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 contact@borneoinsidersguide.com

T: (673) 2331031

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Unit 49, Second Floor

Haji Munchit & Hajah Dayang Rapiah Complex Kg Jaya Setia, Berakas, BB2713 Brunei Darussalam

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

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’