BiG Magazine January/March 2022 Issue by CHMP MEDIA

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Editor’s Note @b.i.g.magazine Well then, what a year that was huh? All I can say is that one day it was January 2021, then there were 10 months of internal screaming, and before we knew it, suddenly it was December. Would I be amiss to summarise it that way? I do not think so because while it certainly had its trials and tribulations, if you flip the coin and look on the brighter side of life you will find a tough survivor in every single one of you because here we all are. We made it everyone, so allow me to say Happy New Year guys and gals, and welcome to 2022! With 4 full quarters ahead of us we look forward to unearthing more interesting content for our readership and audience. We are kick-starting this 1st quarter and setting the tone for the year ahead with a go get them attitude. If looks could kill then Borneo is dressed to impress as we take a look at some of the groups and personalities – pioneers and veterans both – developing the Island’s fashion industry. These trendy Bruneians, Malaysians, and Indonesians are proof that our collective sense of style is gaining more impetus on the global catwalk as models strut their stuff wearing Bornean designs, and the people we got to speak with are but a few of many more out there. A new year means new foods, and our never ending drooling over a table full of get-in-my-belly dishes continue. On top of popular Island fare we took a quick peek at a list of restaurants whose chefs netted them the honour of being the best of the best in the kitchen over the past year. Fingers crossed that the day will come when we can all travel safely to such locales and treat our taste buds to some serious loving. On a more serious note in the name of raising awareness in Brunei of the importance of caring for the elderly and those with lifelong illnesses, a couple of doctors contributed a story on palliative care that we were more than willing to share, and while not our standard bread & butter, it proved to be quite educational. Do take a gander. The future will only be as good as the effort you are willing to expend in making it so. In sync with that line of thought, make the next 365 days good ones fellow Borneans. Keep charging ahead. I know I will. Literally, as the magazine hosts its first ever virtual run in February for Bruneians like myself who just cannot keep still! Till next we meet Borneo!

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BiG Special

contents

22 Element of Fashion 24 Good for the Sole 26 Twinkle-Twinkle with some Periwinkle 27 It’s Impolite to stare, unless it’s at my bag 28 Fashion Never Sleeps 30 It’s a FashionBration Everyone! 32 Flower Power! BiG APPETITE We try the food so you can follow suit 36 Brunei food reviews 38 Sarawak & Sabah restaurant reviews 40 Restaurant listings in Brunei 46 Restaurant listings in Borneo

15 BiG Scoop

BiG SPECIAL 6 World’s Top 50 Restaurants BiG FOCUS 8 Palliative Care

BiG SCOOP Things we discovered this quarter 15 A Piece of my Art 16 Terabai-Bulu-Parang! 17 Tribal Kaleidoscope

BiG BUZZ What’s been buzzing around town? 14 Hospitality among the Clouds

BiG FEATURE Shining a Spotlight on Borneo 18 Dress to Impress 20 So Chantique

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

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BiG SCREEN Our latest round of recommended films 54 A Style for every Story 55 Movies to look out for this quarter BiG Feature

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THE WORLD’S TOP 50 BEST RESTAURANTS 6

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T HE W INNER S OF

2021

special

STOMACHS

Get Ready to

RUMBLE!

The biological need for stuffing our faces with delectable morsels of delight in this day and age is so much more than simply being 1 of the basic 3 requirements of human survival. It is a key defining aspect of who we are as a species that the gastronomic artisans representing our various cultures worldwide continuously feel the need to whip up food in ever more creative ways. After going on hiatus in 2020 for the first time since its establishment in 2002, the World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards returned last year. To select those whose mastery earned them ultimate bragging rights in a global ranking recognised as akin to the Grammies and Oscars of the culinary world. Originally meant to be a one-off stunt by the staff of Restaurant Magazine based on a poll of international chefs, restaurateurs, gourmands, and critics, the idea proved to be more successful than they could have imagined and fast became a major culinary event. The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy is a group of 26 panels that compiles the listing. The world is divided into regions with an appointed

chairperson for each, who selects a voting panel of 40 members, resulting in thousands of votes being cast annually. Special awards within this event – such as the One to Watch Award, and the Chefs Choice Award, for example, are also bestowed. These establishments are often barometers of global gastronomical trends, showcasing a diverse array of cuisines, and sometimes even the forerunners of molecular gastronomy. Most competitors engage in Haute Cuisine, which is defined by meticulous preparation and presentation. So we congratulate all these amazing eateries for exciting our senses of sight, smell, and taste yet again, but would like to spare special praise for the crown jewel of the Danish food scene, the 3-Michellin Star Noma – who have now earned the top spot for the 5th time! We would also like to give a shout-out to neighbouring Singapore, whose restaurant Odette bagged 8th place in addition to the Best Restaurant in Asia 2021 Award. Man oh man, the things I would do to dine at every single one of these locales.

1: Noma (Copenhagen, Denmark) 2: Geranium (Copenhagen, Denmark) 3: Asador Etxebarri (Axpe, Spain) 4: Central (Lima, Peru) 5: Disfrutar (Barcelona, Spain) 6: Frantzén (Stockholm, Sweden) 7: Maido (Lima, Peru) 8: Odette (Singapore) 9: Pujol (Mexico City, Mexico) 10: The Chairman (Hong Kong) 11: Den (Tokyo, Japan) 12: Steirereck (Vienna, Austria) 13: Don Julio (Buenos Aires, Argentina) 14: Mugaritz (San Sebastien, Spain) 15: Lido 84 (Gardone Riviera, Italy) 16: Elkano (Getaria, Spain) 17: A Casa do Porco (São Paulo, Brazil) 18: Piazza Duomo (Alba, Italy) 19: Narisawa (Tokyo, Japan) 20 DiverXO (Madrid, Spain) 21: Hiša Franko (Kobarid, Spain) 22: Cosme (New York City) 23: Arpège (Paris, France) 24: Septime (Paris, France) 25: White Rabbit (Moscow, Russia) 26: Le Calandre (Rubano, Italy) 27: Quintonil (Mexico City, Mexico) 28: Benu (San Francisco, California) 29: Reale (Castel di Sangro, Italy) 30: Twins Garden (Moscow, Russia) 31: Restaurant Tim Raue (Berlin, Germany) 32: The Clove Club (London, UK) 33: Lyle’s (London, UK) 34: Burnt Ends (Singapore) 35: Ultraviolet (Shanghai, China) 36: Hof van Cleve (Kruishoutem, Belgium) 37: SingleThread (Healdsburg, California) 38: Boragó (Santiago, Chile) 39: Florilege (Tokyo, Japan) 40: Sühring (Bangkok, Thailand) 41: Alléno Paris au Pavillion Ledoyen (Paris, France) 42: Belcanto (Lisbon, Portugal) 43: Atomix (New York City) 44: Le Bernardin (New York City) 45: Nobelhart & Schumatzig (Berlin, Germany) 46: Leo (Bogotá, Colombia) 47: Maaemo (Oslo, Norway) 48: Atelier Crenn (San Francisco, California) 49: Azurmendi (Larrabetzu, Spain) 50: Wolfgat (Paternoster, South Africa)

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biG focus

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focus

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG focus

Leaving

No One Behind Dr. Zulkhairi Mohamad & Dr. Asmah Husaini

iving well and being healthy is an aspiration that we all have. In this modern era, we have seen major medical advancements in treating what used to be untreatable. The media often portrays cases of young children with cancer who receive trial treatments and are then declared cancerfree. Television shows such as Grey’s Anatomy portray heroic medical measures to save patients’ lives. In reality, not everyone can be saved. With media coverage focusing only on the positive side of medicine, it is not uncommon for society to have a false perception that medicine can cure all illnesses. The incidences of cancer and other non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and heart failure in Brunei

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Darussalam have shown an alarming trend. Medicine, according to the Oxford dictionary, is defined as a drug or other preparation for the treatment or prevention of disease, but what is often overlooked is the other side of that definition. Medicine also provides relief from pain and suffering – a specialty known as Palliative Care. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines this as an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problems associated with life-threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other associated problems. The Ministry of

Health understands this given our aging population, and cancer being one of the top 5 causes of death in the Sultanate, hence its incorporation into the Brunei Darussalam Multi-Sectoral Action Plan for prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (BruMAP NCD). This field is a specialty that was started in 2009. Our main focus is to relieve pain and control symptoms suffered by people with advanced and chronic illnesses to improve their quality of life and that of their families. In 2010, the RIPAS Palliative Care Unit established the Palliative Care Helpline along with the Geriatrics team. This allows discharged patients and their families to address any concerns directly to doctors or nurses via phone calls or

messages without the need to visit clinics or hospitals. Relevant advice is given to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and allow patients to have more quality time at home with their loved ones. World Palliative Day is celebrated annually on the second Saturday of October. This year it fell on October 9th, with the theme of: Leave no one behind - equity in access to palliative care. What exactly is palliative care & medicine? In a nutshell, palliative care aims to improve patients’ quality of life by managing their symptoms. Advanced illnesses such as cancer or multiorgan failure causes pain, breathlessness, and a

biG focus importantly surrounded by their loved ones. However, one of the challenges of achieving a peaceful end in the hospital setting is the continuous treatment of a disease that can cause additional sources of suffering to the patients. One issue often overlooked by all involved is whether a particular medical intervention is beneficial. Like many things in life, medicine has its limits. To decide to stop a treatment that no longer serves the purpose to cure an illness or disease is one of the most difficult decisions that one would have to make. The dilemma of choosing between quantity and quality of life often leaves patients in a state of receiving treatment just to prolong life despite not curing the illness. Often, this leads to more suffering than wellness. So, does palliative care mean a person is dying?

general weakness, which can cause a great deal of suffering to patients and their family members. When symptoms are appropriately managed, patients can enjoy a good quality of life, while spending their time doing what is important to them. Social, psychological, and spiritual aspects such as angst are also given equal weight. These aspects of health are assessed and managed at the earliest possible stage to avoid suffering. This is possible because of the multidisciplinary teams involved,

Palliative care provides relief from pain and other symptoms of serious illness – at any stage of that illness. It is an option for a wide variety of illnesses including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or Acquired Immune Deficiency Dr. Zulkhairi Mohamad Syndrome (AIDS), Chronic Obstructive which consist of doctors, Pulmonary Disease nurses, medical social workers, (COPD), Parkinson’s Disease, physiotherapists, occupational Alzheimer’s Disease, Systemic therapists, and an Ustaz/ Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Ustazah. The approach is a Diabetes, and heart disease. holistic one, as this specialty focusses not just on a diseases’ Palliative care teams reduce effect upon a physical body unnecessary aggressive but rather the impact of it on a medical treatment and patient as a whole. hospital admission that increase patients’ suffering. As this specialty recognises Research shows that reduction of that death is part of life. It is these 2 points leads to extending important for palliative care the life of people with incurable teams to ensure patients leave and advanced illnesses. It is a this world with dignity when very common misconception their time comes. Dignity here that Palliative care starts when means, not being in pain, being treatment stops. In fact, palliative calm, in acceptance, and most care can begin at the time of

diagnosis of a life-limiting illness and can co-exist along with the active treatment that aims to cure the disease. It provides an extra layer of support and care for the patients in question. In the early stages of serious illnesses, patients can continue to pursue aggressive, curative treatment, while receiving palliative care. In fact, palliative care is often used to treat side effects from curative treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, maintaining patients’ good quality of life during treatment. Does palliative care speed up the process of dying? Another common misconception is that palliative care hastens death via strong medications. In reality, medications are prescribed to provide comfort and the best quality of life from diagnosis of an advanced illness until the end of life. Common medications used by palliative care include opioids like Morphine, sedatives, and other symptomatic medications such as those that control breathlessness, nausea, and vomiting. Isn’t Morphine addictive? The mere mention of Morphine can be enough to conjure up all sorts of negative thoughts. Some patients may be afraid of becoming addicted while others may think that only those ready to die should take it. There is a stigma with the use of opioids among doctors too, largely due to misinformation and lack of training in this discipline. Morphine is effective and safe for the treatment of pain, which does take a toll on all aspects of a person’s life. Fortunately, almost all pain can be alleviated with the drugs available today. No one should suffer because they (or their doctor) are afraid to use Morphine or other opiates. Palliative care doctors have the capacity to manage the type of medication and dosage suitable to control the pain or physical symptoms of individual patients.

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biG focus ensure patients were comfortable right to the end. How do I get in touch with palliative care service?

Dr. Asmah Husaini

A palliative care medical professional by the bedside of an elderly patient “Don’t tell my family about this illness, or else they will lose hope” It is not uncommon for close family members to protect their ill loved ones from incurable diagnosis due to the fear of them feeling depressed and losing all hope. According to a study conducted by Dr. Asmah Husaini from the Universiti Brunei Darussalam, she found that healthcare workers being asked by family members to hide the diagnosis of their sick loved ones, for fearing that it would cause distress and the loss of hope, is a common scenario. This request is often honoured

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

by doctors with some ethical reluctance. We understand families do this with the best of intentions. Dr. Asmah found that cancer patients who were accepting of their illnesses went through a series of spiritual coping mechanisms throughout their journey; from when they were diagnosed, planned and underwent treatment, to when they had to stop treatment and eventually passed. She found that we live in a hopeful society. With this belief, it is important that despite being diagnosed with an incurable

illness, to continue seeking treatment for their condition. Palliative care teams treated their patients and families with this exact mindset. They would encourage the patients to seek treatment, but slowly introduce the concept of acceptance, to embrace their illness during their consultations. This is to prepare them for the day when their body is no longer able to withstand the medical treatment. These consultations are often done over a period of time, until patients and families develop trusting therapeutic relationships with their caregivers. When doctors, nurses, patients, and families are on the same page about an illness and treatment plan, it is more likely patients will embrace acceptance of their situation. Feeling spiritually supported has often enabled patients to talk about their wishes and plans before they die. Being able to express this in a safe environment with support and compassion has also become a form of therapy for patients. The study concluded that early referrals to palliative care teams would highly likely enable them to support patients according to cultural norms and plan better interventions and care to

If you feel you need the type of support described above, you can speak to your attending doctor to discuss if a referral to a palliative care team is appropriate. Upon referral, you will be assessed by one of our doctors. This assessment seeks clarification, to offer other potential treatment options and outcomes that the patient may not have considered before. We want and need to know and understand how you are affected by the illness from your point of view. Following the assessment, the team comes up with a treatment plan in which we can bridge the gap between your care and treatment preference and the support we can give. The central aspect of this discipline is to understand the person and their values. We are a family orientated nation. Issues affecting the patient’s loved ones and surrounding caregiving will also be explored. Is Palliative care only provided in hospitals? In 2011, our unit extended its service to Palliative Nurse Home Visits. This service is meant to offload the burden of patients whom illnesses have caused them to be bedbound. Palliative nurses have made scheduled home visits to patients, with long-term medications picked up by patients’ relatives at the nearest government healthcare clinic. This service is currently limited to the Brunei-Muara district for the time being but plans are in place to extend the service in other districts. We are still in the continuous stage of improving our service in this specialty and hope to implement more advancements in the near future.

biG buzz

Hospitality among the

CLOUDS T

he leading authority that recognises and rewards excellence in travel and tourism recently honoured Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) at the World Travel Awards. Maintaining top spot for the world’s Leading Cabin Crew, this back-to-back win is an acknowledgement of the benchmark that the airline has set for its approach to hospitality among the clouds, proving that its desire to reach for the sky is realistically attainable. The milestone moment, which followed on the streamlined wings of the airline’s 47th anniversary in November, is a showcase of “a small airline from our charming little corner of Borneo,” said the Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy, Dato Seri Paduka Dr. Awang Hj Abdul Manaf bin Hj Metussin, in his role as the Chairman of RB’s Board of Directors. This is the second consecutive year that the airline has outperformed “so many wellknown carriers worldwide. Truly an incredible feat,” he added. More than 300 personnel made up of cabin crew, management,

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and support staff logged on for a virtual celebratory event on December 16 in which a multitude of small boxes framed so many smiling faces elated at the news, and why wouldn’t they be? The award is far more than just a symbolic gesture of courtesy and respect. It is a global tribute to the many hours, the mental and physical challenges, and the overall hard work put in by actual Bruneians, which prove that while the whole is indeed greater than the sum of its parts – the whole would not be what it is today without them. Despite the Omicron variant of Covid-19 currently doing the rounds, the Sultanate is still maintaining its Endemic Phase status, and Team RB are taking all necessary precautions as they strive to re-launch operations. “We know 2022 will be a challenging year but we will move forward together as a team to brave the new realities,” the chairman concluded as he once again reiterated just how proud he is of all the remarkable people involved in this industry who made this possible.

biG scoop

scoop For some among us, artistic skills are developed through formal training, while there do exist others who are raw singular talents. Ainan Salsabeelaa Kassim is the latter. Even though she will tell you that she was first taught how to doodle with pencils, coloured pencils and crayons when she was 9, I cannot help but think she may have been born with a paintbrush in her hand. Taking after her dad – also a good artist – she continued to sketch, sketch and away, throughout high school and college. Her hand just can’t seem to stay still. While waiting for her A’ Levels results to be released she posted pictures of her artworks online leading to numerous requests being made of her. This was how she first created SalsArt in 2013, a service in which she painted on canvass and shoes at commission rates. Then a calligraphy trend in 2015 suddenly became all the rage and jumping on that bandwagon and using our good old friend Youtube as an educational tool, she created CalligrAinan, focusing on bespoke calligraphy and lettering services for weddings and birthdays.

A Piece of my

Art IG: @ainansalsabeelaa @petalsnpalettes @salsart.bn @calligrainan

What’s next you wonder? Well, in 2016, “I did an internship at a locally owned art gallery and from there, I got more involved with exhibitions, creative events, community projects and pop ups.” Doing this actually earned her a position there for the next 2 years as an instructor and supervisor. A natural evolution: it was only a matter of time before she decided, “I want a place of my own”, and voila! In 2019, after 8 months of hard work Ainan opened up her Petals & Palettes Art Studio. With the exception of Brunei’s two lockdown periods, she hosts and teaches art to people both young and old, classes full of creativity and good times. The support she has received from friends, family and strangers online over the years has been amazing, as she sought criticism from former teachers, enrolled in online classes, attended workshops abroad, and applied knowledge and techniques by artists worldwide. Growth is the name of the game and it has paid off. She even once painted a massive and gorgeous floral art piece as the centerpiece backdrop for a wedding ceremony, eliciting many oohs and aahs from guests in the process. A watercolour professional, she loves “the subtle washes and fleeting strokes, the versatility and quickness” that the technique employs. A fan of painting outdoors every other week, Covid restrictions got her feeling blue last year but it did not halt her from moving forward as she has now begun learning digital art. “As cliché as it may sound, I would say never give up and just keep pushing. If you have a dream, try your very best to achieve it. If you don’t start now, then when will you?” Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

TerabaiBulu-Parang!

The world in a bubble What shoes would match my hat, and complement my outfit? What phone case design would match my outfit to suit my image and personality? Well, if you want it to yell out Borneo Represent! Then Australian global online marketplace – Red Bubble – is a decent place to click-click around as it holds an international selection of creatives marketing their own designs. What caught our eyes were the Bornean and Indonesia graphic artists decorating cases for the Samsung and iPhones that I bet are less than 2-metres away from you right now. While we appreciate the designers from beyond the region inspired by the culture of our home, it’s the locals who do it best. Such as AngaCraftz who hails from Borneo, while Harry Budiman, LalelArrt, and Ashran reside in neighbouring Indonesia. So the next time you travel abroad and whip out that phone in public, catch a passerby’s eye with imagery of headhunter, batik, or tribal goodness. Psst. Psst. It’s not just the phone cases. Some of these Bornean designs even adorn stickers, facemasks, mugs, sling bags and t-shirts too! •• www.redbubble.com

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If you ever wanted to challenge an opponent and take their head as a reward, while yelling to the heavens as you strike a victorious pose without being arrested against the backdrop of a wailing siren, then this might be for you. Parang, which is produced by a small yet innovative Sarawak-based enterprise called the Beast of Borneo, is a card game that can be played with between 2-4 people. With mechanics similar to a classic game of rock-paper-scissors but replaced with terabai (shield), bulu (feather), and Parang (sword), it’s all abut out-witting other players as even the weak cards have a chance of beating the strong ones. So choose wisely when and where you play your cards while remembering what cards your opponent has used. The game’s creator, Alex Jefferson may be a British national but has always considered himself a Sarawakian at heart, and wanted to honour and celebrate local culture in a unique manner. The hope of the team behind this game: to unglue people from their digital devices and bring them to the table face-to-face for some genuine fun! •• www.carousell.com.my www.boardgamegeek.com

biG scoop

Fragrances that make scents Life in the tropics is not exactly kind to one’s personal aroma after an outdoor excursion. It is a far more pleasant experience for yourself – and those around you! – to exude aromas both sensual and becalming as well as full of strength and confidence while making your way through your day, whether you are on your feet or in your ride. That’s just common scents. This is why the Kota Kinabalu based Arielle brand of perfumes and air fresheners have created a selection of smells to remember, and wow is there ample variety. With 38 perfumes for women such as the deliciously rich Signorina, the sexy raspberry infused

Scandalous, and the risk free Bombshell that is great for when you are alone or in company. Have no fear fellas, for you can count the Legend, Invictus, and Desire Blue, among a listing of 19 fragrances just for you to maintain that suave macho image. With 2 different lines of air fresheners – the Fruity Edition & Creamy Edition of mini bottle that you can attach to your car AC grills, it is kind of hard to get away from Arielle, but then again, do we really want to? •• IG: zoldyck_perfume FB: Arielle Perfume

Tribal Kaleidoscope What do you get when tribal designs of the Aztec cross paths with the Celtic and fuse with the Norse while melding with the Polynesian? Well, in the mind and hands of Sabahan artisan metal smith – Jason Labunda – this cultural kaleidoscopic blend is less a clash and more an inspired cocktail of imaginative beauty. Crafting an array of jewellery that take the form of rings, bangles, necklaces, and earrings, this selftaught native of North Sabah pursues this practice to keep the heritage of his ancestral lands alive. Growing up to the sounds of metal beaten on an anvil struck the right chord in him as a child. Now 28, he infuses his work

with his soul as the pandemic brings its share of hardships to artisans dependent on the face-to-face markets that are now closed. Each piece is beautiful and all have something to say. Incorporating triskellions, koru, macuahuitl, and weavings, each design is its own captivating story, so consider adding this chapter to yours. •• IG: vuhanut_craftwork

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feature

Dress to

Impress Rozman Mashor

h wow that dress makes you look gorgeous! Hey that vest O looks snazzy as heck, and that matching jacket is rugged bro! Ooh that bag really compliments your top, and that hat really ties everything together! But those kicks, man oh man I need to get me a pair of those!

We’ve heard it all before. Throughout the stages of life from babies, toddlers and children, to adolescents, teenagers and adults, it is no surprise how incredibly large a role fashion plays in our lives. It began with our parents striving to make us look as presentable as can be, and continued with each of us taking control of our lives and what we threw on it as our individual sense of style came into play. Fashion is a personal form of selfexpression and autonomy within a specific time period and context. This physical display inclusive of clothing, footwear, headwear, accessories, make-up, posture, and more has come to define us as well as marking the importance of many formal and informal social situations that we all experience. Looking up to all the stunning examples on show in the wider region and the world, Borneans have started out small but are definitely now travelling a well-tread path. These shoes were made for walking. Let’s see where they take us.

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG feature

Chantique E

asily considered a trendy veteran who has succeeded in representing our small neck of the woods to the wider world, Fadzil Hadin, is a hidden treasure of what Brunei has to offer the international community’s collective sense of style. So hidden in fact, that you would have to make your way to Dubai in order to find him. He has designs adorning mannequins and suspended from coat hangars at the Rinascente store in Italy, and at the O Concept Store in Dubai. He won first place honours in the modest wear category during the Islamic

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG feature Design Fashion Council’s 2018 show in Torino, Italy. Models have showcased his creations during shows in Italy, as well as Malaysia and South Korea. He has been featured on Dubai state television, and was appointed Ambassador for the ASEAN Designers Showcase, which he has used to promote Brunei as he does shows around Southeast Asia. It is safe to say this man knows all to well what many consider to be pretty. Before he became the founder of his Chantique Brunei clothing line, Fadzil was – once upon a time – just a regular Joe like you and me, flipping through a bunch of magazines as he sat at a salon waiting to get a hair cut. It was the fashion publications that always caught his critical eye – specifically the ones from Singapore and Malaysia due to their relevance – as the creative gears in his head took in everything. Moving to Singapore at the age of 18 where he was pursuing a Higher National Diploma in Public Relations, he was at the cusp of his teenage years and adolescence in one of the Earth’s most modern and trendy metropolises on the global stage. “It was not until I moved there that I saw the images from those magazines come to life. When you are at that age, looking good is a big deal and it really matters to us. It was 1992 and I remember all the Armani and denim jean trends from the West,” that was popular in the city-state too. “At this time I also ended up working at an event and modeling agency called Carrie Models International Pte Ltd,” where he picked up tricks of the trade.

A good 3-4 years passed by before Fadzil decided ‘you know what? I’m going to do my own thing.’ Going into business with a fellow Bruneian, they both launched their own modeling agency, Diva Singapore. Even though it is still quite active today, Fadzil left the picture in 2004 after helping the agency grow for its first 8 years prior to his official departure. The travel bug had gotten to him again and he felt that inborn need to spread himself further out. With a desire to modernise the use of local fabrics from Malay culture, he wanted to push the boundaries of modest fashion while showcasing the popular materials that hail

I am proud to be part of this alliance. We are doing a lot more than just making clothes. from Borneo. This all occurred during a time when the concept of modest fashion was rising to prominence in the Islamic world and gaining attention from design contemporaries beyond this sub-genre. Farewell Singapore and hello Dubai! In the intervening years since then he has slowed down a little and not been as active as he used to but still continues to proudly showcase his designs at shows when possible, admittedly a difficult task in this day and age courtesy of Covid-19. With restrictions slowly being lifted, he has been recently involved with the Brunei Pavilion at the Dubai World Expo, lending a hand over the past 6 months. Another victim of the pesky pandemic is his attempt to help kick-start the fashion industry

back home, which he laments as being practically non-existent. “We do have a few local designers who are beginning to draw favourable attention to themselves but are often overshadowed by bridal dress designers and Malaysian brands. With that said, it does not mean we cannot offer the same if not better quality products, keeping in mind most brands are mass produced and I can safely say that it is the opposite in our case. “This is why I helped bring together and formed a group of local designers with the intention of furthering the interests of Brunei’s fashion industry, by establishing a nurturing, creative and sustainable system for designers and their businesses. Some of our members have earned a degree of success overseas. Naforrer, as well as Rebels and Queens in the UK. Thea Seera in Australia. Little Dayang in Korea. Chantique in Italy. This Fashion Designer Alliance (FDA) is a platform for sharing collective knowledge, experience, and resources so that we can push more local designers to the forefront and prepare them to be competitive. “All of us in the FDA have a good client base but are sorely lacking muchneeded support. It is more of a mindset and perception issue that needs to be changed. So we can grow as a country and showcase our accomplishments. The potential we have to offer for stimulating economic developments through supply chains, collaborations, partnerships, mentorship programmes, and cultivating a deeper appreciation for all facets of Bruneian culture through our local fashion scene.” •• IG: @chantique.me

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An Element of Fashion

of one of the world’s largest industries.

n economics major, blogger, businesswoman, fashionista, and once upon a time – a pretty massive Britney Spears fan too – Nabeela Fadzil has achieved an impressive portfolio of personal achievements. Mainly attracted to peoples’ sense of style on social media, by the time she began her Master’s in London she was spoilt for choice as she admired innumerable shoppers and displays, while watching trends come and go. Attending beauty and fashion events opened her eyes yet further to what happens beyond the veil

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Launching a fashion blog as part of her initial foray into kick-starting her LMN label, her online presence was noticed, leading to her being given offers to market brands for commissions. Playing on this to create yet more content it was not until collaboration with Sejalin Enterprise pushed her to launch her brand that things really took off. Working with Maricel Pamintuan of Maricel Couture, who served as a creative advisor for LMN, resulted in the launch of her debut Elements collection. biG: What have you designed recently? NF: LMNeid and Limn was launched in 2019 and 2021 respectively. They’re quite similar in terms of style and

colour palette. I love my sweet pastels. I tend to make sure the pieces are diverse and flexible that you can wear them as a set or as separates with pants, skirts and jeans. I am very much inspired by emotion and wanted to create something that made others feel happy and good, content and special. LMNEid was inspired by my journey as a content creator. My mood board was filled with pictures of things, colours, designs, and structures that inspired me and caught my eye. Limn, on the other hand, means to suffuse or highlight (something) with a bright colour or light. Like finding light at the end of the tunnel during this pandemic and through the tough year I had, I hoped Limn brings people as much joy as I had creating them. Limn was mainly inspired by Dior in the 1920s with the cinched waists.

I collaborated with Rai Ranie, another local designer who bedazzles the looks under the Limn line and elevates them into statement pieces. I like the idea of offering the same design in two ways to cater for different markets. It’s an expansion of the idea of self-expression. biG: Ergonomics or style, comfort or good looks? NF: I’m not going to lie, when I was younger, I picked style over comfort. I’ve worn clothes that made it difficult to breathe, walk, and move my arms. I’ve worn heels for hours in the cold even though it made my feet bleed. Looking back now, I don’t regret it because it was a different kind of satisfaction. At that age, I wasn’t even thinking whether it was comfortable or not. I just wanted to feel good and clothes, to me, have the power to do that. Now, I

feel like designs are getting better that there is no tradeoff between the two, as it should be. biG: Has Covid affected your retail? NF: I feel like Covid has impacted sales for both social media and for the apparel business as consumption propensity falls or rather shifts to more essential goods like food and facial masks. Fashion is more of a luxury and with a lockdown it really isn’t a priority.

2022

Fashion Predictions Nabeela Fadzil has a finely tuned and well-honed eye into what’s up with fashion on both the local scene as well as around the world, which can be affected by so many factors both large and small. So before we left her to her own devices we also asked her “What do you predict will be trending in 2022?” She cited the ongoing pandemic, how the world is approaching its 3rd year of life with Covid-19, and that we are all now taking steps to adapt to this new normal and fashion is no exception. Unsplash

Time to Let Loose Everyone

Loose and baggy clothing: People have been stuck in lockdowns for so long that they have probably realised just how much they enjoy being in their sweats, shorts and comfy clothing. So be it hot or cold, we expect to see people parading that relaxed and chilled-out vibe.

biG: Can you elaborate a little on fast fashion? NF: My Master’s degree was on Urban Economic Development, and my dissertation was on the sustainability of fast fashion. It’s quite known that fashion is one of the largest polluters from making of fabrics, production of garments, and their transportation to retailers and consumers. Fashion shows are usually so elaborate as well. Fast fashion companies typically change their racks every two weeks. There’s a lot of waste in the industry. Brands have also been caught in controversies surrounding workers’ welfare. As a consumer, I’m more conscious when I’m making purchasing decisions. I’m so glad more and more brands have found new ways to be environmentally and socially responsible. That’s the only path for the fashion industry in the future.

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My Eyes are Up Here

The no make up, make up look: Also, because of all these lockdowns going on for so long people have realised it feels so good to let our skins breathe again. Plus, as we’re all wearing masks now regularly, you will probably only need eye makeup like a simple eyeliner or mascara.

Bold & Bright makes it Right

Naturally, this depends entirely on peoples’ sentiment about what the future may bring. We often wear emotion on our sleeves so it stands to reason that as restrictions are lifted and more freedoms gradually returned many might showcase that fact through loud and vibrant hues. With Omicron doing the rounds the future still feels a little uncertain, leading others to embrace the rebellious spirit of colour.

biG: Any advice for up and coming designers? NF: Think about your value-add to the industry and your consumers. Your brand and your designs should provide solutions for your buyers. Don’t just think of your profits only as a business but your impact on people and the planet. •• IG: @inyourlmn www.lipstickmyname.com

Turn Up the Volume

Cause some drama, raise the volume, and define yourself strongly with statement pieces, and sequins: People basically miss being extravagant and dressing to the nines, and with a lifting of restrictions in many places, we can expect our inner glamorous selves to reassert themselves, possibly stronger than before.

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Good for the

SOLE 24

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

veryone has a childhood hope but life has a tendency to get in the way, detracting us from pursuing what we yearn for. Here however we have a young lady that despite her obstacles never stopped chasing what was once a dream, but is now her reality.

of Technology & Innovation she spent a year searching for work to no avail. When all seemed lost the key moment came quite unexpectedly. To her surprise her dad flipped the script completely. Asking her if she would like to enroll in a fashion course she was happy beyond measure.

Nabilah Fadzillah, a 27-year-old, who has had a passion for arts and crafts for as long as she can remember used to fill notebooks with sketches of characters in a wide enough array of outfits that the images itself could be defined as having character. Armed with a marketing management degree from Malaysia’s Asia Pacific University

Taking into account her 4 closest friends from her university days – who doubled up as her fashion crew, who tripled up as her sneakerhead gang – whom she discussed the sportsretail aspect of fashion with so often, she ended up doing a final year thesis on sneakers. Her next move was a given. With no local footwear designers and shoe lines in the Sultanate, there

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are ready to create our own designs. My teachers shared their experiences of working with several high-end fashion brands in Europe and I enjoyed listening to their journeys. With classmates from France and the US as well, I must say I’m proud to be the first Bruneian to be certified from a Footwear Masterclass course, bringing a new and a rare skill back home. biG: What shoes are you currently producing, and what’s next?

was a huge gap for her to slip her foot into. Next stop: A Footwear Masterclass course at I Can Make Shoes (ICMS) Ltd in Bethnal Green, London in March of 2018. Fast forward 3 and half years and there are now women out there rocking her sandals on their feet. biG: Tell us a little about the course you did? NF: It was an amazing experience! I’ve never sewn leather before and even though it is very tricky I got the hang of it. I learned to sketch different designs, determine what type of materials are recommended to use, and the best way to communicate with shoe manufacturers when we

NF: I launched my first debut collection on November 21, 2021 and released my first designed pair of sandals. I exclusively sold them as part of the brand launch as I wanted my customers to feel special by being among the first to own my signature sandals. My next design will consist of casual high, mid and flat heels; to be unveiled sometime next year. They will be available to purchase on my website, which is coming soon. biG: What are the materials you use for your sandals? NF: The ‘LELA’ sandals are made out of polyester satin upper with rubber outsole and outsourced in Indonesia. I was inspired to use satin as the upper because I love how exclusive the material is when worn on your feet and that’s why I chose them to be used for my first sandal collection. I’m currently outsourcing the next

design somewhere else. biG: Where do you source your inspiration? NF: My inspiration came from how I felt just before starting-up my own shoe line and brand. I endured great difficulties in my previous job. It affected my mental and physical health, and was draining me. The theme that reflects happiness for me is all about spring. When a flower blooms it represents the freedom I’ve gained from the breakdowns I used to have. I chose two specific colours representing this description – white and yellow – and applied this to my research on trending sandals of the year. biG: Ergonomics or style, comfort or good lucks? NF: My design balances between both, comfort yet stylish. What made me want to debut my first product as sandals were comments from my good friends, who said it was daunting for them to find a pair of sandals sold locally which are comfortable and at the same time trendy. biG: You are a officially a pioneer. Women are wearing your sandals. How does that make you feel? NF: One word. Proud. I’ve come a long way to be where I am today and seeing others wearing my designs is a huge accomplishment that I cherish forever. Knowing how much I hustled to get here is a remarkable journey. I still can’t believe it myself. Although it’s a dream come true, it’s just the

first step towards everything. I dedicate what I’ve achieved to both of my parents for their support since day 1. They are the foundation behind this brand. The massive encouragement I had coming from them including; family members, husband, friends, former colleagues and especially my customers who followed me on my start-up journey, are what drives me to become better at what I do best. biG: What’s the goal for the future? NF: I aspire to provide more shoe designs to our local market, build recognition internationally and help boost Brunei’s economy by introducing a footwear industry in the country. I hope what I built today inspires our community and the next generation to delve into their undiscovered potentials and go beyond what we normally do, as it’s never too late to start something new. Someone once told me ‘nothing great ever comes easy’ and I truly believe those words. They are my daily motivation to always move onward. •• IG: @shoesbynf FB: NF

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Twinkle-Twinkle with some

Periwinkle Pantone

wonder if anyone at the Pantone Colour Institute back in the day ever realised that as part of its consumer-licensing brand’s marketing efforts it would end up setting what many now view as an official trendsetting tradition. Beginning in 1999 and looking to the year ahead, the person behind the Pantone Colour of the Year, Executive Director Leatrice Eisman, looks across the broad spectrum of society to identify

a hue representative of global society over the next 365 days. A colourful honour to be sure. It began with a cerulean blue to mark inner peace and

spiritual fulfillment with the coming of the New Millennium. Last year (2021) for the second time there were two hues – illuminating yellow and ultimate grey – representing themes of unity and mutual support, an enduring and uplifting idea of colour being about more than just one person, a respectful nod to the Black Lives Matter movement. For the very first time however, the year 2022 has seen the institute’s colour experts creating a blend of shades of blue and violet that is lilacy to the extreme. Hello everybody, meet Very Peri Periwinkle. With the pandemic entering its 3rd year and new normals forcing societies worldwide to rapidly adapt to new circumstances, the “dynamic periwinkle blue hue with a vivifying violet-red undertone” merges the

“faithfulness and constancy of blue with the energy and excitement of red”, creating an “empowering mix of newness”. Reflecting the global innovation and transformation that is taking place worldwide – the happiest and warmest of the blue hues speaks to the future of fashion as well as the Metaverse. Changes in our physical and digital lives led to Eisman’s decision that Veri Peri has a “spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expression.” Whether it was a random roll of the dice that landed on a 6 or the result of machinations of fate, Periwinkle, admittedly, feels strangely well timed and expected. There is a particular techy-ness to it that would not seem out of place in a social media campaign for a worthy cause, a competitive game of Fortnite or on several items of clothing that you plan to rock for the coming year. Veri Peri indeed. •• IG: @Pantone FB: Pantone www.pantone.com

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It’s impolite to

STARE, unless it’s at my bag I

t is not uncommon to encounter women who will say that there are two occasions for which they will buy a bag – when they need one, and when they don’t need one. Well, you can now add a third reason to that list. Gin & Jacqie, a Sarawak fashion accessories brand that creates lifestyle tote bags has joined forces with the Malaysian state’s very own Sape Sweetheart, Alena Murang, to raise funds for the the Association for the Development of The Education of Indigenous People (PPP Orang Pribumi) via the sale of G&J’s Harvest Tote Collection. A generous 20% of all proceeds will go toward ensuring that children in rural parts of the state have

access to better education. Founded in 2008, G&J launched its vibrant line of totes on October 11, 2021, which comes in 3 different sets of colourful designs. The lifestyle brand’s founder, Jacqueline Ng, said, “Alena was a natural choice. She has been championing Sarawak through her multifaceted career and I have admired her as an artist, both through her music and her art. We agreed on traditional motifs, as there is a need to revive and educate new generations on their traditions and roots. We wanted to do it by making it relevant in our world today. And of course, fashionable! So it was a marriage made in heaven.” Plant Now, Harvest Later is a philosophy inspired by the

livelihood of farmers that Alena brought to this collaboration, resulting in a tangible product. “My father’s generation was the first to get a formal education and the first to go to university. This has enabled my generation to have the life that we have now and that is why education is a very important cause to me. While working for the Teach for Malaysia Foundation I saw first-hand the hardships of those that do not have access to quality education. My mother is also in the education sector and through her I came across the PPP Orang Pribumi. I told myself I would try to do something with them one day. The time has come for me to make this come true.” On working on a contemporary project, Alena believed in leaning into each other’s strengths. Gin & Jacqie knows

the processes of creating functional bags and it is known for its colours and prints. I was happy to be given a blank canvas to express my art. I’ve learned from woven material; which is the traditional way, that repetition, symmetry and geometry are elements of nature. Together, we incorporated all of that into a modern day, waterproof tote bag.” Known for its bold, vivacious colours incorporated into functional and practical designs, G&J’s Harvest Collection is a large tote bag that comes with a smaller pouch in matching print. Along with this is a detachable sling, which can be used on the tote or on the pouch to turn it into a sling bag; the sets are priced at RM189. •• IG: @ginjacqie FB: GIN & JACQIE www.ginjacqie.com www.shopee.com.my www.zalora.com.my

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Fashion

Never Sleeps Young, Lit and Ready to Wear!

STYLE SERIES SARAWAK

rigin stories are the best. So to put this specific one into a nutshell, let me pose this question. What do you get when a fashion advocate who spent a period of her youth imprisoned in a highly conservative environment, paints the town red one fateful night in her adult years alongside a skilled designer, and an experienced food & beverage events manager? Not every evening in Kuching spent slightly sloshed leads to bad ideas and regrettable decisions. Some are the starting points for pursuits that will come to define lives. Fashion observer, consumer and all-round advocate Geraldine Sim, creative and stylish designer Smyth Wong, as well as pragmatic and efficient Roselyn Long are the founders of the Style Series Sarawak. Founded in 2019, these friends since the early new millennium lamented the absence of a sustainable fashion business industry in a Malaysian state inundated with talent and potential.

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

All of whom wanted nothing more than a chance to prove themselves just as good as their counterparts across the region and the world. This was how the choreographer and the grouping’s present creative director, Yacub Taha, also came into the picture. biG: Of all endeavours, why did you three pursue fashion? SS: Kuching may be a sizeable city but the social community is quite small. Over dinner one night we discussed how the fashion events we had attended offered designers just a few minutes of glory on the runway. After the show they were left with their creations with no one and nowhere to sell. They were also creating Haute Couture pieces, which I personally believe, is not apt for emerging designers. Smyth called me the following night and said, “Let’s make it

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happen for our Sarawakian designers.” So, we took the plunge. We want to empower homegrown designers and embed them more in the digital economy by bringing the beauty of Borneo prints and motifs to the world with products that are accessible, wearable, affordable, current and relevant. biG: How did you build your network of talent? SS: Inclusivity is key. We don’t want to just have stick thin Size 0 young models. Our models are diverse. Nine to 65 years old, short and plus size, and different races and nationalities. We built this network through friends and modeling workshops. We had a good response to several modeling workshops conducted in 2019 and 2020. From there we picked out models of different heights and sizes for our GA/YA (Gawai Raya) show, which was one of the most amazing fashion shows I’ve ever attended. Ultimately, we value diversity!

biG: How has the reception been so far at your fashion shows? SS: Exceptionally good! We have done more than 5 so far and every event has been immensely successful because of the collaboration and camaraderie of the Style Series team. We work hard and play hard. When problems arise, we unite to find the best possible solutions. Most importantly, we are a very close group of friends who love what we do. During the Biquefest in Melaka, some of our models and crew were down with food poisoning. The haze was also very bad at the time so the turnout was not as anticipated. However, that was one of the most memorable events we’ve ever had. We had each other, a beautiful event space, music, and dancing; the vibe was right and the runway show was lit. I guess we were able to “make hay where the sun didn’t shine”. It’s all in the mindset.

biG: Have you had any interesting collaborations? SS: Yes. At KL Fashion Week we collaborated with renowned figures including Amber Chia (model), Carmen Soo (model and actress), Larissa Ping (Miss Malaysia 2019), as well as designers Dato Tom Abg Saufi, Alia Bastamam, Syomir, Andy Sulaiman, and Tarik Jeans. It was great being able to bring Sarawak’s homegrown designers to this international event. biG: What can you tell us about the impact of sustainable practices? SS: Before the MCO I discovered a ‘Bundle’ community here in Kuching who trade vintage clothes and up-cycle them in trendy ways. A waste management group called Trienekens also told us that they have a huge problem with the disposal of cloth and

clothing. For our next shows it is imperative we have a segment on Sustainable Fashion. It is the way forward to be relevant in the industry in this era. All it takes is a change in perspective, ingenuity and innovation to breathe life into discarded materials to become covetable creations. biG: How has Covid-19 impacted you? SS: No physical shows. We took a sabbatical as we agreed going virtual is not our thing. However, now we’re back and really looking forward to the next season. During the sabbatical we somehow managed to network and collaborate with new partners and players in the industry so we are looking forward to moving ahead with them.

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It’s a

FashionBration

Everyone!

ndonesia has long been a hotspot for a fashion industry. Centred in the capital Jakarta, as well as having a strong presence in Java, Bandung and Surabaya too; designers, models, advocates, promoters, enthusiasts and students alike exhibit tremendous

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

skillsets revolving around the production and manipulation of local fabrics, traditional patterns and designs. These include sasirangan, ulos, songket, tenun ikat, and more, but the one that stands out the most by far and is well known abroad is the alwayspopular batik.

Attempts by several designers to fuse local and traditional culture with styles from abroad have also produced eyebrow-raising creations that continue to earn Southeast Asia’s most populous nation several nods of respect from the wider world, garnering yet more attention.

This is where fashion designer and event manager Anas Maghfur comes into the picture. Born in 1983 in Kediri, Eastern Java, this fashionable individual used to sketch numerous designs while in high school, leading him to creating his own clothing line brand for men called Aemtobe. It was

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just a concept in his formative years, but Mandiri Bank saw something more as he got older. They provided him with a scholarship – more than once – to pursue short courses to aid him in pushing the fashion scene further. They had the foresight to see the many potential benefits that could come with shining a favourable global spotlight on Indonesia within a field incredibly popular the world over. In 2005 this pioneer moved to Kalimantan in Indonesian-Borneo with a desire to develop and promote the fashion industry there. As he worked to grow his network and unify designers and models from north, south, east and west, he also moved forward with his brand, turning

Aemtobe into reality and launching it in 2013. Since then Anas has been afforded the opportunities to partake in fashion shows and exhibitions around Indonesia and Malaysia (which Mandiri Bank also provided him with funds for), with his designs adorning models as they strut their stuff up and down the catwalk, while his brand name adorns the backdrop. Putting his management skills to the test, Anas in 2020 founded a fashion event called the Borneo FashionBration (BFB), which proved to be a successful affair despite the speed bumps encountered. Anas shares how people did not take it too seriously at first, and when a certain pesky virus decided to intervene

he postponed the event to January 2021. This gave him the chance to launch a series of virtual trunk shows to build more credibility. Calling upon designers and models from all over Kalimantan that he had been building strong relationships with, he placed the more capable of their number on the BFB committee. He wanted genuine representation and ensured that those selected came from different provinces, organisations, while armed with different specialties. Things were picking up steam but it was only after he invited fashion designers from Jakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya to join the show that the local government took genuine notice, and came into the picture to support the event in an official capacity. With 52 designers, scores of models, and thousands of viewers, the event was everything he hoped for. One participating designer, Indah Darry, did well enough on this platform that she ended up with an invitation to the New York

Fashion Week event. Fantastic! With his eyes set on replicating the success of his show, Anas turned his gaze to Sumatra where their roster of designers and models excitedly moved to engage him in collaboration with the hope of kick starting their desires to develop the industry there as well. To have an event of their own: Soematra FashionBration (SFB) 2022. The government, also happy with the outcome of the first event has moved the idea further up the ladder and the Ministry of Tourism invited Anas to present the idea for the next installment of the BFB and the upcoming first installment of the SFB, something that Anas did not hold back his punches as he strives for it to be bigger. The event edges closer and closer, and we at B.i.G Magazine wish Anas Maghfur all the luck possible for a great event! •• IG: @fashionbration @soematrafashionbration

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

It’s officially 2022 and there are a great many predictions coming from the diehards of fashion for what is likely to be hot and what will be not worldwide. From statement tights and enticing eyewear, to charming jewellery and the return of Logomania, – the one thing that fashionista observers and analysts insisted will stand out strong over the next 365 days are floral designs adorning everything. Dresses, headwear, footwear, bags, accessories such as jewellery and even phone cases – you name it we expect it to bloom bright. Seeing as Borneo is naturally bountiful and diverse, the idea of fabulous florals makes so much sense. Here are a few examples for budding designers in the creative industry seeking inspiration, and consumers wanting ideas for the next trendy OOTD.

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

ORGANIZED BY

SUPPORTED BY

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A jagged beak of coastal land on the eastern coast of Borneo that falls under the Indonesian province of Kalimantan’s jurisdiction is where the seaport city of Balikpapan can be found. Populated by Dayak tribes, their traditional and celebratory garments are made of local fabrics such as batik, boasting elaborate designs that come in muted or vibrant hues. Both men and women can often be seen sporting elaborate and stunning headgear. Women possess more variety however in the form of circlets that are either wide bands of clothe or peaked toward the front, while others are adorned with animal fur, flowers, or an array of slender feathers. Posing within the jungle interior of Balikpapan, this Bornean Dayak tribal dancer showcases her culture’s splendor in our outfit of the quarter.

Hendra Yuwana

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

appetite

eat , drink Brunei

Seedbox The Vietnamese spring roll or gòi cuõn is distinguished for its many qualities, but ultimately the freshness it embodies is what sets it apart from every other roll out there. And it is particularly this crisp freshness that we were on the hunt for when we came across SeedBox on Instagram. Known for their “bright, earthy and organically colourful” summer rolls that come bursting in a tasty array of flavours ranging from Blue Prawn and Unagi, to vegetarian-friendly Eggshroom, Roasted Pumpkin and Tofu Steak. But it goes without saying that a dish is only as good as its accompanying sauce so, not to worry, Seedbox has also come up with their own sauces to enrich the summer roll experience. Sweet Chili, Salty Peanut, Spicy Sambal or their signature “Just Sauce” are all part of their sauce menu but we’re all about their tangy Sour Garnion sauce gracing our rolls (sauces come in small bottles

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

which make them ideal for a neat “pour per bite” situation—which means less mess!). With the option to add extra protein or extra sauces or even some cold brew coffee from Ranscoffee, Seedbox ensures that every order is a satisfying one.

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Tel: 673-736 7700 IG: @seedbox.bn W: seedbox.cococart.co

Booch, Please!

“Waah so nice the bottle! Waah so nice the colours! The flavours are good also! You should try it waah.” What I currently refer to as the waah texts, woke me up one morning when a friend insisted on eagerly spamming me with myriad colourful images, showcasing what is, admittedly, an aesthetically pleasing Kombucha beverage doing the rounds on Instagram. Kindly Cultured – an entirely local pursuit that began their journey a year ago and began sharing their love with us all in June 2021 has ratcheted up positive reviews not just for the quality of their vibrant and tasty offerings, but also for their modus operandi. Practical and eco-conscious, the minds behind the brand source ingredients directly from local farmers as they wander from stall to stall, market to market, ensuring we all sip top-notch fruity goodness. Using black and green teas as a base, and available in pandan serai, strawberry, cranberry, mixed berries, passion and dragon fruit flavours – the antioxidant rich, metabolism boosting beverages are ultimate thirst quenchers on a hot humid day … which is practically every day, hint-hint. Just remember not to throw those bottles away, for every eight 500ml bottles you return will get you a drink on the house!

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FIND US AT: Beanery.co (Kuala Belait) Box of Cravings (Kiulap) IG: @kindlycultured FB: @Kindly Cultured

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Life is a Box of Donuts Unlike the famous phrase uttered by Tom Hanks in Forest Gump, in this instance you sure as heck know what you are going to get, and with a selection of 8 flavours there are bound to be a couple that will capture your taste buds attention. We personally have our eyes on the Biscoff and the Nutella in particular! … and on the Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter and Oreo courtesy of our well developed sweet tooth … and on the plain sugar, or rainbow array of sprinkles or chocolate rice sprinkles out of respect for the classics … and the … wait what!? There’s a chocolate donut with a section of Kinder Bueno snapped off adorning the top in all its glory? Well now, I suppose we’ll just have to munch on a few of those for good measure. Having exhausted their entire menu we’ll tell you what. You might as well just order their large box of 16 donuts, unless of course you are on a diet, in which case we will be considerate and say go for the smaller box set of 6 instead. Aren’t we nice? Keep in mind though, with roughly 20 boxes made daily it is first-come first-serve so be sure to DM their Instagram account and book a slot. We got called “dear” so often we couldn’t help but blush at how sweet the Donutstudio.bn team are.

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IG: @donutstudio.bn

Shrimply Delicious! What’s better than your average run-of-the-mill sandwich? Why, that would be a sandwich absolutely stuffed with an overload of shrimp filling smooshed into a creamy marinade, with a generous topping of a variety of greens. Despite all the smooshing involved, the final product is an oval bun-styled meal (or snack if you eat as much as I do) that is surprisingly not messy and is fairly appealing to the eyes. While that first bite or two is likely to result in the filling spilling slightly – no surprise as this often comes with the territory – the hands behind Rollies.bn does a good job in presentation. These attractive handhelds are packed into paper boxes with ruffled crisps on the side, and the shrimps used are a good size and juicy. Whether you go for a the Argentinian Chimichurri, Thai Sriracha, or French Honey Dijon, or the classic sauce which is reminiscent of a prawn salad, the sauces and their international flair are bound to strike the right note among your taste buds, especially if the reviews are anything to go by so far. I mean they more or less conclude with customers claiming that they will definitely be ordering more. Speaking on behalf of a friend, round 3 anyone?

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Tel: 673-722 5574 (WhatsApp) IG: @rollies.bn FB: @Rollies Bn Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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Nutritious Bah! Or at least, that is what the Nutritious Sabah group were aiming for, and have succeeded in achieving. Hitting the mark dead centre – the grouping, which operates six farms across the Malaysian state in addition to a fitnessgym-wellness centre have recently taken steps to leaving great tastes on the palate of the public in their quest for health awareness. Dining in the Green Lungs is their farm-to-plate concept offering organic dishes that will leave you feeling healthier just by simply reading the menu. With dishes loaded with micro greens packing a nutritional punch up to 6 times more effective than your standard vegetable, we cannot help but admit that they look great too. Remember your days as a kid doing your best to avoid servings of vegetables? Well here is your PSA mums and dads of today facing similar challenges: consider taking the family here for a meal for a fresh culinary experience. For the discerning who may want to label this as gimmicky – Head Chef, Joshua Lai packs 28 years experience under his apron so it is safe to say the man definitely knows what’s up. Collagen Fish and Kale, Ikejeme Sashimi, Prawn Spinach Noodles, Sacha Fish Porridge, are a fraction of an extremely well thought out menu.

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Lot 1, Nutribah Avenue Kg Minintod, 88300, Kota Kinabalu Tel: 6012 233 1097 IG: @nutribahmy FB: @Nutribah

eat , drink S a b a h eatnhopsabah

Chase the Flavours There’s a young-ish eatery in town that has been earning some serious street-cred lately and man are we pleased to see it doing well, especially as the island begins adjusting to a new normal. A sign of good things to come hopefully following slightly over 2 years of tough and trying times. Kick-started by a former hotel chef armed with a tonne of experience and a passion for fusion, the wide selection of delectable dishes on offer have us thinking ‘Oh My Nom!’ The Fussio Café & Restaurant’s culinary maestro whips up both Western and Asian fare from burgers, Buffalo wings, and pasta to dry butter prawns, buttermilk chicken and noodle dishes, which barely scratches the surface of what else this place has

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up its sleeve. Word on the street is that the chef makes a wicked Oxtail Asam Pedas, in addition to gorgeous desserts that showcases a great knack for presentation, ramping up the experience to an eleven. Some of the desserts are so pretty to look at, that it is almost a shame that they are going to end up in your belly … almost. A halal establishment that also provides catering services to clientele, its prices, quality and friendly staff are responsible for customers coming back for more.

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Block A, Ground Floor, Lot No. 08, Jalan Lintas 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Open: 10am – 11pm (closed Tuesday) IG: @fussio.cafe.restaurant FB: @Fussio Café & Restaurant

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Home is where the Food is If you are a true-blue born and bred resident of Kuching then the likelihood that you are familiar with this locale is pretty high. One of the few Chinese mansions fortunate enough to make it through the era of the 3rd White Rajah, this landmark through great effort was restored for modern times. Built in 1929 it officially received a new lease of life close to a century later when it was opened in December 2020 in the form of the Tai Tai Restaurant. With a colourful interior showcasing vibrant walls adorned by even more vibrant artwork, this contemporary eatery has left a great taste on the palate of customers who keep returning for seconds … and thirds … and for good reason. From outdoor and indoor to private dining areas, this locale has proven popular for private events and special occasions such as birthdays, anniversary dinners and even a wedding! What’s that you smell? Perhaps it’s the Smoked Duck Salad. Maybe it’s the Pan Seared Salmon or the Tai Tai Oxtail Stew. What we do know is that the Crème Brulee is something you definitely need to try given it is their best selling dessert. Personally though, my eye is on the Seafood Bouillabaisse – a Tai Tai specialty of fresh seafood infused in a tomato and Iranian saffron broth, which has gotten my stomach growling yet again.

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Food is the best medicine Serving up some major historical vibes to go alongside your coffee and cake is this gastronomic gem offering its own unique blend of the rustic with elements of modernity. The aptly named Round Tower 1886 Café & Restaurant was once upon a time a medical dispensary within an old heritage area of Kuching. The impossible-to-miss structure that is its namesake was rebuilt following a devastating fire that ravaged several buildings in the immediate vicinity back in its colonial-era past. Fast forward 135 years and it is now occupied by what clientele have described as an outstandingly professional and friendly team that whip up fare so top-notch that no words will honestly do it the justice it deserves. Certainly picturesque and Gram-worthy, it is safe to say that the door frames, windows, the tiles, the everything, on all four corners of both floors will have you snapping away with your phones at more than just the food. With drool-

No 78, Jalan Tabuan, Kuching Open: 3pm-10pm (Mon-Sun) Tel: 019-288-2292 (WhatsApp) IG: @taitai.kch FB: @Tai Tai

eat , drink

inducing dishes such as pulled beef baguettes, duck pesto pasta, classic eggs benedict, smoked Norwegian salmon to name a few, this Western cuisine specialist provider are so popular that we can not stress enough the importance of making a reservation in advance, lest you count yourself among the unfortunates dragging their feet with sullen expressions as they walk away from the rich aroma of incredible cooking. Put this on your culinary bucket list!

Sarawak

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Round Tower, Lot 32, Section 25 KTLD, Jalan Tun Abang Hj, Openg 93100 Kuching Open: 11am-11pm (Mon – Sun ) IG: @theroundtower1886 FB: @The Round Tower 1886 Café & Restaurant

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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.

OUR PICKS RANGING FROM QUICK & EASY MEALS TO LOBSTER & CAVIAR, THESE ARE OUR FAVOURITE HAUNTS AROUND TOWN! Amulya This North Indian restaurant serves our favourite briyani in town. Grd Flr Jln Setia Square Berakas, Kg Jaya Setia (673 2339230) Chop Jing Chew Freshly made Roti Kahwin perfectly paired with a teh tarik 10 Spg 5 Jln Gadong, Kg Menglait (673 2424132) Gwad Basha Arabian Restaurant Arabic cuisine at its finest #1A&1B Heng Thai Property Centre Spg 22 Jln Dato Ratna, Kiarong (673 2450009) – call for other branches Restoran Makan & Soto Rosmini Our favourite soto hang-out 1 Spg 15, Jln Gadong (673 8719946) Mei Kong Coffee Shop A trip to Brunei isn’t complete without sampling their famous kolo mee 108 Jln Pemancha, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 2240688) Kaizen Sushi served fresh on your table plus a variety of other Japanese cuisine Yayasan Complex Waterfront Side, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 2226336) – call for other branches Pondok Sari Wangi Restaurant Serving the best of Indonesian cuisine 12-13 1st Flr Blk A Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 2445043) – call for other branches

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Thien Thien Restaurant Purveyors of arguably the best Nasi Ayam in town 10 Grd Flr Mas Panchawarna Complex (673 2222435) – call for other branches Ximply Chriz Café Divine desserts, great coffee and scrumptious meals 8 Blk A Regent Square, Kiulap (673 2234918) 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 #1-3, Block A Spg 2175-54, Eng Ho Complex Gadong Estate (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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

ADVERTISERS

GALLERY Casbah London Kebab Pick lamb, chicken, beef or fish and have it dressed and wrapped your way – tikka, kebab, doner or shawarma style! A quick and deliciously meaty meal for hungry diners on the go. OPEN DAILY; #G2a Grd Flr Times Square Complex, KG JAYA SETIA (673 2343001) (Times Square Branch) or #204 Spg 210 Kg Lambak, JLN BERAKAS (673 8803183) – Call for other branches

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Despite new coffee shops popping up around town, the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf undoubtedly remains the most popular purveyor of caffeine in Brunei with 12 branches throughout the country. This global coffee chain continues to brew their specialty coffee and their ever-popular Ice-Blended coffee drinks for the masses. OPEN DAILY 8am-11pm; G26 Grd Flr Times Square Shopping Centre, Jln Jaya Setia, BERAKAS (673 2337358) – call for other branches

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

Riwaz A contemporary Indian restaurant that serves up traditional Indian cuisine with a modern twist!

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

OPEN 6.30pm – 10.30pm (closed Mondays); Radisson Hotel Jln Tasek, BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (673 2244272 ext 8873)

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

Rumah Gelato Scoops, takeaway cups, tubs, and cakes and catering too, all under one roof! Welcome to Rumah Gelato, Brunei’s premier gelataria offering 50 flavours to tingle your taste buds. With fewer calories per serving than ice cream, don’t just have a single scoop. Have 2 or 3!

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

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

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

La Mee #1B & 1c Grd Flr Spg 41-112, Jln Kiarong (673 2430113)

Seaworld Neptune 8 Spg 791, Jerudong (673 2612613)

OPEN DAILY 10.00am-10.00pm

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OTTO TAKEAWAY If you get into that phase where you find yourself craving glaze for days, then here’s another great suggestion that we recommend you take home for a laze away from the haze, heat and blaze. Okay fine, I’ll stop with the cheap rhymes but certainly will not be stopping from munching on these hole-y delights because … donuts for the win! With small but cute and colourful branches at 3 locales across Bandar Seri Begawan, the Otto Takeaway team has heaps of flavours – the Matcha, Pandan, and Chocolate Biscoff caught our eyes. But wait there’s more! Cakes, brownies, apple tarts, cinnamon twists, as well as an array of Japanese styled Hot Dogs, a pulled beef sandwich, and probiotic based sodas for you to guzzle down too. Interestingly enough, we were caught off guard to see that they collaborated with a burger specialist to create joint merchandise in the form of t-shirts. I did not forking see that coming. Nicely played.

Otto Takeaway

Unit 27, Ground Floor, Bangunan Lim Eng Ming, Kampong Kiulap, Bandar Seri Begawan Tel: 673-8772262 (Kiulap) 673-8722662 (Sungai Hanching) 673-877-2362 (Rimba Point) IG: @ottotakeaway FB:@Otto Takeaway

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)

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) 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)

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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)

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) Glow Cafe Rimba Garden Central, Spg 127, Jln Kg Rimba, Gadong (673 7225848)- Available on WA 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)

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

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

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

Pastamania #9 Grd Flr Blk H Abdul Razak Complex, Gadong (673 2457441) – Call for other branches

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

Pepper Lunch Brunei C9/10 Grd Flr Setia Kenangan II, Kg Kiulap (673 2253000)

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) 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)

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)

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

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

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

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

Countrypatch Café 3 Grd Flr 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

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)

RI’S CAFÉ This place has a pretty nice view from which to gaze upon the surroundings allowing the friendly team that operate this joint to easily yell out “Hey! Don’t go there, come here instead!” Fortunately their neighbours do not have to worry about such boisterous behaviour because all jokes aside, Ri’s Café is a delightfully chilled-out space with an urban meets tradition cosmetic feel to it that will naturally draw you in on your own accord. This crossover of rattan furniture with smooth laminate flooring, and a large central window space is a modern take on Brunei vibes that we absolutely love. The only thing we love even more is the spotlight that Ri’s often shines on local bakers, collaborating with them to extend their reach, providing scrumptious goodies to our grumbly tummies. In this case – The Batterbn Special: a combo of a Ferrero Rocher Nutella Mousse, a Biscoff white chocolate cookie, and your choice of either a slice of lemon cake or a Noire Brownie. The ice-blended strawberry chocolate comes with the set as a wash-all-this-nommygoodness-down sidekick to a snack session well spent.

Unit No.1, Simpang 561, 1st Floor, The Promenade Samakaya, Tel: 673-7435224 IG: @riscafe.bn

biG listings

ADVERTISERS

GALLERY Tasek Brasserie A perfect spot to dine with family and friends in the heart of the city, Tasek Brasserie provides casual dining in a relaxed atmosphere. Customers can enjoy light snacks and a cool mocktail while lounging at the outdoor pool, or dine on the variety of cuisine from their ala carte menu or sumptuous buffets. OPEN DAILY 6am-6pm; Radisson Hotel Jln Tasek, BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (673 2244272) THE EMPIRE HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB

Atrium Café The Atrium Café is located on level 3 of the main Atrium building, nestled amidst The Empire’s signature grand marble columns and offering a spectacular view of the sea. Buffet breakfast and á la carte lunch are available from Monday to Friday, offering a variety of international and local cuisine. OPEN 6.30am-10.30am (buffet breakfast) / 11.30am-3pm (à la carte lunch) / 2pm-4pm (à la carte lunch – on Fridays only)

Lobby Lounge The perfect place for casual or formal get-togethers or just to enjoy a cup of tea – the Lobby Lounge offers a selection of refreshments throughout the day and their popular traditional English High Tea in the afternoons. OPEN DAILY 8am-10pm / 2pm-6pm (Daily Afternoon Tea)

Pantai Restaurant Offering semi buffet meals combined with daily specials, the elegant Pantai Restaurant offers a Daily Asian buffet dinner from 6pm to 9pm with a wide variety of tantalising options to choose from, or enjoy a midday meal with the family at their popular Weekend Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. OPEN 6.30pm-10pm (closed Thursdays) / 11am-3pm (Weekend Brunch) Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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

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

Spaghettini The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 2418888)

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

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

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

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 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)

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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) DIVINE DINING EXQUISITE MEALS IN BEAUTIFUL SETTINGS – PERFECT FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS Atrium Café The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 2418888) Dynasty Restaurant Grd Flr Centrepoint Hotel, Gadong (673 2430185) 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) Lobby Lounge The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 2418888) Pantai Restaurant The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 2418888) Senja Restaurant 8&9 Grd Flr Seri Kiulap Complex, Kiulap (673 2235313)

Tarindak D’Seni Brunei Arts & Handicrafts Centre, Kota Batu (673 2240422) GO GREEN HEALTHY AND VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY OPTIONS Brunei Detox Bar 9 Grd Flr, Abdul Razak Complex, BE3519 Fuel’d Unit 3&4, Grd Flr, Spg 58, Kg. Serusop, Mukim Berakas (673 7421070) – 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)

8 BYTES CAFÉ Board gamers, card gamers, and video gamers all, are one of the coolest and funnest demographics out there representing the Human race (is funnest even a word? Well it is today!). Yes I am being biased but I am also stating the honest truth, and in the case of the 8 Bytes Café – the mentality of this chilledout group of guys and gals also translates into their food and beverages. Comfort food to the max is the order of the day and seeing as how most of the time these activities are best enjoyed in large groups, the 8-Byters have got massive platters that can stuff up to 5 people. Well, the menu says 5 but I reckon it could fill the bellies of 6 on some days. Filled to the brim with Aglio Olio Pasta, Buffalo Wings, Honey Garlic Wings, Seasoned Fries, and Garlic Bread, these tasty offerings are just a small portion of a much larger menu. As this is a group-oriented dine and game experience, do call the café up in advance just to be safe.

Unit 2, Block D, First Floor, Tanjung Bunut Place IG: @8bytescafe FB: @8 Bytes Café Brunei Tel: 673-8310522

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

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

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

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

Top Nosh Café Unit 1, Grd Flr, Bangunan Majid Mohammad, Spg 235-7, 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)

Hua Hua Restaurant Grd Flr, Blk B, Bangunan Urairah, Kiulap

biG listings

THREE LIGHT COFFEE BAR What a year 2021 proved to be! One moment it was January and we were all full of hope and after 11 months of our collective inner screaming it was suddenly December, and we were all so over and done with it. Now however we have a fresh year, a fresh start ahead everyone. I don’t know about you but I sure as heck feel like my brain needs a big strong kick to get a focused boost to tackle the months ahead, which is just a long winded way of saying “Give me coffee and give it to me now!” Right now we’ve got our gaze set on the fantastic cold brew that the Three Light Coffee Bar whips up. A small set-up based inside Kasakita Interiors, don’t let these youngster’s youthful appearance fool you. They know what they are about and the certainly know how to brew. Naturally they have other coffee, tea, non-caffeinated beverages and snacks to enjoy too, but given how tiring last year was and how intense the heat is, we’ll take a cold brew to go please.

Unit 6, Ground Floor, Block H, Abdul Razak Complex IG: @three.light FB: @Three Light Coffee Bar Tel: 673-8273337

ADVERTISERS

GALLERY Pool Deck Located at the Beachfront on Level 1, enjoy the breeze from the beachside while you sip on cool beverages and enjoy light snacks in view of the swimming pool. OPEN DAILY 7am-9pm

Spaghettini Fine dining at its best, this restaurant offers authentic Italian and contemporary Mediterranean cuisine in divine settings, with a Daily Mediterranean à la carte dinner from 6pm to 10pm. A private room is available upon request for special occasions. OPEN DAILY 6am-6pm

Zen Pavilion Located just beyond Pantai Restaurant on Level 1, Zen Pavilion offers customers an exclusive dining experience, watching chefs prepare excellent dishes on the teppanyaki grill with flare and offering some of the most authentic Japanese cuisine. Daily à la carte dinner is available. OPEN 6pm-9pm (closed Thursdays) – advance booking is required

Zest A stylish café located at the Atrium on Level 5, enjoy a hot beverage with a selection of pastries, cakes, savoury treats, confectionary and chocolates, made fresh daily with the finest quality ingredients. OPEN DAILY 24 hours (midnight-6am for Empire Hotel residents only)

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG listings

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) CIRCLE RESTAURANT Le Meridien Hotel, Kota Kinabalu (6088 322 222) EMPEROR’S DELIGHT Lot 6 Grd Flr Jln Pantai, Kota Kinabalu (6088 288 686) FONG IP CAFÉ Lot 100 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 213 618)

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) MR HO’S FINE FOODS L-72-G Grd Flr Blk L KK Times Square Phase 1, Kota Kinabalu (6088 222 623) NAGASAKI JAPANESE RESTAURANT No 19 Grd Flr Bangunan Harrison Jln Hj Saman, Kota Kinabalu (6088 216 623)

GAM TONG HONG KONG RECIPE Lot G-823 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 488 833)

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

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

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

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

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

HUT STEAK HOUSE & RESTAURANT 29 Blk E Damai Plaza, Kota Kinabalu (6088 238 558)

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

JOTHY’S FISH HEAD CURRY & BANANA LEAF Blk 1 Lot G9 Api Api Centre, Kota Kinabalu (6088 261 595)

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

KIRISHIMA JAPANESE RESTAURANT Cititel Express No 1 Jln Singgah Mata 1 Asia City, Kota Kinabalu (6088 217 868)

OPEN KITCHEN Grd Flr, Unit 8, Blk 1, Metro Town, 88300, Kota Kinabalu (6088 254 161)

KOHINOOR NORTH INDIAN RESTAURANT Lot 4 The Waterfront Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 235 160) 46

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

PANCAKE HOUSE Concourse Flr 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 448 110) Lot G94-94A Karamunsing Complex, Kota Kinabalu (6088 319 168)

PARTY PLAY 117 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 311 210) 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) PUSAS THE SMOKEHOUSE Ground Floor, S6, Jalan Signal Hill The Peak Vista, Kota Kinabalu (6088 299 199) RESTAURANT BABA & NYONYA RECIPE Blk E Grd Flr Grand Millennium Plaza, Penampang (6016 810 8206) RESTORAN MAKANAN SEDAP No 1-0-1 Blk B Jln Kolam Centre Phase 2 Jln Lintas, Kota Kinabalu (6088 247 459) SAILORS Lot 36 1st Flr Grand Millennium Plaza, Penampang (6088 731 960) SAKURA 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) SEREMBAN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT Lot 126 Blk O Plaza Permai, Kota Kinabalu (6088 484 922) SUANG TAIN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT Lot 12 Blk A Grd Flr SEDCO Complex, Kota Kinabalu (6088 223 080)

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)

(6085 285 137) BEEI JING RESTAURANT SDN BHD 157 Jln Kg Nyabor, Sibu (6084 330 955)

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

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

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

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

VINO VINO BISTRO Unit J-57, 1st Flr, KK Times Square, 88100, Kota Kinabalu (6088 486 363) WAH SAN RESTAURANT D2-G Blk 17 Jln Pryer, Sandakan (6089 212 626) YAMAGOYA RAMEN Lot 109 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 253 701) YOSHIMI JAPANESE RESTAURANT Warisan Square, Kota Kinabalu (6088 488 388) 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) ABSOLUTE TRIBAL RESTAURANT Hills Shopping Mall, Kuching (6082 237 468) ALFIAN RESTAURANT 52 Pekan Marudi, Marudi (6085 755 215) ALL JOY CAFÉ 8-1 Jln Khoo Hun Yeang, Kuching (6082 243 535) APOLLO SEAFOOD CENTRE 4 Jln Yu Seng Selatan, Miri (6085 420 813) APPLE RESTAURANT 78 Jln Tun Ahmad Zaidi, Bintulu (6086 333 377) AROMA CAFÉ 126 Jln Tabuan, Kuching (6082 417 163) ASIAN EXPRESS RESTAURANT G40 The Spring, Kuching (6082 414 088) BEE HIONG RESTAURANT CAFÉ 157G Jln Muhibbah, Lawas

BISMI RESTAURANT 27 Jln Sommerville, Bintulu (6086 331 835)

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

BOARDRIDERS CAFÉ Plaza Merdeka Jln Pearl, Kuching (6082 237 526) BOULEVARD RESTAURANT 2228 Jln Saberkas, Lutong (6085 653 175) BUENAS FILIPINO LECHON & RESTAURANT 329 Jln Tj Batu, 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)

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) EDEN EVERISE Wisma Nation Horizon, Block C, Kuching (6016 888 4522) 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)

CAPITAL RESTAURANT 86 Jln Keppel, Bintulu (6086 331 160)

GOLDEN CITY RESTAURANT 87, Jln Ong Chu Seng, Saratok (6083 436 139)

CARVERY RESTAURANT Jln Abell, Kuching (6082 239 449)

HIGHLANDS SEAFOOD RESTAURANT 298 Jln Tj Bt, Bintulu (6086 318 828)

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) 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)

HOCK CHU LEU RESTAURANT 28 Jln Tukang Besi, Sibu (6084 316 524) IMPERIAL RESTAURANT Grd Floor, Imperial Hotel, Lot 827, Jalan Pos 98000 MIRI (6085 431 888) IMPERIAL DUCK RESTAURANT 313 Jln Padungan, Kuching (6082 336 313) JAMES BROOKE BISTRO & CAFÉ Jln Tunku Abdul Rahman 93100 Kuching (6082 412 210) JUBILEE RESTAURANT 49G Jln India, Kuching (6082 245 626) KHAN’S BILAL RESTAURANT 229-G Jln Maju, Miri (6085 418 440)

KIM BAY HK MACAU RESTAURANT Boulevard Shopping Mall Jln Datuk Tawi, Kuching (6082 239 308)

MOMOYAMA Wisma Phoenix, Kuching (6082 420 561)

KOREANA RESTAURANT 10002 Jln Tun Jugah, Kuching (6082 575 072)

MY LITTLE KITCHEN 56, Upper China Street, D’tea Pavilion, Friendship Park, Jln Song, Kuching (6016 858 6669)

KUCHING NOODLE PORRIDGE HOUSE 115-1 Wisma Saberkas, Kuching (6082 426 005)

NAM HOI RESTAURANT 110 Jln Penrissen Bt 7, Kuching (6082 612 379)

L.L. BANANA LEAF 7G Lorong Rubber 1 Jln Rubber, Kuching (6082 239 404) LI GARDEN RESTAURANT Hock Lee Centre, Kuching (6082 340 785)

ORION TROPICAL Jln Merpati, Miri (6085 417 417)

LIM HOCK ANN 96 1 Jln Kg Kuntal, Kuching (6082 846 533)

PATZ DAYAK HOME COOK SPECIAL New Full 3 Foodcourt, Stutong (next to Giant Hypermart, Tabuan Jaya) (6016 864 4763)

LOK THIAN RESTAURANT 317 Jln Padungan, Kuching (6082 3313 310) LU LAI VEGETARIAN 3641, Lrg 2 Off Jln Rock, Kuching (6082 242 863) LUCKY RESTAURANT 65C G Pekan Marudi, Marudi (6085 755 562) LYN’S THANDOORI RESTAURANT 7 Jln Song Thian Cheok, Kuching (6082 234 934)

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

PIN PIN CAFÉ 18 Jln Krokong Bau (6082 763 486) PINANG NYONYA 18, Grd Flr, 2nd Precinct, Jln Setia Raja 93450, Kuching ( 6082 459 162)

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

POPULAR CORNER SEAFOODS RESTAURANT Bda Shahida Commercial Centre, Bintulu (6086 319 688) PORTICO 17A Lorong Park Lane, Kuching (6019 819 8046)

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

POT & GRILL RESTAURANT 9 Jln Tun Abd Rahman Yaakub, Kuching (6082 425 525)

MAP RESTAURANT Bang Terminal, Kuching (6082 459 087)

REJANG RESTAURANT 6 Lrg Lanang 2 Sibu (6016 860 2636)

MARCO POLO RESTAURANT 116A BDA Shahida, Bintulu (6086 332 458)

ROBATA YAKI 493 Jln Rambutan, Kuching (6082 235 372)

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

With so many stereotypes out there defining what makes an Asian an Asian, we’re going to throw another one at you right now, and it is perfect. I mean honestly, there is nothing more quintessential about being Asian then drinking a cold bubble milk tea. Extra points for you if it is crammed full of pearls and other jellyfull goodness, however, if you really want to spoil your stomach the way it deserves then you need a snack to go along with it. In the case of Super Emoji Sabah that craving filler can come in many forms but surely none are as pretty to look at as their cheese toasts, or more specifically, their Double Strawberry Cheese Toast. Just look at it! Are you done yet? Good, now look at it some more. Thick toast with a gooey custard cream-cheese centre coated with dried strawberries and topped with fresh strawberry slices. Absolutely divine! Lot 19, Ground Floor, Block C, Lintas Square, Jalan Lintas, 883000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah TEL: +6010-6670868 IG: superemoji_sabah FB: Super Emoji - Sabah

TEN-ICHI JAPANESE RESTAURANT 317 Jln Padungan, Kuching (6082 331 310)

SHABU-KUN RESTAURANT 253 Jln Tj Bt, Bintulu (6086 317 311)

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

SHERATON RESTAURANT 37 Psn Brooke, Sibu (6084 336 341) SIN LUNG SHENG FU TIAO QIANG RESTAURANT 10788 Jln Simpang Tiga, Kuching (6082 231 260) SIN SOON CHIN RESTAURANT 2415 Jln Boulevard 2, Miri (6012 808 5456) SRI MENANTI COFFEE HOUSE RESTAURANT 15 Lrg Pahlawan 7b, Sibu (6084 218 196) SURABAYA RESTAURANT 288 Jln Bendahara, Miri (6085 411 239) SUSHI KIN The Spring, Kuching (6082 245 355) SUSHI TIE-TTS Wisma Sanyan, Sibu (6084 342 875)

THE BANQUET 4560 Jln Datuk Tawi Sli, Kuching (6082 451 414) THE DYAK RESTAURANT Sublot 29, Grd Flr, Panovel Commercial Complex, Jln Simpang Tiga, 93300, Kuching (6016 868 0071) THE JUNK Western fare 80, Jln Wayang, 93000, Kuching (6082 259 450)

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) WEI THIAN RESTAURANT Golden Square, Siburan (6082 862 968)

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

XIN TSUI SIANG KITCHEN Wisma Nation Horizon Blk D, Kuching (6082 414 616)

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

YUN YAN RESTAURANT Stutong Comm Centre, Kuching (6082 366 115)

TONG XIN COURT RESTAURANT 151 Lrg Datuk Abang Abd Rahim 5a, Kuching (6082 482 252)

ZHUN SAN YEN VEGETARIAN FOOD Lot 165 Jln Chan Ann, Kuching (6082 230 068)

ROCK ROAD SEAFOOD RESTAURANT 1230 Jln Rock Bt 2½ , Kuching (6082 241 575)

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

SAJIAN WARISAN RESTAURANT 537 Jln Gartak, Miri (6085 429 911) SALLEH’S CORNER CAFÉ RPR Phase 2 Shoplot Jln Astana Petra Jaya, Kuching (6012 807 8033)

MIN HUA (89) RESTAURANT G 13 Jln Bintang Utara, Bintangor (6084 693 240)

SEA VIEW RESTAURANT G Pusat Tmn SDagang, Bintulu (6086 334 929)

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

SUPER EMOJI SABAH

SEVENTY2 RESTAURANT 894 Jln Permaisuri, Miri (6085 366 318)

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

@Super Emoji - Sabah

biG essentials

BRUNEI BANKS Banks in Brunei Darussalam are usually open Mondays to Fridays, 9am - 4pm and on Saturdays, 9am 11am. Some banks have branches with later closing times. Islamic banks follow the same operation hours except on Fridays when they are closed for prayers between 11am - 2.30pm. Cash withdrawals and deposits can be made from Automated Teller Machines (ATM) that can be found in various shopping complexes and bank branches all over the country. ATM 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.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS FRIDAY PRAYER TIME

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

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.

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).

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

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.

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.

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.

FERRY SERVICES 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.

KALIMANTAN

YOU ORDER

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

WE DELIVER

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

R VISIT OU WEBSITE

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

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Where The

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

AVAILABLE ON AL INTERNATION AVAILABLE ON FLIGHTS, AIRLINE INTERNATIONAL OFFICES, HOTELS, FLIGHTS, AIRLINE S RESTAURANT OFFICES, HOTELS, & CAFES RESTAURANTS T THROUGHOU & CAFES BORNEO THROUGHOUT BORNEO

THINGS Y ADVISE OUR WE STRONGL

READERS TO

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ING AT THIS

TIME. STAY HOME

AND DO YOUR

PART TO #FLATTE

NTHECURVE.

WE STRONGLY ADVISE OUR READERS TO AVOID TRAVELLING AT THIS TIME. STAY HOME AND DO YOUR PART TO #FLATTENTHECURVE.

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

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Tourist Information Centre

SABAH Banks

Banks open from 9am to 4pm from Mondays to Fridays and are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. ATM machines are available 24 hours. Major shopping malls also have ATM machines and are available during operating hours.

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

Money Changer

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

SARAWAK 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.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

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

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.

Taxis

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.

Buses

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

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.

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

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

Ferry Services 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.

Taxis

Taxi fare from Kuching Tourist airport to the city cost about Information Centre 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!

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

BEACH ESSENTIAL

TI MO

TRUNKS

PRINCETON

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Hua Ho Manggis Mall

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Edinburgh Palace National Stadium

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Jalan Roberts

Yayasan SHHB Complex

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Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery

Takaful IBB Building

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2 1968 Coronation Arch

5 mins

10 mins 3 Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque

9 Timepiece Stone Monument

Raja Ayang Mausoleum 10 mins

2 Coronation Arch

Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

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5 mins

Eco-Corridor Bandar Seri Begawan

4 Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien

8 Dewan Majlis and Lapau 5 mins

5 mins

7 The Royal Regalia 10 mins

5 The Secretariat Building 6 Lapau Lama Building

5 mins

10 mins 1 Former Royal Customs & Excise Building / Art Gallery 11 Tamu Kianggeh

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Bus Terminal

Secretariat Building

Hotel

Brunei Hotel

Chinese Temple

Dewan Bahasa (Library)

Jalan St

Bank/ ATM/ Money Changer

Public Transport

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PGGMB Building

Syariah Courts

Tamu Selera (Hawker Stalls)

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Police Headquarters

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Capital Residence Suites

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RIPAS Hospital

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Place of Interest

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Prime Minister Office Building

Brunei Arts & Handicraft Centre Kampong Ayer

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Royal Brunei Airlines Golf Club

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Fish Market (Gadong Wet Market)

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Gadong Night Market (Pasar Pelbagai Barangan Gadong)

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Lee Clinic

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG screen

Phantom Thread (2017)

Starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Vicky Krieps, and Leslie Manville Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson

A celebrated dress designer, Reynolds Woodcock and his sister Cyril are at the centre of British fashion. Creating outfits for the higher echelons of society, many women pass through his life but when he falls for a waitress who becomes his lover and muse, his controlled and planned life becomes disrupted by love.

Unzipped (1995)

Starring Isaac Mizrahi, Cindy Crawford, and Naomi Campbell Directed by Douglas Keeve

Go behind the scenes as this lighthearted documentary film takes a closer look at the 1994 Fall Collection of New York designer, Isaac Mizrahi. Exploring his inspirations and revealing the harrowing stress of organising a major fashion show, this is more than a peek behind the creative side of fashion.

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

A STYLE for every Story If there is one pervasive aspect of culture worldwide that has invaded our lives it is the need for a wardrobe full of items of clothing tailor made to suit our individual fashion sense. From staring endlessly at a mirror to strutting down any walkway, here is our selection of flicks covering the many facets of a passion for fashion.

biG screen

Zoolander (2001) Starring Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, and Will Ferrel Directed by Ben Stiller

As a dimwitted male model is propelled to the top of the fashion world thanks to his trademark gaze called ‘Blue Steel’ he becomes easy prey for a fashion designer after losing his model of the year title. Signing on to the designer’s new show, he is then brainwashed to kill the Prime Minister of Malaysia.

The September Issue (2009)

Ready to Wear (1994)

Starring Julia Roberts, Tim Robbins, and Kim Basinger Directed by Robert Altman

As designers, models, magazine editors, reporters, and photographers converge on France in the days leading up to Paris Fashion Week, an unprecedented incident during the event will disrupt the lives of the participants. As the police investigate, the case proves not as straightforward as they expected.

Starring Anna Wintour, Grace Coddington, and André Leon Talley Directed by R.J. Cutler

With her trademark bob and dark glasses, the renowned editor of Vogue prepares for her most important issue – the September 2007 edition. A record 840-pages long and heralding the autumn fashions, this documentary follows the meticulous practices of a woman who knows exactly what her readers want.

McQueen (2018) The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

Starring Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, and Emily Blunt Directed by David Frankel

When a young graduate aspiring to become a journalist comes to New York City, she becomes the personal assistant to one of the city’s biggest and ruthless magazine editors. Throughout the course of her journey she learns the ins and outs of the industry, growing and earning the eventual respect of her peers.

Starring Alexander McQueen, Tom Ford, and Bernard Arnault Directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui

The life of British fashion designer Alexander McQueen, who started his career as a teenager is explored in this film documenting his rags-to-riches tale. Recognised by Givenchy and launching his own label, the intimate revelation of his tortured and inspired world is a celebration of radical genius and profound influence.

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG screen

MOVIES TO LOOK OUT FOR THIS QUARTER We’re almost there everyone. After 2 years of Covid-19 the end is in sight for residents of both Borneo and the wider world. There’s still a distance to go, but normality is coming and with it the likeliness of more reliable movie release dates and cinema openings. This is what we are looking forward to this quarter.

FEB

JAN 7

SEE FOR ME

Starring Skyler Davenport, Jessica Parker Kennedy, and Kim Coates

When a blind teenager named Sophie takes up a house-sitting job at a secluded mansion, things take a turn for the worse when a home invasion ensues. Sophie makes full use of a new App called ‘See For Me’, connecting her to Kelly, the army veteran who sees her surroundings, and guides her actions to fight back.

DEC

MORBIUS

Starring Jared Leto, Tyrese Gibson, and Adria Arjona

Based on an enigmatic character from Marvel comics, Michael Morbius is a biochemist suffering from a rare blood disease. During one of his selfadministered experiments aimed at curing his affliction, he inadvertently infects himself with a form of vampirism instead.

DIANA: THE MUSICAL

THE BATMAN

The world is brought to the brink of annihilation when a mysterious force knocks the moon out of its orbit. A former astronaut who thinks she has the key to saving all mounts a last ditch mission to save the Earth only to discover that our moon is not what we have always thought it to be.

Rewinding back to the early days of his personal crusade against crime, the rage-filled and wrathful Batman is pitted against the serial killer known as the Riddler. Only his second year as a masked vigilante he uncovers corruption that connects to his own family in this DC character’s latest installment.

Music & Lyrics Halle Berry, Patrick Wilson, and John Bradley

FEB 18

Starring Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, and Colin Farrell

JAN 28

FEB 18

AMBULANCE

Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Eiza González

When a decorated military veteran asks his career criminal adoptive brother to help him with his wife’s medical bills, the desperate brothers conduct the biggest bank heist in Los Angeles history. As their getaway goes spectacularly wrong they hijack an ambulance with an EMT trying to save the life of a cop onboard.

TURNING RED

Starring : Rosalie Chiang and Sandra Oh

Pixar returns to tell the tale of Mei Lee, a confident and dorky 13-year-old toeing a fine line between being a dutiful daughter and going through the chaos of adolescence. If that was not enough, whenever she gets too excited – poof! – she turns into a giant red panda. What could possibly go wrong?

UNCHARTED

Starring Timothée Chalamet, Bill Murray, and Tilda Swinton

An adaptation based on the popular action video game series, Uncharted follows the exploits of globetrotting treasure hunter Nathan Drake. This adventure serves as a prequel to the games with a plot that revolves around how the protagonist meets and befriends his soon-to-be partner, Victor Sullivan

MAR 11

THE MALL CINEPLEX @ LEVEL 3, THE MALL, GADONG 2422455 www.themallcineplex.com TIMES CINEPLEX@EMPIRE, EMPIRE HOTEL AND COUNTRY CLUB, JERUDONG 2610001 www.timescineplex.com/ empirePSBdualplex TIMES SQUARE CINEPLEX @ 4TH FLOOR, TIMES SQUARE SHOPPING CENTRE, BERAKAS 2341122 www.timescineplex.com THE ARENA CINEPLEX @ SERI QLAP MALL, KG KIULAP 2230138 www. arena-cineplex.com ONE CINEPLEX @ ONE CITY SHOPPING CENTRE Tel: 2338250 onecineplex.com AMAN HILLS CINEPLEX @ AMAN SHOPPING CENTRE Tel: 2335000 onecineplex.com TUTONG TIMES CINEPLEX @ BERJAYA COMPLEX, TUTONG 4220422 PSB DUALPLEX, SERIA @ F19, JALAN TENGAH, SERIA 3221437 www.facebook.com/PSBdualplex

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Jerudong International School Jerudong International School (JIS) is an outstanding academically selective, fully accredited, thriving school with 1680 day and boarding students aged 2 -18 years from 55 countries.

4A*

3A*

Kayla Ho London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE)

Krish Punjabi University of Sydney

Nestled close to the coast, JIS boasts wellqualified academic staff in state-of-theart facilities on its 120 acre campus. It is a leading British international School in South-East Asia preparing students for I/ GCSEs, A-Levels and the IB Diploma.

Discover Brunei’s Premier School!

points

Natasha Sia University of Toronto

Doga Cobanoglu Columbia University, New York

JISBrunei

admissions@jis.edu.bn JISBrunei

JISBrunei

+673 241 1000

BiG Magazine January/March 2022 Issue

Articles inside

Twinkle-Twinkle with some Periwinkle

It’s Impolite to stare, unless it’s at my bag 28 Fashion Never Sleeps 30 It’s a FashionBration Everyone! 32 Flower Power!

Palliative Care

Brunei food reviews

Element of Fashion

Good for the Sole