lap Complex, Kg Kiulap (673 223 4933)

Rizqun International Hotel, Gadong (673 242 3000)

Buccaneer Steak House

RMS Diner

92-93 (B) 94 Grd Flr Jln McKerron, Kuala Belait (673 333 0406)

A4 Bgn Maju Jln Bunga Raya, Kuala Belait (673 334 7430)

Buffalo Steakhouse

Savy’s Brasserie

1 & 2 Grd Flr Halimatul Saadiah, Gadong (673 242 6769)

204 Lvl 2 Mabohai Shopping Complex, Mabohai (673 224 0829) (Other branches) 22/23 Wisma Hajah Fatimah Jln Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 222 2919)

Cheezbox Café

144A Grd Flr Jln Pemancha, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 222 5397)

Bann Nucha Restaurant

Sagar Restaurant 5 Grd Flr Blk C Aman Complex Kg Delima Satu, Berakas (673 233 3718)

3&4 Spg 58, Berakas (673 233 1668)

Rizqun Coffee House

8 Blk C Shakirin Complex, Kiulap (673 223 5888)

External Café Ramp A The Mall, Gadong (673 242 5506)

Secret Recipe 1.28 & 1.33 1st Flr The Mall, Gadong (673 245 7123) – Call for other branches

Senja Restaurant Choices Café The Brunei Hotel, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 224 2372)

8,9 Grd Flr Seri Kiulap Complex, Kiulap (673 2235313) – Call for other branches

2.31 2nd Flr The Mall, Gadong (673 245 6122)

Sameer Restaurant & Catering

De’ Olde Cottage

Swensen’s

Bombay Palace

G1 Grd Flr Sg Akar Sentral, Berakas (673 872 8172)

2 Grd Flr Blk C Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 242 6982)

2.34-2.36 2nd Flr The Mall, Gadong (673 245 1864)

Sawaddee House

5 & 6 Bgn Hj Mohd Salleh, Jln Gadong (673 245 7000)

Haleem’s Authentic Indian Cuisine 14 Grd Flr Citis Square, Kg Jaya Setia (673 234 1231)

C36 & C37 1st Flr Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 242 2020)

Ko-ryo Restaurant

Bistro Chez Fio

Saffron Restaurant

Ikura Sushi

Paddington House of Pancakes

#1 Tian & Chuan Building, Kg Kiulap (673 223 5250)

Grd Flr Le Gallery Suites Hotel, Jln Tutong (673 222 1171) – Call for other branches

2 1st Flr Spg 181-22, Kg Kiarong (673 242 8100)

Kitaro

D’Anggerek Service Apartment, Berakas (673 234 5222)

Charcoal BBQ & Grill Restaurant

Gohan Sushi and ShabuShabu Restaurant

C-3 1st Flr Warisan Mata-Mata Kompleks, Gadong (673 242 6230)

Pancake House International

6 Blk A Jerudong Centre, Jerudong (673 261 2870)

Awais’s Rice N Grill Pakistani Restaurant

New Cottage Grills

Aranda @ D’Anggerek

3A Bgn Mas Panchawarna, Jalan Tutong (673 222 7379)

5-7 Grd Flr The Centrepoint Hotel, Gadong (673 245 7373)

B16 Bgn Lim Eng Ming, Kiulap (673 223 9837)

Korean House Restaurant

Pronto Brunei 1st Flr Times Square Food Court, Kg Jaya Setia (673 723 8837)

Ristorante Buon Gusto 46 Blk C Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 242 7322)

Spaghettini The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 241 8888)

Sorriso Restaurant & Pizzeria 14 Blk B Grd Flr Regent Square, Kiulap (673 223 3030)

CAFÉ CULTURE

6 & 7 Blk C Warisan Mata-Mata Complex, Gadong (673 245 7644)

THE BEST OF CAFÉ FARE

Kimchi Restaurant

14, Blk A, Grd Floor, Spg 493, Beribi (673 8221888)

19 Grd Flr Blk B Regent Square, Kiulap (673 222 2233)

Misato Japanese Restaurant 5 Grd Flr Blk D Shakirin Complex, Kiulap (673 223 9159) – Call for other branches

Shabulicious Restaurant 1 & 2 Blk C Delima Square, Berakas (673 233 8333)

Sushi Tei 42 & 43 Grd Flr Blk C Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 244 9977)

Peppermint Cafe

Another Café #2 Grd Flr Blk A Bgn Hj Abd Rahman & Hjh Siti Ajar, Kiulap (673 223 3593)

Mr Baker’s Cafeteria C47 Blk C Grd Flr Gadong Central, Menglait (673 242 7554)

Bakerlyn Café 3 Grd Flr Blk C Bgn Hj Abd Rahman & Hjh Siti Ajar, Kiulap (673 232 2328)

BELLUNO Café

Yam Yam Sarang Korean Restaurant

#2 Blk C Kiarong Complex, Kg Kiarong (673 242 9010)

6 Blk J Grd Flr Bgn Pg Hj Menuddin & Anak-anak, Batu Bersurat (673 860 7830)

Bunker Bistro

Yugo BBQ and Shabu Shabu Restaurant

Café Aulait

B23 Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 878 5398)

EUROPEAN LEAGUE

The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 241 8888)

3 Grd Flr Seri Q-Lap Mall, Kiulap (673 223 1901)

Chill-V Café

ITALIAN AND SPANISH CUISINE

1 Grd Flr The Mall, Gadong (673 242 0430)

Deli Bites

Traders Inn Café

Capers Cafe & Restaurant

Countrypatch Café

6 Grd Flr Yong Siong Hai Jln Pasar Gadong, Gadong (673 242 6619)

Grd & 1st Flr Jubilee Plaza Hotel, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 222 1481)

Traders Inn Blk D, Jln Gadong (673 244 2828)

2nd Flr Seri Kiulap Complex, Kiulap (673 223 8996)

3 Grd Flr Blk D Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kiulap (673 233 2368) – Call for other branches

Seri Damai Restaurant & Catering

Flapjack House

De Margarita Restaurant

D’April’s Café

ORIENTAL DELIGHTS

FC3 Giant Hypermarket Tasek Rimba, Kg Rimba (673 246 0829)

3 Blk D Grd Flr Shakirin Complex, Kiulap (673 223 3929)

Fish & Co

Aiko Sushi

Din’s Bistro

Danes Café

18 & 19 Grd Flr Citis Square, Kg Jaya Setia (673 239 2555)

3 & 4 Blk A Wisma Pengiran Haji Apong, Kiulap (673 223 3626)

8 Blk E Grd Flr Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 878 6160)

(non-halal) #102, Bgn Batu Bersurat, Jln Batu Bersurat (673 242 8914)

Ideal Café & Grill

Excapade

Pastamania

De Royalle Café

7 Blk H Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 242 0596) – Call for other branches

4 & 5 1st Flr Blk C Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 874 0012) – Call for other branches

9 Grd Flr Blk H Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 245 7441) – Call for other branches

Grd Flr Jln Sultan Bangunan Haji Ahmad Laksamana, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 223 2519)

10A Grd Flr Bgn Hau Man Yong, Kg Kiulap (673 223 0356)

Tandoor

I-Lotus

Trio Hotpot Restaurant

Li Gong

KTM Thai Special Seafood Restaurant

The Ghurka Palace

25 Blk B Grd Flr & 1st Flr Bgn Habza, Kiarong (673 223 4495)

The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 241 8888)

1 & 2 Spg 632, Kg Jerudong (673 261 0140)

Lot 47 1st Flr Jln Bunga Melor, Seria (673 322 1474)

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

8, 9 & 10 Abraco Building, Batu Bersurat (673 233 2000)

Aqil Shafiee

10 Grd Flr Mas Panchawarna Complex (673 222 2435) – Call for other branches

52

Modesto Bistro & Grill

A4 Lot 308 Bgn Maju Jln Bunga Raya, Kuala Belait (673 334 7430)

Rangmahal Restaurant

Emperor’s Court

20 Spg 12-26 Perumahan Rakyat Jati, Kg Rimba (673 242 2466)

Zaika Restaurant

10 Blk B Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 245 2852)

C’ Fu Curry House

Thien Thien Restaurant

Rajah’s Restaurant

Grd Flr Bgn Habza, Kg Kiulap (673 887 0877)

Ahan Thai

Grd Flr The Centrepoint Hotel, Gadong (673 243 0185)

3rd Flr Hua Ho Manggis Mall, Berakas (673 233 2880)

5 Grd Flr PAP Hjh Norain Building, Jln Tutong (673 222 1375)

Mama Wong

7 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Tahir 2, Gadong (673 245 2186)

3 Grd Flr Blk A Bangunan PAP Umi Kalthum, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 224 0379)

Dynasty Restaurant

Thiam Hock Restaurant 5 Yong Siong Building, Kg Menglait (673 244 1679)

F3 1st Flr Times Square Shopping Centre, Kg Jaya Setia (673 233 7986)

9 Blk B Grd Flr & 1st Flr Bgn Pg Mainudeen, Batu Bersurat (673 242 7313)

Tai Ka Luk Restaurant 4 Blk C Delima Square, Berakas (673 233 2639)

Shinobu Restaurant

10 Blk B Kiarong Complex, Kiarong (673 242 6789)

Ya-Nur Restaurant

3 & 4 1st Flr Bgn Majid Mohamad Jln Pasar Baharu, Gadong (673 245 0182)

#6 Spg 235 Jln Pasar Baru, Kg Kiarong (673 245 0987)

LOOK EAST

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

53

biG listings

biG listings Delifrance

Riviera Café

Grd Flr Badi’ah Hotel, Jln Tutong (673 222 0074) – Call for other branches

Riviera Hotel, Kuala Belait (673 333 5252)

Eat

(Sabah)

TT Blues Café Depot VLO Café 6 Grd Flr Blk B Kiarong Complex, Kiarong (673 222 5555)

FA Sports Café 6 Grd Flr Blk K Batu Bersurat Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 245 0427) – Call for other branches

Fleur-de-lys L1/1 Seri Q-Lap Mall, Kiulap (673 223 1777) – Call for other branches

12 Jln Gadong Yong Siong Hai Building, Gadong (673 242 4527)

Taurean Cafe @ The Arch 229 Grd Flr Bgn The Arch, Gadong (673 245 6389)

4 Grd Flr Seri Kiulap Complex, Kiulap (673 223 9333) – Call for other branches

Tomato Café 4 Grd Flr Blk C Bgn Hj Abd Rahman & Hjh Siti Ajar, Kiulap (673 223 2883)

Twelv Café 1 Grd Flr Blk D Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kiulap (673 223 9771)

Tarindak D’Seni

Vintage Rose Café 31 Blk D Lim Eng Ming Building, Kiulap (673 223 3688)

Gloria Jean’s Coffee G17 Citis Square, Berakas (673 233 8452)

Ximply Chriz Café 8 Blk B Regent Square, Kiulap (673 223 4918)

High Frequency Lifestyle Café 1st Flr Unit 5 Blk B Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 242 8262)

Kitchen of Jasmine

by Aranda Café #17, Blk E, Atiya Complex, Spg 100, Jln Jerudong (673 899 7333)

Zest Cafe The Empire Hotel & Country Club, JERUDONG (673) 241 8888

WHAT A VIEW

MEALS WITH A STUNNING VIEW

Le Stadium

Atrium Café

Spg 8, Kg Rimba (673 245 6755)

The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 241 8888)

Matadoe 55 & 56 Lvl 1 Airport Mall, Kg Jaya Setia (673 234 0581)

Fratini’s Restaurant

Mawar Coffee Garden

Blk H Yayasan Complex Waterfront Side, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 223 1466) – Call for other branches

The Brunei Hotel, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 224 2372)

Kaizen

N.M Desa Café 16-17 Bgn Desa Delima Serusop, BERAKAS (673 233 8990)

Palm Café Palm Garden Hotel, Kiulap (673 223 3323)

Piccolo Café #11 Jln McArthur, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 224 1558)

Yayasan Complex Waterfront Side, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 222 6336) – Call for other branches

Lobby Lounge The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 241 8888)

Pantai Restaurant The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 241 8888)

Red Canopy Café

RMS Portview Seafood Restaurant

5 Blk C Sempurna Complex, Jln Batu Bersurat (673 718 4878) – Call for other branches

1st Flr Yayasan Complex Waterfront Side, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 223 1465)

54

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Tarindak d’Polo Royal Brunei Polo & Riding Club, Jerudong (673 261 2500)

Garden Cottage Cafe 3 & 4 Spg 58 Jln Serusop, Berakas (673 223 7764)

Bella Italia 69 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 313 366)

The Coffee Zone

Fun Bread Café 1 Grd Flr Blk E Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 245 1028)

Bar Tzar Bistro Lot 12 The Waterfront Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 260 211)

Brunei Arts & Handicrafts Centre, Kota Batu (673 224 0422)

GO GREEN

Vegetarian-friendly options

Mituo Vegetarian Restaurant

Mei Kong Coffee Shop 108 Jln Permancha, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 224 0688)

Nasi Katok Mama Express 3 Blk A Grd Flr Kompleks Madang, Madang (673 864 1681)

Tasconi’s Pizza C5 Spg 145 Grd Flr Blk C, Serusop (673 233 5222)

Grd Flr Pg Anak Puteri Norain Complex, Batu Satu (673 222 2821)

INVIGORATE

Pureland Vegetarian Restaurant

The Spa at the Empire Hotel & Country Club

#15 Blk B Grd Flr Bgn Hj Awg Ahmad bin Hassan & Anak-anak, Kiulap (673 223 6503)

Shiang Ping Health Cuisine Shop #21, Grd Flr, Block E, Complex Hj Daud, Jln Gadong (673 244 3078)

The Energy Kitchen Grd Flr Fitness Zone Kiulap (673 223 3323)

Tien Hsing Vegetarian Restaurant Bangunan Hj Abdullah, Jalan Gadong, Menglait

The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 241 8222)

Pearl Health Care

QUICK AND EASY MEALS

Big Papa’s Restaurant A8 & A9 Grd Flr Shakirin Complex, Kiulap (673 223 3333)

Hommed Baga 9 Spg 32-18 Kg Anggerek Desa, Berakas (673 879 8150) – Call for other branches

Brass Monkey Lot 1-0 Lorong Lintas Plaza 4, Kota Kinabalu (6088 261 543) Café De Vie Lot D-0-6 Lorong Metro Town 3, Kota Kinabalu (6088 393 863) Circle Restaurant Hotel JW Marriott, Kota Kinabalu (6088 322 222) Emperor’s Delight Lot 6 Grd Flr Jln Pantai, Kota Kinabalu (6088 288 686) Fong Ip Café Lot 100 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 213 618) Full House G7&1-10 Suria Sabah Jln Tun Fuad Stephens (014 559 9306)

Guidelines : The restaurants and eateries listed are arranged by food types, and not in order of our preference. Reviews are written from a typical diner’s perspective and written based on actual visits to the establishments listed, without the prior knowledge of the restaurants. Information given on menus, hours or prices may change and should be checked.

Credit Cards : AE | American Express MC | MasterCard V | Visa

Kampung Nelayan Taman Tun Fuad Bukit Padan, Kota Kinabalu (6088 231 003)

Nan Yang Chic Kut Teh Grd Flr Lot 47 Jln Pantai, Kota Kinabalu (6016 833 5722)

Restoran Makanan Sedap No 1-0-1 Blk B Jln Kolam Centre Phase 2 Jln Lintas, Kota Kinabalu (6088 247 459)

Kirishima Japanese Restaurant Cititel Express No 1 Jln Singgah Mata 1 Asia City, Kota Kinabalu (6088 217 868)

Natural Kitchen Lot No B10 & B11, Suria Sabah Shoppin Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 489 180)

Sailors Lot 36 1st Flr Grand Millennium Plaza, Penampang (6088 731 960)

Kohinoor North Indian Restaurant Lot 4 The Waterfront Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 235 160)

Nishiki Japanese Restaurant Shop 4 Grd Flr 63 Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu (6088 230 582)

Santola Café Lot 14 Blk B Damai Point, Kota Kinabalu (6088 260 188)

October Coffee House Blk B The Peak Vista Lorong Puncak 1 Tjg Lipat, Kota Kinabalu (6010 947 8921)

Seng Hing Restaurant Ruang Sinsugan 2, Kota Kinabalu (6088 211 594)

Korean Club Restaurant 4 Jln Aru, Kota Kinabalu (6088 233 213) Kudos Bistro 69 Gaya Street (inside Jesselton Hotel), Kota Kinabalu (6088 313 366)

Grand Port View Sea View Restaurant 16 Jln Tun Fuad Stephen, Kota Kinabalu (6088 538 179)

Little Italy Grd Flr Hotel Capital Jln Hj Saman, Kota Kinabalu (6088 232 231)

Hana Japanese Restaurant Lot S21&S22 Blk E City Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 848 367)

Man Yai Thai Orchid Restaurant Lot 13 KK Waterfront, Kota Kinabalu (6088 234 841)

9-11 2nd Flr, Suria Kiulap (673 223 7777) – Call for other branches

Hot Rod Sausage House No 1-G-02 Blk A Warisan Square, Kota Kinabalu (6016 804 3999)

Mdm Ing Fish Noodle Lot 21 Towering Koidupan Perdana Jln Tambunan, Penampang (6016 827 9296)

Palm Spa

Hut Steak House & Restaurant 29 Blk E Damai Plaza, Kota Kinabalu (6088 238 558)

2.22 2nd Flr The Mall, Gadong (673 244 8491)

Palm Garden Hotel, Kiulap (673 223 2211)

Jothy’s Fish head Curry & Banana Leaf Blk 1 Lot G9 Api Api Centre, Kota Kinabalu (6088 261 595)

Port View Seafood Village Lot 18 The Waterfront Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 221 753) Restaurant Baba & Nyonya Recipe Blk E Grd Flr Grand Millennium Plaza, Penampang (6088 733 993)

Thann Sanctuary

The Spa Zone

Peppermint Vietnamese Cuisine No. 85 Grd Flr Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6012 802 4582)

Nam Chai Restaurant Bah Kut The 10 Blk D Bdr Nam Tung, Sandakan (6089 612 603)

Gam Tong Hong Kong Recipe Lot G-823 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 485 454)

8/9 1st Flr Bgn Seri Kiulap, Kiulap (673 233 5599)

Pasta Pasta 108 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 280 790)

K. Sanba’s Curry Specials Blk F Lorong Plaza Utama 1 Alamesra, Kota Kinabalu (6016 860 5827)

3 Grd Flr Blk B Seri Purnama Complex, Kiulap (673 223 6668)

Zen Spa

QUICK PICKS

Borneo Wild Treasure Lot 27-0 Blk C Lrg Bundusan Square1D, Kota Kinabalu (6088 732 222)

SABAH

Party Play 117 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 311 210)

La Fuente G-816 Grd Flr 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 486 609)

Pancake House Concourse Flr 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 448 110) Lot G94-94A Karamunsing Complex, Kota Kinabalu (6088 319 768)

Seremban Seafood Restaurant Lot 126 Blk O Plaza Permai, Kota Kinabalu (6088 484 922) Suang Tain Seafood Restaurant Lot 12 Blk A Grd Flr SEDCO Complex, Kota Kinabalu (6088 223 080)

Mr Ho’s Fine Foods L-72-G Grd Flr Blk L KK Times Square Phase 1, Kota Kinabalu (6088 222 623) Nagasaki Japanese Restaurant No 19 Grd Flr Bangunan Harrison Jln Hj Saman, Kota Kinabalu (6088 216 623) Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

55

biG listings

biG listings Sugarbun Café Lot 48 Jln Pantai, Kota Kinabalu (6088 218 326)

Bee Hiong Restaurant Café 157G Jln Muhibbah, Lawas (6085 285 137)

Eden Everise Wisma Nation Horizon, Block C, Kuching (6082 256 022)

Supul Korean BBQ Restaurant Lot S-1-8 1st Flr City Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 448 844)

Beei Jing Restaurant Sdn Bhd 157 Jln Kg Nyabor, Sibu (6084 330 955)

Sushi Kin Blk C 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 447 437)

Escobar SF3 Damai Cenral Pantai Damai Santubong, Kuching (6082 846 030)

Bismi Restaurant 27 Jln Sommerville, Bintulu (6086 331 835)

Sushi Tei Lot G-68 Grd Flr Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 485 595)

Bites by the Batik 38 Jln Pandungan, Kuching (6082 422 845)

Toscani’s Lot 14 The Waterfront Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 242 879) Wah San Restaurant D2-G Blk 17 Jln Pryer, Sandakan (6089 212 626) Yamagoya Ramen Lot 109 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 253 701) Yoshimi Japanese Restaurant Warisan Square, Kota Kinabalu (6088 488 388)

Eat (Sarawak) A One Seafood Restaurant Lrg Chew Siik Hiong 1, Sibu (6084 215 803) Absolute Tribal Restaurant Hills Shopping Mall, Kuching (082 237 469) Alfian Restaurant 52 Pekan Marudi, Marudi (6085 755 215) All Joy Café 8-1 Jln Khoo Hun Yeang, Kuching (6082 243 535) Apollo Seafood Centre 4 Jln Yu Seng Selatan, Miri (6085 420 813) Apple Restaurant 78 Jln Tun Ahmad Zaidi, Bintulu (6086 333 377) Aroma Café 126 Jln Tabuan, Kuching (6082 417 163) Asian Express Restaurant G40 The Spring, Kuching (6082 414 088)

56

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Boardriders Café Plaza Merdeka Jln Pearl, Kuching Boulevard Restaurant 2228 Jln Saberkas, Lutong (6085 658 176) Buenas Filipino Lechon & Restaurant 329 Jln Tj Batu, Bintulu (6086 310 860) Café Min Xin Lot 1126-27 Riam Comm Centre, Miri (6085 628 839) Capital Restaurant 86 Jln Keppel, Bintulu (6086 331 160) Carvery Restaurant Jln Abell, Kuching (6082 239 449) Casabella Mediterranean Restaurant Crown Square, Kuching (6082 346 612) Chef at Home Lorong Green 1 Blk 10, Kuching (6016 858 5159) Chuan Hong Restaurant 123 Jln Council SAman (6083 322 466)

Fac Bravo Restaurant 7778 Jln Sultan Iskandar, Bintulu (6086 316 920) Farley Restaurant 1721 Jln Salim, Sibu (6084 228 819) Fisherman Restaurant 4 Jln Chew Geok Lin, Sibu (6084 316 888) Fratini’s Restaurant 2512 Jln Boulevard 3, Miri (6085 422 115) Fu Lai Siang Restaurant 108 Jln Pekan Bt Niah, Bt Niah (6085 737 168) Golden City Restaurant 87, Jln Ong Chu Seng, Saratok (6083 436 139) Highlands Seafood Restaurant 298 Jln Tj Bt, Bintulu (6086 318 828) Hock Chu Leu Restaurant 28 Jln Tukang Besi, Sibu (6084 316 523)

Khan’s Bilal Restaurant 229-G Jln Maju, Miri (6085 418 440) Kim Bay Restaurant The Spring, Kuching (6082 239 308) Koreana Restaurant 10002 Jln Tun Jugah, Kuching (6082 575 072) Kuching Noodle Porridge House 115-1 Wisma Saberkas, Kuching (6082 426 005) L.L. Banana Leaf 7G Lorong Rubber 1 Jln Rubber, Kuching (6082 239 404) Li Garden Restaurant Hock Lee Centre, Kuching (6082 340 785) Lim Hock Ann 96 1 Jln Kg Kuntal, Kuching (6082 846 533) Lok Thian Restaurant 317 Jln Padungan, Kuching (6082 3313 310) Lu Lai Vegetarian 3641, Lrg 2 Off Jln Rock, Kuching (6082 242 863) Lucky Restaurant 65C G Pekan Marudi, Marudi (6085 755 562) Lyn’s Thandoori Restaurant 7 Jln Song Thian Cheok, Kuching (6082 234 934)

Imperial Duck Restaurant 313 Jln Padungan, Kuching (6082 336 313)

Mango Tree Restaurant Kikyo Tei, Kuching (6082 235 353)

Jubilee Restaurant 49G Jln India, Kuching (6082 245 626)

Map Restaurant Bang Terminal, Kuching (6082 459 087)

Marco Polo Restaurant 116A BDA Shahida, Bintulu (6086 332 458)

Sea View Restaurant G Pusat Tmn SDagang, Bintulu (6086 334 929)

Medan Seafood Restaurant 56, Jln Mdn Setiaraja, Mukah (6084 874 145)

Seventy2 Restaurant 894 Jln Permaisuri, Miri (6085 418 272)

Merry Restaurant 187 Jln Song Thian Cheok, Kuching (6082 240 118)

Shabu-kun Restaurant 253 Jln Tj Bt, Bintulu (6086 317 311)

Metro Café 781 Jln Bangkita, Limbang (6085 215 488) Min Hua (89) Restaurant G 13 Jln Bintang Utara, Bintangor (6084 693 240) Momoyama Wisma Phoenix, Kuching (6082 420 561) Nam Hoi Restaurant 110 Jln Penrissen Bt 7, Kuching (6082 612 379)

Sheraton Restaurant 37 Psn Brooke, Sibu (6084 336 341) Sin Lung Sheng Fu Tiao Qiang Restaurant 10788 Jln Simpang Tiga, Kuching (6082 231 260) Sin Soon Chin Restaurant 2415 Jln Boulevard 2, Miri (6085 414 282) Sri Menanti Coffee House Restaurant 15 Lrg Pahlawan 7b, Sibu (6084 218 196) Surabaya Restaurant 288 Jln Bendahara, Miri (6085 411 239)

Warung Nasi Kuning Jln Tun Jugah, Kuching (6016 809 1286)

Padungan Restaurant 268 Jln Tunku Abd Rahman, Kuching (6082 233 417)

Sushi Kin The Spring, Kuching (6082 245 355)

Wei Thian Restaurant Golden Square, Siburan (6082 862 968)

Pin Pin Café 18 Jln Krokong Bau (6082 763 486)

Sushi Tie-tts Wisma Sanyan, Sibu (6084 342 875)

Popular Corner Seafoods Restaurant Bda Shahida Commercial Centre, Bintulu (6086 319 688)

Ten-Ichi Japanese Restaurant 317 Jln Padungan, Kuching (6082 331 310)

Orion Tropical Jln Merpati, Miri (6085 418 417)

Portico 17A Lorong Park Lane, Kuching (6019 819 8046) Pot & Grill Restaurant 9 Jln Tun Abd Rahman Yaakub, Kuching (6082 425 525)

Teo Seafood 787 Jln Kg Buntal, Kuching (6082 846 532) The Banquet 4560 Jln Datuk Tawi Sli, Kuching (6082 451 414)

Cloud-99 Precinct 99 Jalan Song, Kuching (6016 866 2716)

Rejang Restaurant 6 Lrg Lanang 2 Sibu (6084 320 733)

Tian Xian Relish Restaurant 313 Jln Melaka Raya, MC (606 288 1120)

Crown Dynasty Restaurant Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Bintulu (6086 335 908)

Robata Yaki 493 Jln Rambutan, Kuching (6082 235 372)

Tong Lok Restaurant 1367 Jln Buangsiol, Limbang (6085 216 188)

Da Mi Xiang Gu Tou Bao Restaurant Tabuan Hts Comm Centre, Kuching (6082 458 952)

Rock Road Seafood Restaurant 1230 Jln Rock Bt 2½ , Kuching (6082 241 575)

Tong Xin Court Restaurant 151 Lrg Datuk Abang Abd Rahim 5a, Kuching (6082 482 252)

Sajian Warisan Restaurant 537 Jln Gartak, Miri (6085 422 911)

Tribal Stove Blk H Jln Borneo Taman Sri, Kuching (6082 234 873)

Dynasty Chinese Restaurant Oil Town Comm Complex, Miri (6085 424 000) East Court Chicken Rice 867 Jln Club SAman (6083 326 818)

Salleh s Corner Café RPR Phase 2 Shoplot Jln Astana Petra Jaya, Kuching (6019 819 8046)

Wang Hin Restaurant 1 Soon Hup Comm Complex, Miri (6085 413 129)

Xin Tsui Siang Kitchen Wisma Nation Horizon Blk D, Kuching (6082 414 616) Yun Yan Restaurant Stutong Comm Centre, Kuching (6082 366 115) Zhun San Yen Vegetarian Food Lot 165 Jln Chan Ann, Kuching (6082 230 068)

INVIGORATE SABAH AC Beauty Lane #2-10B Lvl 2 Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 487 242)

Jari Jari Spa Blk B 2nd Flr Plaza Tanjung Aru, Jln Mat Salleh, Kota Kinabalu (6088 272 606) Mandara Spa The Magellan Sutera, 1 Sutera Habour Boulevard, Kota Kinabalu (6088 318 888) South Sea Sanctuary Spa Jln Tugu Pusat Bandar, Kota Kinabalu (6088 248 221)

SARAWAK Borneo Odyssey Spa Blk 13 Hilltop Wing, Damai Beach Resort, Santubong (6082 846 999) Damaipuri Resort & Spa Teluk Penyuk, Santubong (6082 846 900) Jungle Spa Borneo Highlands Resort, Jln Borneo Heights, Kuching (6019 828 0790)

Chi, The Spa Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa, Jln Aru, Kota Kinabalu (6088 327 882)

Mirage Spa Lot 151 Sect 28, KUCHING (6082 424 022)

Hakod Oasis Day Spa Warisan Square, Kota Kinabalu (6088 487 700)

Putri Sejinjang Spa Rumah Kedai Mara, Heritage Jargen, Jln Rahman Yaakob, Kuching (6082 428 660) Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

57

biG essentials

BRUNEI

Lost/stolen Passports and Credit Cards

closed between 12 noon and 2pm on Fridays to

If you ever do find your passport missing, go to the

observe the Friday prayer time for Muslims.

nearest Police Station to lodge a police report and inform your embassy to seek further assistance.

Buses

If your credit cards get lost, make sure you call

There are six bus routes servicing the BSB

your bank to cancel the cards immediately.

area: the Central Line, Circle Line, Eastern

Islamic Etiquette

Line, Southern Line, Western Line and Northern Line. Normal operating hours are

Although Islam is the state religion of Brunei

from 6.30am - 6pm. Bus fares start from

Darussalam, it is also a country that prides itself

B$1.00. Buses heading to other towns in

on the diversity of its people – including their

Brunei such as Tutong, Kuala Belait and Seria

religions. Visitors are welcome to mosques,

depart from the bus terminal located at the

provided some etiquette is followed. In general,

multistorey carpark on Jalan Cator in BSB.

proper attire is required; women are required

Banks Banks in Brunei Darussalam are usually open Mondays to Fridays, 9am - 4pm and on Saturdays, 9am - 11am. Some banks have branches with later closing times. Islamic banks follow the same operation hours except on Fridays when they are closed for prayers between 11am - 2.30pm.

Cash withdrawals and deposits can be made from Automated Teller Machines (ATM) that can be found in various shopping complexes and bank branches all over the country. ATM

to cover their head, shoulders, and knees.

Taxis

Some mosques will provide simple robes and

Taxis can be found at the airport, hotels, shopping

shawls to meet these standards. Shoes are to be

centres, and the central bus station in Bandar Seri

removed before entering a mosque. Please do

Begawan. There are no metered taxis in Brunei,

not pass in front of people in prayer, and do not

therefore it is advisable to negotiate your fare

touch the Al-Quran. Please ask for permission

before getting into one. For your convenience it

before taking photographs – particularly inside!

is also recommended to take you preferred taxi

Mosques are usually closed on Thursday and

driver’s number to organize prearranged trips.

Friday, and during prayer times – your hotel, tour guide, or even friendly muslim locals can

Water Taxis

help you determine a good time to visit.

Unique to Brunei, the water taxi is the most common means of transportation in Kampong

cards affiliated with the international Plus or

Smoking

Cirrus systems are accepted at most ATMs.

Ayer. You can hail a water taxi from the numerous

Smoking is prohibited in both air-conditioned and

jetties along the banks of Brunei River. The

non air-conditioned areas in Brunei Darussalam.

water taxi is an ideal way to view the water village

Smoking is banned in specific places, including

up close. Fares are negotiable but usually a

government buildings, hospitals, recreational

standard ride costs about B$1.00. Regular boat

and educational centres, public transport

services to Temburong operate between 7.45am

and restaurants. Offenders could be fined.

Friday Prayer Time All retail, food and beverage outlets and business offices are closed between 12 noon and 2pm on Fridays to observe the Friday prayer time for Muslims.

Credit cards They are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and major shopping complexes. Most widely accepted cards are VISA and Mastercard.

Some establishments accept American Express.

Money changer This service is available at the airport, banks, hotels and some licensed money changers.

To cash or exchange travelers cheques, visit

useful Malay words Good morning Good afternoon Goodnight Thank you You’re welcome What is your name?

My name is …

Excuse me Yes No How much?

Where is the toilet?

I want to go to …

Turn right Turn left

Selamat pagi Selamat petang Selamat malam Terima kasih Sama-sama Siapa nama awda?

Nama saya …

Maafkan saya Ya Tidak Berapa?

Di mana tandas?

Saya mahu pergi ke...

Belok ke kanan Belok ke kiri

FOREIGN MISSIONS

EMERGENCY

Australia | 222 9436/426

Police : 993

Bangladesh | 223 8420

Fire : 995 Ambulance : 991

Canada | 222 0043

to 4pm daily and a round trip costs B$15.00.

Darussalam Hotline : 123

China | 233 9609

Tourist Information Centre

Ferry Services

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Located at the Kg. Ayer Cultural and Tourism

Passenger ferry services to the Malaysian island

Gallery (9am - 2pm). Visitors can obtain

of Labuan operate from 7am to 4pm and departs

information about Brunei and related pamphlets

from the Serasa Terminal in Muara town. The

and maps free from here. All centres are

journey takes about 45 minutes to an hour.

General : 233 1747 AIRLINES Royal Brunei Airlines 221 2222, 224 0500 Air Asia 233 3045 Malaysian Airlines 222 4141/2, 222 3074

Money remittance / Transfer

Cebu Pacific Air 222 2666, 222 7965, 223 9888

at all major banks or remittance agencies

MEDICAL SERVICES

in Brunei.

RIPAS Hospital 224 2424

Most public phones operate on calling cards such as Hello card, Netkad and Payless. These cards can be purchased at any store and comes in $5, $10, $20 and $50 denominations. Prepaid calling cards for the two mobile telephone operators, DST and Progresif Cellular, can be purchased from their respective authorised dealers in all major shopping areas.

58

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Cambodia | 242 6450

Directory enquiries : 113

major international banks in the capital.

Telecommunications

Jalan terus Lapangan Terbang Bandar Rumah Kedai Makan Minum Jalan-jalan Ayam Daging Makanan laut Sayur-sayuran Nasi Satu, Dua, Tiga...

NUMBERS TO NOTE

Singapore Airlines 224 4901/2/3/4

Transferring money overseas can be done

Go straight Airport Town Home Shops Eat Drink Walk Chicken Beef Seafood Vegetables Rice 1, 2, 3...

Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) 261 1433 Gleneagles JPMC 261 1212 Tutong Hospital 422 1336 ext 991

France | 222 0969/961 Germany | 222 5574 India | 233 9685 Indonesia | 233 0180

Unit 1.45B, First Floor The Mall, Abdul Razak Complex Gadong, Brunei, BE3519 Tel: (673) 245 7700

Opening Hours: 10am - 10pm www.missha.net

Japan | 222 9265/6867 Korea | 233 0248 Laos | 238 4382 Malaysia | 238 1095/1097 Myanmar | 245 1960/1965 Pakistan | 242 4600 Philippines | 224 1465/1466 Russia | 261 2142 Saudi Arabia | 279 2822/2823 Singapore | 226 2714/2742 Thailand | 265 3108 United Kingdom | 222 2231 USA | 238 4616 Vietnam | 265 1580/1587

Kuala Belait Hospital 333 2366 ext 991 Temburong Hospital 522 1526 ext 127 Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

59

biG essentials

biG directory

SABAH

SARAWAK ‘green bus’ in the Kuching area that also goes to Santubong (SCV)

Taxis Taxis are available at both airport terminals and cost about RM30.00 to get to the city. The journey takes between 10-15 minutes. Within the city, taxi stations are located next to major shopping malls and hotels.

Long distance taxi services can be found next to Padang Merdeka.

Ferry Services

Banks Banks open from 9am to 4pm from Mondays to Fridays and are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. ATM machines are available 24 hours.

Major shopping malls also have ATM machines and are available during operating hours.

Jesselton Point is the main terminal for boats to the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park islands and to Labuan Island. If you wish to drive to Labuan, use the ferry terminal at Menumbok south of the city where car ferries are available.

Credit Cards

Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) is the second busiest airport in Malaysia and is the main terminal for Malaysia Airlines, MASWings, Firefly, Royal Brunei Airlines, Dragonair, Silkair and Asiana Airlines. Terminal 2 caters to lowcost carriers Air Asia, Cebu Pacific and Eastar Jet.

Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards at hotels, restaurants and major shopping malls. Some establishments do accept American Express.

Money Changer Licensed money changers can be found at the airport, shopping malls, hotels and major banks.

Telecommunications It is possible to make IDD phone calls at payphones using coins or call cards. Prepaid calling cards are also widely available by authorized dealers at shopping malls. Most major hotels have WIFI facility either in their guest rooms or public areas.

An increasing number of restaurants now have WIFI zones too.

Cybercafés offer very affordable rates for internet services.

Buses There are three main bus terminals that operate regular services. The terminal along Jalan Tun Razak provides services within the city and its outskirts. For destinations south of the city (Papar, Beaufort, Tenom, Tambunan, Keningau), use the terminal near Padang Merdeka.

For any other destinations north of the city and all the way to the east coast towns of Sandakan, Tawau, Lahad Datu and Semporna, you have to take a bus to the Kota Kinabalu North Bus Terminal in Inanam and from there proceed to your destination of choice.

Kinabalu Park is located en route from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan.

Air Travel

Tourist Information Centre Sabah Tourism Board Jalan Gaya Tel: (6088) 212 121 Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sinsuran Complex Tel: (6088) 232 121 Tourism Malaysia (Sabah) ApiApi Centre Tel: (6088) 211 732 Visitors’ Information Centre Terminal 1 Tel: (6088) 413 359 Visitors’ Information Centre Terminal 2 Tel: (6088) 447 075

Consulates Brunei | (6088) 236 113 Finland | (6088) 431 336 Indonesia | (6088) 218 600 Japan | (6088) 254 169 Sweden | (6088) 431 336 Australia | (6088) 267 151 France | (6088) 726 797 Denmark | (6088) 483 888 United Kingdom | (6088) 251 775

Brunei Darussalam Travel Agents And Operators

Taxis

Banks Banks open from 9.30am to 3pm from Mondays to Fridays and are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

ATM machines are available 24 hours. Major shopping malls also have ATM machines and are available during operating hours.

Credit Cards Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards at hotels, restaurants and major shopping malls. Some establishments do accept American Express.

Money Changer Licensed money changers can be found at the airport, shopping malls, hotels and major banks.

Some money changers may not accept foreign currency in small denomination or notes with a date or serial number that they don’t approve of.

Telecommunications It is possible to make IDD phone calls at payphones using coins or call cards. Prepaid calling cards are also widely available by authorized dealers at shopping malls. Most major hotels have WIFI facility either in their guest rooms or public areas.

An increasing number of restaurants now have WIFI zones too.

Cybercafés offer very affordable rates for internet services.

Taxi fare from Kuching airport to the city cost about RM22.00 per way. Taxies are easily found at large hotels, or at taxi stands in all the major towns in Sarawak. Taxis don’t use meters so always negotiate the fare before getting into a cab!

Express Boats and Ferry Services A boat service locally known as tambang is available for the short trip across Kuching River to the riverside villages on the other side and along the river for sightseeing.

Fast and comfortable express boats connect coastal towns (Kuching, Sibu, Kapit) and villages on the major rivers in Sarawak. The Express Ferry Terminal in Kuching offers trips to Sibu and onwards to Kapit for upriver journeys.

Take a bus from Sibu to Miri for ferries to Brunei and onwards to Labuan island and Kota Kinabalu.

Air Travel Kuching International Airport services airlines to destinations within Malaysia and overseas via Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia, Firefly, Tiger Airways, Royal Brunei, Silk Air and Batavia Air (Pontianak, Kalimantan).

A network of services using smaller aircrafts provides access to remote destinations within Sarawak such as Bario, Mulu and Ba Kelalan.

Intrepid Tours T. 222 1685 E. tours@bruneibay.net

Southern Cross Travel Agencies Sdn Bhd T. 245 4719 E. southern@brunet.bn

Anthony Tours & Travel Agencies Sdn Bhd T. 222 2666 E. info@anthonytours.com

J.J. Tour Services (B) Sdn Bhd T. 245 3110 E. jjtbwn@brunet.bn

Straits Central Agencies (B) Sdn Bhd T. 222 4054 E. straitscentral@hotmail.com

AZ B2N Tour Services T. 224 0529

Jasra Harrisons Sdn Bhd T. 224 3911 E. jasratvl@brunet.bn

Sunshine Borneo Tours & Travel Sdn Bhd T. 244 6509 E. sunshine@exploreborneo.com

Bonasia Holiday Management T. 223011 E. bonasia@brunet.bn

Ken Travel & Trading Sdn Bhd T. 222 3127 E. kentrvl@brunet.bn

Tenaga Travel Agency Sdn Bhd T. 222 3924 E. tenagatravel@yahoo.com

Century Travel Centre Sdn Bhd T. 222 1747 E. century@brunet.bn

Mas Sugara Travel Services Sdn Bhd T. 242 3963 E. ticketing@massugara.com

Continental Yachting Sdn Bhd T. 223 3200 E. continentaltour@brunet.bn

MegaBorneo Marketing Services T. 222 4026 E. megaborneo@brunet.bn

Trandie Marina Resorts Sdn Bhd T. 223 1570 E. trandiebrunei@gmail.com/ admin@trandiemarinaresorts.com

Darussalam Holdings Sdn Bhd T. 223 8160 E. haj_umrah@darussalamholdings.com

PGGMB Travel Service T. 222 3694/5 E. pts.inbounddept@gmail.com/ pggmbtravel@yahoo.com

Freme Travel Services Sdn Bhd T. 223 4277 E. fremebsb@brunet.bn Halim Tours and Travel Sdn Bhd T. 222 6688 E. halimtour@yahoo.com

Pan Bright Travel Services T. 224 0980 E. travelbandar@panbright.com

HASA Incentives Sdn Bhd T. 242 6923

PJ Majestic Tours T. 244 6509 E. peter@exploreborneo.com

Tourist Information Centre

Luxury Resort Accommodation

Traders Inn

Empire Hotel & Country Club

Star Lodge

T. 241 8888 F. 241 8999 E. sales@theempirehotel.com

Rainforest Resort Accommodation Freme Rainforest Lodge T. 223 4280/1 E. fremeinb@brunet.bn

Mangrove Paradise Resort T. 278 6868 E. mangroveparadiseresort@gmail.com Ulu-Ulu Resort, Ulu Temburong National Park T. 244 1791 F. 244 1790 E. sales@uluuluresort.com

Business & Tourist Accommodation T. 242 3000 F. 242 8000 E. info@rizquninternational.com

Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam T. 224 4272 F. 222 1579 E. sales.brunei@radisson.com

The Centrepoint Hotel Kuching Visitors’ Information Centre Tel: (6082) 410 944/2 Miri Visitors’ Information Centre Tel: (6085) 434 181 Sibu Visitors’ Information Centre Tel: (6084) 340 980

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

T. 244 2828 E. 243 1188 E. traders@brunet.bn T. 2611618 F. 2611619 E. reservations@starlodgebrunei.com

Parkview Hotel T. 2611998 F. 2610426 E. parkview.brunei@gmail.com

Palm Garden Hotel T. 2233448 F. 2234448 E. palmgarden@brunet.bn

Kiulap Plaza Hotel T. 2232251 F. 2232253

Wing On Travel & Trading Sdn Bhd T. 222 0486 E. wot@brunet.bn

Badi’ah Hotel T. 2222888 F. 2222889 E. reservation@badiahhotel.com

Hotel Apartments Abdul Razak Hotel Apartments

Intrepid Guesthouse - Temburong

Plaza Sutera Biru – Kuala Belait T. 334 7268 F. 334 7269 E. info@psb.com.bn

Riviera Hotel - Kuala Belait T. 333 5252 F. 333 1052 E. riviera_htl@brunet.bn

The Swiss Hotel Apartment - Kuala Belait T. 333 1668 F. 333 1638 E. swisshotel@brunet.bn

Sea View Hotel - Kuala Belait

T. 224 1536 F. 224 2301 E. info@abdulrazakhotelapts.com

T. 333 2651 F. 334 2770 / 331950

Kompleks Mohd. Yussof Service Apartment

E. seaviewhotel@brunet.bn

Sentosa Hotel - Kuala Belait

T. 223 5532 F. 223 5528 E. kmyhotelapartment@gmail.com

T. 333 1345 F. 333 1129

LeGallery Suites Hotel

E. enquiry@bruneisentosahotel.com

The Capital Residence Suites

T. 222 0067 F. 222 0069 E. reservations@capitalresidencesuites.com

Guest & Lodging Houses – Bandar Seri Begawan Intrepid Units

T. 224 3554 E. 222 7302 E. terrahtl@brunet.bn

T. 222 1686 F. 222 1687 E. tours@bruneibay.net

Jubilee Hotel

Nazira Guesthouse

T. 222 8070 F. 222 8080 E. info@jubileehotelbrunei.com

T. 261 1666 F. 261 2201 E. hmarzuqi@brunet.bn

KH Soon Services & Resthouse

Grand City Hotel

E. halim_plaza_hotel@hotmail.com

T. 322 3223 F. 322 3225 E. reservations@roomz.com.bn

E. reservation@timeshotelbrunei.com

T. 233 5544 F. 233 5444 E. inquiries@orchidgardenbrunei.com

Terrace Hotel

T. 426 0688 F. 422 2668

T. 2337878 F. 2337879

T. 245 9898 F. 247 9898 E. palazzodeqaseh@gmail.com

T. 224 4828 F. 222 6193 E. reservations@thebruneihotel.com

Halim Plaza Hotel - Tutong

T. 222 1685/6 F. 2221687 E. tours@bruneibay.net

Palazzo de Qaseh Service Apartments

T. 223 8238 F. 223 7999 E. riverviewhtl@gmail.com

Outside Bandar Seri Begawan

RoomZ Hotel - Seria

Orchid Garden Hotel

The Brunei Hotel

T. 222 3936/2900 F. 222 9423 E. jbsbelia@brunet.bn

Times Hotel

T. 222 1228 F. 222 1132 E. rooms@legallerysuiteshotel.com

Riverview Hotel

Youth Centre

E. reservation@kiulap-plaza-hotel.com

T. 243 0430 F. 243 0200 E. info@thecentrepointhotel.com

T. 245 2188 F. 245 2110 E. grandcity@brunet.bn

60

Travel Hub Tour & Travel Sdn Bhd T. 266 0688 / 872 0725 E. info@travelhub.com.bn

Brunei Darussalam Accommodation

Rizqun International Hotel

Buses A free city-tram service is available for sightseeing around Kuching with pick up points at various designated hotels. A bus service between Kuching and the airport operates daily from 6am to 7pm and takes about 40 minutes. The main intercity bus terminal is at Penrissen Bus Terminal southeast of Kuching. Long distance buses to Pontianak (Kalimantan) and Brunei are also available from this terminal.

Ask Tourism Information Centres for bus timetables; there is a new

Antara Travel & Tours T. 223 7935 E. antara@brunet.bn

Hotel Koperasi Seria - Kuala Belait T. 322 7592 / 859 F. 322 7604

V Plaza – Kuala Belait T. 334 7868 F. 334 7866 E. info@v-plaza.com.bn

Keoja Hotel – Kuala Belait T. 334 7733 F. 3347 668 E. keojahotel@gmail.com

Tat Place – Kuala Belait T. 334 7277 F. 334 7288 E. tatplacekb@gmail.com

Garden Sentral Hotel T. 3338333 E. reservations@gardensentralhotel.com

Likut Intan Guesthouse - Temburong T. 522 1078 / 889 6162

T. 222 2052 F. 233 7264 E. khsoon_resthouse_brunei@hotmail.com Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

61

biG navigator

biG navigator Map 2 : Bandar

Map 1 : Bandar Seri Begawan

ey Jalan Stone y

k bo

U

H

Landmarks in Bandar Seri Begawan H2 Istana Nurul Iman G6 Brunei Museum G6 Malay Technology Museum G4 Kampong Ayer G4 Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery E4 Tasek Lama Park H5 Arts & Handicraft Centre, Tarindak D’Seni Restaurant C3 Royal Brunei Golf Club B4 Kg Jaya Setia: The Airport Mall, Times Square, Citis Square

C5 International Convention Centre C4 National Stadium D5 Ministry of Finance D5 Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sports D5 Embassy Row and Yayasan School D5 Department of Immigration D4 Ministry of Communications D4 Ministry of Industry & Primary Resources (Brunei Tourism Board)

B4 Berakas English School

E4 Customs & Excise Department

B4 Serusop Mosque

D4 Ministry of Religious Affairs

B5 Science School

D4 Audit Department / Petroleum Unit

B4 Serusop & Delima: Hua Ho Supermarket & Department Store, HSBC Bank, TAIB Bank, Baiduri Bank, Fitness Zone, DST, Firoz Jaya Textile Mall, Nazmi Textile Mall, Lee Loi Fatt, Vincci, Secret Recipe, Mum’s Bakery, Lof Bakery B6 Hua Ho Manggis Mall: Hua Ho Supermarket & Department Store, BIBD Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Emperor’s Court Restaurant, Mothercare, Bebeland, Best Eastern Bookstore, Guardian Pharmacy, Dairy Queen C5 Islamic Da’wa Centre

62

C3 The Royal Regalia Building

F2 Kiarong: Baiduri Bank, Kaizen Sushi, Nur Wanita Thai Restaurant, Centre for British Teachers, Fleur-DeLys Bakeshop

A3 Radisson Hotel

F1 Warisan Mata-Mata Complex: Growing Star Home Decor, Haus Home Decor, Bajoo Boutique, Sweet & Savoury

F3 RIPAS Hospital G3 Ministry of Law & Attorney General’s Chambers

E4 Parliament

G3 Batu Satu: Le Gallerie Suites, Charcoal Restaurant, Plaza Athirah, Utama Bowling, Rangmahal Indian Restaurant, YMRM Textile Mall

D4 Edinburgh Palace

F1 Mata-Mata

C3 Ministry of Defence

E1 Police Headquarters

D3 Government Buildings: Ministry of Education, Ministry of Development, Mail Processing Centre, Telecom Brunei, National Dental Centre, Department of Agriculture & Agrifood, Public Works Department, Public Services Department, Electrical Department, Fire and Rescue Services

F1 Scout Headquarters Complex: Supasave, Millennium Restaurant, Patisserie, Traders Hotel

E4 Akrib Negara

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

E4 Mabohai Shopping Complex: Supasave, Royce Chocolates, Toys R Us F2 Jame’ Asr Mosque

• Guan Electrical

• Pusat Belia (Youth Centre) g

mpun

eh Kiagg

E2 Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque E5 The Brunei Hotel

• Jubilee Hotel

D

• Electrical Department • Chinese Temple

n Be

• TAIB Bank

• Royal Brunei Airines Plaza • HSBC mancha Jalan Pe • The Wisma Setia Brunei • Maya Puri Hotel Building r Jalan Cato

• Hua Ho, Buffalo Steak House

• Kianggeh Markets

5

6 A

B

B

G

E4 Clock Tower at crossroads

E3 Jaya Hypermart Centrepoint

D4 Post Office

D4 Abdul Razak Shopping Complex Blocks

F3 Ayamku Fast Food F3 WZA Rice ‘N’ Grill Pakistani Restaurant

D3 Secretariat Building

G6 Kianggeh Jetty

B6 Chung Hwa School

E6 Kianggeh Markets

D2 Radio Televisyen Brunei

E3 Taman Sir Omar Ali Saifuddien

E3 Dewan Bahasa (Library) C2 Syariah Courts A2 Tamu Selera (Hawker Stalls) G5 Royal Customs House

F4 Maya Puri Building: The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Western Union

D5 Electrical Departmnet

F4 HSBC Bank

E5 PGGM Building

G4 Standard Chartered Bank

F5 Wisma Setia: Mekong

E5 Chinese Temple

• Rizqun International Hotel

Gadong Fish & Night Markets

D4 Lapau

Coffeeshop, Big Papa’s Restaurant, Food Court

G6 Kianggeh Open-Air Food Court

D6 Jubilee Hotel

D E

• Bangunan Suria • Kiulap Plaza Hotel • Bangunan Seri Anigma

• Aiko Restraurant

Kampung Kiulap

B2 Guan Electrical B3 Oslam Restaurant, Clothesline Launderette B3 Bright World Optics, C.A. Mohammad C3 Abdul Razak Shopping Complex Block D: Incomm, Sugar Bun and Ayamku C4 Abdul Razak Shopping Complex Block E: Fun Bread Cafe, Cal’s Health & Beauty Studio C4 Abdul Razak Shopping Complex Block F: Mohan’s Carpet Palace

C4 Abdul Razak Shopping Complex Block C: Excapade Sushi Restaurant, La Mee Restaurant B6 Bangunan Hj Tahir A: Flavours, Little Bean C6 Bangunan Hj Tahir B: Sunraise Bakery

• IGS College • THA Enterprise (Electrical Store) • BIBD Bank

D5 Aquarium, The Mobile Shop, Hamberly Hills Restaurant, London Kebab Restaurant

G

D4 Abdul Razak Shopping Complex B: Cutting Crew Hairdressers, Ahan Thai Restaurant, Chong Hock Music Centre D5 Abdul Razak Shopping Complex A: Grazie Mauri Restaurant, Pondok Sari Wangi Indonesian Restaurant, Nazmi Textiles D6 Abdul Razak Shopping Complex J: Pizza Hut F5 Abdul Razak Shopping Complex I: Sin Kew Hin Department Store G4 Sawaddee Thai Restaurant, Thiam Hock Fish Head Curry Restaurant, Dim Sum Restaurant, T.T. Blues Cafe

• Sugar & Spice

• Bangunan Seri Kiulap • Thien Thien

C1 Nyonya Restaurant, Million Goldsmith

D E

• Lee Clinic Lemongrass, Post Office

F G H

H

C1 R&T Electronics, Singapore Chicken Rice

D3 Szechuan’s Dynasty

C

• Bangunan AV Electronics • • Bangunan Lim Eng Hau Man Ming Virgo Boutique • Yong Woodstock Furniture • Bakerlyn • Bangunan and Crimson Square • Cafe • Makrojaya Haji Abdul • Bobhan Rahman • Netzone • Lof Bakery • • Serikandi Restaurant Countrypatch Cafe• Express Fastfood • Universal Photo • Gripps Cafe

F

D1 Nazaaha Singaporean Restaurant

E6 Wecan Restaurant

• Shakirin Complex • Chop Kim San

Landmarks in Gadong

D3 Brunei History Centre

D5 Pusat Belia (Youth Centre)

• Seri Qlap Mall

• Palm Garden • Fitness Hotel Zone

• Block J

• Wecan Restaurant

H

E3 The Centrepoint Hotel: Kitaro Japanesse Restaurant, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Fratini’s Italian Restaurant, Coffeezone, Jollibee Fast Food, QQ Mobile Station, Euroclassic Gifts & Homewares, Zaza Hair Salon

G4 Waterfront Promenade: Break Water Cafe, Pines Restaurant, Kopi Bandar

C

• The Mall

G5 Rizqun International Hotel

G3 Kaizen Sushi

• Block A

• Sawaddee Thai Restaurant, Thiam Hock Fish Head Curry Restaurant, Dim Sum Restaurant, T.T. Blues Cafe

G5 Maybank

E4 TAIB Bank

• Block B Abdul Razak Shopping Complex

F

G5 Chop Jing Chew Bakery

H3 Fratini’s Portview Waterfront

• Szechuan’s Dynasty

• Aquarium, The Mobile Shop, Hamberly Hills Restaurant, London Kebab Restaurant

• Block I

G4 Darussalam Complex: Century Travel Agents, Citibank

F4 Takaful IBB Building F4 Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam

E4 Royal Brunei Airlines Plaza: Royal Brunei Airlines offices, Royal Skies, Abacus, Imprimis, Piper

4

A

• Block C

• Jaya Hypermart • Block H Centrepoint

F5 The Mall: The Mall Cinema, Utama Grand, Chan Ein Hong, Patchi, Secret Recipe, Beard Papa’s, Food Court, Iora, Bata Shoes, Pizza Hut, Best Eastern Bookstore, Fun Bread Bakery, AV Electronics (Authorized Apple Dealer), Swensen’s Restaurant, Dreamcones, Diamond & Platinum

F4 Bangunan Hj Laksamana: Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Pan Bright Travel Agent and D’Royalle 24 Hour Cafe

• Block D

• Bangunan Hj Tahir A

• Block F

• The Centrepoint Hotel

E

• PGGMB Building

B4 Terrace Hotel

G2 Yayasan Shopping Mall: Hua Ho Department Store, Nyonya Restaurant, Dairy Queen, The Body Shop, Yayasan Food Court, KFC Fast Food, Jollibee Fast Food, Lof Bakery, Guardian Pharmacy, Kam Florists, C A Mohammed, The Face Shop, Giordano, Fun Donuts, Chan Ein Hong, Bata Shoes, Euroclassic Gift Store, Foodzone

• Bright World Optics, C.A. Mohammad

• R&T Electronics, Singapore Chicken Rice • Mercedes Benz Showroom • Nazaaha Singaporean Restaurant

• Bangunan Hj Tahir A

• Block E

Landmarks in Bandar

D1 Batu Bersurat: Grand City Hotel, Guan Hock Lee Specialty Food Store, Taurean Too Cafe, Soon Lee Supermarket, Liyana Satay Restaurant

G1 Car Showroom Area

C

Bangunan Hj Laksamana • Standard Chartered Kota • Darussalam Complex Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam Batu • Maybank Takaful IBB Building Chop Jing Chew Bakery r • Royal Customs House hu Art Waterfront Promenade Mc lan • Kaizen Sushi Kianggeh Ja Open-Air Food Court Kianggeh • Fratini’s S U N G A I B R U N E I Jetty Portview Waterfront Kampong Ayer

• Yayasan Shopping Mall

Su lan Ja

BR GAI

EI

ara ndah

g n Su Jala

iri

ent

g

an

Jalan Uta ma M

UN

N

Jala

m Jalan

mbil in

oH aji Ah ma d

Da t

lan Ja

Jalan Kumban gP as

Lebuhraya Sult an H aji Ha ss an

lan Estet Ga Ja Jalan G

Jalan Kebangsaan Lama

Jala nU tam aB era

Arts & Handicraft Centre • Ja

3

N

tu

Ba

• Post Office • Clock Tower

• Taman Sir Omar Ali Saifuddien

WZA Rice ‘N’ • Grill Pakistani Restaurant Ayamku Fastfood

G

2

YA

ota

K lan

S

• Istana Nurul Iman

Brunei Museum •

1

6

DA

• Kampong Ayer Culture • & Tourism Gallery

5

• Oslam Restaurant, Clothesline Launderette

• Chung Hwa School

GGEH I KIAN SUNGA

& Attorney General’s Chambers

Be

Jln Ka

an

• Batu Satu

• Lapau

Sult Jalan

ng to Tu Ministry of Law

Pearce

Jalan Roberts

g ir

lan

Ja

geh iang Jalan Residency Kg K

J ala n P e n

a • Car Showroom n Ba bu R Area aja

Jalan

B

n

ga

ran

Kampung

• Nyonya Restaurant, Million Goldsmith

Jalan Pemancha

F

See Bandar Map

Jalan Pretty

• RIPAS Hospital

• Kiarong

hur

Jame • Asr’ Mosque

• Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

• Tasek Lama Park

a

Jalan Perusahaan Beribi

James

Jalan Elizabeth Dua

Jalan McArt

• Mata -Mata • Warisan Mata -Mata Complex

See Kiulap Map

• Brunei History Centre

• Radio Televisyen Brunei • Secretariat Building • Dewan Bahasa (Library)

E

Mabohai • Shopping Complex l a n Tasek Lam

ong ad

Jalan G ado ng

Government Buildings

D

an

4

A

Berita

Jalan

• The Royal Regalia Building

Jal

3

• Radisson Hotel

Jalan Tutong

• Syariah Courts

2

KE

r

1

AI

• Government Buildings

Ja

See Gadong Map

C

Jalan

6

NG

• International Convention Centre • National • Islamic Da’wa Stadium Centre • Edinburgh Ministry • • Ministry of Culture, Ja Palace of Finance lan Youth & Sports Me • Ministry of nte • Embassy Row & Yayasan ri B Health School esa

• Ministry of Defence

Parliament Akrib Negara

Police • Headquarters

Scout Headquarters Complex

h

5

Map 4 : Kiulap

SU

ng do

a lki Bo

B

• Terrace Hotel

n Sulta Jalan

• Batu Bersurat

al

Kg Jaya • Setia

4

• Tamu Selera (Hawker Stalls)

Batu Satu and RIPAS Hospital

• Hua Ho Manggis Mall

3

h ngge ai Kia Sung Jalan

Royal Brunei • Golf Club

Science Serusop School • Mosque • Muara Jalan • Berakas English School • Serusop & Delima

2

nS t on

A gsaan Keban Jalan

a Tungku ugray Leb

Brunei International Airport

1

6

Jala

5

ssala

4

a Daru

3

Istan

2

ka s

1

Map 3 : Gadong

Landmarks in Kiulap D3 Kiulap Plaza Hotel C3 Seri Qlap Mall: Seri Qlap Cinema, Fleur-De-Lys, Au Lait E4 Bangunan Seri Kiulap: Thann Sanctuary, Innerspace E6 Bangunan Lim Eng Ming: Vintage Rose, Koryo Restaurant F4 Bangunan Hj Abd Rahman: Aminah Arif Restaurant, Country Patch C1 Palm Garden Hotel: Twelv Bistro C1 Fitness Zone D1 Aiko Restaurant E2 THA Enterprise (Electrical Store), Netcom, Guan Electrical, Kofom Textiles, Shhimco Textiles, Nie Boutique, TAIB Bank, Darussalam Holdings (Travel Agent) and Hua Ho Department Store E3 IGS College E3 BIBD Bank

E4 Abdul Razak Shopping Complex H: McDonalds, Pastamania, DeeJay Electronics

C4 Shakirin Complex: Misato, Hong Kong Dim Sum, Mamih, Alley Framemaker, Rainforest Gallery, Hokko, Vincci, Bossini, Manjaro, Twinkles Jewellery, Big Poppa Restaurant, Amway, Mothercare, Bebeland, HSBC

D2 Hua Ho, Buffalo Steak House

D5 Sugar & Spice Restaurant

C2 Mercedes Benz Showroom

C4 Chop Kim San Hardwares

D4 Bangunan Suria: Insurans Islam TAIB, BICB Capital

F4 Netzone, Sweet Deli Bakery, Excapade Sushi, Lily’s Lingerie

D4 Bangunan Seri Anigma: Yappy Kopitiam, Sapphira Cake House

F4 Serikandi Restaurant, Petlink, Daan Forees Restaurant

E3 Thien Thien Restaurant, KFC, Nail Artz, Cakes R Us F3 Teo Poi Hoon Restaurant, Seri Balai Restaurant, Avon F5 Bangunan Hau Man Yong: C.A. Mohammad Restaurant, Chong Hock Music Centre, Dreamcones, Seri Damai Pakistani Restaurant F6 Winmark, Aneka Rasa Restaurant F6 Bobhan Jewellers, WyWy G6 BTC Shipping Co, QQ Station, UPS G5 Gripps Cafe, Mum’s Bakery, Booker International

G4 Lemongrass, Post Office E1 Kampung Kiulap: Nasi Katok stalls, Topaz Cafe, Regent Square (Excapade Sushi, Sorisso Italian Restaurant, Kimchi Korean Restaurant, Skin Inc Skincare), Suria Kiulap (Court Furniture, BIBD Securities, Zen Spa) F4 Virgo Boutique, AV Electronics (Authorized Apple Dealer) F3 Woodstock Furniture and Crimson Square F5 Makrojaya, Lof Bakery F5 Lof Bakery

G5 Lee Clinic, Lemongrass Thai Restaurant, Farmbasket Restaurant G4 Universal Photo Studio, C.F. King F4 Guardian, Lauren Boutique, R&T Electronics, P’Fection Beauty Concept G3 Express Fast Food Restaurant F3 Countrypatch Cafe, Twelv Cafe F4 Bakerlyn Cafe, Spring Harvest Florist, Tomato Cafe

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

63

• Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa

A

nM

SRB Chung Hua No.4

Intan

Sarawak Club

St. Joseph Church

St. Theresa’s School

Re

Planetarium

Reservoir Park

Jalan

vo ser

ir

St. Thomas’s School

Park Lane Lodge

Chung Hua No.1 School

Top Hill Kitchen Lodge 121 Aroma Cafe

Red Crescent Building

St. Mary’s School

E

Ta

si k

Ma

Aha Organic

Kuching High School

Kim Bay

jik

an

anc

Cozzi

Asia Star Office

Crossway

Choon Hui Cafe

Tom’s Bing SCR at&a Home Ideas Sdn. Bhd Secret Recipe

Bella’s Cafe

ua

ran

Yang Di-Pertua Negeri

H

Wet Market &

Kampung Surabaya

J

Beds

Home Stay

St. Peter’s Church

Fire Station

Cat Statue

Pe

• Gaya Street

Ha Jalan

tan

ak

Jubilee Recreation Ground

I

ji Sam

an

Tu a

ran

Police

•

Gaya Island

la

Kampung Semarang

Ja

Hockey Stadium

MBKS Swimming Pool

Goodrich

•

ma

i

Dorset Boutique Hotel

Crown Square

Lee 360 Hock Centre Hotel

360 Urban Resort Hotel

J

Kota Kinabalu

a nD

Jesselton Waterfront

• Micasan Superstore

Gayana Eco Resort

Bunga Raya Island Resort

South China Sea

Jalan Broo ke

Kuching South City Council (MBKS)

Dewan Masyarakat

Frydays Chicken

Mian Ann Zest

Kampung Panglima Seman Lama

Mamutik Island

Manukan Island

Sapi Island

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

Kota Kinabalu

Merdeka Field

J

Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal

Market • Signal Hill Observatory Inn (Bukit Bendera) • Akinabalu • Atkinson Clock Youth Hostel Tower Sabah Tourism Bendera Board it Ja lan Buk

• Sunday

Centre hotel

• Gaya• Suria Sabah

Wisma Sabah, Wisma Merdeka Air Asia

I

• Hyatt Regency

• Pantai

Sulug Island

Chung Hua No. 3 School

an J al

Sayang

AbSolutely Atak Kopitiam

Jalan Padungan Uta Hawker Cenre ra

Terminal One Lounge

Hong Kong Pau Cafe

Cat Limerree la n Hotel Malaysia Airlines Padun Statue gan Thiam Ming Somerset Saramo Hostel Gateway Corus Wood Police

Hotel Grand Continental

Sarakraf Pavilion

Tun Jugah

Kampung Gersik

G

S a r a w a k Ri v e r

Statue Top Spot Great Food Court Wall J a

360Xpress

Hindu Temple

Kua Ning Temple

Sri Shan Batavia Cafe

il

Jalan Brooke

Centrepoint Shopping Everybread Sarawak Plaza Centre

Mata Kuching

Telang Usan Hotel

Pullman Hotel & Resort

es thi

Tua Pek Kong Temple

lan Ja

Khatulistiwa

Magherita Hotel

Tourism Malaysia Office Grand

Kampung Boyan

F

bdul Rahma ku A n Tun Riverside lan Majestic Wisma Ting Cat Ja Kuching Pek King

Waterfront Chinese Museum

Fort Margherita

Orchid Garden

Medan Pelita

Kuch ing Hong San Si Temple

an

gK

ass yp

B KK lan • Ja Bandaran Berjaya

• Istana Negeri – Residence of

atu k W i lli a m

Civic Centre

Amphitheatre

Heroes’ Monument

Old Sarawak Museum Aquarium

Arts Museum

Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites

General Post Office St. Thomas Church

• Tun Fuad

bajik

L rg

n Sa

Stephens

Kota Kinabalu

• The Palace Hotel

Hotel Shangri-La

•

Complex

Sri D

Land & Survey Divisional Office

Police Contingent HQ

St. Joseph’s School

New State Legislative Assembly (DUN)

Lodge

n Ke

Memorial Garden

Jala

• State Museum

Technology Centre

Cathedral

• Sacred Heart

Complex

n

• Karamunsing • Wisma Tun Fuad

• Kuwasa Complex, Royal Brunei Airlines

Police Station

Cathedral man dul Ra h ku A b Tun

• All Saints

Hotel

Deleeton

• Asia City Mall • Cititel • SEDCO Express

• Hotel

•

• General Bank Negara Post Office

•

Plaza

• Central Market • KK

• Fish Market

Night Market

• Le Meridien

Point azak Tun R Jalan

• Centre

Square

• Warisan

Handicraft Bazaar s ad Stephen

Tan

Samudra Court Hotel

Pasar Tamu

Telecom Malaysia

Islamic Garden

Radio Television Malaysia

Islamic Museum

Museum

Padang Merdeka Sarawak Dewan Tun Tourism Abdul Razak Board

Kuching Matang Transport Sikh Temple

Taxi

Indian Street Pedestrian Mall

Astana

D

d

• Art Gallery

k Tu n

b uA

• Science &

n J ala

•

Rahman ul

Tang Dynasty Park Hotel

Consulate General

• Indonesia

• Central

Map : Kuching

• State Mosque

Square Tower Jalan Gambier Sarawak Sarawak Open Indian Tourism Tourism Air Mosque Complex Federation Market Textile Jala nM Museum Police Little ain Ba Electra House Lebanon Visitors Siang Ti Temple zaa Police Information r Hu Souvenir Shops nY Centre ean Mr. D’s Berambih g

C

h

ma

Sabah Oriental Hotel • Kota Kinabalu

• Tang Dynasty Hotel

Plaza

• Wawasan

• Promenade Hotel

Jalan Tun Fu

Waterfront Esplanade

la n

SCR

•

Petra Jaya Transport

er

p

alle

La

•

Bus (KK Times Square)Terminal

• The Mall

Sabah Parks

Ocean Seafood Borneo Heritage Village

H

South China Sea

Radius International

G

Ja

SCR Express

RJ Ayam Penyet Kopitiam

Kopi O Corner

Bank Negara Syariah Court

Hopoh Shopping Centre

By

at S

Jalan Se m b u l a n

Water Village

• Harbour City Development

Jln Bukit

Sunday Market

a

ng

iv kR Divisional Mosque

State Library & DBKU

h Ta

Sa

a raw

nP

pa

nM

l

a

B

la Ja

a en

s as

Jala

ou

Marina Golf and Country Club

rB

• Sutera Harbour

rb o u

Gay

Chung Hua School

•

p

• North Borneo Railway Station

n Ke

ayan

• Sunny Supermarket

a Ha

F

ab

Dormani Hotel

Jala

• Tanjung Aru Plaza

Monument

• Double Six

S

r ute

Sutera Hotel

• Magellan

E

akt

Buhari Cafe

h

Jala n

Jalan Coastal

Harbour Marina & Yacht Club

• The Sutera

Sutera Harbour

Sutera Hotel

• Pacific

D

ang mp na

nM

• SCR

alle

C

ng Pada

• Wisma Satok

at S

B

Jala

A

• Kota Kinabalu International Airport (Terminal 2)

Jala

• Casuarina Hotel

• Kinabalu Golf Club

Tanjung Aru

• Kinabalu Yacht Club

L Lrg

g an Ter b an ng ap a

ev

ar

d

Map : Kota Kinabalu

Pe

ba

ji

n la

Ke

Ha

an

lan

J al

T

Ja

Jalan Kolam

Market

Ja

n

h

ng Aru

J a la

bu

mbulan

as ki t

Le

m ajuan

Ne n

n

Jalan Se

Jal an Ka

t n Buk

Bu

an

Jal a

a

Jalan Tanju

Jal a

ay

in t

10

an

ud

ntre Po

Jalan

al

nB

Lrg Ce

20

Jal

J al a

Jalan

la

19

J a l an I s t a n a

18

Ja

Jalan

daran

a

C ho w 2

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide Jalan

J. Ban

am

Jalan G

n Foo

64 17

sr n A

reen

Jala

Jalan

Jala

F lan Ja w1 Cho oo

n Ta

e yld mf Ba n la Ja

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

65

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

biG screen

Movies to look out for this quarter

July

July MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - ROGUE NATION

August

Adapted from the best-selling children’s book by J.M. Barrie, this is the story of a mischievous orphan named Peter who is whisked away to a magical place called Neverland. Together with Tiger Lily (Rooney Mara) and James Hook (Garret Hedlund), Peter must defeat the ruthless pirate Blackbeard (Hugh Jackman) and save Neverland in order to find his true destiny: to become the hero known as Peter Pan.

With the IMF disbanded, a new threat called the Syndicate emerges – an international rogue organization implementing a series of terrorist attacks to establish a new world order. Ethan Hunt is back with his team as they face their most impossible mission yet, joining forces with a disavowed British Agent who may be a part of this rogue nation. Starring Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner and Simon Pegg.

In this epic movie, four young scientists are teleported to an alternate universe, but once there, the foreign atmosphere alters their physical forms in unforeseen ways. With their lives forever changed, the team must learn to control their newfound powers to defeat an uprising tyrant. Starring Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Bell.

August

September

September

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend

Maze Runner: THE Scorch Trials

No Escape

The fabled Green Legend sword, the invincible blade of China, is under threat. In their quest to save the martial world from perilous evil, four warriors including Shulien (Michelle Yeoh) and her former fiancé, Silent Wolf, embark on an adventure filled with sacrifices, battles, betrayals and vengeance.

Also starring Donnie Yen, Jason Scott Lee and Harry Shum Jr.

The second series of the “Maze Runner” saga, Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) and his fellow group members, The Gladers, enter the Scorch – a desolated landscape filled with strange creatures and unimaginable obstacles – in their quest to discover more about the mysterious organization known as W.C.K.D. Also starring Kaya Scoldelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Ki Hong Lee.

In the heart of Thailand, an American businessman, Jack Dwyer (Owen Wilson) finds himself embroiled in a violent coup.

As the riot starts and the rebels pour in and mercilessly attack the city, Jack looks for the safest way for himself and his family to escape the rebellion, with the help of a government operative named Hammond (Pierce Brosnan).

PAN

FANTASTIC FOUR

242 2455 www.themallcineplex.com THE MALL CINEPLEX @ LEVEL 3, THE MALL, GADONG TIMES CINEPLEX@EMPIRE, EMPIRE HOTEL AND COUNTRY CLUB, JERUDONG www.timescineplex.com/empirePSBdualplex 234 1122 www.timescineplex.com TIMES SQUARE CINEPLEX @ 4TH FLOOR, TIMES SQUARE SHOPPING CENTRE, BERAKAS TIMES CINEPLEX @ BERJAYA COMPLEX, TUTONG 422 0422 PSB DUALPLEX, SERIA @ F19, JALAN TENGAH, SERIA 322 1437 www.facebook.com/PSBdualplex

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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