BiG Magazine April/June 2023 Issue

Page 26

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

THROUGHOUT BORNEO

THROUGHOUT BORNEO

Apr // Jun 2023
@Gabriele Lässer @Kyle Karbowski
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Editor’s Note

The approach towards the middle of the year always brings about a sense of confusion and wonder for me. Is it really already April? Wasn’t it just the start of 2023 a few days ago? In the lead up to Hari Raya, it has been a time of new and exciting challenges for the BIG team and I must first say a huge thank you to my predecessor, Rozman Mashor, for his excellent stewardship of the magazine thus far. His final article on the Pantone color of the year is but a peek into the wild mind of an intrepid writer whose presence in the office we will miss. Recognition must also go to the hard-working team behind the magazine who make this publication possible!

In this issue you’ll also find a host of creators to discover and love –artisans across Asia diligently crafting, of all things, delicious handmade cheese; a special feature that highlights the thriving streetwear scene in Brunei; candid conversations with a Michelin-recognised pastry chef, a wildlife filmmaker, and a wonderful writer specializing in stories of the Iban people. We also celebrate successes in our community such as the first ever underwater Chinese New Year Lion Dance in Brunei, the opening of a new South African dining experience, and gladly anticipate the return of exciting events such as the much-loved Rainforest Music Festival and Borneo Tribute Offroad expedition.

The total revamp of our Borneo Insider’s Guide website over the last few months means we have also had to understand facets of digital publishing that often left us nervously scratching our heads in wonder and slight fear. On the new www.borneoinsidersguide.com you’ll find a huge archive of the past and present, as well as exclusive content and extended article versions, as we continue to expand our print and online media presence. We hope that this online cornucopia of stories and information on Brunei, Borneo and beyond the borders, will serve you as well as a real library would. As always, we welcome feedback to improve and I invite you to please do so via our available contact details to the right.

Wishing you all a happy and safe Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration with your friends and family, til the next issue!

Borneo Insider’s Guide magazines are distributed to: You can also find Borneo Insider’s Guide magazines at the Brunei International Airport

@b.i.g.magazine

BIG: Borneo Insider’s Guide @bigborneo

Publisher CHMP MEDIA

Editor Ying Chia

Contributor

Rozman Mashor Designer

Aqilah Hj Abu Bakar

Marketing Manager

Yasmin Jamal

Brunei | biG

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2 Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various writers in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of biG Magazine.
AVAILABLE BY ORDER CONTACT US AT +673-8729928 OR DM @HAVILAND.DAUM.BN

BiG FEATURE

27-30 Fashion from the Streets

BiG TALK

32 Conversations with…

BiG APPETITE

36-39 It’s a Vibe: Aesthetic cafes in Borneo

41-45 Restaurant listings in Brunei

46-47 Restaurant listings in Borneo

BiG SCREEN

54 Our latest round of recommended films

56 Movies to look out for this quarter

4 Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
www.bruneitourism.travel | www.sabahtourism.com | www.sarawaktourism.com BiG BEYOND 16-23 The Whey of Cheese BiG GETAWAY 24-25 Magic in the Maldives 33
11
BiG Talk
24 BiG Getaway BiG CALENDAR 6 Upcoming events this quarter BiG BUZZ 6-13 All the latest from around Borneo contents 36
BiG Buzz BiG Appetite

Follow in the footsteps of the legendary journey of the 1985 Camel Trophy Borneo expedition and what organisers Sandglow promises to be a wild offroad experience through the rugged junglescape of East Kalimantan.

23-25

Explore the diversity of music in this annual three-day festival. There are daytime music workshops, cultural and craft displays, delicious Bornean food stalls, and of course thrilling evening concerts.

MID-JUN

This festival celebrated by the Bajau people marks their fishing community’s connection to the sea. Competitive games of strength and skill, cultural performances, a beauty pageant as well as a fireworks display take place, complementing the event highlight: the sea-borne flotilla parade of colourful vessels.

MAY 31

Technically held on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the event has grown in prestige with competitors and other casual boats travelling down the river to the pounding rhythm of drums and loud applause from spectators. An exciting event backed up by delicacies from stalls set up along the river.

MAY 21

BORNEO INTERNATIONAL MARATHON

To commemorate the establishment of the Royal Brunei Malay Regiment in 1961, the RBAF Anniversary holds their annual showcase of patriotic performances, and the requisite Armed Forces parade that locals and international visitors will enjoy alike.

BEGINS APR

22-24

Finally making a comeback after COVID-19 is the event that has been recognised as one of the World’s 50 Best Running Races by Runner’s World magazine. Whether you’re attempting the full marathon, half marathon or 10KM distance run, you’ll find a great challenge on their road routes around vibrant Kota Kinabalu.

MAY 31, SUNDOWN - JUN 2

Celebrated primarily by the Iban people, while also being acknowledged by a spattering of other smaller ethnic groups – colourful costumes, ritual music, food sampling, and a heck of a lot of brewed rice wine, make up the entertaining and educational proceedings of this event.

1ST WEEK OF MAY

Don your baju as it’s time to balik kampung and beraya. This is a festive celebration to end the fasting period of Ramadan, to seek forgiveness and reconnect with one’s family and friends.

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

Rice, on top of being a staple crop that makes up the Sabahan diet, is also viewed as a gift from the celebrants’ deity, ‘Kinoingan’, who sacrificed his daughter ‘Huminodun’ to sow the land. A festival full of ceremonies ensues as a tribute and invitation to her watchful spirit, ‘Bambaazon’

MAY JUN JUN
MID-END APR
ROYAL BRUNEI ARMED FORCES DAY PESTA KAAMATAN RAINFOREST MUSIC FESTIVAL HARI RAYA THE BORNEO TRIBUTE OFFROAD EVENT GAWAI DAYAK REGATTA LEPA SEMPORNA STADIUM, LIKAS SPORTS COMPLEX, KOTA KINABALU BRUNEI SARAWAK & WEST KALIMANTAN INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT RACE THROUGHOUT SABAH EAST KALIMANTAN KUCHING, SARAWAK ISLAND-WIDE
20-4
SEMPORNA (SABAH EAST COAST)
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide 5
LIKAS BAY, SABAH
calendar

MOV ING FOR A CAUSE

Local health officials and over 1000 members of Brunei’s community came together for Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre’s (PJSC) World Cancer Day Weekend activities and events, to rally in the second year of the ‘Close the Care Gap’ campaign. The ‘Close the Care Gap’ campaign was organized to run from 2022 to 2024 by the Union for International Cancer Control as a way to unify understanding and awareness of inequities in cancer care around the world. In his opening remarks Dr. Lu Shir Kiong, Chairman of World Cancer Day 2023, highlighted the success of events held last year and the importance to reaching across to create a united front and open communication on the disease that is one of the leading causes of premature death in

@pjscbrunei

Brunei Darussalam. According to statistics obtained from the Brunei Darussalam Cancer Registry (BDCR) for 2021, 682 new cases were detected locally.

Various members of the community and esteemed government officials were in attendance including Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew Bin Abdullah, the Minister of Finance and Economy; the Minister of Health, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar; and Dr. Hj Mazrul Adimin bin Hj Awang Besar, the Executive Director of PJSC. Local celebrity and entrepreneur Wu Chun, who is the PJSC Goodwill Ambassador and UICC’s World Cancer Day ambassador, was also in attendance.

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IG: @pjscbrunei

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Women Rise Together

It was a whirlwind weekend of fun and conversation at the Weekend Wanita pop up event, which was held in celebration of International Women's Day this year. Touted as a celebration of the country's female community and women empowerment, the inaugural event was organised by Master's students from Universiti Brunei Darussalam, in collaboration with Big Begawan and UBD's School of Business and Economics. The event shares this year's International Women's Day theme of "DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality", which aims to advocate the innovation of digital technology, education, and sustainability aligned with the trend of the current circular economy through activities such as open space workshops and panel discussion talk. Present as the guest of honor in the

inauguration ceremony was the Deputy Dean of UBDSBE, Dr. Wardah Hakimah Binti Haji Sumardi. The invited speakers were Liyana Sidek, the first female Weightlifter to represent Brunei on various international Weightlifting stages; Dr. Helena Hurairah, a consultant ophthalmic surgeon specializing in general adult ophthalmology, pediatric ophthalmology, strabismus and complex cataract surgery and the current lead of the Children's Eye Service in Brunei Darussalam and the third speaker, Angie Ang, an ecosystem builder, and an active youth advocate specifically through the startup and creative scene where she currently serves as a Senior Training Associate at Pinnacle by Golden Equator in

Brunei specializing in boot camps and masterclasses for budding startup entrepreneurs. The ceremony was also attended by delegates from Big BWN Project, the US Embassy, AYAN Brunei as well as Learning Ladders, with Sally Hani of The Honey BN, present as moderator for the panel discussion set during the first day of the event.

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IG: @weekendwanita.bn

Smooth Sunday Bike

Brunei is blessed with gorgeous landscapes and participants on a breakfast ride organised by LIQUI MOLY, a worldrenowned lubricant and additive manufacturer, enjoyed a sunny Sunday morning cruising from the beautiful beachside boardwalk of Tanjong Batu in Muara district to the lush junglescapes of Temburong. Members of Pemoda Brunei, which is the country’s largest motorcycle group, and the Autotools Sendiran Berhad team who are the authorised distributors of LiquiMoly products in Brunei, savored a hearty breakfast at MyTown restaurant in Batu Satu before embarking

on their journey. The first leg was led by one of Pemoda Brunei’s marshallers, Rudy Herman. Riders stopped for a refreshment break sponsored by LiquiMoly, at the Bukit Patoi Recreational Park in Temburong, before reaching the finish point at the Ba’adiah Hotel.

“We are proud to have organized such a successful event, which allowed us to connect with the motorcycle community in Brunei. This event has provided us with an excellent platform to promote LIQUI MOLY's superior products and services, which are designed to enhance the performance of cars and motorcycles engines" said Rachot Smuthkochorn from Autotools. An information session after the ride was also held for the participants, explaining the importance of using high-quality lubricants and additives to ensure better engine performance and longevity. According to Smuthkochorn, the riders were impressed with the LIQUI MOLY range of products and expressed their appreciation for the event, which provided an opportunity for them to learn more about the brand and its benefits.

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IG: @liquimolybrunei

biG buzz Borneo.Insider’s.Guide 7

SILK AND HISTORY Dreams of

Premium fashion brand Bilang paid homage to the forgotten Bruneian heritage of ‘padian’ at the 3rd International Thai Silk Fashion Week in Bangkok, Thailand, last December. The brand is helmed by designers Zulhelmi Kamaluddin and Fikri Afif, who favour creative design storytelling whilst adding touches of elegance, playfulness and glamour. Their Spring Summer 2023 is a luxurious fusion of regal Thai silk and nostalgic references to the iconic ‘Padian’ sellers who were once seen in great numbers rowing on boats from house to house in Kampong Ayer. The collection was carefully curated to encapsulate the spirit and nostalgia of Padian whose appearances began to dwindle in the 20th century, disappearing totally in the 1980’s. A combination of vibrant and muted colours, and adornments ranging from coloured gemstones and tassels, were incorporated into the collection’s aesthetic. “We’ve travelled around the country to look for Siraung Bini weavers and for a few months, Bilang has been liaising with the Brunei Arts and Handicraft Centre to navigate through the anatomy of the Siraung Bini,” said Zulhelmi Kamaluddin. “We’re very glad and absolutely grateful that they could help recreate a structure that closely resembles the original. We also appreciate the assistance from the weavers we met in Kiudang in adding to Reminiscence’s pieces,” he added.

The intertwining collection was styled with the iconic ‘Siraung Bini’ hat made of Nipah leaves worn by Padian women sellers. Bilang also launched five supplementary looks known as ‘Bilang Eidsential Pieces’ for the upcoming Hari Raya season as part of their SS 2023 collection.

biG buzz 8 Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Stories of the Inner Realm

Visits to museums or art shows are one of life’s greatest pleasures and if you didn’t get the chance to see the inimitable ‘Dalam’ by Catama and Borneo Bengel exhibition in Kuching last December, you can now do so as often as you wish via their virtual online tour which launched in January this year. Sarawak-based social enterprise and cultural initiative, Catama, decided to digitalize the experience of ‘Dalam’ which originally debuted in December

2022. Exhibition curator and Catama Creative Director, Catriona Maddocks, said that they “were really excited to be able to use technology to present this to audiences… and give it a permanent home online”. She called the collection the first of its kind in Kuching, with a diverse range of young contemporary artists and collectives mostly from around Borneo itself, who were experimenting with new mediums. Dalam is said to explore themes of identity, craft and the inner

world - “the dalam and the alam that we create, expressed through audio-visual storytelling, craft installations, sculptures, textile art, photography and spatial documentation.” The virtual tour launch was presented by Maddocks and hosted by creative hub, HAUS KCH; it can be viewed at https://www.catamaborneo. com/dalam-virtual-tour.

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IG: @hauskch

www.catamaborneo.com/ dalam-virtual-tour

biG buzz Borneo.Insider’s.Guide 9

GENESIS IS HERE

The all-Bruneian creative team behind ‘Genesis’ hopes that the local comic book will inspire readers to care for the environment, according to writer Khai Anwar during the Genesis Launch at Two Sons Coffee shop. ‘Genesis’ takes place in an alternate world affected by a pandemic where mankind has adapted to a world of isolation; the story follows five teenagers on the island of Borneo who remain connected online. The crux of Genesis is mankind's relationship with nature and the environment, and the story is told through the perspective of the younger generation. This was an intentional choice, Khai explained, as the youth are the leaders of tomorrow and everything in human history that has affected the planet will be their burden to undo. Made possible with support from the US Embassy’s Small Grants Program, an initiative to support local projects in a number of areas, a limited run of 3000 copies will be made available and distributed free of charge to schools, libraries and cafes across Brunei.

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Jellybean's in Kino

The whimsical world of digital artist Joanita Zain is now available at Kinokuniya stores in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore! Previously available in Brunei and in selected locations in the United Arab Emirates, Singapore and Australia- JellybeanDreams’ ‘Baby’s Blessed Milestones’ and ‘Moons and Masjids’ card games have been picked up by the Malaysian branch of the cult Japanese bookstore chain to be made readily available from 2023 onwards.

Catapulted into success through her signature candy-hued illustrations with a unique Islamic twist, ‘Baby’s Blessed Milestones’ are meant for “the new Muslimah mamas and papas to capture their baby’s first moments” and significant events in their first year.

‘Moons & Masjids’ was inspired to help children learn about the Deen through it's simple game play of matching 32 tiles. Find out more about her newly released Beautiful Brunei: Wildlife edition matching game online.

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IG: @jellybeandreams

@usembassybsb

IG: @usembassybsb

10 Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Thryft Chill&

Come for the love of thrift but stay for the excellent company and makan! Organised by Thryffy, the country’s largest and pioneering digital platform for secondhand items, the inaugural debuted December, at Rimba Point shopping center, revealed the strength of the slow-living practice in Brunei. Of course, nothing is complete without food; everything from burgers, coffee to bakes, kept shoppers and the good vibes going! “We wanted to help out the budding local thrifting community, and provide them with a space to sell. (Items)

Ho Jiak lah! SG Food Festival is back

Diners had a feast of a time at the lauded Singapore Food Festival this year! Popular lifestyle conglomerate, The Black Hole Group, returned this year under the invitation of Royal Brunei Culinary with the support of the Singapore High Commission and Singapore Tourism Board, to serve a specially curated ala carte menu alongside the buffet offerings at Anjung Saujana restaurant. Diners were able to sample delectable dishes like Creamy Crab Potato Gnocchi, Ayam Percik Skewers and Pineapple Crème Brulee with more classic Singaporean favourites such as the Singapore Chili Crab and Gado Gado Minang. The festival also hosted the Bank Islam Brunei Berhad (BIBD) supported ‘Tag & Win’ and ‘Eat to Win’ promotions where lucky customers got the chance to win prizes like BND$100 Anjung Saujana vouchers and even return flights to Singapore.

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IG: @anjungsaujanarestaurant @theblackholegroup

ranging from preloved, secondhand, thrift and other lifestyles,” explained Thryffy who added that the idea of the event was to create a dedicated space for people to thrift and another space for people to relax and ‘chill’. The all-day event will be repeated on a regular basis throughout the year, with the follow up event on the 28th to 29 th of January this year described as a ‘sequel’ to this flagship event.

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IG: @thryffybn

biG buzz Borneo.Insider’s.Guide 11

Diving with Lucky Lions

While it may be the Year of the Rabbit, local dive company Poni Divers made sure to keep their focus on the beauty of the underwater world (and making history at the same time!) with the first underwater Lion Dance performed at open sea, being successfully carried out on the 23rd of January this year. The lion dance is a traditional Chinese performance that symbolizes good luck and fortune, and is typically performed on land during festivals and celebrations.

With a total of 14 divers, 10 snorkelers and 1 freediver taking part, the performance began with two lions on land from the Unity Charity Association and transitioned to the team of expert divers dressed in the traditional costume for the underwater choreography at Pelong Rocks. Mohd Tahsin Wong, CEO of Poni Divers, said that "not only will this be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our divers to see a lion dance underwater at the open sea, but it will also

Singgah-tah ke Seria! Singgah-tah ke Seria!

Seria just got a whole lot more fun with the latest Singgah ‘Grab n Go’ concept store opening at the Roxana Shell Service Station on Jalan Tengah! Aside from the wellstocked car care section, you’ll find yummy snacks available instore from local businesses like Kachew, Happy Cream and Warisan Muruku, and daily made sandwiches that will keep you filled up and feeling good. Sales of their Tulen brand water will also be donated to the underprivileged communities in Brunei. Fancy a coffee or beverage? They’ve got you covered with bottles of the good stuff from Two Sons and Hujan. Singgah also has a ‘Local Featured’ program that invites selected local companies and entrepreneurs to participate

in pop-ups in-store as part of its initiatives for community building and local business collaboration, and is expanding its line of available local brands via expressions of interest to the public, so let them know what you want to see on the shelves!

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IG: @singgah.store

showcase the importance of marine conservation and the need to protect our oceans”, adding this would help put Brunei on the map as a pioneer of exciting underwater diving community events. The feat also was commemorated by the award of two certificates from the Brunei Book of Records.

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IG: @ponidivers

biG buzz 12 Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Let's Braai

You don’t have to go far for a taste of the exotic with the opening of Braai by Saffa’s Taste! Focused on South African cuisine, the dining spot ticks all the boxes on food, service and venue. The three-storey space sports a stunning outdoor seating area right on the Kota Batu riverside complete with a firepit lounge that is perfect for catching our famed sunsets in style. While the South African word typically refers to the actual grill used for cooking meat, the term also refers to a cookout using fire or coals, and is inherently revolved around socializing or spending time with family and friends. The restaurant’s outdoor fire-grill is a spectacular sight, and you will get to watch your food being cooked live while indulging in their delicious appetizers and salads. While the setting is semi-formal, Braai’s owners are clear that this is a relaxed dining experience that is true to the restaurant’s namesake. They say that “it is a place where food, friends and family come together”. Check their IG for the official opening date and news from the Braai team.

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IG: @braai.bn

biG buzz Borneo.Insider’s.Guide 13

Rediscovering Malaysian Borneo in 2023

Let's forego the �andard 'What's your new year's resolution?' and in�ead ask, 'What are your travel plans for 2023?'

In 2023..... I'm looking forward to rediscovering Sabah, exploring new areas, and cro�ing items off my long-awaited to-�sit-li�. There is so much to do, but so li�le time. That is why planning is key!

Here is My Plan

The Kinabatangan River has always had a special place in my heart. There’s something about that mi�y-cal (pun intended) dawn cruise that �ves every gue� a sense of calmne� and serenity. Even if you had to force me to wake up before 5:30am! I’ll be that eager beaver. The experience will be much more exciting if, during the cruises, we are fortunate to spot the iconic wildlife of Sabah for in�ance, the Pygmy elephants!

If you've already done the �andard Mount Kinabalu summit climb (as I did), it's time to take it up a notch and try the Via Ferrata. Let us ascend and embrace the rocky sides of Malaysia's hi�e� mountain �a Ferrata, armed with harne�es, ropes, cables, helmets, and safety equipment. Did you know that the Mountain Torq on Mount Kinabalu is the world's hi�e� �a ferrata and Asia's fir�?

3. Cycling around the paddy fields of Tenom

Tenom is often underrated and mo� people forget that there’s more to do in Tenom than ju� white water rafting. The charming Marais �llage, about 46 minutes away from Tenom town is a hidden gem. This place looks like it belongs in a fairytale, with its hilly backdrop, flowing cr�ks, and gr�nery of paddy fields and small huts. Consider how relaxing cycling throu� this scene could be. So peaceful, so refreshing, and yet so inexpensive. Tip: Don’t forget to indulge in a cup of Tenom coff� while you are in town.

4. Go Big or go home

There are many idyllic islands in Sabah, but in 2023, I have set my eyes on escaping to Kota Belud’s hidden gem, a private beach resort, the Bigfin Beach Resort. The resort offers many leisure a�i�ties such as snorkelling, paddle boarding, kayaking, jun�e trekking and scuba di�ng with a full range of PADI dive courses. It’s the perfe� place to unwind and have a mid-year break far from the city.

1. River cruising down the iconic Kinabatangan 2. Doing the Mount Kinabalu Via-Ferrata

A trip to Sabah should never be without a good seafood meal. The James Fish Farm in Tambakan, Kudat tempts my �u�ony with its abundance of seafood. This re�aurant serves fresh, affordable seafood cooked in the healthie� way po�ible, either �eamed or boiled. The location is made more intere�ing by the fa� that �sitors can go on a short-di�ance snorkelling tour or even swim in the fish farm. As far as the food re�ew goes, I’ve heard a lot of positive f�dback.

Tip: along the way �op by the Tinagol Beading Village, Sumangkap Gong Village, Bavanggazo Lon�ouse or Gombzau b� farm.

There are more places worth rediscovering! I hope this li� has inspired you to �sit more places in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, from mountain hi� to ocean d�p. A lovely re�on that will nourish the heart and soul of any traveller. F�l Sabah in 2023. I know I will.

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5. Seafood at James Fish Farm Tambakan Kudat 4. Go Big or go home 3. Cycling around the paddy fields of Tenom 2. Doing the Mount Kinabalu Via-Ferrata 1. River cruising down the iconic Kinabatangan River 5. Seafood at James Fish Farm Tambakan Kudat

THE WHEY OF CHEESE

Across Southeast Asia there is a mushrooming community of artisans – crafters who have been quietly designing and perfecting products that originally had a niche market of consumers but are now finding widespread acceptance and increasing demand. Of all the things one would imagine I am referring to; cheese is probably the unlikeliest answer. Although processed and milder styles like cream cheese have already gained acceptance with Asian palates, appreciation for the funkier stuff is still slow to catch on in Southeast Asian countries.

In a serendipitous twist of events, a VICE.com article dropped a shining nugget into my lap one fine day. A Chinese cheesemaker, trained in Corsica and handcrafting award-winning artisanal cheeses from local dairy sources? My brain mentally imploded, then reemerged with curiosity and the rationale that if Liu Yang of Beijing-based Fromager de Pekin was able to achieve such success in a craft quite alien to his culture then surely there must be others. This ultimately led me to a cornucopia of regional artisanal cheesemakers who are not only revolutionizing the way their communities consume cheese, but are creating new varieties that are putting their countries on the map.

@Aqilah Bakar
16 Borneo.Insider’s.Guide beyond

In the sprawling city scape of Chennai’s rapid development, lies an oasis of green where buffaloes, cows and various animals graze peacefully and unhurried by the concrete jungle that had been steadily growing towards and now, past their patch of green. Currently run by Shalini Phillips and her husband,

@thefarmchennai

Arul Futnani, ‘The Farm’ is in essence, really more than that – a working farm with an onsite restaurant, organic vegetable garden, and astonishingly, a line of artisanal cheese that is truly ‘farm to table’.

While the local dairy industry enjoys a strong foothold on the market, industrial cheese (which is 80% added fat, mixed with stabilisers and emulsifiers) is still consumed the most in the country. Originally run as a dairy farm when it opened in 1974, the business made some milk by-products such as paneer, butter, cream and ghee. The couple pondered on the future of the farm when they took over

Chennai, India

from Arul’s parents in the 2000’s and saw that the formerly out of city borders would soon meet the rural area around them. “Agriculture or being a dairy farm alone was not going to enable us to hold on to this piece of land as it is. So we thought about having a restaurant here, a farm shop eventually, and so on”, she explained. The popularity of the restaurant and a natural excess of buffalo and cow’s milk presented them with opportunity, and a chance meeting with a Canadian hobby cheesemaker of Indian origin has led to a lasting collaboration. “We started making (buffalo) mozzarella in the ten days we were with him (and) haven’t stopped since. This year will be the 10 th year actually, of us being cheesemakers.” Making their own cheese completed the slow food ethos that The Farm’s restaurant is based on, and even changed how customers perceived them. “It’s not a thing to do in Chennai or India. There

are more artisan makers in the country now but when we started it was unheard of that somebody was going to make cheese, and we find that we are the only farmstead cheesemakers in the country not buying milk from outside.” Encouraging customers to try their 17 cheeses is a process of education and the pair are conscious to not produce types that are already popular, like cheddar. “I think that’s slowly worked because today it doesn’t matter what we put on the cheese menu, people are happy to try it, which is great,” she explained adding that there are natural variations in the taste based on what the cattle are eating at a particular time of the year. “We’re very proud of that, because that shows how real the cheese is.”

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1/277, Semancheri Village, Old Mahabalipuram Rd.

Chennai 600119

IG: @thefarmchennai

www.thefarmchennai.com

biG beyond Borneo.Insider’s.Guide 17

Kinarut, Sabah

When Australian Shelley Blew came to the Malaysia-Borneo state of Kota Kinabalu over three decades ago, the last thing she expected was to be still on the island in 2023 and running an artisanal cheesemaking business. Arguably the longestrunning (and at this point, perhaps the only) artisan cheesemaker in Borneo, Blew has been crafting cheese since 2007, she created her first products in a highly unusual setting – the boat shed of the Langkah Syabas Beach resort in Kinarut Beach, Sabah.

“You could not get any soft cheese in Sabah at that time,” explains Blew of what the cheese market was like back then. A chance meeting with former Australian cheesemakers staying at the resort, led her and the resort manager to take up the idea of attempting to make cheese by the beach. She

eventually settled on recipes she was happy with and even caught the attention of large chain hotels and resorts in the area, who Kinarut Cheese still regularly supplies to this day. “We’ve had a lot of ups and downs over the years,” she admits about making cheese in the tropics. Temperature control, humidity, maintaining extremely high standards of hygiene –these were just a few of the challenges Kinarut Cheese faced in their beginnings. “Once that was all sorted, after six months and a lot of wasted milk and cheese, we then applied for our Halal Certification.”

Kinarut Cheese makes a relatively small amount of

varieties to help ensure the quality of each product is kept up, especially since all the cheeses are handmade and contain zero additives or preservatives. They are a producer of raw milk cheese, and thankfully are able to source the milk from local dairies in the state of Sabah. “As the cheese is a live product (with no preservatives), it gets stronger in taste so I only put a month’s shelf life on it after it is ripe, because then it becomes too strong for Asian tastebuds,” Blew explained, adding that they also adjusted the salt content in the

Feta to suit local customers. She favours a deep-fried Camembert herself, paired with sweet-tart cranberry sauce for dipping.

Thankfully, cheese consumption and the openness to trying different varieties is much better these days which she attributes to students trying more cheese overseas and then coming back to introduce it to their families.

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20/0 Kinarut Mall, Kinarut 89600 Papar, Sabah, Malaysia IG: @kinarutcheese Tel: 6011-31704834

18 Borneo.Insider’s.Guide biG beyond

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Jarutat ‘Jart’ Snidwongse Na Ayuthaya started making cheese as a request from the late Prince Bhisadej Rajani, a former chairman of Thailand's Royal Project Foundation, when he was just 25 years old. The Royal Project Foundation is a charitable organization created in the 1960’s and personally funded by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, to tackle poverty, reliance on the opium trade, and deforestation in mountainous or remote communities. In between applying to the Royal Project Foundation and graduating from Monash University, Australia, Jart spent seven months in a forest monastery practicing deep meditation and contemplation techniques.

He produced the requested Mozzarella di bufala with success, and hasn’t looked back since. While he admits he didn’t feel prepared to take on the task, approaching it with curiosity rather than intimidation helped him in spades. “All of (what I learned as an industrial designer) gave me the ability to transform or reverse engineer food. It’s the same methodology - you’re just changing the raw materials and you have to learn how different types of food are created.”

He credits his unique ability to approach cheese making fearlessly to the skills he learned in his former roles. “(Meditation) allows you to be really in focus,

in the details. You can also get wisdom out of yourself when you look into your heart and focus on certain feelings, emotions, whatever it is. You can kind of apply that technique to anything you do, especially with food which is a high contact product composed of many little nuances of sensory qualities.”

Jartisann Cheeserie currently makes 12 to 13 local varieties, all of which have earned rave reviews from customers but tells me that his SyamisBlue variety took the longest to perfect. He called the process “super challenging” but can happily say it, and his other cheeses, is now something worthy of standing amongst the great blues from around the world.

As a former rising pop star in Thailand, (which comes at almost no surprise since he is a polymath; Jart also is a master bread maker amongst other things) he also has passion for the arts and music and likens designing cheese to internalizing a character as an actor. His early periods of cheesemaking were like “learning to cover other people’s music in the early years”, before you can start to make your own music. I ask him which song or album best defines that ‘adolescent’ period.

“I kind of like Jamiroquai! In a sense they’re kind of funky, kind of groovy, there’s jazz,” he answers with a laugh. “A lot of their songs came from jamming sessions but they’re all very technical high-level performers. You have to understand enough

physics, chemistry and biology, and mathematics, and at the same time use that knowledge to create in artistic ways. Like what song can you create from 12 jamming instruments together.”

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242 st.4B, soi 1 Wangtan village Moo 3 Sanpakwan, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai 50230, Thailand

IG: @jartisann

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Concerned by the numerous additives and preservatives in commercial cheese production, Dexter Lim started making his own for his kids to consume. The former property investor decided to leave the industry after 13 years, to turn his hobby into a full-time source of income during COVID. “I started playing with cheese at home in 2019, when I discovered cheese has a history that dates back 7,200 years. It had always been made in someone's kitchen. So, I figured why not in my house,” he said. His milk supplier was also having problems selling off his milk during the pandemic, which further spurred Dexter to create a business out of his cheesemaking.

D’artisan Cheese has amassed a huge variety of products in the short time he has been crafting cheeses – Willy Wonka-esque in the way he approaches flavour combinations - and shows no signs of slowing down. He’s currently in the midst of completing his 151st cheese variety, he tells me chuckling. “At any given time, you're probably looking at around 100 or more different types of hard cheese (in production). My staff help me to keep track of things.” In the heart of the bustling Kuala Lumpur metropole, Dexter has somehow defied the odds of

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

traditional cheese making. He acknowledged that getting consistent volumes of good quality milk was challenging at the start. They work with boutique farms who organically feed their cows, and he is using raw unpasteurized milk meaning the milk needs to be of extremely high quality. “Malaysia is not known for cheese making, so we needed to DIY most of our equipment since it can't be bought off the shelf. For cheesemaking, the ideal room temperature is 10++ °C, but in Malaysia you're probably looking at 20++ to 30++ °C.”

Dexter’s fondness for blue cheese and blue cheese strains means you will find a huge variety of produce infused with the Penicillium mold such as the Brie and Camembert which are available infused with the familiar

blue hue of this variety. “I just like exploring and playing with cheese! I love blue cheese. It’s just personal preference as blue cheese cultures elevate the cheese to a whole new level!”. The Truly Malaysia series that he has created is a melee of Southeast Asian flavours and then some. There is the ‘Nasi Lemak’, which is an Asiago infused with lemongrass, organic coconut cream and biji halwa (fenugreek), and Jengkol Cheddar, which contains the crushed seeds of the jengkol plant, lots of spicy chili and garlic. Not to mention the gorgeous ethereal Kerabu cheese that counts torch ginger flower, citronelle and butterfly pea flower as ingredients. Is there anything that can’t be cheesed, I ponder. For Dexter, it certainly seems not. “I’m exploring more Asian flavors this

year,” he says in answer, rattling off Japanese Curry, Thai Green Curry and Nonya as possible trials to be attempted, adding that he is also exploring a ‘super spicy’ series. “I recently made a Habanero-infused cheese and am waiting for it to mature. I'm also looking to incorporate durian into hard cheese. It's a little more challenging as I need to make sure it'll not accidentally introduce bad mold into it.” With more Malaysians opening up to artisanal products, Dexter hopes to continue feeding his wildest cheese dreams to his family and customers.

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26, Jalan Gangsa SD5/3b, Bandar Sri Damansara, 5200 Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Malaysia

IG: @artisancheesewithdex

www.dartisancheese.com

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Otaki, Japan

As a trained microbiologist, Chiyo Shibata is used to focusing on the small things. Her dreams of becoming a cheesemaker, however, were far from small. From early on, she strived to develop worldclass cheeses that were not just ‘Made in Japan’, but ones that truly represented its unique terroir. According to Shibata, she began her love affair during summer holidays to France and was particularly impressed by the delicious cheese she ate at Roquefort (world renowned for its blue cheese) in the south of France. Her ‘big break’ came when she was working at a

government food safety lab and came across dried fish maker Koshida Shouten’s 50-yearold brine which was rich with lactobacilli bacteria, naturally present in most nutrient rich environments like fermented drinks, yogurt and cheese.

Homed in an old renovated farmhouse in the Chiba prefecture, her cheese factory Fromage Sen is a representation of her meticulous attention to detail and holistic, at times spiritual, approach to crafting cheese. She believes in creating a localized product that start with the domestic production

of microbes, to create produce unique to the island nation. This commitment has earned her multiple accolades including the Japan Cheese and World Cheese awards. “(My cheeses) features a fragrance that you have never tasted with European cheese,” Shibata said adding that she thinks there are cheeses which can only be created in the climate of Japan, noting that their compatibility with Japanese Sake is outstandingly good.

“The aroma is mainly derived from the action of yeast, which is controlled by the content and quality of minerals”, she explains. This, she adds, is why she uses ingredients like traditionally made natural salt from the Iwato Salt Studio. Fromage Sen also operates as a channel through which Shibata can achieve the things she would like to focus on once she is ready to leave cheesemaking behind. “We are working on creating and supporting an economic system that involves the region, and plays a role in connecting people and communities through cheese.” She says that

she would like “to open a small school to convey to children the importance of food and gratitude for life. We donate to support the independence of the homeless through The Big Issue Fund; we process whey, which is the water content in cheese production, into dressings to sell them together with welfare establishments. I’d also like to do more collaboration with musicians”.

Artisanal cheese is becoming popular in Japan with almost 300 individual makers across the country to date, but it still remains relatively unbalanced in terms of female participation. Shibata would like the number to increase and admits that in terms of breaking stereotypes, she had “a fixed idea” about it. “You can't compete with large cheeses that require a lot of force like a male craftsman but if it's cheese that you can hold in the palm of your hand, there are plenty of possibilities for women craftsmen. The important thing is that the cheese is delicious, expresses its own character and is beautiful.”

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178 Babauchi, Otaki-cho, Isumi-gun, Chiba Prefecture, Japan 298-0231

IG: @fromage_sen

www.fromage-sen.com

¯ biG beyond Borneo.Insider’s.Guide 21

Davao City, The Philippines

In the wake of needing a solution to her husband’s growing goat problem on the family-owned farm, Olive Puentespina accidentally became a cheesemaker and artisan crafter. Her pursuit for learning has brought her to different places, and connected her to passionate craftspeople who share her willingness to achieve the quality and standards needed for Malagos Farmhouse to reach local and international recognition.

Davao City sits on the eastern edge of the southern Philippines island of Mindanao, as the third most populous city of the country. In the broader scope of things, it seems unlikely that cheese could be well made here but she was undeterred. After deciding to pursue goat milk production in lieu of slaughtering, the next question for Olive was preservation. She turned to a former colleague from the Dairy Training and Research Institute of the

University of the Philippines, who taught her to make feta cheese. According to Olive, there are not very distinct seasons that can grossly affect the taste of the animal’s forage and they practice using multiple sources to influence the milk’s richness.

In 2006, her cheese was not only accepted by the Cheese Club of the Philippines but won the Cheese of the Month award. Spurred by the initial success, Olive says that she “never stopped imagining, trying and perfecting 27 protocols for cheese, made in the Philippines”. Acceptability came slow however, she admits, as the Philippines does not have a cheese culture (like most Asian countries) but with the increased accessibility to global travel and information sharing, more and more Filipinos were introduced to the world of cheese. “I guess I came in at an opportune time. Dedication to the craft also came through in the products. We started offering them to international hotel and restaurant chains and the appreciation of the chefs was astonishing,” she shared, adding that once those doors had been opened “the challenge

of maintaining and improving the quality, quantity and acceptability, was real and we never looked back. We trained, increased milk production, we travelled, we collaborated and the rest, as they say, is history”.

This willingness to learn and collaborate can be traced back to the Puentespina’s strong family ties. Olive is very clear that the success behind Malagos Farmhouse lies in the community of family and friends they have entertained over lunch at their family home. “Here you will hear a lively exchange of great ideas and arguments being settled, all with respect and in the name of good, clean fun.” On her ideal cheese themed lunch date, she said that she’d have loved for her late mother to taste and enjoy the Malagos cheeses, which are best served as an antipasti course with Philippine fruit jams and preserves. “She was the most selfless, creative and loving person I know and her kindness was legendary, a trait we practice as a culture in the company. She also gave her kids the first taste of Queso de Bola (Edam), a Christmas cheese, while we were young.”

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Puentespina Compound, Bolcan Street, Agdao, Davao City, Philippines 8000 IG: @malagosfarmhouse www.malagosfarmhouse.com

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Anthony Cho Jang-hyun dreamt of becoming a successful chef after quitting his white-collar job when he was 36 years old. He enrolled to the London branch of the Le Cordon Bleu institute in 2002, and returned to Korea to open two restaurants- French fine dining establishment, Kitchen flo, and gastropub, Chez flo, both located in Seoul. His passion for cheesemaking developed a decade after and he began his quest for knowledge, traveling the globe to learn from esteemed craftspeople such as cheesemaker Neil Wilman in New Zealand, salumi from Massimo

Seoul, Korea

Spigaroli in Italy and taking charcuterie lessons at ‘Kitchen at Camont’ in France. His craft at Cheese flo is a reflection of the skills learned and his own developments in the art of preservation and fermentation.

Chef Cho says he “could not imagine, and did not plan” to delve into cheesemaking or charcuterie – his main interest was to have a successful restaurant and be a good chef. “In 2008, (Kitchen flo) was affected by the economic crisis and there were new dining trends such as brunch, gastropub and Korean-style fine dining. Such kinds of trend changes will continue endlessly. That's why I was thinking of not changing, slow changing and sustainability.” Trends may be fleeting but the global love for cheese is eternal, he thinks. He tells me that he is challenging himself to reach the highest quality of products through dedication to the craft.

At the moment, Cho maintains smaller batches with the observation that it would require investment and creating the appropriate channels to achieve large scale production. “The dairy industry in Korea is also facing structural issues; the cost of milk production is too high making it difficult to compete with imported products. It won’t be easy in the short term due to vested business interests.” Every step forward is a big challenge and I might fail, he admits, buts says that he believes he is “going the right way and it is a matter of time and devotion”.

The only way to the top is possibly by developing unique ‘Korean’ cheese varieties, for this intrepid artisan. His current line certainly reflects his French and European influence, with elegant combinations like the truffle brie stuffed with mascarpone and truffle pesto, and the ‘Italeggio Taleggio’ which is described as being made ‘in the style of Cheese flo’. Cho says that use of local microbes like the ones present in Doenjang (fermented soybean paste) could be possible to capture the essence of

Korean-made cheese. He is also experimenting with washing his rind cheeses in traditional Korean liquor in the same way that the French brandy Marc de Bourgogne is used to affect the flavour and smell of Époisses , a pungent softpaste cheese. There might be many possibilities for pairing with Korean ingredients he admits, adding “it makes me happy to find new combinations”.

Fermentation and maturing developed in such a way that the same scientific principles have been adopted by each country and culture to create vast differences in the way the East and West preserve food. According to Chef Cho, “the invisible world rules the visible world; microbes are invisible but they start to act in certain conditions and they are connected with the macro world through culture, history, politics, economics, climate, geography and so on”.

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744-2 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea

IG: @cheeseflo

www.cheeseflo.com

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Magic in the Maldives

There are plenty of resorts and hotels to discover in the Maldives; from romantic resorts for honeymooners, trendy resorts that cater for hedonism, to family friendly resorts, ocean babies, surfers. It seems that anything you want to do, on any budget, is possible here.

Resorts here know how to curate holiday fun aplenty, but nowhere could be smarter or more sparkling with sophistication than the Gili Lankanfushi. Located in the languid waters of the North Malé Atoll, it is the ultimate place to check in to get away from the world. This beloved eco-resort recently welcomed back guests after an inspired renovation of the resort in 2019. I have been lucky enough to visit the resort prior to their upgrade and am happy to note that the property is still honouring its laid-back philosophy and rustic chic aesthetic for the barefoot luxury traveler.

The bright villas at Gili Lankanfushi are exquisitely designed in a soothing neutral palate of weathered wood tones inspired by the island’s natural

Wan Zainal Abidin Gili Lankanfushi
1 2 24 Borneo.Insider’s.Guide getaway

surroundings. Locally sourced turquoise fabric add flashes of colour. Every piece of furniture in the new villas and living areas is custom made by skilled craftsmen from the island using upcycled materials. Recycled teak wood bed frames and woven mesh lampshades twisted into fish and sea turtles, help to create a cohesive link to the island. The coffee tables engraved with stars reflect the clear night sky, while illuminated bamboo prawn catchers hang weightlessly on ceilings for lighting. Villa suites now have the added luxury of a private pool, alongside an expansive roof deck with daybeds perfect for watching the stunning Maldivian sunsets, a practice I happily partook in daily. Of course, the scene stealer on the resort has got to be the vast 1,700m2 Private Reserve which is the largest overwater villa in the world; there are four large bedrooms, a private open-air cinema, spa, gymnasium, infinity pool and a two-storey high waterslide that leads directly into the ocean! From the marine centre, guests can go into the azure Indian ocean where you have a wealth of water activities. My favourite has got to be the sunset dolphin cruise and sailing in a local dhoni boat,

which I can never seem to get enough of despite having visited many times before. Instead of the spa massages and treatements however, I decided to work up a sweat with their private tennis coach for the entire week of my stay!

Gili Lankanfushi also offers a series of indulgent dining experiences within its exceptionally stylish surroundings featuring the best local catch from the sea. Kashiveli, its main restaurant, is the perfect setting to melt into the chilled-out vibes of the Maldives while savouring locally-inspired dishes. Wonderfully simple and themed buffets can be found at the Overwater Bar. By The Sea, is their Japanese themed restaurant that offers delicious teppanyaki dinners and a fabulous selection of local sashimi and sushi! One of the stellar dining options while at Gili Lankanfushi is your choice of destination dining. Your Mr. Friday (personal butler) will be more than pleased to recommend spots around the island where they can set up a private dining experience under the stars.

1. Endless crystal sea views are available from every villa on the island 2. Indulge in sumptuous fresh meals or special Ayurvedic teas and elixirs to start your day 3. The Gili Residences makes for the ideal leisure getaway with two spacious floors built for relaxation 4. A luxurious end to your day awaits 5. Villas are appointed with custom upcycled furniture and fittings from local resources 6. Enjoy sunny days or star-filled nights on the rooftop terraces GILI LANKANFUSHI
4 5 3 6 biG getaway Borneo.Insider’s.Guide 25
Lankanfushi Island, North Male Atoll Republic of Maldives IG: @gili.lankanfushi www.gili-lankanfushi.com
Unit 49, Second Floor, Haji Munchit & Dayang Rapiah Complex, Kg Jaya Setia, Berakas, BB2713, Brunei Darussalam Anything but ordinary www.wamadesigns.com @wama_designs

feature

Formerly regarded as an outskirt of the fashion world that originated in New York City, the streetwear industry has ironically, become globally accessible. The cultural phenomenon has crossed barriers and borders whilst maintaining its ethos of individuality and identity politics for the wearer. Asian streetwear has especially benefitted from the “hypebeast” trend, a generalized term for people (particularly men) who are dedicated to owning trending brand items – a reference to Kevin Ma’s sneaker blog turned multimedia and fashion conglomerate, Hypebeast.com. Brands release limited quantities to ensure exclusivity, or collaborate with cult fashion brands (who could deny the allure of Yeezy’s even if you hated Kanye?) to create a definitive brand experience that people wanted to identify and represent themselves through.

We explore the rapidly growing streetwear scene of Brunei where more than half a decade ago the concept of streetwear was considered the realm of skaters, surfers or subculture kids. This is by no means a definitive list, but a starting point to discover some of the ingenious creatives in Brunei’s streetwear fashion industry.

Realest of Southeast

Fashion From The Streets

Kyoshinja

‘Mad fanatics’, is what Kyoshinja stands for and they have certainly built a loyal fanbase with their global outlook. Kyoshinja has customers from Singapore, Malaysia and even Taiwan, who snap up the limited-edition collections that drop every few months. According to the founders, they “wanted to take the opportunity to shape the local fashion industry here, and create more choice of clothing” at a premium level of quality and design. Hip-hop street chic is what comes to mind as I browsed their range of graphic tees, hoodies and accessories like velour hats and chunky slides – one of the fuller ranges for local streetwear brands. They use imported premium quality fabrics like 220gsm cotton and are great at creating collections and designs which are on point with international fashion trends.

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IG: @kyoshinja.co

After going viral for his “Wo Shi Cina” t-shirt on Tik Tok a few years ago, graphic designer turned entrepreneur, Sing Haw, and his business partner, Mark, have slowly built up a collection of limited-edition t-shirts that feature iconic Southeast Asian cultural references. Peep their latest Chinese New Year drop which includes the ‘Realest Rabbit’ shirt with a rendering of the White Rabbit candy beloved in Asian childhoods, or lust over the sold out ‘Lucky Red Chair’ graphic tee that really needs no explanation. Sing Haw is inspired mainly by hip hop and street culture where geographical representation is a great source of pride and seeing locals wear clothing touting famous cities like Los Angeles or Chicago made him “want to come up with things that are relatable to us (in Southeast Asia), so we can also be proud and represent where we’re from”.

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IG: @realestofsoutheast

Kava

Black is always best, according to Kava. This homegrown brand walks the fine balance of combining casual and edgy. Think contrasting silhouettes and materials like faux leather with soft, draping fabrics that paint its wearer with an essence of style and boldness that the three-woman team behind Kava (Nazy, Kymia and Ivy) acknowledge as their design philosophy. “We wanted to challenge the gender and racial stereotypes like Muslim women couldn’t do or wear streetwear, or that our designs were for men or women only,” explained Kava’s founder and designer, Nazy Sam. They are quick to point out that Kava clothes are for both genders; their popular slack pants modelled on men and women, to drive the point home. With these driven #girlbosses behind the curtains, it’s no wonder that they have been invited to showcase their designs twice in Kuala Lumpur.

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IG: @kava.bn

BTHC.Moshware

Originally a band community, Belait Town Hardcore Moshware has been around since 2008 but turned their sights to fashion after a decade. The Kuala Belait-based clothing line is focused on producing a combination of street and athletic wear in simple, functional cuts. Items like the t-shirt hoodie and the “You Don’t Have To Be Blood To Be Family” mesh shorts seem like staples that could fit in at the gym or on a coffee run.

IG: @bthcmoshware

Yuth

Some might call him ‘crazy’ but Yuth’s founder doesn’t mind. “Oh yeah, a lot of people do but it’s just (a way) to express my feelings, what my clothing is all about,” Fuad tells me with a chuckle adding that while the Yuth brand identity may seem outrageous to some, “we’re not doing anything illegal here, we’re doing something that we love.” Heavily influenced by music and the cultural representation of the ‘youth’ experience, the brand was established in Brunei but has already achieved international reach with feted pop ups in key Asian markets like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bali, Indonesia, where he studied. Fuad also hopes to eventually bring his love of men’s high fashion into Yuth’s future designs, trilling off a heavy designer inspiration list that piques my interest. Alexander Wang but ‘street’? Consider my wallet yours.

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@bthcmoshware

IG: @yuth.ltd

biG feature 28 Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Fyre Lyfestyle

Afiq N. launched Fyre Lyfestyle launched in 2019 with a series of rap and grime inspired jewelry that immediately set the ‘ganas’ tone he wanted to have for the brand. “I’ve always been into street fashion and it was eyeopening (at college) seeing how everyone dressed… I’m trying to do something that nobody else is doing,” he explained to me about his vision. While some items, like the gun-slinging ‘holster bag’, may seem slightly shocking or impractical, Afiq is conscious of creating exclusive items that still embody the soul of a street warrior, just one that is always best dressed for the occasion.

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Options

“It means there’s something for everyone here”, owner Sheikh Said explains about the brand name. Originally a thrifting business in 1999, Said changed direction to producing ready-to-wear clothing and accessories, after realizing he wasn’t happy wearing thrifted items. “I love buying new stuff and found there was more value in that,” he said adding that his initial collections have completely sold out two weeks after launch, thanks in part to the help of his friends and brand ambassadors, @Kurapak and @Aliqpombunai, who are both social influencers. Said also works with his Indonesian design partner who runs the Bandung-based brand, Badger Invaders, from Indonesia. Options’ logos and design aesthetic references the Badgers gritty, streetsmart branding, but have been adapted to local style trends for an exclusive partnership between Badger Inv. and Options.

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Super Thirteen

IG: @option_s_

As one of the longest running streetwear brands here, founder Tarmizi Bahrin started Super 13 with the objective to support and associate the brand with local youth and giving back to the community. His passion for collecting band merchandise, and growing up in an underground culture, significantly influenced him and after visiting the Southeast Asian streetwear festival, Tempatan Fest. Tarmizi decided to unleash his creativity through clothing and street wear, working closely with his in-house creative designer. Many of the collections or events under the brand support social causes or provide funding and support to in-need communities and local businesses. “We’re looking to work with (local) artists here to produce the first ever ‘Artist Series’ that includes designers, creatives and curators,” Mizi revealed about upcoming plans for Super Thirteen.

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IG: @super.thirteen

IG: @fyre.lyfestyle

@super.thirteen

biG feature

Uneek Skate Shop

We couldn’t have a streetwear feature without mentioning Uneek Skateshop. Chom, who is considered the pioneer of the skateboarding scene in Brunei, started out as a skater with a passion for skateboarding and promoting skate culture. With his own small line of Uneek branded skate apparel, Chom also makes a point to provide space for other local brands as they crop up over the years. He also stocks a heap of authentic items from international skate or streetwear brands that look good whether you’re pushing pavement or just walking to the kedai runcit. You’ll also find accessories and skate supplies like hardware, snazzy grip tapes and decks, available here. Uneek are also proactive on hosting skate related activities like Go Skate Day competitions, and supporting their community of male and female skaters, which makes it a great stop to find fresh outfits and new friends.

•• 1st Floor, The Souq, Airport Mall

Kg. Jaya Setia, BSB

IG: @unksk8shop

Vibbe.arts

If you fancy yourself a bit of a Japanophile, you can check out Vibbe.arts’ line of geometric art styled t-shirts and totes that blend sharp graphics and typography with cultural references from Brunei. Their much loved ‘Katoku Raisu’ shirt is especially popular with consumers, with both iterations of the design selling out completely within weeks of release. The brand is focused on “the storytelling manifesto within the Brunei scene” and creator Pes says that watching anime as a kid has heavily influenced Vibbe.arts style. Pes say that he started thrifting at Bandarku Ceria in 2017, “slowly dipping my toes into different kinds of fashion” and drawing influences from his favorite music genres, hip-hop and R’n’B. Pes has committed to try and release a full Vibbe line of only monochromatic and intricate designs for 2023, as a way to challenge his visual creativity and designs.

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IG: @vibbe.arts

Miyabi

Japan native Miho started the Miyabi streetwear brand with her husband as a way to fulfil one of her biggest passions – bringing the Japanese aesthetic to Brunei. “I’ve always loved elegant and refined stuff that is also streetwear. (We) always wanted to make a brand that is uniquely a fusion of Japan and Brunei.” The term ‘Miyabi’ is defined as a traditional aesthetic ideal referring to elegance or courtliness, opposite to school of thought and Miho works with a trusted designer from home to bring her sketches and calligraphy to life. She hopes to be able to share the joy in her designs that are based on her culture’s traditions and festivals drawn in a modern

biG feature 30 Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Enter the Magentaverse

I have always found the annual selection of a specific colour of choice – sometimes a plain hue, sometimes a blending of existing hues into a new shade – to be quite fascinating. Especially when its creation is derived from recent occurrences of significance around the world. A hue that psychologically matches the general human emotion and is representative of the current state of global affairs (for the next 365 days at least, until the process is once again repeated).

In light of recent, powerful, and still ongoing global movements that have sprung into existence such as the invasion of Ukraine and the Iranian Women’s Rights counter revolution – one of the Earth’s most established and leading authorities on colour chose to reflect this for 2023.

“Vibrating with both vim and vigour” (to quote our creative friends at the Pantone Colour Institute) – Viva Magenta is representative of courage and fearlessness in the face of adversity, as well as an expression of strength in a day and age when it is sorely needed. But it is more than just a visual totem for justified acts of rebellion. It is a colour

that pulsates with a life of its own, capable of writing a new narrative that takes advantage of strong feelings of joyous, and optimistic celebration. Adopting a more simplistic view is that Viva Magenta is an eye-catching, show-stopper of a colour that enriches its surroundings effectively when used minimally as a vibrant spot colour, and not used in overwhelming abundance where it has the potential to be overpowering.

From interior design, and experiential art experiences that leverage on technology, to gadgets and everyday items including mugs, and even gadgets, Pantone has engaged in collaborations to bring this colour to the fore. There is the Artechouse Studio working at the forefront of art and technology. Spoonflower, the

online fabric, wallpaper and home décor marketplace where six independent artists have unveiled one-of-a-kind designs. Cariuma, the skate shoe brand that regularly collaborates with Pantone on matching shoe designs. Even smartphone maker Motorola has entered the conversation with its new Motorola Edge 30 Fusion embracing this hybrid tone of crimson red with pink undertones that strike a balance between warm and cool.

All in all, I look forward to playing my next 12-month-long game of ‘I Spy’ as I travel from here to there, searching for instances of how this striking colour is potentially utilised. Welcome to The Magentaverse.

IG: @pantone

FB: Pantone www.pantone.com

special
@pantone
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Rozman Mashor

talk CONVERSATIONS

WITH...

As the third largest island in the world, Bornean’s often field questions on the little that is known about the mass of land we call home. As opportunities around the world invite us to make our mark upon the globe, the people of Borneo are increasingly becoming recognized not only for the great work they do in representing the three nations that inhabit it, but also for the sheer simplicity of being brave enough to pursue their dreams wherever it may take them. Join us for this issue’s BIG Talk as we delve into the worlds of a wildlife documentarist, a pastry chef recognized by the Michelin Guide and one of, if not the only, indigenous English-language authors penning magical tales of her culture for the world to read.

32 Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Michelle Goh

Leaving her hometown at 18 to study at the Cordon Bleu institute in Sydney Australia, Kuchingite Michelle Goh was recently hailed as one of Asia’s best pastry chefs by the prestigious Michelin culinary guide. She helms MIA with her husband Pongcharn “Top” Russell, a contemporary fine-dining restaurant in Bangkok, Thailand and is set to make her mark on the competitive global culinary platform.

MIA has dedicated vegan and vegetarian menus that are equally as thoughtful as the meat-friendly option. What's the reason behind making a full (and often changing) menu for nonmeat eaters?

MG: To be honest, when I’m eating at home, I eat almost like a vegetarian. Not for any health or religious reasons but mostly because I just love and enjoy vegetables. I also have a few vegan friends and they’re always having difficulty finding places to eat with their non-veggie friends. We actually started to make a vegan/vegetarian menu because of the Jay Festival a few years ago. The Kin Jay festival is a nationwide vegetarian celebration that lasts for a month, where many non-veggie places will offer veggie options. Since I love eating vegetarian food, Top and I decided to challenge ourselves and create a 7-course vegetarian/ vegan tasting menu specially for this festival. The feedback from diners was so great we decided to do it all year round.

Were there any unexpected challenges in running your own restaurant with Mr. Russell?

MG: Working with Top was actually not all that difficult. We’d already worked together before when we first met in Singapore, and again while we were doing pop-ups before opening MIA. I think one of the reasons (things) came easy was due to our compatibility. Top is more of the creative type and I’m more organized, making a good partnership for running a restaurant. We also

have similar backgrounds in terms of our training and are both Asian chefs who started our careers doing classical French cooking, making it easy for us to relate to each other and having similar taste preferences.

You've described Sarawak Laksa as being very close to your heart, and even opened a Laksa takeaway during the peak of COVID in 2021! What is it about this dish that you love?

MG: I think that for me, Sarawak Laksa represents the taste of my childhood. It is a dish that is almost only ever available back home and reminds me of Kuching. I find that the taste itself is so unique and unlike any other noodle soup dish and that’s why I love it so much. I think Sarawak Laksa in Kuching, in general, is pretty good no matter where you try it but always go for the kopitiams!

Are there any restaurants from the many locations you’ve lived at, that changed your perspective on creativity in the kitchen?

MG: Rockpool 1989 (now closed), is a place that is very close to my heart. It was the first fine dining restaurant I ever worked in and also one of the first fine dining establishments I’ve ever dined in. When eating there, I was awed by not only the food but the level of service and it really made me want to work in fine dining. As of right now, I have no plans to open anything in Kuching.

IG: @rokin_shells

www.miarestaurantbkk.com

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biG talk Borneo.Insider’s.Guide 33

Myles Storey

Finding his purpose at a young age means Sabahan wildlife filmmaker Myles Storey has been on a direct path to achieving his dreams. He was raised in Brunei, before returning to his native hometown of Kota Kinabalu at the age of seven years old. Born into a family of creatives (his mother Jennifer P. Linggi is the deputy general manager for the Sabah Cultural Board and author of The Kampung Legacy), Myles’ fascination with nature led to his direction and production of ‘Finding Solo’ – a documentary about the last remaining gibbon, an endangered species, in the Serdang Hill green patch.

Your mum encouraged you to follow your passion. How was being able to define yourself at a young age and how did that impact your goals or interests in wildlife?

MS: Both my parents are very creative people. I would not be where I am today without their support and encouragement. They always allowed me to express myself and my interests. I’ve had people tell me that both zoology and filmmaking are not good career choices in Malaysia, but my parents were very supportive of me deciding to do zoology and subsequently, wildlife filmmaking. I understand that unfortunately, not everyone has a support system like this to pursue their dream career, especially where we come from – which makes me even more grateful for the both of them. Seeing my mum pursue her interest in traditional crafts and eventually writing and publishing her book was also very inspiring for me at a young age.

To whom or what do you credit your lifelong interest in wildlife?

MS: Looking for the elusive Bornean clouded leopard along the Kinabatangan River in Sabah was one of my most memorable experiences growing up. I was 14 and although we didn’t actually find it, being in the rainforest at night was both frightening and exhilarating. In the daytime, we saw pygmy elephants, orangutans, macaques, to name a few. But at night, all you could hear were sounds that I had never heard before, and the rest was up to your imagination.

However, flying between Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan showed me a different side to the story. I saw huge swathes of palm oil plantations scattered around fragmented bits of rainforest. At the time, it was hard for me to understand why and how anyone would do that to our rainforest, but I understand (now) that these are complicated issues involving many people. This experience combined with the magical moments in the rainforest was when I knew that I had to, at least to some degree, dedicate my career to solving the issue of habitat and biodiversity loss – and I haven’t looked back since.

The premise of Finding Solo is heartbreaking. Are you hoping or has the film inspired or created advocacy for proper, enforced wildlife protection and laws?

MS: Yes, unfortunately Solo’s story was very sad, but nonetheless a very important one to tell. I believe that different stories serve different purposes and that Solo’s was meant to connect to people on an emotional level. Solo’s story is ultimately about loneliness, something we can all relate to, especially in recent years. I believe that in order to get people to care about nature and wildlife, we first have to reach their hearts and I hope Solo’s story will be able to do that for some people. I believe this is the first step in creating systemic change in the way we view and treat nature. Solo’s story also highlights the reality of what we are dealing with. There are some tragedies in nature we’ve caused that do not have an easy fix.

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IG: @mylespstorey

biG talk 34 Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Golda Mowe

When Golda Mowe decided she wanted to become a writer, the accounting graduate and Asian history buff was certain about very little; she longed to see her indigenous heritage and their stories in bookstores which led her to write Iban Dreams. It became a fictional series of books with real Iban folklore and traditions as their backbone. Her latest novel, The Monk Prince, is one of the very few publications by a Bornean writer visible on a global publishing platform.

You’ve said that folklore and scary stories are things you’ve loved growing up as a child and certainly Borneo’s jungles are rife with stories and sightings. Are there any particular ones that have inspired or spooked you til now?

GM: My favourite spooky stories are the ones close to home. My grandfather said he was chased by a koklir once. This is the spirit of a vengeful woman who died at childbirth. He hadn’t seen how she looked like, but he could hear her clucking as he was making his way home. He ran because he believed he had a literal devil on his heel. I might’ve experienced something similar when I lived in Kuching. I heard the kok-kok-lir clucking outside my kitchen window one night. All the windows and doors were shut tight to keep the mosquitoes out but I was scared out of my wits. I still regret to this day I hadn’t had the courage to look out and actually see what that thing looked like. Might’ve just been a bird, for all I know. I’m also exploring Chinese and Indian folklore characters because of the long trading history these two countries had with Borneo. I think it is natural for foreign characters or deities to appear in my stories

because Sarawak is a melting pot of cultures. People didn’t just come on their own, they brought their stories and their deities to the island too.

The art and discipline of refining your work is a painstaking process for writers. How do you feel about the publishing industry now, especially with the ease of digital self-publishing?

GM:Writers now have a wide range of publishers and publishing methods, which I think is a good thing, but you have to think of it as which method will best fit your needs. Know your own limits when it comes to publishing and understand what your objective is. In my case, I knew nothing when I first started so I promised myself to get a traditional publisher. This means that my work will only be accepted if the publisher believes it is good enough to invest in. It’s a long and slow process. In fact, I finished the first draft of The Monk Prince around 2005/2006 and only signed a contract with Penguin Random House SEA in 2020. Yet for all the effort, the reward is miniscule. There isn’t enough readership in the region to let me make a living from writing. Don’t leave your day-job if you are planning on following this route. However, if you are well known for a particular specialty, like Tony Robbins is for his motivational talks, then it makes more sense for you to self-publish. You’ve already done all the work to get a stable fan base.

As one of the very few writers representing indigenous Bornean culture to the English-speaking community, are there times where things get lost in translation?

GM: The disadvantage of fiction is that you can’t do an info-dump. Your reader expects to

be entertained, not taught. The advantage is that, a novel is long (minimum 60,000 words) so you can repeat the same idea from a different perspective. For example, the size of a grave is critical to Iban burial rites. In Iban Dream I mentioned that Bujang Maias digs a hole to the exact size of the small casket for Upa’s husband. Much later in the same book, when it is discovered that Geramun’s grave is too wide for his casket, his son Gamit resolves to go to war even though it means his death. Thus, from these two scenes, I hope that the reader will naturally pick up on the idea that if a grave has excess space to the side, it means that there will be another death in the family.

@mango.reads
biG talk Borneo.Insider’s.Guide 35

Vibe It ' s a

Withcafes mushrooming all over the island, building a space that makes people’s jaws drop or creating an ambiance that calms or inspires visitors, can make all the difference in the café experience. We’ve scoured the island for places serving coffee with vibes and hope you enjoy the visual feast across Borneo!

Distinctly inspired by the Balinese style of western coffee shops, the café is certainly setting the bar high in the interiors and ambience departments. Minimalist yet carefully considered in its approach, the white walls of Hidden are punctuated by a smattering of Instagram-worthy vintage photographs and art pieces personally curated by the owner; the central coffee and mocktail bar area, concrete bleachers and retro styled

Hidden Cultural

furniture make for excellent props or backgrounds in your photos. In the center, you’ll find a little jungle oasis that is perfect for enjoying your drinks and feeling like you are somewhere exotic! Good vibes, good pizza and great views to be had all round.

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Simpang 284, Jalan Pasir Berakas, Bandar Seri Begawan BB 1714

Tel: 673-8177734

IG: @hiddencultural

Kitani Artisan Coffee

Japanophiles will savor the sleek yet homey nature of Kitani, which is located on the first floor of a shophouse in Jerudong. The café is actually split into a barbershop and café by a full wall window that makes you sort of feel like you’re in a fishbowl, but isn’t obtrusive if you want to sit down awhile and enjoy a cuppa. Down to the small details like their Japanese ceramics originally designed for serving sake, that their pourover coffees come in, or the Japanese fabrics hanging in the corridor, you will feel like a nihongo here.

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Unit 9, 1st Floor, Simpang 508, Block D, Jerudong Complex, Jerudong BG3122

Tel: 673-7125665

IG: @kitani_bn

36 Borneo.Insider’s.Guide appetite

One Sip

Fans of minimalism and industrialist styles will have a field day at this wonderful vision of gray, black and concrete. The setting is far from boring though – you’ll have fun noticing the clever way that they’ve applied design accents like the mottled specks in the polished concrete and hexagonal tile combination flooring or the clean alignment of exposed black wiring

and fittings on the ceiling. Their outdoor balcony with a high ceiling directly facing the Kota Batu River makes for a great spot to slowly sip your coffee and relax, or indulge in a tasty pastry.

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Unit 1, Simpang 492, Lot No. 12492, Kampong Pelambayan Tel: 673-2787788

IG: @onesip.bn

eat, drink Brunei

You could sit for hours soaking up the light and local art on display at this funky café-clothing store-gallery situation at The Promenade. There is plenty of cozy seating if you want to hang out on your own or with a friend, but we do love the large sofa directly parked in front of the full floor to ceiling window, with a view into the heart of the shopping complex. It’s an interesting play on dark and light spaces, with the full force of Brunei’s sunlight bouncing off the dark walls and colorful canvases by various local artists and photographers (which you can purchase). Plenty of drink options, packed bagels and probably the best falafels in town by Ralpho’s Falafels.

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Unit 1F, 1st Floor, Block C, The Promenade Samakaya, Jalan Sungai Hanching Baru, Bandar Seri Begawan BC1515

Tel: 673-7269305

IG: @evoke.bn

Evoke biG appetite Borneo.Insider’s.Guide 37

October

Coffee House Makarios Book Cafe

Although Makarios Book Café has a namesake church in Sandakan, this quaint English-countryside inspired spot feels more like a movie set than a place for Sunday service. Their theme of tranquility certainly comes across in their perfectly spaced window bar seating and bay areas, which look like the ideal places to spend a few hours on your own book or one of the café’s that are neatly stacked on the emerald green and gold bookshelves. Lots of large sun-letting windows and soft tie cushions bring together the cozy, gentle atmosphere of Makarios.

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eat, drink Sabah

Brown Fox

Bathed in a calm palette of light wood, concrete grey and white, this café oozes the ‘Japandi’ (Japanese- Scandinavian) design trend to perfection. Brown Fox makes use of the open space on both floors of this large café to create a busy, but not crowded, flow of seating and visual features including an entry seat area that pays homage to their Japanese influence. The simple but refined approach extends to their flawless French pastries and Japanese inspired food.

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Block B, Lot B-G-06, Sutera Avenue, Lorong Lebuh Raya, Off Coastal Highway, Kota Kinabalu

Tel: 6016-2315866

IG: @brownfoxcafekk

Lot 20, First Floor (Corner Unit of Lorong Damai Point)

Jalan Damai, Luyang Commercial Centre, Kota Kinabalu

Tel: 6010-2695119

IG: @makarioscafe.kk

Owned by a Korean couple who came to Kota Kinabalu in 2013 to help expand the coffee industry, this is the original branch of October Coffee, and it looks remarkably similar to an mountain lodge on the inside. Natural and stained wood structures instantly transport you to somewhere cold and wintery, with the smell of coffee being roasted filling the air. The room is filled with bits and bobs, all related to coffee; there is a cute feature wall of hanging coffee cups, a random farmer’s hat hanging off the side of a rail, large coffee sacks gracefully draped on the upper balcony, that first catch the eye. Then you see the all the coffee paraphernalia and gadgets that the owners have collected over time and it’s clear that They. Love. Coffee.

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13, Lorong Dewan, Pusat Bandar, 88000 Kota Kinabalu

Tel: 6088-277396

IG: @octobercoffeegaya

biG appetite 38 Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Warm, is how this café feels. They’ve created a great little nest that reminds me of the Central Perk space in the F.R.I.E.N.D.S series; it’s easily a spot that would be your favorite local where the baristas know your name and spell it right. The clever use of street lamps and grand candelabra literally give this place a soft yellow glow, and paired with lots of hanging plants around the shop, you almost feel like you’re outside somewhere by a park or garden.

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Ground floor, lot 273, Jalan Brighton, 98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia

Tel: 60-85681739

IG: @moon.kingdom_

Toko Soedimampir

The folks at Toko are way ahead of the game on coffee, serving zero proof cocktails with from-scratch mixes that encapsulate the bar experience for Muslim customers. The double story building admittedly sits in an area that is currently being revitalized, but they’ve embraced its ruggedness by creating a full rock and roll dive bar vibe on the ground floor with plenty of moody fluorescent lighting and a 50’s theater marquee on the building that says ‘Let’s rock!’. If you need a break, the first floor with its retro outlook and a massive windowless balcony with a direct view out on the street, makes for a great quiet-ish spot to chill out.

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Tel: 62-82158765106

IG: @soedimampircoffee.lab

The Round Tower 1886 Café & Restaurant

A stone’s throw from Ewe Hai Street leads you to the heritage building known as the Round Tower. The fort-like building now houses a café and restaurant where you can dine in style and history. Original interior detailing and the structure of the tower have been maintained, complemented by the elegant and simple décor featuring lots of dark local wood. The historical photos along the walls give you a glimpse into the life of this former Public Dispensary and current headquarters of the Sarawak Craft Council. The restaurant and café are both recommended for their food as well.

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Lot

Tel: 6013-8118577

IG: @theroundtower1886

@soedimampircoffee.lab

eat, drink Sarawak eat, drink Kalimantan
Jl. Hasanuddin HM No.82, Kertak Baru Ulu, Kec. Banjarmasin Tengah, Kota Banjarmasin, Kalimantan Selatan 32, Section 25 KTLD Jalan Tun Abang Hj. Openg, 93100 Kuching
Moongrind
Kingdom
biG appetite Borneo.Insider’s.Guide 39
PICK UP A COPY OF B IG AT THE BRUNEI INTERNA TIO NAL AIRPORT, YOUR NEAREST CBTL BRAN CH OR CAFES NEAR YOU C all 2331031 or e ma il c ontact@ch m pmedia .com borneoinsid er sg uide.c om b.i. g.m agazi ne GET THE B I G PICTURE . BEINTHEBIG PICTURE.

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.

THE FORK

A fast-food outlet in the style of American burger chains Shake Shack and Five Guys, you’ll find burgers with all the trimmings and priced between $4 to $9. Their current menu offers eight burgers separated into three categories: beef, chicken and lamb. They’re known for their smash burger patties which are crisp edged and juicy at the same time and you can stack on extra patties for extra meatiness. Meals come with a large portion of fries to fill you up and a free flow drink of your choice. You’ll also get a kick out of their 1950’s diner-style stores which remind us of classic Archie comics.

Unit 13, Little Soho, Block B, Simpang 73-5-8, Jalan Batu Bersurat, Bandar Seri

Begawan IG: @theforkburgers

TASTE OF

ASIA VIETNAMESE PHO, THAI TOM YAM, JAPANESE SUSHI, KOREAN KIMCHI AND BRUNEIAN AMBUYAT – THIS LIST COVERS MOST OF OUR FAVOURITE ASIAN DELIGHTS.

Ahan Thai 10 Blk B Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 2452852)

Ah Mit’s Delicacy Café No 13, Grd Flr, Impiana Jaya Complex, Kiulap (673 889 0024)

All Seasons Restaurant 17 1st Flr Times Square Shopping Centre, Kg Jaya Setia (673 2338068)

Aminah Arif

2 & 3 Blk B Grd Flr Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kiulap (673 2236198) – Call for other branches

Aneka Rasa

Blk A #16 & 17 Grd & 1st Flr Bgn Begawan Pehin Dato Hj Mohd Yussof, Kg Kiulap (673 2231728)

Anjung Layar Luncur (Nur Wanita Serasa Branch) Simpang 287, Pantai Serasa (673 2771879)

Ar Ruhma Restaurant

329 Blk D Bgn Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 2427847)

Axtivo Restaurant #12, Grd Flr, Hj Uthman Complex, Spg 13, Kg Jaya Setia (673 2335642)

Babu’s Kitchen C44 Blk C Grd Flr Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 2457868)

Bali Pit-Stop 15 &16, Spg 150 Grd Floor, Block A Bangunan Habza, Kiulap (673 7209992)

Chatterbox Kopitiam 2 Grd Flr Bgn Hasbullah 2, Gadong (673 8201212)

Excapade Serusop Unit 4&5, Spg 86, Complex PHB, Kg Delima Satu, Jln Muara (673 2335512) – Call for other branches

Farmbasket Snack Bar A1, Grd Flr Blk A, Urairah Complex, Spg 88, Kiulap (673 2234666) – Call for other branches

Gurkha Palace 47 Jalan Bunga Melor, Seria Town (673 3221474)

Gratitude Café Grd Flr Serusop Complex, Kg Delima Satu (673 2341123)

Great Taste Restaurant Grd Flr Setia Kenangan II, Kg Kiulap (673 2233913)

Happy Dean Restaurant No 3, Grd Flr, Zainuddin Complex, Spg 11, Anggerek Desa, Berakas A (673 2340885) – Call for other branches

Impian Rasa Restaurant #5 Bgn Pg Hjh Rafiah Spg 607 Jln Jangsak, Gadong (673 2653858) – Call for other branches

Iron Chef Unit 5&6, Lvl 1, HuaHo Manggis Mall (673 2338888)

Kaka Restaurant

2 & 3 Spg 100 Jln Jerudong (673 2672333) – Call for other branches

La Mee #1B & 1c Grd Flr Spg 411-12, Jln Kiarong (673 2430113)

Lee Loi Fatt Blk A #7 Grd Flr Serusop Complex, Kg Delima Satu (673 2342384) – Call for other branches

Mangrove Paradise Resort

Spg 912 Kg Sungai Belukut, Jln Kota Batu (673 2786868)

MY Favoureat Restaurant

9 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Munchit & Hjh Rapiah, Kg Jaya Setia (673 2232828)

MyTown Eating House Grd Flr The Crown Princess Complex, Jalan Tutong (673 2241880)

Nyonya

3 Grd Flr Bgn Hasbollah, Gadong (673 2447090)

Old Time Kopitiam G2 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Ibrahim, Kg Menglait (673 244 282)

Pattaya Restaurant Spg 302, Jln Kota Batu, Sungai Lampai, BSB (673 2241721)

PappaRich Blk G Grd Flr Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 2432333)

Pho Hoa Restaurant #6 Grd Flr Blk B Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kg Kiulap (673 2236218)

Rice Bowl 72 T.C.Y Building, Batu Bersurat (673 8630665)

Sapphira Cake House 3 Grd Flr Seri Anigma, Kiulap (673 2232021)

Seasons Restaurant Lvl 2 The Centrepoint, Gadong (673 2422291)

Seafood Palace #1, 2 & 3 Blk B An-Nuha Building, Kg Tanjung Bunut (673 2671299)

Seaworld Neptune 8 Spg 791, Jerudong (673 2612613)

Sate House Unit B9, Block B, Setia Kenangan II, Spg.150, Kiulap, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 2231017)

Sulbingsoo Korean Dessert Cafe Unit B7, Grd Flr, Shakirin Complex, Kiulap (673 2234271)

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide 41 biG listings

SPICY CURRY & WRAPS FROM ARABIC TO INDIAN CUISINE, CHECK OUT THESE RESTAURANTS IF YOU LIKE A SPICY KICK TO YOUR MEALS.

Amsarra Shawarma

Unit 5, Grd Flr, Blk A, One Riverside, Jln Gadong (673 7312545)

Blue Restaurant Unit 19, Grd Flr, Blk C, Spg 493, Kg Beribi, Jln Gadong (673 2450458)

Bombay Palace Restaurant

#9 Grd & 1st Flr Blk B Bgn Pg Mainuddin & Anak2, Batu Bersurat (673 2427313)

C’Fu Curry House Restaurant

Spg 103 #5 & 6 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Md Salleh, Gadong (673 2457000)

Delhi Darbar Restaurant & Catering Spg 38 Jln Jerudong (673 2672826)

Gwad Basha Arabian Restaurant 1A & 1B Heng Thai Property Centre, Spg 22, Jalan Dato Ratna, Kiarong (673 2450009)

MOISTJITO

We really like Piña Coladas loaded with coconut and pineapple, perfectly balanced Mojito’s with fresh lime, mint and fizzy soda water, or Butterbeers with magical whipped cream, especially when they’re made by these guys. Deliciously refreshing mocktails are the reason Moistjito are famous, but wait – they do Mexican inspired food too! Dig into their comforting Birria Tacos or munch on the nacho chips which are free with every drink order. They’re now located at the ground floor of The One building so you can eat and shop in one go.

The One, LOT 16177, Jalan

Laksamana Abdul Razak

IG: @moistjito

FB: moistjito

Iskandar Curry House Unit B5, One Riverside, Jln Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan BA1511 (673 2422438)

Kausar Café Unit 10, Grd Flr, Blk D, Shakirin Complex, Jln Komersial Kiulap, Kiulap (673 8829495 )

LaMesa Restaurant Unit 8, Jln Komersial Kiulap, Kg Kiulap (673 2352863)

Le Taj 2-3 2nd Flr Seri Kiulap Complex, Kiulap (673 2238996)

Lotus Family Restaurant 27B Grd Flr Delima Jaya Complex, Berakas (673 2342049)

Rajah’s Restaurant

3 Grd Flr Blk A Bangunan PAP Umi Kalthum, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 2240379)

Sugar ‘n’ Spice Unit B1, Grd Flr, Purnama Complex, Kiulap (673 2303930)

Saffron Restaurant 8 Blk C Shakirin Complex, Kiulap (673 2235888)

Sameer Restaurant & Catering

G1 Grd Flr Sg Akar Sentral, Berakas (673 2336613)

Spices Restaurant #1 Grd Flr Blk A Aman Complex, Jln Muara (673 2330081)

Ya Nur Restaurant #6 & #7, 1st Flr, Kompleks Hj Tahir 2, Gadong (673 8719986)

Zaika Restaurant A4 Lot 308 Bgn Maju Jln Bunga Raya, Kuala Belait (673 3347430)

WESTERN FOOD ITALIAN PIZZAS, AMERICAN STEAKS AND BURGERS, BRITISH COTTAGE PIES – WE LIST DOWN THE RESTAURANTS THAT SERVE THE BEST FROM THE WEST.

Bello Café L1/12 Seri Kiulap Mall, Kiulap (673 2233989)– Call for other branches

Buccaneer Steak House 92-93 (B) 94 Grd Flr Jln McKerron, Kuala Belait (673 3330406)

EGG MONSTER

Based around the popular Japanese dish, Omurice, which is a lusciously creamy omelette typically served with a brown demi-glace sauce over rice, this eatery serves the humble little egg in every which way possible.

The Japanese-Western styled menu means you’ll find loaded bowls of Mac and Cheese, giant burgers and yakitori next to eggsover-everything. Need a big protein fix? Their Omu Striploin – a huge serving of the famous lava omelette with an equally large striploin steak, vegetables and lots of gravy- will fill you up.

Unit 3 & 4, Block A, Ground & Mezzanine Floor, An-Nuha Bldg, Kampong Tanjung Bunut IG: @eggmonsterbn

@eggmonsterbn
@moistjito
biG listings

Breakfast at Home Café

No 13, Spg 11, Jln Nenas Paun, STKRJ Katok B (673 7366204)

Bella Amore

Unit 4, Grd Flr, Blk C, Sempurna Complex, Jln Batu Bersurat (673 3347455)

Casbah London Kebab

#G2a Grd Flr Times Square Complex, Kg Jaya Setia (673 2343001)

Charcoal BBQ & Grill Restaurant Grd Flr Le Gallery Suites Hotel, Jln Tutong (673 2221171) – Call for other branches

Cheezbox Café

External Café, Ramp A, The Mall, Gadong (673 2425506)

Countrypatch Café

2& 3 Blk D Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kiulap (673 2232368) – Call for other branches

De’ Olde Cottage 2 Grd Flr Blk C Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 2426982) – Call for other branches

Fratini’s Restaurant #1 Grd Flr The Centrepoint Hotel, Gadong (673 2451200) – Call for other branches

Flour & Butter

No. 29, Grd Flr, Bangunan Haji Hassan Abdullah, Jln Gadong, Menglait II (673 242 2323)

Geo Eats No. 13, Spg 381, Kg Jerudong (673 8271381)

Home Kitchen by Tree-Bit Café

D8 & D9 Lot 11620 Grd Flr Jln Gadong, Kg Mata-Mata (673 2429366)

Kitchen of Jasmine by Aranda Café #17, Blk E, Atiya Complex, Spg 100, Jln Jerudong (673 8997333)

Margherita Pizzeria #5 Blk A Scout Complex Jln Gadong, Kg Mata-Mata (673 8688884)

Pastamania G9A & G10A Grd Flr Times Square Shopping Centre, Jln Berakas (673 2338061) – Call for other branches

Pepper Lunch Brunei

C9/10 Grd Flr Setia

Kenangan II, Kg Kiulap (673 2253000)

Qasehmaisara Café House #206-209 2nd Flr Plaza Athirah, Jln Kubah Makam DiRaja (673 2789898)

Red Canopy Restaurant #8 Blk A Q-Lap Complex, Kg Kiulap (673 2425855)

Ricardo’s El Mariachi Jalan Manggis Dua (673 7363139) – Call or WhatsApp for exact location

Sorriso Restaurant & Pizzeria #14 Blk B Grd Flr Regent Square, Kiulap (673 2233030)

Swensen’s #2.34-2.36 2nd Flr The Mall, Gadong (673 2451864)

Triggered Chef No.13, Spg. 41-1-17, Kg Kiarong (673 8633640) –Available on WhatsApp

CAFE HOPPING GOURMET, PREMIUM-GRADE, SPECIALTY COFFEE –THIS LIST ACCOMMODATES THE BEST OF THE BURGEONING LOCAL COFFEE INDUSTRY.

Beanery & Co #81 A/1 Grd Flr, Jln Bunga Rambai, Kuala Belait (673 3347772)

BELLUNO Café #2 Blk C Kiarong Complex, Kg Kiarong (673 2429010)

Bicara Lab 2601, Jln Nakhoda Manis, Seria (IG: @bicara.lab)

Brew Café & Bakery #47 Grd Flr Blk C Gadong Central, Menglait (673 2427554)

Brew9

Unit 10, Grd Flr, The Walk, Beribi (673 2426986)

Black Whale

Unit G18A, Grd Flr, Blk C, Aman Hills Shopping Complex (673 2341473)Call for other branches

Caffé Verve #6A Spg 68, Jln Batu Bersurat (673 8757382)

Coffee Field Cafe & Resto Unit 5, Grd Flr, Blk A, Little Soho, Spg 73-5-8, Jln Batu Besurat (673 7229042)

Dil Coffee Trail No 15, Spg 68, Jln 82, Skim Perumahan Kg Rimba (673 8298786) - Available on WA

DE COFFEE

Those looking for a caffeine pit stop will find a great option just opposite the Airport Mall. Perfect for a grab and go situation, De Coffee offer three specialty coffee blends at a time and rotate regularly so you’ll have something new to try when you pop in. They even have tubed displays where you can learn about the beans and have a sniff to decide which flavour you’ll go for. From time to time you’ll also find special coffee-based beverages being served so check their IG to see what’s brewing.

Ground Floor, No. 1, Block A, Koprijaya Complex, Bandar Seri Begawan IG: @decoffee.bn

Countrypatch Café

3 Grd Flr Blk D Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kiulap (673 2232368)

Fleur-de-lys L1/1 Seri Q-Lap Mall, Kiulap (673 2231777) –call for other branches

Games & Lattes Café

#E9 Grd Flr Blk E Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap (673 2235200)

Happy Cream Unit 1, 1st Flr, Bgn Majid Mohd, Jln Pasar Baharuddin, Gadong (673 8158587)

High Frequency Lifestyle

Café

1st Flr Unit 5 Blk B Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 2428262)

Kapra Coffee #26 Grd Flr Blk C Spg 440, Jln Muara (673 2345656)

Ner Dee Café #F11 1st Flr Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap (673 7214977)

Noice

D29, Bangunan Lim Eng Ming, Kg Kiulap, Bandar Seri Begawan, BE1518 (673 8266825)

@decoffee.bn
biG listings Borneo.Insider’s.Guide 43

Piccolo Café #11 Jln McArthur, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 2241558)

Roasted Sip Unit 3, Grd Flr, Blk D, Spg 508, Jerudong Complex, Jln Jerudong (673 2610850) – Call for other branches

The Krema Coffee #D31 Lim Eng Ming Complex Blk D, Kg Kiulap (673 8973600)

The Library Café #6 Blk C, Bangunan Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap

T’s Coffee No 6, Blk D, A1, Lower Grd Flr, 1 SKH Supermarket, Spg 561, The Promenade Samakaya, Jln Muara (673 7171089)

The Slice by IA Gateaux Jalan Pretty, Kuala Belait (673 3338255 / 7374498) - Available on WA

Two Sons Coffee C8, Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap (673 7321327)

CAFE HOPPING AT COFFEE BEAN & TEA LEAF

@ Times Square Shopping Centre, Berakas

8AM-12AM

@ Supa Save Mata-Mata, Beribi

8AM-12AM

@ Maya Puri Building, Bandar

8AM-12AM

@ CentrePoint, Gadong

8AM-12AM

@ One Riverside, Gadong

8AM-12AM

@ One City Shopping Centre

9AM-12AM

@ The Mall

10AM-9PM

@ Yayasan Shopping Complex

10AM-9PM

@ Jerudong Park Medical Centre

7.30AM-11PM

@ Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre

7.30AM-11PM

@ Supa Save Seria

7AM-11PM

@ Seaview Hotel, KB

6.30AM-11PM

@ Soon Lee Muara

9AM-8.30PM

@ Soon Lee Berakas

9AM-9PM

@ Hua Ho Manggis

9.30AM-9PM

@ Rimba Point

9.30AM-9PM

@ Food Truck Sengkurong

9.30AM-9PM

@ Food Truck Kiulap

11AM-9PM

DIVINE DINING EXQUISITE MEALS IN BEAUTIFUL SETTINGS –PERFECT FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS

HUNGRY BAR & BISTRO

@hungrybarbrunei

Casual yet elegant enough for a family lunch or dinner date, Hungry Bar’s excellent menu of pork-based dishes include wood-fire grilled meats, Asian and Western inspired dishes like the juicy Crispy Pork Belly Aglio Olio, comforting Pork Katsu Curry with rice or fries, and their own rendition of the famous Momofuku Ramen. They also have super salads for those who want a healthier mix with their proteins. Breakfast lovers, fret not, they’ve got you covered with great options like the Hungry Bar Breakfast set that has soft baked eggs packed with veg and bacon bits.

Qlap Complex, Unit 5, Ground Floor, Kampong Kiulap IG: @hungrybarbrunei

FB: Hungry Bar & Bistro

The Horizons Seafood Restaurant Waterfront, Jln McArthur, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 2233400)

I-Lotus

20 Spg 12-26 Perumahan Rakyat Jati, Kg Rimba (673 2422466)

Le Keris

L2/22, 1st Flr, Seri Q-Lap Mall (673 2230149)

Senja Restaurant 8&9 Grd Flr Seri Kiulap Complex, Kiulap (673 2235313)

Tarindak d’Polo

Royal Brunei Polo & Riding Club, Jerudong (673 2612500)

Tarindak D’Seni Brunei Arts & Handicrafts Centre, Kota Batu (673 2240422)

DIVINE DINING AT THE EMPIRE BRUNEI

Atrium Café

Daily à la carte plated

breakfast menu from 7am to 11am

Lobby Lounge

À la carte menu from 10am to 10pm

Pantai Restaurant

Daily à la carte plated

lunch menu from 11am to 4pm

Daily à la carte Asian plated dinner menu from 5pm to 9pm

Spaghettini

Daily à la carte

Mediterranean dinner menu from 5am to 5pm

Zest

Light meals, beverages, pastries and desserts. Daily from 8am to 10pm The Empire Brunei, Jerudong (673 2418888)

GO GREEN HEALTHY AND VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY OPTIONS

Brunei Detox Bar

NON HALAL
44 Borneo.Insider’s.Guide biG listings

NON HALAL

SERENITY BY BERQAT

We do enjoy a good treat and Serenity serves up lovely desserts that make you wonder why High Tea isn’t an every-meal kind of thing. Besides their savory dishes (Salted Egg Chicken Wings with Garlic Rice anyone?) and a large keto-friendly menu, Serenity makes classic bakes like mini pavlovas topped off with fresh fruit and cream, decadent but fluffy cheesecakes that can be plain or loaded with fruit toppings, waffles with sweet or savory extras, thick pancakes… sia-sia pun! They’re also great at doing catering boxes and events.

No. 4, Simpang 508, Jalan Jerudong, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

IG: @berqat

FB: Serenity By Berqat Foods

9 Grd Flr, Abdul Razak Complex, BE3519

Fuel’d

Grd Flr, Unit 4A, Setia Kenangan 2 (673 8749881) – Call for other branches

Mituo Vegetarian Restaurant

Grd Flr Pg Anak Puteri Norain Complex, Batu Satu (673 2222821)

Pureland Vegetarian Restaurant

#15 Blk B Grd Flr Bgn Hj

Awg Ahmad bin Hassan & Anak-anak, Kiulap (673 2236503)

TienSing Vegetarian & Catering Restaurant

21-22 Bangunan Hj

Hassan II, Jln Gadong, Kg Menglait (673 2454988)

Veggie Recipe

No.20, Grd Flr, Blk B, Simpang 150, Regent Square (673 2236276)

QUICK EATS

FAST AND DELICIOUS MEALS FOR THOSE ON THE GO

Burger King

Grd Flr, Citis Square, Kpg Jaya Setia, Berakas

A, Brunei-Muara (673 2330760) – Call for

other branches

Burgers & Grills

F20, Jln Tengah Bangunan, Bowling Alley Seria, Kpg Pekan Seria (673 3221434)

My Fried Chicken

Grd Flr, Freshco Food Junction, Times Square, Kg Jaya Setia

Nasi Katok Mama Express No 3 Blk A Grd Flr Kompleks Madang, Madang (673 8641681)

Pan & Wok Grd Flr, Spg 98, Bangunan Hjh Dyg Damit Bte Panglima Asgar Dato Paduka Hj Awg Abdullah, Delima Satu, Berakas A (673 2342399)

– Call for other branches

RBC Express Fast Food #1 Grd Flr Blk A, Bangunan Hj Matussin, Kg Kiulap (673 2237253)

Top Nosh Café Unit 1, Grd Flr, Bangunan Majid Mohammad, Spg 2357, Jln Pasar Gadong (673 2453889)

Wayback Burgers Unit B10-11, Setia Kengan II, Kg Kiulap (673 2236882)

NON-HALAL OPTIONS

Ban Hiong Restaurant No. 1, Spg 600, Bunut, Kilanas, Brunei-Muara (673 2652426)

Golden Leaf Coffee House Blk 1 Grd Flr PAP Hjh Norain Building, Jln Batu Satu (673 2220422)–Call for other branches

Phongmun Restaurant

2nd Flr Teck Guan Plaza Jln Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 2229561)

Sui Heng Restaurant

Grd Flr Hj Munchit & Hjh Rapiah Complex, Kg Jaya Setia (673 2338321)

Hua Hua Restaurant

Grd Flr, Blk B, Bangunan Urairah, Kiulap

Wei’s Kitchen No.1, Spg 74-74-31, Kg Mata-Mata

SHI WEI TIEN

Shi Wei Tien’s renditions of Sarawak Kolo Mee is up there with the best of them. Leaning on the savory side of the fence, it’s unusual to not need the extra soy sauce. The springy noodles are also coated in a perfectly seasoned slick of pork oil making each slurp so very satisfying. Want a specific type of noodle like a curlier mee pok or fat rice noodles like lau shu fen? or maybe even some extra wantan or meats? Their step-bystep selection menu lets you tailor things to just how you like. The nifty pencil and paper you write your orders down on also means there are less chances the waitress won’t hear your order and forgot to add the requisite sunny side egg on top. Shi Wei Tien also has a large menu based on the Chinese Hakka cuisine so you’ll find Lei Cha (Thunder Tea), braised pork belly and some types of dim sum available.

Unit 15, Grd Flr, Block B, Qlap Complex, Kiulap, Bandar Seri Begawan, BE1518 (Opposite

IG: @shiweitian_kopitiam

FB: Shi Wei Tian Kopitiam

@shiweitian_kopitiam

@berqat
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide 45

Sabah & Sarawak

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

EAT (SABAH)

BORNEO WILD TREASURE

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

BRASS MONKEY

Lot 1-0 Lorong Lintas Plaza 4, Kota Kinabalu (6088 61 543)

CAFÉ DE VIE

Lot D-0-6 Lorong Metro Town 3, Kota Kinabalu (6088 393 863)

CAFÉ HARU

7, Lorong Gunung Juo, Taman Far East Kota Kinabalu (6010 935 1233)

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)

GAM TONG HONG KONG RECIPE

Lot G-823 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 488 833)

GRANDCHAMPS CAVE & SHOP

Unit S3A, Ground Floor, Block B, The Peak Vista, Kota Kinabalu (6088 261 886)

HANA JAPANESE RESTAURANT

Lot S21&S22 Blk E City Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 538 178)

HUT STEAK HOUSE & RESTAURANT

29 Blk E Damai Plaza, Kota Kinabalu (6088 238 558)

JOTHY’S FISH HEAD CURRY & BANANA LEAF

Blk 1 Lot G9 Api Api Centre, Kota Kinabalu (6088 261 595)

KOHINOOR NORTH INDIAN RESTAURANT

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

KOREAN CLUB RESTAURANT 4 Jln Aru, Kota Kinabalu (6088 232 213)

LITTLE ITALY

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

MAD BEN CAFÉ Lot 121, Jalan Gaya, 88000, Kota Kinabalu (6088 255 073)

MAI YAI THAI ORCHID RESTAURANT Lot 13 KK Waterfront, Kota Kinabalu (6088 234 841)

MDM ING FISH NOODLE Lot 21 Towering Koidupan Perdana Jln Tambunan, Penampang (6016 831 8726)

NAGASAKI JAPANESE RESTAURANT No 19 Grd Flr Bangunan Harrison Jln Hj Saman, Kota Kinabalu (6088 216 623)

NAM CHAI RESTAURANT BAH KUT TEH 10 Blk D Bdr Nam Tung, Sandakan (6089 612 603)

NAN YANG CHIC KUT TEH Grd Flr Lot 47 Jln Pantai, Kota Kinabalu (6016 833 5722)

NATURAL KITCHEN Lot No B10 & B11, Suria Sabah Shoppin Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 487 180)

NISHIKI JAPANESE RESTAURANT Shop 4 Grd Flr 63 Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu (6088 230 582)

OCTOBER COFFEE HOUSE Blk B The Peak Vista Lorong Puncak 1 Tjg Lipat, Kota Kinabalu (6010 346 954)

PANCAKE HOUSE

Concourse Flr 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 448 110)

Lot G94-94A Karamunsing Complex, Kota Kinabalu (6088 319 168)

PASTA PASTA 108 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6014 371 4665)

PEPPERMINT VIETNAMESE CUISINE No. 85 Grd Flr Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6012 802 4582)

PORT VIEW SEAFOOD VILLAGE Lot 18 The Waterfront Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 221 753)

RESTORAN MAKANAN SEDAP No 1-0-1 Blk B Jln Kolam Centre Phase 2 Jln Lintas, Kota Kinabalu (6088 247 459)

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)

CROWN DYNASTY RESTAURANT

Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Bintulu (6086 335 908)

CUPPA-KAP COFFEE

Jln Song, Kuching (6019 8869636)

DA MI XIANG GU TOU BAO RESTAURANT

Tabuan Hts Comm Centre, Kuching (6082 458 952)

JUBILEE RESTAURANT

49G Jln India, Kuching (6082 245 626)

KHAN’S ISLAMIC RESTAURANT

229-G Jln Maju, Miri (6085 418 440)

KOREANA RESTAURANT

10002 Jln Tun Jugah, Kuching (6082 575 072)

KUCHING NOODLE PORRIDGE HOUSE

SAKAGURA JAPANESE RESTAURANT G-23A & G-25, Oceanus Waterfront Mall, Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, 88000 Kota Kinabalu (6088 273 604)

SANTOLA CAFÉ

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

SENG HING RESTAURANT Ruang Sinsugan 2, Kota Kinabalu (6088 211 594)

SUANG TAIN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Lot 12 Blk A Grd Flr SEDCO Complex, Kota Kinabalu (6088 223 080)

SUPUL KOREAN BBQ RESTAURANT

Lot S-1-8 1st Flr City Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 448 844) TOSCANI’S

Lot 14 The Waterfront Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 242 879)

THE B.E.A.N CAFÉ

Lot 8-1, Lido Plaza, Jalan Nosoob, Penampang (6088 703 884)

Café with a sofa lounge serving coffee and drinks, sandwiches, toasts, waffles, and desserts

THE B SIDE

Lot 21, Ground Floor, Lido Plaza, Jalan Nosoob Penampang (6088 715 453) – Hipster café offering all-day dining and specialty coffees

WAH SAN RESTAURANT

D2-G Blk 17 Jln Pryer, Sandakan (6089 212 626)

YOSHIMI JAPANESE RESTAURANT

Warisan Square, Kota Kinabalu (6088 488 388)

YU KEE BAK KUT TEH 74, Jln Gaya, 88000, Kota Kinabalu (6088 221 192)

EAT (SARAWAK)

A ONE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Lrg Chew Siik Hiong 1, Sibu (6084 215 803)

AROMA CAFÉ

126 Jln Tabuan, Kuching (6082 417 163)

BEE HIONG RESTAURANT CAFÉ

157G Jln Muhibbah, Lawas (6085 285 137)

BEIJING 2008

RESTAURANT SDN BHD

157 Jln Kg Nyabor, Sibu (6084 330 955)

BISMI RESTAURANT 947 Jln Parry, Sarawak (6085 416 872)

BITES BY THE BATIK 38 Jln Pandungan, Kuching (6082 422 845)

BLA BLA BLA 27, Jln Tabuan, 93000, Kuching (6082 2330944) –

BLACK BEAN COFFE & TEA 87, Ewe Hai Street, 93000 Kuching (6082 420 290)

BUENAS FILIPINO

LECHON & RESTAURANT 329, Phase 4, Parkcity Commerce Square, Jin. Tun Ahmad Zaidi, Bintulu (6086 310 860)

CAFÉ CAFÉ AT ORIGINAL CARWASH Low 211-214, Section 9, KTLD, Rubber Rd, Kuching (6082 256 396)

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)

DYNASTY CHINESE ESTAURANT

Oil Town Comm Complex, Miri (6085 424 000)

EARTHLINGS COFFEE WORKSHOP

Coffee shop, roaster, academy Lot 45, Grd Flr, No. 1, CityONE Megamall, Jln Song

EAST COURT CHICKEN RICE

867 Jln Club Saman (6083 326 818)

ESCOBAR

SF3 Damai Cenral Pantai Damai Santubong, Kuching (6014 288 1160)

FAC BRAVO RESTAURANT

7778 Jln Sultan Iskandar, Bintulu (6086 316 920)

FARLEY RESTAURANT

1721 Jln Salim, Sibu (6019 816 3052)

FEAST & FURIOUS CAFÉ

244, Jln Tunku Abdul Rahman (6016 2620916)

FISHERMAN RESTAURANT 4 Jln Chew Geok Lin, Sibu (6084 316 888)

FRATINI’S RESTAURANT 2512 Jln Boulevard 3, Miri (6085 431 115)

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)

HOCK CHU LEU RESTAURANT 30 Jln Blacksmith, Sibu (6084 316 523)

IMPERIAL RESTAURANT Grd Floor, Imperial Hotel, Lot 827, Jalan Pos 98000 MIRI (6085 431 888)

IMPERIAL DUCK RESTAURANT

313 Jln Chan Bee Kiew, Kuching (6082 336 313)

JAMES BROOKE BISTRO & CAFÉ

Jln Tunku Abdul Rahman 93100 Kuching (6082 412 210)

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 1 Jln Song, CityOne Megamall, Taman Phoning Kuching (6082 532 729)

LIM HOCK ANN 96 1 Jln Kg Buntal, 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)

MENAWAN RESTAURANT Grd Floor, Imperial Palace Hotel Lot 1120 Blk 7 Jalan Sehati MCLD 98000 MIRI (6085 432 299)

MANGO TREE RESTAURANT Jalan Crookshank, Kuching (6082 235 353)

MAP RESTAURANT Bang Terminal, Kuching (6082 459 087)

MARCO POLO RESTAURANT Sublot 116-124, Lot 7668, Block 31, Bintulu Sentral, Jln Kidurong, Bintulu (6086 336 666)

MEDAN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT 56, Jln Mdn Setiaraja, Mukah (6084 874 145)

MERRY RESTAURANT 187 Jln Song Thian Cheok, Kuching (6082 240 118)

METRO CAFÉ 781 Jln Bangkita, Limbang (6085 215 488)

46 Borneo.Insider’s.Guide biG listings

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)

ORION TROPICAL

Jln Merpati, Miri (6085 417 417)

PADUNGAN RESTAURANT

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

MUMMY PATZ DAYAK

CAFÉ

80 Uni Central Commercial Centre Kuching, Sarawak (6016 864 4763)

PIN PIN CAFÉ

18 Jln Ong Guan Cheng, Sarawak (6082 763 486)

PINANG NYONYA

18, Grd Flr, 2nd Precinct, Jln Setia Raja 93450, Kuching (6082 459 162)

POPULAR CORNER SEAFOODS RESTAURANT

50 BDA, Jln Abang Galau, Shahida Commercial Centre, Bintulu (6086 334 388)

PORTICO

17A Lorong Park Lane, Kuching (6019 819 8046)

POT & GRILL RESTAURANT

9 Jln Tun Abd Rahman Yaakub, Kuching (6082 425 525)

REJANG RESTAURANT

6 Lrg Lanang 2 Sibu (6016 860 2636)

MINORU ROBATA YAKI

493 Section 10 Jln Rubber, Kuching (6082 251 021)

NEW SEA VIEW CAFE & RESTAURANT

3&4 Grd Floor, BBC Industrial Estate, Shoplot

Mile, 5, Bintulu (6086 318 924)

ROCK ROAD SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

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

SALLEH’S CORNER CAFÉ

RPR Phase 2 Shoplot

Jln Astana Petra Jaya, Kuching (6012 807 8033)

SEA VIEW RESTAURANT

144 Jln Abang Galau, Taman Sinong, Bintulu (6086 334 929)

MADLI’S RESTAURANT

Comforting and really tasty Malaysian cuisine, with Indonesian, Chinese and Western dishes – you’ll be spoilt for choice at this familyrun restaurant in Miri, Sarawak. They serve up quintessential meals like the flavour bomb that is Sarawak Laksa, Mee Kolok, and satay, in a simple, easygoing setting. It’s also conveniently located opposite the Imperial City Mall building on Jalan Merpati , so it’s a perfect stop during your day out.

Lot 1088, Ground Floor, Block 9, MCLD, Jalan Merpati, Miri, Sarawak

IG: @madlisrestaurant

FB: Madli's Restaurant

SHERATON RESTAURANT

37 Psn Brooke, Sibu (6084 336 341)

SRI MENANTI COFFEE HOUSE RESTAURANT

15 Lrg Pahlawan 7b, Sibu (6084 218 196)

SURABAYA RESTAURANT

44-62 Jln Indica, Miri (6075 105 871)

SUSHI KING

The Spring, Kuching (6082 245 355)

SUSHI TIE-TTS

Wisma Sanyan, Sibu (6084 342 875)

TEN-ICHI

JAPANESE RESTAURANT

319, 313 Jln Chan Bee Kiew, Kuching (6082 331 310)

TEO SEAFOOD 787 Jln Kg Buntal, Kuching (6082 846 532)

THE BANQUET 4560 Jln Datuk Tawi Sli, Kuching (6082 451 414)

THE JUNK Western fare 80, Jln Wayang, 93000, Kuching (6082 259 450)

TIAN XIAN RELISH RESTAURANT 313 Jln Melaka Raya, MC (606 288 1120)

TONG LOK RESTAURANT 1367 Jln Buangsiol, Limbang (6085 216 188)

TONG XIN COURT RESTAURANT

151 Lrg Datuk Abang Abd Rahim 5a, Kuching (6082 482 252)

TOPSPOT BUKIT MATA

SEAFOOD CENTRE

Jln Padungan, Bukit Mata, Kuching (6019 889 9838)

TRIBAL STOVE

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

WANG HIN RESTAURANT 1 Soon Hup Comm Complex, Miri (6085 413 129)

WARUNG NASI KUNING

Jln Tun Jugah, Kuching (6016 809 1286)

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)

@madlisrestaurant

BRUNEI

BANK S

Banks in Brunei Darussalam are usually open Mondays to Fridays, 9am - 4pm and on Saturdays, 9am11am. 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 cards affiliated with the international Plus or Cirrus systems are accepted at most ATMs.

CREDIT CARDS

VISA and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards in hotels, restaurants and major shopping complexes. Some establishments accept American Express.

$

Money Changer

Licensed money changers can be found at the airport, hotels, various shopping complexes and banks. To cash or exchange travelers cheques, visit major international banks in the capital.

FRIDAY PR AYER 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.

Islamic Etiquette

Although Islam is the state religion of Brunei Darussalam, it is also a country that prides itself on the diversity of its people – including their religions. Visitors are welcome to mosques, provided some etiquette is followed. In general, proper attire is required; women are required to cover their head, shoulders, and knees. Some mosques will provide simple robes and shawls to meet these standards. Shoes are to be removed before entering a mosque. Please do not pass in front of people in prayer, and do not touch the Al-Quran. Please ask for permission before taking photographs – particularly inside! Mosques are usually closed on Thursday and Friday, and during prayer times – your hotel, tour guide, or Muslim locals can help you determine a good time to visit.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in both air-conditioned and non airconditioned areas in Brunei Darussalam. Smoking is banned in specific places, including government buildings, hospitals, recreational and educational centres, public transport and restaurants. Offenders could be fined.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Most public phones operate on prepaid calling cards which can be obtained in all major shopping areas and retail stores. Mobile prepaid SIM cards are also available for purchase at DST Communications Sdn Bhd (DST Com), Imagine Sdn Bhd, and Progresif Cellular Sdn Bhd (PCSB) service counters as well as the respective authorised vendors’ stores.

Taxis

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE

Located at the Art Gallery at the Royal Wharf. Visitors can obtain information about Brunei and related pamphlets and maps free from here during working hours (Mon-Thurs & Sat from 9am-12.15pm & 1.30pm4.30pm).

Metered taxis can be found at the airport, hotels, shopping centres, and the central bus station in Bandar Seri Begawan. Alternatively, grab a Dart Taxi using the ‘Dart’ app - a taxi booking application that can be downloaded at the App Store and Google Play.

BUSES

There are six bus routes servicing the BSB area. Normal operating hours are from 6am-8pm. Bus fares start from B$1.00. Buses heading to other towns in Brunei such as Tutong, Kuala Belait and Seria depart from the bus terminal located at the multistorey carpark on Jalan Cator in BSB.

WATER TAXIS

Unique to Brunei, the water taxi is the most common means of transportation in Kampong Ayer. You can hail a water taxi from the numerous jetties along the banks of Brunei River. Fares are negotiable but usually a standard ride costs about B$1.00. Regular boat services to Temburong operate between 6am-4.30pm daily and a one way trip costs B$7.00.

Passenger ferry services to the Malaysian island of Labuan operate from 7am to 4pm and departs from the Serasa Terminal in Muara town. The journey takes about 45 minutes to an hour.

FERRY SERVICES biG essentials

KALIMANTAN

Banks

In Pontianak, banks open from 8am 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

While major credit cards such as Mastercard, Visa and American Express are accepted in establishments in the bigger cities, it is advisable to carry cash in small denominations especially around remote areas.

Money Changer

Licensed money changers can be found in most cities and major banks.

AIR TRAVEL

The Supadio International Airport is the main airport of Pontianak and West Kalimantan, and is located 17km away from the city limits. The airport serves direct domestic flights to other cities in Indonesia, and is also the terminal for international flight carrier AirAsia.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

It is possible to make IDD phone calls at payphones using coins or call cards. You can also register for a SIM card at most telecommunications shops or at the airport. Most major hotels have WIFI in guest rooms or public areas, and an increasing number of restaurants also have WIFI zones.

Taxis

Taxis can be found at the international airport, shopping malls and other public places. Ferry Services

The Pontianak Crossing Port allows ferry connection to other cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan and Batam.

For more information, visit: www.indonesia.travel/gb/en/destinations/kalimantan

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Bank s

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.

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

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

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.

Taxis

Sabah Tourism Board Jalan Gaya

Tel: (6088) 212 121

Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sinsuran Complex Tel: (6088) 232 121

Tourism Malaysia (Sabah) Api Api Centre Tel: (6088) 211 732

Visitors’ Information Centre Terminal 1 Tel: (6088) 413 359

SABAH SARAWAK

Taxis are available at the airport terminal 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.

Visitors’ Information Centre Terminal 2 Tel: (6088) 447 075

Ferry Services

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

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.

Buses

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.

$ $

A free city-tram service is available for sightseeing around Kuching with pick up points at designated hotels. A daily bus service between Kuching and the airport operates from 6am-7pm and takes 40 minutes. The main intercity bus terminal is at Penrissen Bus Terminal southeast of Kuching. Ask Tourism Information Centres for bus timetables; a ‘green bus’ in the Kuching area goes to Santubong (SCV).

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.

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.

Taxis

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!

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.

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.

Tourist Information Centre

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

Tourist Information Centre
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Hua Ho Manggis Mall International Convention Centre Mulia Hotel Edinburgh Palace Prime Minister Office Building Mabohai Shopping Complex Tasek Lama Recreational Park Serusop & Delima Times Square Hotel Batu Bersurat Jame’ Asr Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque RIPAS Hospital Kg Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery Brunei Arts & Handicraft Centre Badiah Hotel Kampong Ayer Batu Satu Istana Nurul Iman MataMata Police Headquarters Grand City Hotel Royal Brunei Airlines Golf Club Kg Jaya Setia Embassy Row D’Anggerek KiarongDarul Ifta BANDAR JalanPerdanaMenteri Tamu Selera (Hawker Stalls) DewanMajlis andLapau Syariah Courts Secretariat Building LapauLama Building/ History Centre Dewan Bahasa (Library) Chinese Temple Time Piece Stone Monument Takaful IBB Building Dermaga Diraja Bandar Seri Begawan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque Kianggeh Jetty Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery SUNGAI BRUNEI SUNGAI KIANGGEH Yayasan SHHB Complex Kota Batu Jl J J al na C ta or Jalan Istana The Royal Regalia Building Bus Terminal Raja Ayang Mausoleum Brunei Hotel Jubilee Hotel Capital Residence Suites PusatBelia (YouthCentre) Radisson Hotel Terrace Hotel PGGMB Building Tamu Kianggeh Taman Sir Omar Ali Saifuddien Post Shop Restaurant Public Toilet Tourist Information Centre Place of Interest Water Taxi Bank/ ATM/ Money Changer Hotel Police Station Public Transport Former Royal Customs & Excise Building / Art Gallery 1 Raja Ayang Mausoleum 10 1968 Coronation Arch 2 Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque 3 The Royal Regalia 7 Lapau Lama Building 6 Dewan Majlis and Lapau 8 The Secretariat Building 5 Timepiece Stone Monument 9 Tamu Kianggeh 11 Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien 4 10 mins 5 mins 5 mins 10 mins 1 2 3 4 9 10 5 6 7 8 11 General Post Office Bandar Seri Begawan & Brunei Stamp Gallery Jla na Kamp un g Berang an Jla na Btire a JalanBendahara JalanStoney Ja lan T u t o n g Jalan James Pearce Jalan Pretty JalanMasjidOmar ‘AliSaifuddien Jalan P emanch a JalanSultanOmar AliSaifuddien JalanSungaiKianggeh J a l na K ma gnpu K i a hgeng Jal an El iza b e t h Du a Jalan Roberts J a l a n McA rthu r 1968 Coronation Arch BANDAR WALKING MAP 10 mins 10 mins 5 mins 5 mins 5 mins 5 mins JalanSumbiling JalanStoney Eco-Corridor Bandar Seri Begawan BIBD Connect Jab Gym Pavo Point 52 Borneo.Insider’s.Guide biG navigator
MAP
Guan Electrical Hua Ho BANGUNAN HALIMATUL SAADIAH The Centrepoint Hotel Jaya Hypermart Centrepoint Block H Block E Block D Block C Block F Block G Bangunan H Tahir A YONG SIONG HAI COMPLEX Bangunan H Tahir A Block B ABDULRAZAKSHOPPINGCOMPLEX HJDAUDCOMPLEX Hj Tahir Complex 2 The Mall, Gadong Rizqun International Hotel Block A Block J Simpang37 JalanDayangSitiHamidah Simpang37 S mp a n g 3 7 Simpang37 J alan Gadon g JalanPasarGadong SUNGAIMENGLAIT SUNGAI MENGLAIT SUNGAI MENGLAIT Gadong Night Market (Pasar Pelbagai Barangan Gadong) Fish Market (Gadong Wet Market) GADONG MAP Public Transport Shop Bank/ ATM/ Money Changer Restaurant Hotel Clinic Police Station BIBD Bank Wisma Pengiran Hj Apong Kiulap Plaza Hotel Bangunan Haji Abdul Rahman Bangunan Awg Hj Matussin Qlap Complex Urairah Complex Bangunan Begawan Pehin Dato Hj Mohd Yusof Seri Kiulap Complex Impiana Jaya Complex Tian & Chuan Building ComplexHauManYong Shakirin Complex Seri Qlap Mall One Riverside IGS College Palm Garden Hotel Setia Kenangan Building BangunanAwgHjAhmad Fitness Zone Lee Clinic Post Office Kampung Kiulap SUNGAI KEDAYAN SUNGAIMENGLAIT Bangunan Lim Eng Ming Setia Kenangan 2 Complex Regent Square JalanBeribi JalanKomersialKiul a p JalanKome r sial Kiu apl JalanBeribi Baiduri Bank Yong Clinic KIULAP MAP Post Office Public Transport Police Station Bank/ ATM/ Money Changer Restaurant Hotel Clinic Shop Borneo.Insider’s.Guide 53 biG navigator

WAN ZAINAL

Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)

Starring

Charles Fleischer, K athleen Turner, Bob Hoskins, Christopher Lloyd

Directed by Robert Zemeckis

Although the original character of Roger Rabbit first appeared in the Gary K. Wolf novel ‘Who Censored Roger Rabbit’, it is the animated version in the 80’s American classic that perhaps is the most memorable. The movie is set in an alternate history Hollywood in 1947, where humans and cartoon characters (referred to as "toons") co-exist. Roger is framed for the murder of the owner of Acme Corporation and Toontown and enlists a private investigator to help exonerate him. Veteran actors like Christopher Llyod, Kathleen Turner and Bob Hoskins having major roles in this PG-rated animation, which was a groundbreaking film in its time for the mix of animated and live characters.

YASMIN The Road to El Dorado

Starring

Kevin Kline, Rosie Perez, Kenneth Branagh

Directed by Eric ‘Bibo’ Bergeron, Don Paul

This Dreamworks film has all the fun and adventure to keep big and small kids entertained. The promise of treasure, a map to El Dorado, two con men and a horse called Altivo, are all the fixings for a classic adventure movie.

Miguel and Tulio, who end up on a remote island through a series of circumstances, realise they are perhaps closer to the lost city of gold than they anticipated, and with the help of a native girl, Chel, the pair must survive the journey to find what they came for.

Love, Death and Robots (2019present)

Written by Tim Millet and Phillip Gellat

I know this is a series but we can’t really talk about animation in the last decade without diving into the mindbending shorts that are done for this Netflix-backed project. Crossing a variety of themes, it’s described as ‘adult animated anthology’ meaning this is definitely not one for family movie night, but if you are a fan of animation and science fiction subjects there is at the very least one episode that will leave you quite frankly, enthralled. The high level of workmanship and storytelling in each episode will give any viewer a new appreciation of the possibilities with animation and digital art.

Not Just Cartoon

As we make our way towards the might be interesting to turn the lens favorite movies in the realm of Animation! to know very little about bar Studio two have been influenced in part by of anime and animation in more depth. and other great animated films worth something? Get in touch via @b.i.g.magazine

@Armand Serrano
54 Borneo.Insider’s.Guide biG screen

Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)

Starring

Just A Cartoon

the middle of the year, I thought it lens back onto our team and get their Animation! It’s a genre that I confess Studio Ghibli, and over the last year or by the team to explore the world depth. Check out our team picks worth watching. Want to recommend @b.i.g.magazine and let us know!

Awkwafina, Kelly Marie Tran, D aniel Dae Kim

Directed by Carlos López Estrada, Don Hall

As productions work to create more stories with a global scope, it was only a matter of time before they looked to Southeast Asia for inspiration. Cue this Disney animation that truly resonates with accurate cultural references and details of Southeast Asian nations like Thailand, Brunei, and Vietnam. Princess Raya must venture through the fantasy world of Kumandra where humans and dragons once happily coexisted. She must find the legendary last dragon in her attempt to rescue her father and restore balance to the land.

AQILAH

The Little Mermaid (1989)

Starring

Jodi Benson, Christopher Daniel Barnes, Pat Carroll

Directed by Jon Musker, Ron Clements

Ah, Ariel. The mermaid princess we wanted to become after watching this animated film, which is based on the book of the same name by Hans Christian Andersen. Ariel is obsessed with human life and falls in love with a prince. She defies her father’s wishes and makes a bargain with the sea witch, Ursula, all in the name of love. The movie was critically acclaimed for its animation, music, and characters, and won two Academy Awards for Best Original Score, and Best Original Song for ‘Under the Sea’.

YING

My Neighbour Totoro (1988)

Starring

Chika Sakamoto, Noriko Hidaka, Hitoshi Takagi

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki

It’s become a cult classic for many good reasons and this is arguably one of the most famous animated films by Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki, if not Studio Ghibli. The fantasy animation is set in post-war Japan during the 1950’s where university professor Tatsuo Kusakabe and his two daughters, Satsuki and Mei, move into an old house to be closer to the girls' mother who is recovering from an illness. The house is inhabited by small, dark, dust-like house spirits called susuwatari, or soot sprites. Two of these spirits lead the youngest girl to a camphor tree where she meets the iconic Totoro, a large spirit whom she and her sister befriend. It is utterly heartwarming to watch the interactions between the characters, and the simplicity of the story makes this a great introductory movie to Japanese animation.

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide 55 biG screen

MOVIES TO LOOK OUT FOR THIS QUARTER

INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY

Finding himself in a new era, approaching retirement, Indy wrestles with fitting into a world that seems to have outgrown him. But as the tentacles of an all-too-familiar evil return in the form of on old rival, Indy must don his hat and pick up his whip once more to make sure an ancient and powerful artefact doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.

THE LITTLE MERMAID

Starring Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King and Melissa McCarthy

The youngest of King Triton’s daughters, Ariel, longs to explore the world beyond the sea, and while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. While mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursual, giving her a chance to experience life on land, but ultimately places her life — and her father’s crown — in jeopardy.

THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE

Starring Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy and Jack Black

A Brooklyn plumber named Mario travels through the Mushroom Kingdom with a princess named Peach and an anthropomorphic mushroom named Toad to find Mario’s brother, Luigi, and to save the world from a ruthless fire-breathing Koopa named Bowser.

FAST X

Starring Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez and Jason Mamoa

Dom Toretto and his family have outsmarted, outnerved and outdriven every foe in their path. Now, they confront the most lethal opponent they’ve ever faced: A terrifying threat emerging from the shadows of the past who’s fuelled by blood revenge and determined to destroy everythingand –everyone that Dom loves, forever.

EVIL DEAD RISE

Starring Alyssa Sutherland, Lily Sullivan and Gabrielle Echols

A road-weary Beth pays an overdue visit to her older sister Ellie, who is raising three kids on her own in a cramped L.A apartment. The sisters’ reunion is cut short by the rise of flesh-possessing demons, thrusting them into a primal battle for survival as they face the most nightmarish version of motherhood imaginable.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3

The beloved band of misfits are looking a bit different these days. Peter Quill, still reeling from the loss of Gamora, must rally his team around him to defend the universe along with protecting one of their own. A mission that, if not completed successfully, could quite possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them.

TRANSFORMERS: RISE OF THE BEAST

Starring Michelle Yeoh, Ron Perlman and Peter Dinklage

Set in the 1990’s, the Maximals, Predacons and Terrorcons join the battle between the Autobots and Decepticons on Earth. Noah, a sharp young guy from Brooklyn, and Elena, an ambitious, talented artefacts researcher, are swept up in the conflict as Optimus Prime and the Autobots face a terrifying new nemesis bent on their destruction named Scrouge.

THE FLASH

Starring Ezra Miller, Michael Keaton and Ben Affleck

Worlds collide when Barry uses his superpowers to travel back in time in order to change the events of the past but becomes trapped in a reality without metahumans. He enlists the help of Batman and the Kryptonian castaway Supergirl from alternate realities in order to save this world from the restored General Zod and return to his universe.

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MOVIES TO LOOK OUT FOR THIS QUARTER

2min
pages 58-59

Just A Cartoon

1min
page 57

SABAH SARAWAK

3min
pages 52-53, 56

KALIMANTAN

2min
pages 51-52

BUSES

0
page 50

CREDIT CARDS

1min
page 50

The Round Tower 1886 Café & Restaurant

13min
pages 41, 43-47

Toko Soedimampir

0
page 41

eat, drink Sabah Brown Fox

1min
pages 40-41

eat, drink Brunei

1min
pages 39-40

One Sip

0
page 39

Hidden Cultural

0
page 38

Vibe It ' s a

0
page 38

Golda Mowe

2min
page 37

Myles Storey

2min
page 36

Michelle Goh

2min
page 35

talk CONVERSATIONS WITH...

0
page 34

Enter the Magentaverse

1min
page 33

Vibbe.arts

1min
page 32

Uneek Skate Shop

0
page 32

Kava

3min
pages 30-31

Fashion From The Streets

1min
page 29

feature

0
page 29

Magic in the Maldives

2min
pages 26-28

Seoul, Korea

1min
page 25

Davao City, The Philippines

2min
pages 24-25

Otaki, Japan

2min
page 23

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

1min
page 22

Chiang Mai, Thailand

2min
pages 21-22

Kinarut, Sabah

1min
page 20

Chennai, India

1min
page 19

THE WHEY OF CHEESE

1min
pages 18-19

Here is My Plan

1min
pages 16-17

Let's Braai

0
page 15

Singgah-tah ke Seria! Singgah-tah ke Seria!

0
page 14

Diving with Lucky Lions

0
page 14

Ho Jiak lah! SG Food Festival is back

0
page 13

Jellybean's in Kino

0
page 12

GENESIS IS HERE

0
page 12

Stories of the Inner Realm

0
page 11

SILK AND HISTORY Dreams of

1min
page 10

Women Rise Together

2min
page 9

MOV ING FOR A CAUSE

0
page 8

Editor’s Note

3min
pages 4-7
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