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Editor’s Note Here we are at the start of another year! 2023 seems collectively to have been a difficult one - global conflicts and natural disasters were rife, as was an atmosphere of change for all communities. Perhaps fitting then that we start off this year’s issue, and the lead up to Brunei’s exciting 40th National Day celebrations in February, with a renewed gumption for our health; one of the few things unto ourselves with which we can have immediate cause and effect. Dive into the world of fitness with our insightful features from page 22 and get to know some of the names behind our nation’s biggest sports and health achievements on pages 33 to 35. What an exciting time of progress for Brunei, to have not just medalist athletes but young women at that! Our monsoon season brought one of my favourite things: rainy, gusty days perfect for sweater weather, and with it the promise of waves and a chance of good surf. The anticipation of hours to be spent at the beach also meant a renewed appreciation for barbecues and our BIG Appetite on page 36 rounds up some meaty offerings that will satiate even the most discerning of carnivores. There is something deliciously simple and humbling about cooking with fire. Patience and the ingenuity of science colliding with creative instincts to create a perfectly charred, tender piece of meat, is nothing short of genius. Long live the first caveman. I’m sure many of you have enjoyed your brief escapes from home and returned from the usual end-of-year travels, or are perhaps already dreaming of the next BIG Getaway. My overdue rediscovering of Penang recently was short, sweet, and made exceptionally wonderful thanks to the staff at the gorgeous property, The Edison, which aims (and succeeds) in charming visitors with its dedicated hospitality and fervent passion for making sure one has a well-fed visit to their city. More details of this restored colonial mansion are on page 30. If you are more interested in exploring closer to home, our Jerudong Jaunt gave us new insight to a fast-developing suburb formerly only famous for the amusement park and wonderful fish market on the beachfront. An adorably kitsch Afghani restaurant and the grab-and-go convenience of Florist Hill are just a few of the places to discover. If we’ve erroneously missed your favourite spot along Jalan Jerudong, I would love to hear from you. As always, feedback is always welcome and we hope you find much inspiration in this issue.
@b.i.g.magazine BIG: Borneo Insider’s Guide @bigborneo Publisher
CHMP MEDIA Editor
Ying Chia Contributor
Sarah Wong Jing Yuan Gary Stanyard Designer
Aqilah Hj Abu Bakar Marketing Manager
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BiG Focus
16 contents
BiG GETAWAY 30-31 Experience the Exceptional : The Edison BiG READS 32 Read Well, Eat Well BiG TALK 33 Nina Juna 34 Basma Lachkar 35 San Yeo BiG APPETITE 36-41 When the Fire starts to Burn BiG SCREEN 54-55 GOOOOOOAAAAALLLLL! 56 Movies to look out for this quarter
35 BiG Talk
30 BiG Getaway
BiG CALENDAR 6 Upcoming events this quarter BiG BUZZ 8-13 All the latest from around Borneo
BiG BEYOND 20-21 It’s a Fit!
BiG FEATURE 22-23 I'm Just A Girl
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BiG Scoop
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calendar
FEB
23
BRUNEI’S 40TH NATIONAL DAY NATIONWIDE Celebrating our 40th year of independence, this is an occasion you’ll want to get involved in. Bruneians don vibrant colours and uniforms, as they mark this special day with patriotic marches of unity throughout the capital, while wearing wide smiles beneath yellow and black flags that ripple in the wind.
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FEB
JAN
27-28 DEN DEN MUSHI 2024 ANGGERIK SQUARE FINANCIAL PARK LABUAN
ISRAK MIKRAJ
JAN 24-28 28 CONSUMER FAIR TH
ICC, BERAKAS, BRUNEI
This religious event marks the two stages of the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) night journey, when he was whisked from Mecca to Jerusalem, before ascending to heaven. Conduct prayers at your neighbourhood mosque, and enjoy good food and company afterwards.
3 FEB
Embrace the spirit of new beginnings and ageold tradition of setting goals. Find everything you need to stay on track, all gathered in one place with the best deals.
ANG PAU RUN
8-10
SABAH INTERNATIONAL FOOD EXPO
MIRI MARINA PARK CITY, MIRI
SABAH INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE, KOTA KINABALU
Lai ah! Lai ah! Come celebrate the festive Chinese New Year season and test your luck in this fun run with three- and five-kilometer categories that comes with a cash ang pau lucky draw. Imagine starting your year off with an extra RM 888! You’ll also get a lucky Dragon coin alongside other goodies from the races.
Everyone and their rumbling stomachs love a good food expo, so with an average of 10,000 visitors in attendance at previous editions you’ll definitely find something to eat, buy or stock up on with over 300 exhibitors and three giant halls to explore.
FEB
27
10
JAN
CHINESE NEW YEAR
SANGA-SANGA
ISLAND-WIDE
EAST KALIMANTAN Held annually to commemorate a local uprising and the raising of the national flag during colonial occupation at the time, the Sanga-Sanga event is held in the eponymously named city, in East Kalimantan. There is usually a historical parade, sports competitions and time for spiritual reflection during the pilgrimage to the tombs of those who died in the heroic event.
The Chinese New Year coincides with the lunar calendar, and because of this, the celebration tends to fall on different dates that are always between January 21 and February 21. Dragons and lions will kick-start the festivities this year on February 10.
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MAR
ISLAND-WIDE Labuan’s first Animation, Comic and Games (ACG) event is here! Come connect with the community of animation fans, cosplayers and gamers supporting the industry in Labuan and Malaysia! Entry is free.
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
MAR 16-17 ACTIVE AGING SARAWAK CONFERENCE IMPERIAL HOTEL, KUCHING This rejuvenating conference invites you to unlock the secrets of active aging while exploring the enchanting treasures of Sarawak’s eco-tourism. Join us on this transformative journey towards a fulfilling and vibrant future.
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Stay connected on board with Singapore Airlines
S
ince 1 July 2023, all KrisFlyer customers on Singapore Airlines flights across the globe have begun to enjoy free access to in-flight WiFi. This makes Singapore Airlines one of the first airlines in the world to offer complimentary WiFi coverage at such scale. Here are five ways to enjoy this perk while you’re in the air. 1. For the last-minute tripplanner The spontaneous souls among us might find themselves checking into a flight without having firm plans for accommodation or transport. For daring adventurers like this, having access to Wi-Fi on a flight lends you some extra time to book hotels and arrange airport transfers.
2. For the busy bee Sometimes there are just a few pesky last to-dos standing between you and your getaway and this one’s for those among us who cannot rest until all’s sorted at the workplace – or at least, as much as it can be sorted. With free Wi-Fi, you can now access any work apps on board en route to your destination, and answer any urgent work messages. 3. For some meditative metime Long-haul flights offer plenty of time to centre yourself and switch into a calm, holiday-ready mindset. Newcomers to meditation will be pleased to discover a wealth of apps that can help put you on the path to calmness, clarity and mindfulness. Apps like Ten
Percent Happier and Headspace: Mindful Meditation offer extensive libraries of audio-guided meditation sessions tailored to your needs of the moment. 4. For the social butterfly Free Wi-Fi allows you to keep in touch with your loved ones. Whether through instant messaging or social media apps like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, you’ll always be a few clicks away from the people you love or if you’re looking to coordinate with your friends in your destination country and plan your upcoming adventure.
How to access free Wi-Fi on Singapore Airlines flights To enjoy this service, ensure that you add your KrisFlyer number when making your booking, via “Manage Booking” on singaporeair.com or the SingaporeAir mobile app, or at check-in.
www.silverkris.com/airline/ news-from-sia/stay-connectedwith-unlimited-complimentarywi-fi-now-on-all-sia-flights/
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
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buzz
ABOUT
KUCHING “What about Kuching?” Well, we’ll probably need a whole month to explain it to you all. A whole month of Cat City-themed celebrations, that is. Held annually every October, the What About Kuching Festival brings a month of celebration, education and fun to the theme of celebrating arts, culture and lifestyle that takes over the whole city. Collaborators from Sarawak, Sabah, Peninsular Malaysia and around the world come to showcase their talents, be it in theatre, arts or gastronomy, and many more! The community-driven celebration attracts thousands of people to Kuching thanks to the wide range of workshops and exciting performances available. This year, the City of Cats had an extra-special treat; Eleanor Sinclair, a traditional dancer from Scotland, brought a unique aspect to this year's program while teaching Sarawakians about traditional Scottish dance at the Track & Dance Studio. Musical performances and songbirds of course had a huge part in entertaining the city; whether it was a show, workshop or even a classical symphony, there was something for everyone. Inspired by the hit film, Crazy Rich Asians, the ‘All That Jazz’ event was especially thrilling with the added dress code to liven things up even more. We can’t wait to discover more About Kuching next year! •• IG: @aboutkuching
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Standing in the
Spotlight Set against the flawless backdrop of the Ambassador to Brunei’s residence, the Philippines Embassy and members of the local design and architecture industry were treated to a sneak peek of what was in store at the 71st edition of Manila Fame - the Philippine’s premier trade show for design, home, fashion, and lifestyle sectors. Ambassador Marian Jocelyn R Tirol-Ignacio gave guests a tour of various items, some from her own personal collection, that were exhibited across her residence. Manila Fame is a space for Bruneians to be inspired with local Philippine artistry and craftsmanship, explained Jacqueline L. Ong, Third Secretary and Vice Consul to the embassy. She added the trade show “puts the spotlight on bespoke culture as it highlights custom-made designs of furniture, home decor, lightings, homeware, gifts, beauty and wellness”. One of Manila FAME's main show features, the Design Commune, serves as a showcase of brand new home, fashion, and lifestyle pieces that have been created under the product development program of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions' (CITEM). Manila FAME's Design
Commune merges artisanship, innovation, and sustainability as a means to push the boundaries of excellent product design. “I thought the items displayed showed a rich diversity of different styles and materials which fittingly reflects the country's unique cultural heritage,” said a local architect who was present at the showcase. This event marks the first outreach program on Manila Fame to Bruneian designers and it’s safe to say that our local designers and trade buyers are paying attention to what’s happening over there! •• IG: @manilafame
biG buzz
Greener Goals for the Future Perhaps the idea of an eco-friendly future is not that far fetched after all. Guests from all over Brunei and other countries gathered at the Radisson Hotel in Bandar for the Sustainable Future Forum, for a day of what many called fruitful and productive discussions and insights. Distinguished speakers from Baiduri Bank, Petronas, Brunei Shell Petroleum and more, gave their thoughts and suggestions on building a sustainability-conscious economy, and the challenges associated with it. YAM Pg Muda Dr Abdul Fattaah, Chairman of Baiduri Bank, was there to give some opening remarks
on the overarching theme of the Forum - “Mission Possible: Sustainability in Action” - emphasising the importance of taking steps towards a sustainable lifestyle. Attendees were challenged to think of more than just cost as an indicator of value in implementing sustainable strategies. Louise Mabulo, who is the founder of Project Cacao, a typhoon relief movement that grew into a successful Agri-forest company, brought some extra star power to the event as a United Nations Young Champion of the Earth, Young Activists Summit Laureate and featured honoree on the Forbes’ 30 under 30 Asia list. She, as well as many of the other speakers throughout the Forum, pointed out dialogue as one of the key ways to open up new opportunities for people, and for new ideas to take root. The forum provided much food for thought. Whether you’re an accomplished leader in business, a risk-taking entrepreneur looking into more progress, or an eager yet uncertain student, there’s a Sustainability Champion in all of us, just waiting to do our thing. •• IG: @asiaincforum
Life’s a Beach! The much-anticipated Toro Surf Attack 2023 made a splash at Karambunai Beach in Sabah in December of 2023, courtesy of the West End Surfing Club - a group of surfers from Karambunai dedicated to promoting the culture of surfing with activities like organizing surfing classes, events, and participating in both local and international competitions and community work. Attendees were thrilled with the myriad of attractions this year, including the Beach Bazaar, Sukan Kampung and Sunset Surf Music. Supported by the Sabah Surfing Association (SSA) as a state surfing association, this event is officially sanctioned 10
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
by the Persatuan Luncur Ombak Malaysia (PLOM) and judged by International Surfing Association (ISA) certified judges where the points accumulated from this event will be included in the PLOM national ranking system. Local competitions like this are key for surfers in Borneo and the wider region, to build their careers as professional surfers and athletes - the goal being the prestigious round of competitive events under the World Surf League and the Olympics, which debuted the sports category in 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. •• IG: @sabahsurfing
biG buzz
In AWE of Business Women A total of 21 women entrepreneurs have graduated from the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) at the much-anticipated graduation ceremony of the AWE’s third cohort, with three local female-led businesses awarded USD3,000 in funding each to further their enterprises. Harry Knit’s modern yet eclectic knitwear inspired by Malay heritage, KUEHKU! card game featuring delicious little delicacies inspired by Hair Raya Aidilfitri celebrations in Brunei and worldwide, and Khush, a modest and sustainable maternity clothing line, took the top spots based on the presentation of their business proposal, its target market, sustainability and marketing
strategies and revenue model. The AWE is a U.S. Department of State sponsored program that supports the development of women entrepreneurs around the world. The AWE program in Brunei is implemented by the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) through Darussalam Enterprise (DARe) in collaboration with the Embassy of the United States of America in Brunei Darussalam. In attendance at the graduation ceremony were the Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy II, Yang Mulia Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Khairuddin Bin Haji Abdul Hamid and Her
Excellency Caryn McClelland, the United States Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam. Over the last three cohorts, 66 women entrepreneurs have benefited from AWE, and from their participation of this programme, have gone to also benefit from other DARe programmes which include business bootcamps, financing, and regional and international networking opportunities like the AWE Regional Summit. •• IG: @darussalamenterprise
What a Krazy Karnival! It was all fun and games at the Liang Lumut Recreational Club (LLRC) Karnival, a five-day extravaganza aimed at bolstering community ties, and the local SME market in the area. This year’s vendors included businesses based in the Brunei-Muara district. Classic games like hoop throwing, bullseye shooting, had visitors thrilled, alongside other attractions such as a Reptile Show, Electric Toy Cars, and free movie screenings throughout the event program. The LLRC building is considered an important development in the area, providing residents around Lumut and Sungai Liang with much needed modern recreational and commercial space, including a children’s waterpark. The LLRC Karnival is supported by the Brunei Tourism Board as part of its annual December Festival celebrations, a month-long program where the nation comes alive with country-wide events and shopping deals galore to celebrate the end of the year. •• IG: @llrc_official
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
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biG buzz
SPOOKY SCENES in Bandar
Get ready for a thriller with Envoy Film’s new horror flick titled ‘Kabus’! This modern Hollywood take on the classic tale of a pontianak haunting will likely have you scurrying back to your cars from the cinema thanks to this creepy story centred around a young barista who must face his traumatic past and torment from the entity that has re-entered his life. Written and produced by Haszrul Aizan, and Mahakarya Institute of
Donuts, Deadlifts & World Records It seems an odd place for a world record to take place but in a small community gym in Brunei, an uproar of cheers and excitement indicates that Abdul Malik Al-Mukkaramah bin Haji Mohd Yusof has done it. The strength athlete set a new Axle Deadlift Static Monster World Record during the RPE7 Static Monster World 2023 x Donuts and Deadlift event, at the Iron Street Gym in Brunei recently, with a record 347 kilogrammes lift to eclipse the 310 kilo marker that Britain’s Daniel Jay had set in the Under-70kg category last year. Iron Street representatives shared that it was great to witness how strength sports has gained traction in the nation and attracted people from various communities to support or participate. “It’s really heartwarming to witness how competition brings people together. The competition itself showcased the incredible feats of strengths of Brunei’s local athletes and also fosters a sense of community for such a niche market. Strength sports is still in its infancy and it’s so exciting to see how far it has grown.” The various categories included a Men and Women’s open and Under-70kg. Pengiran Abdul Aziz bin Pengiran Kamalrudzaman also set a new national record in the Axle Deadlift Static Monster event, with a 365kg lift. To this collective band of strong people, the event was a small celebration of the future that strength sports has in Brunei, and judging by all the donuts they had, a sweet one too. 12
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the Arts Asia graduate Al-Faath at the director’s helm, ‘Kabus’ hopes to frighten audiences young and old with their combination of Western and Asian film influences. With Progresif Media and AiTi supporting the fully local production of Kabus, the collaborative effort between Envoy Films and industry players is hoping to be able to find success and further hone their craft with their latest movie offering. “It’s still a small industry here (in Brunei) and getting sponsors and budgeting is hard”, explained Al-Faath on location during a shoot day. Kabus enters cinemas early this year so keep up with the latest from Envoy Films and catch the horrorfest when it comes out! •• IG: @envoy.films
biG buzz
Join The CULT
This year’s Car, Urban & Lifestyle Trends (CULT) Show at the Sabah International Convention Centre brought almost 30,000 visitors to the annual event, with organisers calling the thirty percent increase in attendance a great success in helping to put the Bornean event on the international map of car shows. “We welcomed international media from the U.S., Japan, Thailand, Singapore and Brunei (and) with a combined social media coverage of over three million followers, this will propel CULT into the international arena. World famous media (outlets) are all set to tell Sabah’s Car Culture stories to the world,” stated a press release from CULT organisers. Motorheads certainly got their gears going thanks to the awesome number of displays and rare exhibits at the show; 189 cars encompassing all categories
were displayed at the indoor area, including a famous Mitsubishi Triton Exterminator from Johor and a full v12 replica of Paul Walker’s R34 from the Fast & Furious movie franchise. Brands BYD and BMW also made sure to showcase their Electrical Vehicle models to attendees. Outdoorsy types appreciated the vast Overland and Camping showcase section and of course, no car showcase is complete without a vintage collection section. On top of this, huge prizes were won in the event’s lucky draw where someone went home with the grand prize of a Padem AE70 vehicle produced specially for the show and valued at RM55,000. CULT returns next year so make sure you lock it in your calendars! •• www.cult.com.my
Found Another Love You might just have a new way to spend time at the inaugural +673 Hobby fest! The first ever convention to focus on hobbies and crafts in the nation saw close to 4000 attendees filling the Peak Club Hall over two days. The lively event dedicated to all hobbyists saw a wide range of vendors showcasing and selling items across categories like board games, manga, cosplay, craft and textile art, as well as colourful cosplay outfits. A freeplay arena, E-Sports Tournament and Diecast Kusom competition were also held during the festival. Praising the success of the event, organisers reported that many vendors sold out of items and gained great customer reach, amongst creating a new culture in different types of hobby categories. “We’d like to showcase more niche hobby sectors, and the event is open to any hobby such as flower (arrangement), sculpting, toys, remote controlled cars. However, venue limits space and has certain restrictions so we may not be able to accommodate other interested parties,” said representatives from +673 Hobby Fest. It was certainly eyeopening and heartwarming to see how different communities in the country gravitated towards what Oxford Languages defines as “an activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure”. Rare and collectible items were also on show for keen eyes, including the complete LUCIFER collection and the ARKHAM ASYLUM 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition from the Brunei Comic Book Hunter. If you missed it, fear not as the event is slated to return this February! •• IG: @673hobbyfest
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
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scoop Sarah Wong Jing Yuan
Gerard Lee An artist who makes portraits that look so realistic, they’re as good as photographs! Gerard’s drawing mediums include graphite and charcoal and among his artworks, he enjoys making quick sketches of places he has visited, like the Merlion, the official mascot of Singapore, and the Bodleian Library in Oxford. Even his quick sketches look like masterpieces! Besides that, his drawings include lifelike portraits of the Sultan of Brunei, as well as Darth Vader, from Star Wars, and the late John Lennon. •• IG: @gerard747
Nectarines Gems Crystal gems have never tasted so yummy. Nectarines Gems makes their Kohakutou, a type of traditional Japanese sweet, in the shape of pretty crystals. One might never think that watermelon and apple could make such a convincing obsidian black but the proof is in the gems! The Pineapple Coconut Calcite is a shocking bright yellow and explosion of pineapple flavour when you bite into it. Each box from Nectarines Gems comes with four assorted crystal gems of different colours, making it a great treat for gifting. Who knew treasure could taste so good? •• IG: @nectarines.gems
WilKGames Meet Wilson Siow, an indie game developer in Brunei. He established WilKGames in 2021, incorporating Bruneian cultural elements into his games like “Kampong Battle” and “Shiang-Ji”. Formerly a tele-communications engineer, he’s been passionate about gaming from a young age and started developing his own games in 2017. Wilson Siow hopes that by making games inspired by Brunei’s culture, Brunei can become more internationally recognised. His upcoming game, “Tikus Tales”, is his first-ever 3D platformer game, featuring a cute little mouse, Tikus, and his squirrel buddy, Too-pie. Help them make their way through various big and dangerous worlds to recover a stolen relic! •• IG: @wilkgames
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biG scoop
Ninetytree You’ll never want plain, boring kitchen utensils again when you have Ninetytree’s decor masterpieces. This unique handicraft enterprise uses epoxy resin and live-edge wood in their many products. Each handiwork is painstakingly crafted to give you glossy and practical results, whether you want it as a souvenir, a birthday gift for your loved ones or a beautified kitchen appliance. Ninetytree also holds regular River Board Workshops every month so customers can have hands-on experience making their own personalised charcuterie board. Speaking of gifts, Ninetytree also does Coaster Holder Gift Boxes! •• IG: @ninetytree.bn
Zage Studio This 3D, surrealist art studio founded by Zahidi Bikir has uncanny, yet strangely intriguing portraits of abstract concepts. Artworks by him include “Emotionally Detached”, a melancholic portrayal of emotions, and “To Infinity and Begone”, which is a nostalgic callback to a familiar Disney film. His works prove that art can be thoughtprovoking and interpretive. Besides portraits, one of Zage Studio’s developments uses Augmented Reality to make your greeting cards pop to life! All you have to do is scan the QR code of the card to see the magic. Pretty clever, eh? •• IG: @zage.studio
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
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biG scoop
Jess Boubie Crafts Established in 2018, Jess Boubie specialises in handcrafting traditional brass accessories. Before starting this business, Jess was an elite athlete in the world of ultra trail running. Sadly, a heart-wrenching experience at one of the biggest trail-running events in Asia left her feeling defeated and hopeless. A glimmer of hope appeared when she discovered the wonderful world of brass-making, which became “therapy” for her. As her brassmaking business bloomed, so did her heart. Now, Jess continues to create beautiful brass pieces to honour her own tribe, the Dusun Tobilung, who often wear brass jewellery. Among her crafts are brass rings, anklets and bangles according to customer requests. Jess’ story shows that past failures are no obstacle to doing something great in the world. •• IG: @jessboubie_craft
Chia Craft
Yee I-Lann & Collaborators When you have a talent and you can’t just keep it inside, you gotta share it to the world! That’s what Yee I-Lann has been doing with her art; holding exhibitions like the Borneo Heart in 2021 and 2023 to showcase traditional and contemporary masterpieces to feature the cultural side of Borneo. Notable pieces of art include the “Mansau-Ansau” (to keep journeying without knowing where you are headed), featuring a tikar (woven mat) in such a way that symbolizes her artistic journey with her community of weavers since 2017. This work was also made as a tribute to a dreamtime space haunted by Yee I-Lann’s grandmother, and eventually led to other works like the Tukad Kad Sequence. The “Mansau-Ansau” is currently on display in the Tate Modern Gallery for all to enjoy. •• IG: @yeeilann, @kota_k.studio, @borneoheart.exhibition www.borneoheart.yeeilann.com
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If you’re a fan of resin and bead crafts, you’ll be delighted by the work of Chia Craft. A self-taught creative, Chia likes to join pop-up events to showcase her talents, with nothing but random sparks of inspiration to create her products. These handmade beauties are custom made, from beaded bracelets to resin hexagon blocks for preserving flowers. The name “Chia” stands for the chia seed - a small seed which represents her independent business. Perhaps a small seed like this, with hard work, dedication and love, can grow into a beautiful tree of inspiration. •• IG: @shopchiacraft FB: Chia Craft
biG scoop
Kozie
Feast &
Furious Cafe Looking for something different from your usual cafes? Then Feast & Furious is the place for you! Stepping inside the cafe is like stepping (or racing) into memory lane. Inside the race-themed cafe, you’ll find yourself surrounded by models of vintage cars and motorcycles. Race trophies and plaques adorn the bookshelves, and sports jerseys and a collection of old international dollar notes are put on display on the walls. Feast & Furious gives a rather retro vibe reminiscent of the heyday of sports car racing. Not to mention, they serve the best of both
Western and Local Cuisines like Crunchy Chicken Chops and Furious Fried Rice, respectively. Yum! •• SERVES NO PORK OR LARD IG: @feast_furious_cafe FB: Feast & Furious Cafe
Kozie is a Custom Handmade Tech Accessories Store that seeks to redefine casing designs so not only is your latest smartphone protected, it looks fabulous too! You’ll never look at phone casings the same way again. They use resin, stickers and glitter; simple ingredients for any design made to order. On 16th October, 2023, Kozie joined a bazaar at Plaza Merdeka Kuching to showcase their Do-It-Yourself (DIY) phone casings in all their simplistic charm, and for customers to pick and choose between various cartoon designs and motifs. •• IG: @kozie_ideas
Meow Meow Cat Cafe
ALL PRODUCTS ARE HALAL; SERVES NO PORK
Founded by Janet in 2014, Meow Meow follows in the footsteps of other cat-themed cafes in countries like Taiwan and Japan; a place to chill, sip coffee and play with cats. Janet and her daughter Sherra had spent 13 years working with pets in The Pet Zone before opening up this cafe, and each cat is carefully chosen based on their behaviour, friendliness being a main factor. Of course, you can’t call it a cafe without them serving coffee, so the cafe has been on their toes looking for the best English-European food and drinks to add to the menu. Fancy some homemade cheesecake? Oh, don’t forget your favourite pick-meup (coffee!) even as you hang around in the Cat Zone with your favourite feline ‘stars’. You’ll need all that energy to keep up with them! •• FB: Meow Meow Cafe
Ranee Artisan Gallery This curation of handicrafts from the rural communities of Sarawak was founded by Rosemarie Wong, to collaborate with local artisans to raise appreciation of local crafts and heritage. Notable works include the Ranee’s collaborations with Ling Wu (a leather bags company) to produce hand-woven bags made of bemban (a plant similar to bamboo) strips. The result is a classy combination of traditional mat-weaving by the Dayak Ibans
and the modern leather handbag. Besides that, the Ranee was awarded as Winner of the Best Innovative Plaiting Category by Yayasan Hasanah, an impactdriven foundation in Malaysia. Looking at the various colours and motifs on the Iban padi baskets by the Ranee, it’s not hard to see why. They’re beautiful! •• IG: @raneeartisangallery FB: Ranee Artisan Gallery www.theraneeofsarawak.com
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G N O D U R JE AUNT trail
J
SEAWORLD NEPTUNE RESTAURANT & CATERING
Fresh seafood next to the ocean? Yes please! Neptunes gets its catch from the neighbouring market daily, and while it is open during the day, dinner time is usually packed with people enjoying their meals and plates of steaming fresh seafood everywhere! ••
8, Spg.791, Kg.Jerudong BG 3122 FB: Seaworld Neptune Restaurant & Catering 18
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
@Aqilah Bakar
THE LITTLE LEAF BAKERY
Tucked away off the main road, this adorable bakery does the sweetest cakes and desserts. Specializing in Bento and Dollhouse style of cakes, you’ll get the experience of a whole cake in miniature size and really, who doesn’t love the idea of saying ‘I ate a whole cake to myself?' ••
24, Spg 714, Jln Jerudong, Jerudong BG3122 Tel: 673-824 2707 IG: @littleleafbakery
SEOUL GARDEN
SERENITY BY BERQAT
Annyeong! If you’re after a taste of Korea or just love the process of cooking at your table, Seoul Garden has got the solution. All-you-can-eat. That’s right, you better put on your big pants for their extravaganza of Korean BBQ and Steamboat Buffet, because it is free flow everyday here! Light eaters can also join the fun with ala carte dishes.
You’ll definitely feel serene dining at this quaint cafe located on the first floor of the busy Jerudong Complex; lots of countryside-styled decor and a heap of natural light from the big road facing window complement Serenity’s food and drink menu. There’s even a separate Keto menu!
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Grd Flr, Parkview Hotel Jerudong, Jln Jerudong, Bandar Seri Begawan Tel: 673-261 0263 IG: @seoulgarden.brunei
EL-WAED FRUITS (WHOLESALE)
Everyone come and get your fresh fruits at El-Waed! The wholesale distributor focuses on importing fresh items like Bahri Dates, juicy Navel Oranges and plump Avocadoes, but you’ll also get interesting stuff like big jars of salty olives, pure Egyptian honey, and creamy Tahini. ••
3, Grd Flr, Blk A , Jerudong Complex, Spg.508, Jln Jerudong IG: @elwaed.brunei
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1st Flr, Unit 4, Spg 508, Jerudong Complex, Bandar Seri Begawan Tel: 673-883 1518 IG: @berqat
FLORIST HILL
For grab and go coffee, this home cafe is a nice spot to drop in to. Located off the side of the family home, the recycled materials used to build the space add to the mismatched charm of Florist Hill. You’ll find excellent pour over, imported beans rotating in the hopper regularly, and light bites on the menu. ••
No. 2, Spg 503, Jln Jerudong IG: @florist.hill
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SHI WEI TIAN 食为天 (NON-HALAL)
Rising to fame for their kolo mee, Shi Wei Tian’s Jerudong branch is conveniently located at the back of the GRÂND x Gourmet Market building, and open til midnight so if you’re craving good Chinese food past dinner time, this is the place to go! ••
Spg 372, Jln Jerudong Tel: 673-744 2006 IG: @shiweitian_kopitiam
AFGHAN CAFE
Serving up a taste of classic rice dishes from the south-central Asian country, their Banjan (Eggplant) dish comes highly recommended! Decorated in traditional textiles, kitsch tourism posters and pictures, the vibe here is relaxed and especially good for groups. ••
Unit 27 Grd Flr Blk F Atiya Complex, Jln Jerudong BG 3122 IG: @afghanhomemadefood
ARANDA CAFE FEAT. THE KITCHEN OF JASMINE
Everything about this place is wholesome, from their food to the sweet cottage-core interior. Asian favourites like Salmon Teriyaki Rice Bowl or Western dishes like a dreamy Mashed Avo with Garlic Butter Mushrooms on Sourdough, are worth trying.
DELHI DARBAR
Delhi Darbar is said to have one of the best Briyani in town, not to mention their famous Tandoori Chicken, and curry dishes! Definitely delicious! ••
2, Spg 38, Jln Jerudong Tel: 673-267 2826 / 673-899 8745 IG: @delhidarbar_brunei
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17, Block E, Atiya Complex, Simpang 100, Jln Jerudong, Jerudong
GEO EATS
RABBIT HOLE CAFE
AMINAH ARIF
MARGHERITA
A home-based eatery serving dishes from around the globe, Geo Eats is one of the few cafes that have equally good sweet and savoury options. You could take a trip around the world just eating your way through the menu from Mee Rebus to Moules Frites!
Hop on over to the Rabbit Hole where you’ll find energizing coffee and other specialty drinks like the sweet-earthy Matcha Strawberry or Lime Nitro. It feels distinctly Korean-influenced thanks to the white minimalist and cartoon bunny mascot aesthetic.
At Margherita, you’re practically spoiled for choice with almost every possible flavour combination. As one of the first pizza houses to use fire-stone ovens in Brunei, their commitment to fluffy, crisp dough is clear.
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••
A beloved restaurant for your favourite Bruneian eats, especially Ambuyat! Great for a family dinner, it’s a classic comfort you’ll want to return to again. Don’t forget to try the other delicious dishes like Nasi Ayam Bakar or Sup Tulang, beefy goodness that’s nutritious and great for rainy days.
No. 13, Spg 381, Kg. Jerudong, Bandar Seri Begawan BG3122 IG: @geoeatsbn
Unit 1, Blk B, Spg 372, Jln Jerudong, Kampong Jerudong-Sengkurong IG: @the._.rabbitholecafe
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Tel: 673-267 0175 / 673-889 0175 IG: @aminaharif.bn
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Unit 6, Blk A, Grd Flr, Spg 49-8-6, Jln Jerudong Tel: 673-241 8022 / 673-734 5448 IG: @margheritapizzeriabn
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beyond
It's A
Fit!
UNIQLO We couldn’t do an activewear article without mentioning the Japanese clothing giant but with such a massive inventory of products, sometimes it can be hard to figure out what pieces are the best investment for getting more out of your clothes. The roundneck t-shirts in their AIRism series are a great catch if you don’t need to wear a tie to the office; great under a blazer or suit jacket but cool enough to wear every day, the soft moisture-wicking fabric also makes sure you can survive the insane humidity of Borneo.
Ying Chia
W
hile it may seem like the fashion industry went backwards to the nineties, we're in 2024 and the trend of athletic and sportswear (athleisure if you will) has reached a kind of fever pitch. Yes, I know we’re all probably sick of references to the COVID-19 pandemic but it really did a number on us - and not just how we approached personal healthcare as a whole, but the way we get dressed. Names like Adidas and Lululemon have almost been surpassed by active and sportswear brands in stature and influence. Heck even China jumped on that gravy train long ago although we are now just seeing the influx of major brands into Brunei/Borneo like Peak and ANTA. Two years of going to work and taking meetings in our pyjamas and doing basically everything at home, has left a lasting desire for all-over comfort and multi-functionality. Pro tip for making sure you roll out of bed ready to take on the day? Elevate your athleisure look with the right accessories or jewellery and mix more technical items like a stiff parka with contrasting textiles to dress up or down. We round up some of our favourite global brands that best embody comfort, function and style!
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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
ADIDAS Okay, you all know this one - but really, they just do elevated sporty so well. The simple yet effectively stylish effect of throwing a basic tee or block coloured sweater over your work shirt means you can look good for business in the day but switch up real fast to make it to the gym for a pre-dinner workout. Their range of lifestyle shoes make for easy, comfortable days and the Samba is one of our favourites for understated style in any occasion. •• IG: @adidas
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MULAWEAR With all the new activewear brands on the market, it can be hard to find the balance between quality and pricing. Enter Mulawear, said to be the number one Activewear brand in Korea; backed by their signature Miraculous 6-Year Lifespan Leggings which are (really) built to last for up to six years. But how you might ask? Mulawear uses innovative fabrics developed exclusively by Invista, one of the top textile companies in the world. A great catch if you’re after simple, long lasting gym or active wear that can go the distance with you. •• IG: @mulawear_kr
CHECK OUT
@sunnysixactive for their ethically made activewear. Their first collection is made out of discarded fishing nets and Sunny Six are champions for also ensuring their business model is as low-waste and ethical as possible. They’ve partnered with Healthy Seas, a environmental non-profit and also give Php100 from every Sunny Six Active piece purchased back to the organisation. We love a #girlboss story and @maiaactive are absolutely killing it with their avant-garde activewear brand! The Chinese brand is helmed by co-founders Ou Yirou and Wang Jiayin, and captured the market for designing super cute activewear tailor-made for Asian women’s bodies.
TERRAE
The Northern Japanese brand is backed by founder Kaname Nagaoka, and perhaps is one of the finer examples of how technical aspects can be incorporated into functional fashion styles. Drawing largely on Tenkara fly fishing, South2 West8 has married so well the sleek necessity of details like deep pockets for storage or waterproof textiles, with his keen eye for urbanforward cuts and styling. The brand’s most recent collection features tie-dye prints on traditional netted fishing vests, showing that staying true to outdoor roots doesn’t mean ignoring modern style. South2 West8’s collaborations with other major brands like Supreme, are equally as fun to wear. •• IG: @south2_west8_ official
Closer to home, Terrae is taking on the sustainability issue while making killer outfits for your workouts and off-work days. The homegrown Malaysian brand is focused on clothes for high impact activity with a low environmental impact, and are committed to a production cycle that’s as circular as possible. In addition to using ECONYL® for their activewear (which saves 70,000 barrels of crude oil and avoid 57,100 tonnes of CO2 emissions for every 10,000 tons of ECONYL® used!), Terrae has the finer details down with with FSC certified and recyclable tags, as well as a 100% biodegradable and compostable plant-based garment bag. •• IG: @shopterrae
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feature
I'M JUST A Girl
365 million people tuned in to watch the Women’s Euros Final last summer; Susie Wolff was recently announced as Managing Director of the Formula 1 Academy; a global Nielsen Sports survey across eight key international markets found that 84% of sports fans (of both genders) are interested in women’s sports. Of those, 51% are male, confirming what we’ve known all along, sport is for everyone. On home ground, Wushu athlete Basma Lachkar recently returned as the first Bruneian to win a silver medal at the Asian Games; Brunei’s first female Olympian, Maziah Mahusin is of course, a household name.
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T
he conversation on women participation in sports can be described as slow but progressing, and opportunities like sports diplomacy programs and sanctioned participation in international competitions provide stepping stones to women in Brunei passionate about untraditional sports which can be almost impossible to access and develop for local female participation. As recent as last year, the Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (FABD) has publicly acknowledged commitment to "continue to pursue the dream of developing women’s football in the country" as part of their obligations under the International Association Football Federation (FIFA). International skate and surf brand, Vans, recently signed on Malaysian Longboard surfer, Qadeja Musaddiq as a female brand ambassador – a relatively new concept for the niche sport in Asia.
“They support the growth of the sport a lot, and they’re always giving us creative ideas of things to do,’ says Qadeja, who grew up surfing her local left-hand break in Cherating, Malaysia. “It’s great to see (girls) trying new things. “Even if it’s ‘late’, it’s never to late to try something new,” she said of the growth of female surfers in Asia and Borneo. Have we caught up to current statistics on male sports engagement, relating to access, support and investment? Not by a long shot. but it’s consistently improving. Article after article online is available on not only the huge opportunities of investing into building the professional women’s sports categories but also the financial stability of doing so. The American Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) achieved double-digit growth for partnership revenue in 2023 - an all-time high in 27 years. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) reported all-time records for online engagement of the 2022 Women's Asian Cup, with AFC's digital channels increasing by 5,324 per cent compared to the 2018 edition. Content from
that tournament alone had more than 270 million impressions, 17 million engagements and 74 million video views across various social media platforms. So the potential for money is there. Whether it reaches the hard-earned pockets of the athletes competing, has been another cause for campaigning. In 2018, the World Surf League became the first major US-based professional sporting code to commit to equal prize money for men and women at all its elite events. The 2023 Women’s World Cup increased its prize money to USD$152 million, three times more than in 2018 (although a closer look reveals that in fine detail, a gender pay gap still exists on a technical loophole). Milestones for the history books, for sure. Figures of over 100% increase in digital engagement and increased revenue from sports fan spending across the board makes it clear that not anyone not investing in and partnering with women’s sports teams is going to be missing out.
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It's All In Your Head Gary Stanyard and Ying Chia
You know exercise is necessary for your physical health (because how else would we justify that sneaky drive to McDonald’s for a 20-piece box of nuggets), and maybe you might know that moving your body also helps keep your mind in check alongside boosting your mood, improving your sleep, and even help in treating depression, anxiety, stress, and more. But why does it do that and what sports could be particularly helpful? While the outer benefits of staying active are more visible to yourself and others, you may have missed what your weekly netball competition or even that post-dinner walk along the simpang has been doing to your brain.
Get Stretchy Yeah, yeah, I know you’re probably saying ‘of course, Yoga helps’. We’ve all seen the Instagrams of smiling yogis effortlessly twisting and flipping into apprehensively bendy shapes telling you how peaceful they’ve become. They’re not wrong though The slow movement practice works best when combined with breath practices and meditation, to calm and center your mind. Great for days when you leave the office feeling worse than that guy. Studies by Harvard Medical School show that when you regularly practice yoga, your brain cells develop new connections and changes occur in brain structure and function, resulting in improved cognitive skills like learning and memory. Yoga is also said to strengthen key parts of the brain related to memory, attention, awareness, thought, and language. You know how weightlifters work out to build muscle strength? Imagine doing that for your brain. Yoga has also come up as one of the strongest contenders for aiding in the treatment of mental health issues like depression and anxiety, according to a 2016 study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine. Tai Chi is a good alternative if you’re facing mobility issues or have medical conditions that would be triggered by yoga.
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You're Gonna Carry That Weight Running Man (or Woman) Specifically, outdoors. Running as a whole has incredible benefits - a cocktail of calming neurochemicals gets released. Significant increases in heart rate literally result in changes to your brain chemistry to give you that all-familiar ‘runner’s high’. Giving yourself a healthy distraction by going for a run in times of stress or grief, is also a neat way your brain can be tricked into moving its focus. Running outdoors in particular has added benefits on top of the focus needed to complete the task, as you’ll need to pay attention to changes in the environment, or even just taking in the scenery as you go along. All these small nuances of running outdoors gives your brain a good workout to process things while it maintains staying focused on the present. Not keen on being speedy? Participants in a U.K. study also showed evidence of lower levels of frustration, engagement, and higher levels of meditation, when walking through a green space compared to urban and commercial ones. Whatever you feel works best for you, it’s clear that moving your feet outdoors does wonders for focusing your heart and mind.
And we do mean that literally. It might seem odd that such a simple series of repetitive movements could affect your brain so much, but the science shows that lifting weights can actually make you smarter. Results from Sydney University studies on the physiological effects of weight and strength training showed that improvement in cognition function was related to the subject's muscle strength gains. The weight training program used in the study involved lifting weights that were 80% of the maximum each participant could lift one time. “As they got stronger, the amount of weight was increased to keep to the 80 percent level. MRI scans after just six months revealed that specific areas of the brain increased in size. Basically, the participants’ overall intelligence improved significantly after lifting weights” revealed Dr. Yorgi Mavros, who spearheaded the
study. The second study showed particular benefits for the elderly or those facing a cognitive decline from illnesses like Alzheimer’s, by actually protecting and reducing shrinkage or deterioration in subregions of the hippocampus the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory. Perhaps being strong and smart aren’t so different, after all! So there you have it - science shows us that even small amounts of exercise daily can make a real difference, no matter where you’re currently at. In your fitness journey. The key to all this is to start slowly, and keep challenging yourself consistently. As long as you get started today and make some form of exercise a part of your everyday lifestyle, you can use exercise as a powerful tool to get more out of life, no matter what age you are.
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t e G s ' t Le
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PHYSICAL!
Finding the right space to work out isn’t always simple but we’ve rounded up some great gyms and exercise venues for you to try out! Wherever you are on the island, there’s always a space to get your daily workout in.
SARAWAK
VIBE20 EMS FITNESS STUDIO
Want to stay fit and still take care of old injuries or pains? Sarawak’s first Electro Muscular Stimulation (EMS) Studio is powered by revolutionary human tech from Germany, and the ideal option for anyone wanting great results and a variety of physical benefits in shorter time frames. Each 20 minute session incorporates EMS tech with dynamic low-impact exercises suited for all age groups and fitness levels, to achieve your body goals without straining joints giving you the equivalent result of three to five hours of conventional workouts! •• No. 48, 2nd Flr, Blk D1, Saradise, Kuching Tel: 6010-9753993 IG: @vibe20.fitness FB: VibeTwenty Kuching www.vibe20.fitness
BRUNEI
OMNI SPORTS
Are you hoping for all-around excellence for your children? Omni Sports International is Brunei’s leading multi-sports children’s academy that encourages fun and provides challenges to help children grow in sportsmanship and fitness. Become sports stars in Omni Sports’ many programmes like Shooting Stars (basketball), Rock Stars (rock climbing) and Power Stars (general fitness). There are even time slots for bigger kids wanting to join the gymnastics and fitness programs! •• 2nd Flr, Fitness Zone, Spg 88, Kg Kiulap Tel: 673-7111866 IG: @omnisportsbn FB: Omni Sports www.omnisportsinternational.com
MAYHEM MUSCLE
EXCELEAN FITNESS GYM
Become a lean, mean fighting machine at this conveniently located gym in Tutong district. ExceLean currently offers classes like boxing, gym and poundfit, and also has open gym slots if you just want a gym space to work out in and not worry about time. A great place with quality equipment to try in your fitness journey and optimize your fitness level. •• Unit 2A, 2nd floor, Park Mall, Kg. Petani, Pekan Tutong, Tutong Tel: 673-8112807 IG: @exceleanfitness_gym www.exceleanfitnessgym.setmore.com
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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
Dreaming of toned abs or being a strong man (or girl)? Get ready to build some serious muscle at this bonafide gym space where you can practice deadlifts, bench press and many other weightlifting techniques. Mayhem Muscle has stateof-the-art equipment and dedicated personal trainers to help support you in your fitness and health goals. •• Spg 25, Jln Komplex Sukan Mumong, Kuala Belait, Brunei Darussalam Tel: 673-7375228 IG: @mayhemmuscle_official
SABAH
LEVEL UP FITNESS
Work it out no matter where you are! Push your limits with High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), discipline your mind and body with Yoga or groove to the beat with Zumba. Malaysia’s largest homegrown fitness chain has two convenient locations in Sabah and one branch is even open 24 hours. What are you waiting for? It’s time to Level Up! •• S-1-5, 1st Flr, Blk B, City Mall, Jln Lintas, Luyang Commercial Centre, Kota Kinabalu Tel: 6088-448119 FB: Level Up Fitness, City Mall KK www.members.levelupfitness.com
PLANNING FOR
PEACE OF MIND
Living your best life is what we want for you, and that’s why GoodLife Financial Planning’s Professional Financial Planning Advice centers around Protection, Accumulation and Preservation of your Wealth!
Working with Ricky on insurance policies for my family has been an absolute breeze. He’s been really friendly, highly approachable, very understanding, but most importantly for me – he hasn’t been pushy in any way. In fact, he looks out for us in terms of our insurance coverage – he finds potential gaps where our existing coverage wasn’t addressing and working out a timeline that suits us best so we can handle it financially. Thanks, Ricky!
I’m (relatively) young, fit and mostly healthy, do I really need to think about insurance? And how does this help me in the long run? RA: Just like the best sunblock out there, great coverage leads to the best protection you can have for life’s curveballs such as small accidents with a personal accident plan, something a bit more for critical illnesses or help with supplementing income if you choose to stop work due to an illness. These happen when we least expect it and being prepared will give you peace of mind – especially as treatments can be costly! Consultations are important so I can make sure that you have the right coverage and building blocks in place to still live life to the fullest without added worries of nasty hospital bills or charges that you weren’t expecting to pay for. This could be visits to the
chiropractor, physiotherapist or just a visit to the doctor. I give you the luxury of getting a second opinion overseas, fast track treatment by giving you the option to do it elsewhere or even to take time off work so you can give yourself the best chance at recovery when your need it the most. So what values do you carry Certified Financial Planner? RA: Be prepared in all aspects of life. As important as it is to start to put all plans in place, everyone has their own pace. At GoodLife Financial Planning, I believe that the greatest things for success are learning and support. We provide Financial Courses, Awareness Talks, help people stay educated and give back to the GoodLife Community with community events and awareness programs.
My focus is client welfare and satisfaction so if you’re happy, I’m happy! Whether you know exactly what your financial plan needs or need a little more help sorting things out, I am here to find the best solutions for you and your family. What action plans have you put in place for yourself towards living a GoodLife? RA: Building a better future doesn’t happen overnight. That’s why my own financial plan has evolved since the day I started working. I carry the same values in everything I do for my clients. To make sure a comprehensive financial plan has you protected for now and later, with progressive wealth building tools that can take the worry of tomorrow off your shoulders when it’s time for you to retire, you’ll be able to just the way you want.
CONTACT FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION AND HAVE A CASUAL CHAT OVER COFFEE. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT RICKY ANG AT +673-8837171
I wasn’t sure where or how to start investing and because confidentiality is key for me, it was great to work on my savings plans with someone like Ricky. He is someone I know I can trust and always ahs my best interests at heart. He patiently takes the time to explain the things I don’t understand – even if I ask the same question multiple times. He’s always ready to help if I have a concern too! I feel so much better knowing my future is now more secure with Ricky’s help and advice on my chosen investments.
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focus @sarawaktourismboard
Weaving a Tale as
Old as Time
@hrazmarketing
@ab atik _excursions
Sarah Wong Jing Yuan
A
rabyrd’s The Cloth Story Travelogue is a series of documentaries about the stories behind the uniqueness of batik, songket and other clothing from the Malay culture, as well as the origin of cloth production. The first season of The Cloth Story explores the traditional textiles of the East Coast of West Malaysia before moving to home ground featuring Borneo’s textile history and weaving culture, in Season Two which is scheduled to air sometime this year. The extraordinary host of The Cloth Story is Sarawak-Malaysian singer Arabyrd who is perhaps lesser known by her real name, Arafah Edruce. She holds many hats, showing skills as a DJ and alternative electronic artist, and her ability to be relatable to the show’s guests tells a greater story about the island’s humbling nature and the seamless ability of an island kid to slip back into a slower lifestyle. @arabyrd
There are no flashy scenes here, just heartwarming chats with expert artisans and a great visual map of kain across the various states of Malaysia. Episode 13 of Season 1, in particular, talks about the Pua, a very popular and renowned textile produced by the Ibans in Sarawak. Considered “the heart of the Iban culture”, the patterns and designs in Pua are said to be inspired by dreams in the olden days. Arabyrd’s exploration took her to the Sarawak Cultural Village where she met Siti Masitah, affectionately known as Kak Siti, and Fiorita o Kak Ita. Pua is said to be based on the characters of Menggin and Dara Tinchin, who according to Kak Ita, are referred to in Iban history as Anak Umbung (the prettiest lady). In Iban culture, the stronger the energy focused in making a Pua design, the closer one gets to the spiritual realm. There are different techniques in making different types of Pua; the Pua Kumbu refers to tie-and-dye, while the Pua Karap refers to handweaving a design first, before using weaving tools. Watching Kak Ita teach Arabyrd how to make the Pua Kumbu, which is regarded as the oldest tradition of the Iban community and the most valuable asset of the Iban ladies, one is left with a hope that these traditions will remain time-honoured traditions for generations to come. Get stuck into The Cloth Story on TVS Astro or Youtube!
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YOU ARE THE DANCING QUEEN! We’ve heard the saying, ‘When pigs fly’, but what about vegetables and fruit dancing? As final rehearsals for the Asia Ballet Academy Brunei’s first local production got underway at the Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) Pro-Chancellor Hall, my inner child was right there with the onions, carrots and lemons dancing across the stage. Featuring over 60 young dancers from Brunei and abroad, this inaugural performance of ‘Chipollino’ also marks the first anniversary of the Malaysian ballet school’s foray into the Brunei market. “(With) a growing interest from children around (Brunei), Chipollino is not merely a performance; it's a vibrant showcase of budding talent, an embodiment of our aspirations, and a reflection of our dedication to nurturing the performing arts,” explained Shizreen Saleh, Academy Manager of Asia Ballet Academy Brunei. “Through this performance, we aim to not only delight our audiences but also to encourage and inspire more young dancers to explore the manifold benefits of dance. It's our hope that this ballet will ignite a spark of artistic passion and a spirit of resilience among the children of Brunei.” Dancers in the stage production echoed these sentiments, saying they were grateful for the opportunity to the take part in such a large performance and to be able to showcase the beauty of the art form to a wider audience and both genders. Unsurprisingly, there are also many parents who signed their children up for ballet as an extracurricular activity citing the dance style as a good way to encourage social development, discipline and love for the arts. Asia Ballet Academy encourages all ages to sign up and even has free trial classes for anyone wishing to give ballet a go! •• IG: @asiaballetacademybrunei
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getaway 2
EXPERIENCE THE EXCEPTIONAL Ying Chia The Edison Hotels
There is a genuine calm that washes over you, as you step onto The Edison’s compound in the heart of historical Georgetown. The heritage Anglo-Colonial building sits in one of Malaysia’s food capitals, making it an ideal point for exploration and a fantastic representation of how old and new can seamlessly merged for a unique hospitality experience.
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nce the grand homestead of Yeo Wee Gark, a Hakka tycoon in the 1800’s, this two-story structure features a resplendent white frontage that’s embellished with soft green louvred windows, intricate plaster detailing, columns and arches. The mansion was commissioned in 1906, living multiple lives; Home to a multi-generational Chinese family, as an administrative centre used by occupying Japanese forces during the Second World War and a bed-and-breakfast, before it’s 2016 renovation into the boutique property of The Edison. The opportunity to stay here for a wedding event also proved a welcome excuse to see how it would function for commercial purposes – a centre open-air courtyard that normally houses their lounge seating ideal for book reading and lolling about, was transformed into a wonderfully intimate venue with enough space for important group photos! It’s certainly a place I
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would consider coming back to with family or friends. 7
1. Subtle luxury awaits at the restored
heritage building of The Edison. 2. Take a dip and relax after a light breakfast or day of exploring. 3. History abounds at the former homestead of Hakka tycoon, Yeo Wee Gark. 4. It's in the details. The Edison promises a relaxing stay, amongst modern facilities with a timeless design. 5. Afternoons spent in The Library are a welcome break from sightseeing and eating. 6. Start and end your days right in the restful atmosphere of The Cabanas. 7. Discover new friends, delectable wines and cheese, at any time of the day in the 24-hour Lounge.
THE EDISON HOTELS 15 Lebuh Leith, George Town, 10200 Penang, Malaysia Tel: 6042 622990 www.theedisonhotels.com
True to The Edison’s motto to ‘Experience the Exceptional’, founder Eugene Tan hopes to make you fall in love with the charm of hotel stays again, as evidenced by their turn-down service – a hospitality marker long forgotten in favour of quick transactions. It is the thoughtfulness of small gestures like this that permeated my experience at The Edison. It’s no wonder that they are also part of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World group. Modern amenities like the in-room yoga mat, WIFI and all-important air-conditioning, complement the hotel’s excellent service for a most comfortable stay. Staff are personable and will happily answer important questions, like where to find the best street food or cafes to fuel up on. Guests are encouraged to explore the food city and so in place of room service, you’ll find a 24-hour lounge bar that has snacks and light bites galore. Designed to emulate being in someone’s kitchen, The Lounge is a wonderful place to relax or meet fellow travellers, and the founder’s passion for wine means there are plenty of interesting varieties to try in their daily Wine Discovery program. Need something light to start
the day with before venturing out? The Edison’s continental breakfast menu is a clever nod to celebrating their city’s rich culinary reputation, and you can even get your coffees to go if you wish! The development group behind The Edison spent years of careful design and planning, leaving much of the original structures and fixtures in place for 35 rooms split into a variety of sizes and suites, whilst adopting modern necessities. High ceilings, cast iron pillars and curlicued metal grills, original tiling and door frames, act as small windows into history, amongst a host of sleek interiors and furnishings like modern ambient lighting, rain showers, and plush bedding that is perfect for a dreamy night of sleep after a long day of ‘cari-cari makan’ (looking for food) around the surrounding heritage area. Georgetown is a hop and skip away from the property and walkable sites include the Blue Mansion (Chong Fatt Tze) made famous in the ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ film and the Pinang Peranakan Museum, where you can immerse into the colourful heritage of Penang city. There’s even a hawker centre directly across from the entrance of the hotel that opens late into the night so you don’t have far to go at all if you’re craving some more Char Kway Teow or a cool beverage. If it’s your lucky night, there’s even karaoke.
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THE KOREAN VEGAN By Joanne Lee Molinaro
Molinaro is best known for the incredibly masterful storytelling and cooking combo done via her social media platforms as ‘The Korean Vegan’. She shared stories and opinions on everything and anything - her parent’s experience emigrating from North to South Korea or her own personal life and philosophies, for example - with much candor and compassion. All the while teaching us that Korean food is more than gochujang, kimchi or ramyun, and is easy to veganise (with amazing results).
Read Well,
SALT, FAT, ACID, HEAT: MASTERING THE ELEMENTS OF GOOD COOKING By Samin Nosrat Samin Nosrat’s debut 2017 cookbook is an awardwinning 480-page dive into the major components that she says will “determine how good your food will taste”. The book is as charming and bright as Nosrat herself - complete with wonderful hand drawn illustrations and written instructions that speak to her commensurate ability to teach and entertain readers simultaneously. The book has since been adapted into a Netflix show, after its success in print.
NO MUSS, NO FUSS: THE HASSLE-FREE OATS RECIPE COOKBOOK By Phoebe Chok
Filled with personal stories and an easy-going approach, this book about the humble grain will open your eyes on the ways to have this healthy dish, that are delicious and good for your gut. With great personal storytelling from her perspective as a working woman that is always on-the-go, the cookbook also has Melissa Webb, a Certified Nutritionist and Wellness Coach from the UK, on board. These personalised recipes have the addition of nutrient facts listed so you really know what you’re putting in your body!
Eat Well Cookbooks are one of those weird covetable items that bring me as much joy as a vacation - some are purely for the entertainment factor and collectability of the publications, some are worthy companions in your journey to be a better cook or chef. This collection omits obvious classics like Julia Child’s ‘Mastering the Art of French Cooking’ or Yuzuru Tachibana’s ‘The Book of Sushi’, and focuses on books that have come out in the last few decades.
TAMU: A GUEST AT THE BORNEAN TABLE By Bryan Koh
FISH BUTCHERY By Josh Niland
In his sequel to The Whole Fish Cookbook, the James Beard award-winning author Josh Niland exploring zero waste cooking. Fish Butchery teaches you just that - how to take apart the whole thing and what you can do with it, in rich detail and instruction. Perhaps not such new information to Asian readers, who happily schlup down fish maw and heads for their rich collagen, but there are definitely things to learn from this book.
Perhaps the most in-depth insight into the culinary landscape of Borneo, Tamu is a book rich in history, recipes and vivid storytelling. Koh spent four years travelling across the island to meet various communities resulting in a massive tome of information and anecdotes that reflect their vital ties to the wild of Borneo. Written as a travelogue with food firmly at its core, it is perhaps the greatest modern lens to be shed on the beauty of Borneo’s cultures as a connected whole. Impressively, Koh executed the content and visuals for the book on his own, as he has with his previous publications.
talk
Me, Against
Myself and I
As a female strength athlete, Nina Juna continues to make waves in a sport traditionally associated with men. She has made a name for herself in the world of fitness, joining Crossfit and Weightlifting competitions, and as a local ambassador of health brands like Fuel Athlete and YouC1000. Recently, she joined the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, as the Bruneian representative and the first woman to compete in said Games as a weightlifter. We sat down with Nina to chat a little about her experiences throughout her weightlifting journey and what it really means to have discipline. Community and competition don’t necessarily sound like words that go together, but it’s something you’ve consistently pointed out about why you love CrossFit – could you share your thoughts on that? NJ: For me, it’s like being on a battle floor, we are against each other but out of the floor, right after we finish the competition, it’s back to being friends again. There’s no hard feelings - we learn from each other and we can talk and hang out after. You’re Brunei’s five-time fittest woman, and counting! How does it feel to be undefeated and to what do you credit your current status? NJ: To be the fittest in Brunei is easy right
now for me, because there’s not much competition. But I always see myself from the perspective of Asia regional rankings. For CrossFit, everyone has their own goal and for me I want to compete, and see what my body is capable of every day and where I can stand in this world. But Asian women athletes are so strong! I only went to the semi-finals twice, I tried to get into the Top 30 this year but I came ranked 38th in Asia. When you first started, you not only chose to compete but gave yourself an almost impossible timeline of three days to get ready – what inspired you to go ahead with this plan? NJ: I didn’t know much about what CrossFit was at the time. I thought it was a normal fitness comp and there were a lot of movements I didn’t know how to execute because they have an execution standard for those moves and I could only pass on the deadlift. I cried after the competition! Calvin, who’s my CrossFit coach, was training at Extremist Gym back then and he recommended I join them, which I eventually did after winning a one-month pass to Extremist in a competition. After my membership expired, I thought ‘This is so challenging!’, and I like challenging things so I just kept with it.
The recent move into weightlifting is perhaps not surprising then – does this mean you’ll be slowing down on CrossFit competitions? What myths are you happily busting about female weightlifters and the sport in general? NJ: I was weightlifting actually before I even started CrossFit, and I see it as a very pure sport - it’s really focused on technique because you only have six lifts when you’re on that stage. Actually, I want to balance it out between the two because I have a shoulder injury from the CrossFit Open this year, and at the same time I do pure lifting for weights - it’s more about muscle and strength and in CrossFit you have explosive movements with high reps. I might have overused the muscle so I’m focused on strength and conditioning exercises more. I wanna prove to Bruneians that girls can lift too and some of the female athletes outside of Brunei are even stronger than me, and some of the guys here! I have a goal of three to five years for getting a medal in a major competition like the Olympics or Commonwealth Games. •• Read the full interview on www.borneoinsidersguide.com
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biG talk
A WuShu Way of Life For Basma Lachkar, Wu Shu is more than just a sport. Her dreams of becoming a professional athlete buck the trend of traditional female roles in Brunei, and with the support of her parents, the Brunei-Moroccan has gone from a promising Sports School Student to bonafide professional athlete. As a member of the national Wu Shu team, she’s made the nation proud, culminating with a slew of podium finishes including Bronze at the 16th World Wushu Championships in Texas, U.S.A, and a historic gold medal at the 2022 World Games. We stopped by to chat with Basma about kindness, and being a sportswoman in Brunei. You stepped into Wushu when you were fairly young. What drew you to trying the sport and why do you think you’ve held an interest in it as long as you have? BL: I’ve been doing it for so long, it’s kind of like a part of my identity now? Growing up with Wu Shu, I’ve come to understand the sport, its philosophy, and I feel the movements are like a part of me. It’s really hard for me to think easily letting go of the sport. I can’t really describe what made me hold on to training in it for so long, it was just kind of natural, I guess. I started it as a CCA in Chung Hwa because my mom asked me to and because my brother was already there. He’s also passionate about Wu Shu and was invited to go to the Sports Complex in Menglait, where all the national team trains. So, I’d watch him and the other seniors as well, while waiting. It was interesting, the jumping and flipping in their routines. I started to join in and then it was small competitions until 2017 when I started going for bigger events. That’s when I met my coach. How do you keep yourself motivated and focused, especially when you’re at the age where most kids in their 20’s are keener on going out and partying? BL: I went to the Sports School for high school and we usually have a full day of sport and study. The people around me, they didn’t really go out as well. We understood and supported each other. It’s like, being in that kind of environment, we don’t really get influenced by people in other schools who go out with their friends and all. When we’re in school, that’s when we talk about things, about how hard training or school is. Even the teachers are really kind. They’re very flexible, they don’t really give us many tasks – I went to Jerudong International School
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after that and so the teachers are not really used to having athletes, I guess, so they just give the normal amount of work for students. I think the Sports School teachers are really helpful in terms of supporting our mental health as well, because we have to perform consistently. I mean personally, I don’t really use motivation as my tool because it’s a very short-term thing to me. Sometimes it goes up and down and I understand that - our body is not the same as a man’s. There aren’t many female athletes and it’s really hard mentally because I see that they’re (being) consistent but I’m just at this level at times. Speaking of the mental health aspect, do you think you’ve learned to be kinder to yourself? Since you said that, there can be a difference sometimes in professional performance when you’re not really physically feeling your best and men don’t really have to go through that? BL: Yeah, definitely. At first, I didn’t understand cause I started Wu Shu very young but as girls grow older and hit puberty, we get periods (and) it’s not the same anymore. I had to learn it the hard way, because nobody really told us about this kind of stuff and my seniors retired when I started training professionally so there wasn’t really anyone there to give us advice either. Right now, I'm not gonna lie, I’m still in that stage though (of taking care of myself). Sometimes I’m kind to myself but sometimes I just have to be hard on myself because you know, laziness comes. •• Read the full interview on www.borneoinsidersguide.com
biG talk
From The
Ground Up
There’s a huge amount of information on health available on the internet today – how do you figure out what’s the good stuff and the not-sogood stuff?
Habits make or break you; San Yeo’s pivotal change to a healthier, happier version of herself came when she had her ‘A-Ha!’ moment a few years ago during a significant life change, and she began her pivotal journey down the wellness and health rabbit hole. The former multimedia specialist turned holistic wellness coach and Biohacker (known as The NicheNerd), has made it her purpose in life to share her knowledge and strategies for improving everything. And who can say no to better sleep quality, better fitness levels or a resurrected lust for living your life to its full potential?
SY: I think it’s all about listening to your body, because for me, I can go really strict if I really wanna achieve something, you know? When you’re on a strict lifestyle for a period of time, your body gets really clean and it doesn’t function like before so when you eat certain ingredients that are not good for you, you can feel it (or you’ll) get certain symptoms. Some people get diarrhoea, some people will vomit it out and things like that. And dig into the research. I also read a lot of medical journals, to make sure that the ingredients (I consume) are okay. Who you go to for your resources is also very important. Everyone is writing the same thing, and immediately if someone has a certain symptom, they’ll be on Google thinking like, “Oh no! I have cardiovascular disease!” But no, symptoms are the same and these sites are very general, it doesn’t apply to everyone whose biological make up is a little bit different. You gotta really find the right guys who are willing to help others, and not worry about the profit. What was that journey across different industries and lifestyles like, actually pushing yourself to make a change? SY: Oh, it’s a really difficult journey, haha! I will say it’s trying times for me, but I’m a very determined person and I trust in the process, so I know it’s gonna be hard, you
know, venturing into an industry that I really have no idea about. But over time with all the studies online and with the people I tend to - both free and also paid clients - the results kind of show that it’s worth it. Even from like, design to pitching to consultancies, it was all very new to me at some point but yeah, it takes time to adapt. Alright, how, speaking of trusting the process, how… do you do that? SY: I just rock up every day and, you know? I plan, structure, get the work done. Don’t get lazy. Don’t fall back to the old habits. Because what I notice is that in the past, the only thing that sets me apart from everyone in my field I think is my attention span, haha! While i’m very creative and wanna do a lot of things creative, people hold the proud badge of (sleep deficit). I grew to realise that is not okay. Because for creativity, productivity, thinking skills and being there for others, you need focus and attention span. We need to be able to retain information at the end of the day. so I think my problem back then, was attention span because I lack sleep. I was an insomniac, I worked until four a.m., wake up at seven. It starts catching up to your health and then manifests into something else. So once you change all that, your brain starts to work again. I was actually kinda shocked that I can go back to studying now. I was never an academically-inclined person. I was more creative, better in the practical, but things start to change now. Even though it’s still very difficult for me to study like a PhD student, I’m getting there. I’ve completed quite a lot of certifications just to be competent to help others. •• Read the full interview on www.borneoinsidersguide.com
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appetite
A
hh, the sweet smell of charcoal briquettes a good old fashioned barbecue or some f after for good reason and being (kinda) burne the island for some of the great places to enjo you to try them.
Grill’s n More
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The name says it all - for a grilling good time, you’ll love having meals at Grill’s n More. Featuring aromatic Arabic cuisine and the skills of their head chef who hails from the Middle East and has spent years honing his craft. Meats are tender and juicy, and lean, so you’re getting a big bite of protein! If you don’t have the crowd for one of their enormous sharing platters (hello lamb shanks!), try their chicken and beef kebabs which are an ideal meal for any time of the day, and they come with a gloriously whipped Garlic sauce (Toum) and homemade Chilli dressing. Of course, there are carbs involved and the fluffy Arabic rice is perfectly spiced with cloves and other aromatics.
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Unit 3, Grd & 1st Floor, Blk C, Bangunan Hj A Rahman and Hjh Siti Ajar & Anak2, Kg Kiulap, Bandar Seri Begawan IG: @grillsandmorearabic.bn
Tandoor.com Love a curry but need to cater for a wider variety of tastes? Tandoor has something for everybody! This charming restaurant boasts authentic Indian cooking with options for Arabic or Western dishes that even picky eaters will like. The interior of the restaurant has just the right amount of luxe to make any meal feel special. You’ll find lots of fiery and fire-y flavours here as they have an in-house tandoor oven that delivers the necessary char and heat for succulent, moist meats or fish with loads of herbs and spices locked in. Try the unique Lahori Paneer Tikka, a fresh, sliced cottage cheese infused with coriander paste roasted over charcoal, or the Nizam Special Tandoori Chicken - a half or full chicken marinated in spiced yoghurt and grilled in the tandoor with cream sauce. Now that’s a meal worth celebrating.
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Unit 3 &4, Bng Hj Majid, Jln Pasar Baru, Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan IG: @tandoorbrunei
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s and burning wood. Nothing stirs the appetite like flame-grilling action. That elusive 'wok hei' is sought ed never hurt a good piece of meat! We've scoured oy the tastiest fire-cooked meals and can't wait for
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Bombay Palace What a hidden gem! Bombay Palace is easily serving up some of the best North Indian food in Brunei, and some insanely delicious Tandoor/ Chicken Tikka. Fresh off the tandoor, it’s joy in every bite especially drizzled with a wedge of tangy lime. Northern India is the region home to the tandoori roti and naans (bread made in a clay tandoor oven), and the smokiness of the charcoal oven really comes through in their fluffy breads. The restaurant is homely and inviting, with great service from the super attentive staff! The recipes are unapologetically authentic and full of bite, thanks to the family team behind the business, and you can taste the love and care that’s going into each dish on the menu. Get a side of samosas and enjoy the winning combo with their mint and tamarind dips.
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Blk B, Bangunan Hj Menuddin, Batu, Jln Batu Besurat, Bandar Seri Begawan IG: @bombaypalacebrunei
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Charcoal BBQ & Grill Restaurant It’s the place to go for delicious Western-style barbecue without the cookout stress. This classic steakhouse has served up beefy goodness in Brunei since 2006. Charcoal thinks there’s no better way to enjoy a premium steak than cooking it over a fire and want to give customers the best, no shortcuts! Whatever cut you prefer, from Rib-eye to a big ol’ T-Bone, every bite will be cooked to your preferred doneness. If you’re feeling extra, go for the Wagyu; available in several cuts that will melt in your mouth and have you singing praises. Not a fan of the moo-meat? Charcoal BBQ & Grill's extensive menu has other proteins and of course, a ton of side dishes to complement the meal. The kid’s menu makes it an excellent family destination. A place to relax and keep it casual, with great steaks, big value and good vibes!
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Kilometers 2.5, Jln Tutong, The Crowne Princess Complex, Bandar Seri Begawan IG: @charcoalbrunei
Kimchi Restaurant We know and love Kimchi for its delicious Korean Barbeque and modern Korean cuisine options (did we mention that it’s all halal?) but did you know that they also have handmade Tteokbokki? Their recipe includes cooking the rice flour mixture cooked over a controlled flame so that ultimate chewiness of the rice cakes is achieved! We are loving the new Tteokbokki dish, Rose Tteokbokki, which have a good spicy kick and sweet tang to ensure maximum munching power. And don’t get me started on the Cheese topped version. With lots of gooey, melted mozzarella on top, it’s the perfect balancing act of savory and sweet to complement the crunch of the vegetables and soft, chewy rice cakes. It’s no wonder the restaurant has been thriving since 2009!
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Unit 19, Blk B, Regent Square, Kiulap IG: @kimchibrunei
Nyonya Restaurant At Nyonya, you’re blessed with good food. This institution in the Bruneian food and beverage industry has been serving the nation since 1992 and with their recent revamp came a renewed determination to continue their legacy of delectable Southeast Asian Fusion food. Ayam Bakar is a wonderful treat, especially when it’s done right, and at Nyonya Restaurant you’ll find one of the best versions of this classic Malay-Indonesian dish. Juicy, succulent and savoury, this is a hearty meal that satisfies. Paired with the classic accompaniment of fluffy white rice, soya sauce and spicy chilli, fried tempe and tofu, this is a dish you’ll want to eat til' the last grain of rice is gone.
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No.3, Bangunan Hasbullah 1, Jalan Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan Tel: 673-827 2272 IG: @restaurantnyonya 38
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Senja What started out as Ang Bee Fong’s passion for great dining experiences has turned into one of Brunei’s most well-known steak restaurants. From its original location during the 80’s in the now-defunct Riverview Hotel to the bright, modern space at Kiulap, the family-run Senja Lounge knows its steaks. ‘Consistency at a high level’ and an affordable mid to high tier dining experience, is what they aim for and the steaks are certainly living up to this standard. Locally sourced, imported high-grade beef is given the necessary char treatment, which manager Ang Cheng says is important to make sure that what they serve is cooked to bring out its best flavours and texture. Think of a juicy steak and Senja is going to put that on your plate, preferably medium rare but you do you. The restaurant is welcoming enough that you could pop in for a nice solo meal, or get a little glammed up for any kind of celebration or family dinner.
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Braai
eat , drink
Unit 8&9, Seri Q-Lap complex Spg 88, Jln Komersial Kiulap, Bandar Seri Begawan IG: @Senja_bn
Smoked and Grilled (Del’z Deli) Who would’ve thought that you’d find Americanstyle smoked brisket in Brunei, and all the way in Kuala Belait no less! This humble home business does things the right way - low and slow, smoking the Australian-imported beef until all the flavours from his own secret dry rub recipe are infused and the meat literally oozes its juices. YUM. Brisket takes time so be sure to check his Instagram for slot updates. There’s even a free delivery option if you don’t have time to pick up your order, so convenient! You can get a 400-gram pack all for yourself and have it in different ways; in sandwiches, salads or just on its own with some good cheese and pickles, or grab a slab for those big gatherings and be sure that everyone will remember the brisket you brought!
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IG: @smoked_n_grilled
Brunei
For the best of South African hospitality, Braai does it best. This semi-formal venue is designed to make sure you can enjoy the occasion with friends or family; the three-storey space sports a stunning outdoor firepit seating area right on the Kota Batu riverside perfect for catching the sunset with a good mocktail in hand! Their juicy highgrade imported steaks are cooked over the restaurant’s outdoor fire grill - a spectacular sight that the owners say is key to their menu and the essence of a good Braai, the South African term for a long barbecue gathering where friends and family feast on food and enjoy time together. The smoke from the local and sustainably sourced mangrove wood imparts a flavour and scent that can’t be replicated from electric or gas appliances, and the team at Braai are committed to maintaining this quality.
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No.548, Kg Dato Gandi, Jln Kota Batu, Bandar Seri Begawan Tel: 673-895 6666 IG: @braai.bn Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
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BN Grills Love lamb? You’ll be in heaven with BN Grills who do whole lamb roasts Asador, a South American form of grilling a whole animal skewered on a cross-shaped revolving grill, against an open flame. It’s a family affair; each member plays a part in getting the whole lamb ready and roasted to a dreamy tenderness, and with their patriarch’s experience and passion for post-riding barbecue sessions, you know there’s a masterful art (and a lot of patience!) in their process. The Australian imported Halal meat usually comes in at a minimum of 15 kilograms, cooked for five to six hours. The men in the family take turns rotating the asador until the skin is crisp, with a toothier tenderness underneath. They like to keep it ‘kampung style’ too with simple marinades so the lamb flavour really shines, and dipping sauce is kept to the quintessential kicap and chili mix. BN Grills carves and delivers the lamb in warmer trays, if you’re not looking for their live cook experience
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Tel: 673-837 4409 IG: @BN.grill
The Blue Room by D’Annex Looking for an elegant, private venue, and there’s premium grade steaks and meat? It’s got to be The Blue Room by d’Annex! With options for private room dining and normal restaurant seating, you can enjoy a beef-alicious experience whichever mood you’re in. Known for their range of highquality steaks and shabu-shabu meat, it’s a great place to hang out with friends over a good long meal and kick back with fantastic food and drinks! From Wagyu, to Australian Grade A, it is always going to be a ‘yummy in your tummy’ dinner at The Blue Room. Reservations are recommended so make sure to call ahead!
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1st Flr, Unit 10, Eng Ho Complex, Tungku Link, Bandar Seri Begawan Tel: 673-816 8775 IG: @theblueroom.bn 40
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Seven Sporks Abdul Syafiq Iqbal Abdul Manap is an entrepreneur at heart; starting Seven Sporks in 2018 after helping a friend on their fitness journey, he’s had health on his mind for a very long time. Now a full-time nutritionist and food business owner, Abdul Syafiq remains determined to show Bruneians that healthy can mean lots of flavour and good fats, especially when you employ the right techniques to cooking. By adapting the meal components, you’ll be getting nutritionally sound meals at Seven Sporks and they still do their popular delivery meal plans that help you stay on track no matter what your dietary needs are. Trade secret? Abdul Syafiq’s personal favourite on the menu is the Garlic Beef Bowl, which has a little char action on the succulent protein pieces for that tasty ‘wok hei’.
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House No. 6, Spg 226, 3 Jln Subok, Bandar Seri Begawan IG: @seven.sporks
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Shoney’s Dining & Bar
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They say ‘Delicious starts at Shoney’s’ and boy, are they right. Reputable and hearty comfort food is what this Southern-style American dining experience is known for, thanks to its head chef who trained professionally in the state of Louisiana, the heart of Cajun and Creole culture. It’s usually busy no matter what time of the day you go in, thanks to all its regulars who rave about the Rib-eye steak and Barbecue Ribs, so it’s best to call ahead for reservations. And who wouldn’t? Tender, juicy steak done juuust right or falling off the bone, sticky-sweet rib meat, it’s a hard choice! This family-friendly establishment also has delectable mains like the crispy and comforting Southern Fried Chicken, which all come with three side dishes of your choice. Portions are big so put on the stretchy pants, do some laps and get ready to have a feed at Shoney’s Dining & Bar! Shoney’s does not serve pork and all meat is certified Halal, but the restaurant does serve alcoholic beverages.
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No. 1, Lot 52, Grd Flr, Jln Gaya, Lorong Ewan, Kota Kinabalu IG: @shoneysdiningbar
SERVES ALCOHOL
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Happy Place Restaurant & Bar Oh, what a Happy Place to be! This Western and Local cuisine restaurant is a favourite amongst Sabahans and visitors to the Kolombong area for being consistently tasty, reasonably priced and providing good service. Fancy a juicy grilled steak with mash and veggies, or a savoury and sweet Mee Mamak? You can have both at this ambient and modern establishment that not only has a delicious wine selection but makes for a great venue to hire. So whether it’s an everyday thing or a little extra special celebration, come to the Happy Place and make each moment memorable!
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Kompleks BSA, Off Miles 5.5, Jln Tuaran Kolombong, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia IG: @happyplacerestaurant
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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.
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) 5 Blk A, Grd Flr, Hau Man Yong Complex, Kg Kiulap (673 2230304) 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
Axtivo Restaurant #12, Grd Flr, Hj Uthman Complex, Spg 13, Kg Jaya Setia (673 2335642)
Farmbasket Snack Bar A1, Grd Flr Blk A, Urairah Complex, Spg 88, Kiulap (673 2234666) – Call for other branches
Aneka Rasa Blk A #17 & 18 Grd & 1st Flr Bgn Begawan Pehin Dato Hj Mohd Yussof, Kg Kiulap (673 2231728)
Babu’s Kitchen C44 Blk C Grd Flr Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 2457868)
Gurkha Palace 47 Jalan Bunga Melor, Seria Town (673 3221474)
Bali Pit-Stop 15 &16, Spg 150 Grd Floor, Block A Bangunan Habza, Kiulap (673 7209992)
Gratitude Café Grd Flr Serusop Complex, Kg Delima Satu (673 2341123)
Anjung Layar Luncur (Nur Wanita Serasa Branch) Simpang 287, Pantai Serasa (673 2771879) Ar Ruhma Restaurant 329 Blk D Bgn Gadong Central, Kg Menglait Unit 29, Blk D, Bgn Gadong Central, Spg 21, Kg Menglait, Jln Gadong (673 2427847)
Chatterbox Kopitiam 2 Grd Flr Bgn Hasbullah 2, Gadong (673 8201212)
Great Taste Restaurant Grd Flr Setia Kenangan II, Kg Kiulap (673 2233913)
Excapade Serusop Unit 4&5, Spg 86, Complex PHB, Kg Delima Satu, Jln Muara (673 2335512) – Call for other branches
Happy Dean Restaurant No 3, Grd Flr, Zainuddin Complex, Spg 11, Anggerek Desa, Berakas A (673 2340885) – Call for other branches Impian Rasa Restaurant #5 Bgn Pg Hjh Rafiah Spg 607 Jln Jangsak, Gadong (673 2653858) – Call for other branches Iron Chef Unit 5&6, Lvl 1, HuaHo Manggis Mall (673 2338888) Kaka Restaurant 2 & 3 Spg 100 Jln Jerudong (673 2672333) – Call for other branches
NYONYA RESTAURANT Among some Asian favourites is the Buttermilk Chicken, where the chicken pieces are drenched in a sweet and creamy buttermilk sauce. At Nyonya Restaurant, the Buttermilk Chicken is their pride and joy as they create their home-made buttermilk sauce from scratch using a special recipe. Don’t forget to finish off your meal with their refreshing ICE Jelly Special, to wash it all down and cool off! Head on over to Gadong or Kiulap, and make yourself at home with Nyonya.
Unit F7 & F8, Grd flr, Blk F, Lot No. 5788, Setia Kenangan, Kiulap, Bandar Seri Begawan #3, Hasbullah Building 1, Jln Gadong, Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan IG: @restorannyonya
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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
MyTown Eating House Grd Flr The Crown Princess Complex, Jalan Tutong (673 2241880)
Amsarra Shawarma Unit 5, Grd Flr, Blk A, One Riverside, Jln Gadong (673 7312545)
Restoran Nyonya 3 Grd Flr Bgn Hasbullah 1, Gadong (673 2447090)
Blue Restaurant Unit 19, Grd Flr, Blk C, Spg 493, Kg Beribi, Jln Gadong (673 2450458)
F7 & F8, Grf Flr Blk 5, Lot No. 5788, Setia Kenangan, Kiulap (673 2232486) Pattaya Restaurant Spg 302, Jln Kota Batu, Sungai Lampai, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 2241721) PappaRich Blk G Grd Flr Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 2432333) Pho Hoa Restaurant #6 Grd Flr Blk B Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kg Kiulap (673 2236218) Rice Bowl 72 T.C.Y Building, Batu Bersurat (673 8630665) Sapphira Cake House 3 Grd Flr Seri Anigma, Kiulap (673 2232021) Seasons Restaurant Lvl 2 The Centrepoint, Gadong (673 2422291) Seafood Palace #1, 2 & 3 Blk B An-Nuha Building, Kg Tanjung Bunut (673 2671299)
La Mee #1B & 1c Grd Flr Spg 41-1-12, Jln Kiarong (673 2430113)
Seaworld Neptune 8 Spg 791, Jerudong (673 2612613)
Lee Loi Fatt Blk A #7 Grd Flr Serusop Complex, Kg Delima Satu (673 2342384) – Call for other branches
Sate House Unit B9, Block B, Setia Kenangan II, Spg.150, Kiulap, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 2231017)
Mangrove Paradise Resort Spg 912 Kg Sungai Belukut, Jln Kota Batu (673 2786868)
Sulbingsoo Korean Dessert Cafe Unit B7, Grd Flr, Shakirin Complex, Kiulap (673 2234271)
MY Favoureat Restaurant 9 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Munchit & Hjh Rapiah, Kg Jaya Setia (673 2232828)
SPICY CURRY & WRAPS FROM ARABIC TO INDIAN CUISINE, CHECK OUT THESE RESTAURANTS IF YOU LIKE A SPICY KICK TO YOUR MEALS.
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) 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) 28, Grd Flr, Citis Square, Spg 13-41, Jln Komersial Jaya Setia, Berakas (673 2332493)
biG listings Saffron Restaurant 8 Blk C Shakirin Complex, Kiulap (673 2235888)
SISU CAFÉ This fusion concept café has a changing menu designed by the owner’s own cravings or culinary explorations and travels. Sisu gained recognition for their rendition of Miso Ramen topped with a Chicken Ballotine, and you’ll find these combinations of Asian-Western influence throughout every menu iteration. Most recently, Sisu’s exciting weekend Omakase menu takes the refined tasting menu concept from Japan and flips it on its heels. The five-course meal included a whirlwind tour of world flavours with dishes like bright and cheerful Nori Masala covered fries, Charcoal knäckebrod with maple infused cream and fruit, and Chawanmushi Lohiketto. And there’s good coffee. Need we say more? No.2, Spg. 396-54-60, Jerudong, Sengkurong B, Bandar Seri Begawan Tel: 673-7164340 IG: @sisu.bn
Sameer Restaurant & Catering G1 Grd Flr Sg Akar Sentral, Berakas (673 2336613) No. 27 Blk B, Grd Flr, Rimba Complex, Kg Rimba (673 2428676) Spices Restaurant #1 Grd Flr Blk A Aman Complex, Jln Muara (673 2330081) Ya Nur Restaurant #6 & #7, 1st Flr, Kompleks Hj Tahir 2, Gadong (673 8719986) Zaika Restaurant A4 Lot 308 Bgn Maju Jln Bunga Raya, Kuala Belait (673 3347430) WESTERN FOOD ITALIAN PIZZAS, AMERICAN STEAKS AND BURGERS, BRITISH COTTAGE PIES – WE LIST DOWN THE RESTAURANTS THAT SERVE THE BEST FROM THE WEST. Bello Café L1/12 Seri Kiulap Mall, Kiulap (673 2233989)– Call for other branches
Buccaneer Steak House 92-93 (B) 94 Grd Flr Jln McKerron, Kuala Belait (673 3330406) Bella Amore Unit 4, Grd Flr, Blk C, Sempurna Complex, Jln Batu Bersurat (673 3347455) Casbah London Kebab #G2a Grd Flr Times Square Complex, Kg Jaya Setia (673 2343001) 204, Spg 210, Kg Lambak, Jln Berakas (673 2340559) Charcoal BBQ & Grill Restaurant Grd Flr Le Gallery Suites Hotel, Jln Tutong (673 2221171) Cheezbox Café External Café, Ramp A, The Mall, Gadong (673 2425506)
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MERCHANT DELIGHTS A.Ayam Enjoy up to 10% off with TAIB cards.
OPEN 11am-12am (Mon-Sun) / 10AM -12PM (closed Friday 12pm-2pm); Unit 1, Spg 122, Jln Bengkurong Masin, BSB (673 2650471) - Call for other branches
Anjung Saujana (RBC) Enjoy up to 12% off with TAIB cards.
OPEN DAILY 7am-9pm; Departure Hall, Level 1, Brunei International Airport, BSB (673 2331853)
Countrypatch Café 2& 3 Blk D Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kiulap (673 2232368)
Area 8 Enjoy up to 15% off with TAIB cards.
De’ Olde Cottage 2 Grd Flr Blk C Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 2426982)
Bombay Palace Restaurant Enjoy up to 10% off with TAIB cards.
Fratini’s Restaurant #1 Grd Flr The Centrepoint Hotel, Gadong (673 2451200) – Call for other branches
Dapur Penyet Enjoy up to 10% off with TAIB cards.
Flour & Butter No. 29, Grd Flr, Bangunan Haji Hassan Abdullah, Jln Gadong, Menglait II (673 242 2323) Geo Eats No. 13, Spg 381, Kg Jerudong (673 8271381) Home Kitchen by Tree-Bit Café D8 & D9 Lot 11620 Grd Flr Jln Gadong, Kg MataMata (673 2429366) Kitchen of Jasmine by Aranda Café #17, Blk E, Atiya Complex, Spg 100, Jln Jerudong (673 8997333) Margherita Pizzeria #5 Blk A Scout Complex Jln Gadong, Kg MataMata (673 8688884) Pastamania G9A & G10A Grd Flr Times Square Shopping Centre, Jln Berakas (673 2338061) – Call for other branches
OPEN DAILY 11am-10pm; #8, Blk A, One Riverside, Jln Gadong Kumbang Pasang, BSB (673 7370123)
OPEN DAILY 8.30am-9pm; Blk B, Bangunan Hj Menuddin, Jln Batu Bersurat, BSB (673 2427313)
OPEN 9.30am-9.30pm (Mon-Thurs) / 9.30am-10pm (Sat-Sun) (closed every Friday); #9, Grd Flr, Blk C, Delima Square, BSB (673 233 0033)
Goldiana Café & Lounge Enjoy up to 15% off with TAIB cards.
OPEN DAILY 6am-11pm; Mulia Hotel, BSB (673 2335544)
Grills and More Enjoy up to 10% off with TAIB cards.
OPEN DAILY 8am-9pm; #3, Grd & 1st Flr, Blk C, Bangunan Hj A Rahman and Hjh Siti Ajar & Anak-anak, Kg. Kiulap, BSB (673 2577986)
Le Apple Bakery & Mart Enjoy up to 10% off with TAIB cards.
OPEN 8am-7pm (Mon-Sat)(closed Friday 12pm-2pm) / 9am-6pm (Sun): #27 & 28, Grd Flr, Bangunan Hj Hassan Abdullah, Menglait, Jln Gadong, BSB (673 2447885)
LiHO Tea Enjoy up to 15% off with TAIB cards.
OPEN DAILY 10am-10pm; One City Shopping Centre, #24, Grd Flr, Sungai Hancing, BSB (673 7339616)
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biG listings
Pepper Lunch Brunei C9/10 Grd Flr Setia Kenangan II, Kg Kiulap (673 2253000) Qasehmaisara Café House #206-209 2nd Flr Plaza Athirah, Jln Kubah Makam DiRaja (673 2789898)
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)
Red Canopy Restaurant #8 Blk A Q-Lap Complex, Kg Kiulap (673 2425855)
Fleur-de-lys L1/1 Seri Q-Lap Mall, Kiulap (673 2231777) – call for other branches
Ricardo’s El Mariachi Jalan Manggis Dua (673 7363139) – Call or WhatsApp for exact location
Games & Lattes Café #E9 Grd Flr Blk E Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap (673 2235200)
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) CAFE HOPPING GOURMET, PREMIUMGRADE, SPECIALTY COFFEE – THIS LIST ACCOMMODATES THE BEST OF THE BURGEONING LOCAL COFFEE INDUSTRY. Beanery & Co #81 A/1 Grd Flr, Jln Bunga Rambai, Kuala Belait (673 3347772) BELLUNO Café #2 Blk C Kiarong Complex, Kg Kiarong (673 2429010) Bicara Lab 2601, Jln Nakhoda Manis, Seria (IG: @ bicara.lab) Brew Café & Bakery #47 Grd Flr Blk C Gadong Central, Menglait (673 2427554) Brew9 Unit 10, Grd Flr, The Walk, Beribi (673 2426986) Black Whale Unit G18A, Grd Flr, Blk C, Aman Hills Shopping Complex (673 2341473) - Call for other branches
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) Noice D29, Bangunan Lim Eng Ming, Kg Kiulap, Bandar Seri Begawan, BE1518 (673 8266825) Piccolo Café #11 Jln McArthur, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 2241558) Roasted Sip Unit 3, Grd Flr, Blk D, Spg 508, Jerudong Complex, Jln Jerudong (673 2610850) – Call for other branches The 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)
Caffé Verve #6A Spg 68, Jln Batu Bersurat (673 8757382)
The Slice by IA Gateaux Jalan Pretty, Kuala Belait (673 3338255 / 7374498) - Available on WA
Coffee Field Cafe & Resto Unit 5, Grd Flr, Blk A, Little Soho, Spg 73-5-8, Jln Batu Besurat (673 7229042)
Two Sons Backyard Inside Surf Shack, Peak Club, RBRC Main Building, Brunei International Airport Highway (673 7321327)
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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
CAFE HOPPING AT COFFEE BEAN & TEA LEAF @ Times Square Shopping Centre, Berakas 8AM-12AM @ Supa Save Mata-Mata, Beribi 8AM-12AM @ Maya Puri Building, Bandar 8AM-12AM
Le Keris L2/22, 1st Flr, Seri Q-Lap Mall (673 2230149) Senja Restaurant 8&9 Grd Flr Seri Kiulap Complex, Kiulap (673 2235313) Tarindak d’Polo Royal Brunei Polo & Riding Club, Jerudong (673 2612500)
@ CentrePoint, Gadong 8AM-12AM
Tarindak D’Seni Brunei Arts & Handicrafts Centre, Kota Batu (673 2240422)
@ One Riverside, Gadong 8AM-12AM
DIVINE DINING AT THE EMPIRE BRUNEI
@ One City Shopping Centre 9AM-12AM
Atrium Café Daily à la carte plated breakfast menu from 7am to 11am
@ The Mall 10AM-9PM @ Yayasan Shopping Complex 10AM-9PM @ Jerudong Park Medical Centre 7.30AM-11PM @ Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre 7.30AM-11PM @ Supa Save Seria 7AM-11PM @ Seaview Hotel, KB 6.30AM-11PM @ Soon Lee Muara 9AM-8.30PM @ Soon Lee Berakas 9AM-9PM @ Hua Ho Manggis 9.30AM-9PM @ Rimba Point 9.30AM-9PM @ Food Truck Sengkurong 9.30AM-9PM @ Kiulap 7AM-11.30PM DIVINE DINING EXQUISITE MEALS IN BEAUTIFUL SETTINGS – PERFECT FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS 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)
Lobby Lounge À la carte menu from 10am to 10pm Pantai Restaurant Daily à la carte plated lunch menu from 11am to 4pm Daily à la carte Asian plated dinner menu from 5pm to 9pm
Spaghettini Daily à la carte Mediterranean dinner menu from 5am to 5pm Zest Light meals, beverages, pastries and desserts. Daily from 8am to 10pm The Empire Brunei, Jerudong (673 2418888) GO GREEN HEALTHY AND VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY OPTIONS Brunei Detox Bar 9 Grd Flr, Abdul Razak Complex, BE3519 Fuel’d Grd Flr, Unit A4, Setia Kenangan 2 (673 8749881) – Call for other branches
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, BruneiMuara (673 2330760) – Call for other branches
Mituo Vegetarian Restaurant Grd Flr Pg Anak Puteri Norain Complex, Batu Satu (673 2222821)
My Fried Chicken Grd Flr, Freshco Food Junction, Times Square, Kg Jaya Setia (673 8686861)
Pureland Vegetarian Restaurant #15 Blk B Grd Flr Bgn Hj Awg Ahmad bin Hassan & Anak-anak, Kiulap (673 2236503)
Nasi Katok Mama Express No 3 Blk A Grd Flr Kompleks Madang, Madang (673 8641681)
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SAMBAL PUSU BABU If you want Nasi Pusu with something a little more special, why not try some from Sambal Pusu Babu? Started in 2009, Pg Hjh Aidah was inspired by her late mother’s cooking, which always included the sweet-spicy “Pusu Mayang” and her sambal became so popular that she started selling it from home, while her daughter would sell it at school. They now have their roadside stall which sells heaps of their famous bungkus (wrapped rice) complete with the chunky sambal and chicken daily! Spg. 74-59-108-37-6, STKRJ Katok, Katok B, Bandar Seri Begawan Tel: 673-7277774 IG: @sambalpusubabu
MERCHANT DELIGHTS Lof Cakes & Bakery Enjoy up to 15% off with TAIB cards.
OPEN DAILY 7am-9pm; J & Lof Cafe. Unit 8, Grd Flr, Blk C, Delima Square, BSB (673 7377588)
Old Time Kopitiam Enjoy up to 10% off with TAIB cards.
OPEN 8am-9.30pm (Mon-Sun) (closed Friday 12pm-2pm); #8, Blk A, Bangunan Warisan Complex, Spg 24 Gadong, Jln Gadong, BSB (673 244 8282)
Rizqun Coffee House Enjoy up to 20% off with TAIB cards.
OPEN DAILY (closed Friday 12pm-2pm); The Rizqun International Hotel, Abdul Razak Complex, BSB (673 2423000)
Secret Recipe Enjoy up to 10% off with TAIB cards.
OPEN DAILY 10am-10pm (closed Friday 12pm-2pm); #8, Blk E, Medan Tanjong Bunut, Jln TG Bunut Kanan, BSB (673 2672737) - Call for other branches
Pan & Wok Grd Flr, Spg 98, Bangunan Hjh Dyg Damit Bte Panglima Asgar Dato Paduka Hj Awg Abdullah, Delima Satu, Berakas A (673 2342399) – Call for other branches RBC Express Fast Food #1 Grd Flr Blk A, Bangunan Hj Matussin, Kg Kiulap (673 2237253) Top Nosh Café Unit 1, Grd Flr, Bangunan Majid Mohammad, Spg 235-7, Jln Pasar Gadong (673 2453889) Wayback Burgers Unit B10-11, Setia Kenangan II, Kg Kiulap (673 2236882)
Phongmun Restaurant 2nd Flr Teck Guan Plaza Jln Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 2229561) Sui Heng Restaurant Grd Flr Hj Munchit & Hjh Rapiah Complex, Kg Jaya Setia (673 2338321) Hua Hua Restaurant Grd Flr, Blk B, Bangunan Urairah, Kiulap Wei’s Kitchen No.1, Spg 74-74-31, Kg Mata-Mata
Tandoor.com Enjoy up to 15% off with TAIB cards.
OPEN 10.30am-9.30pm (Mon-Thurs & Sun-Sat) / 5pm9.30pm (Fri); #3 & 4, 1st Flr, Bangunan Hj Majid Mohamad, Gadong, BBSB (673 2450182)
The Kampong Kitchen Enjoy up to 10% off with TAIB cards.
OPEN DAILY 10.30am-9.30pm (closed Friday 12pm-2pm); #6, Grd Flr, Blk K, Bangunan Pg Hj Menudin & Anak-Anak, Jln Batu Bersurat, BSB (673 2451994)
The White Sand Café Enjoy up to 15% off with TAIB cards.
OPEN DAILY 10am-9.30pm (Mon-Sun) (closed Friday 12pm-2pm); #1.28, 1st Floor, The Mall, BSB (673 7438887)
Vanda Chinese Restaurant Enjoy up to 15% off with TAIB cards.
OPEN DAILY 9am-2pm and 6pm-10pm (closed Friday 12pm-2pm); Mulia Hotel, Spg 9, Kg. Jln Anggerek Desa, BSB (673 7299599)
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
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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.
EAT (SABAH) ASEN KAYAN RESTAURANT Blk A, Grd Flr, Lot 5, Shop A-G-5, Inanam Taipan, 28/1, Inanam New Township, Kota Kinabalu (6016 927 3206) BORNEO WILD TREASURE Lot 23A Blk C, Grd Flr, Bundusan Square, Jln Bundusan, Penampang (6013 701 1622) BRASS MONKEY CAFE & BAR Lot No. 1-0, Lorong Lintas Plaza 4, Kota Kinabalu (6088 748 797) CAFE BOLEH @ SUTERA HARBOUR RESORT 1 Sutera Harbour Boulevard, Sutera Harbour, 88300 Kota Kinabalu (6088 303 671)
CAFÉ HARU 1, Jln Lintas, Kolam Centre, Kota Kinabalu (6010 935 1233) EMPEROR’S DELIGHT Lot 111, opposite ESSO Station Jln Pantai, Sabak Bernam District (6088 288 686)
NISHIKI JAPANESE RESTAURANT Lot 29, Grd Flr, Blk E, Iramanis Centre, Jln Lintas, Kota Kinabalu (6088 473 348)
THE B SIDE Lot 21, Grd Flr, Lido Plaza, Jln Nosoob, Penampang (6088 532 950) – Hipster café offering all-day dining and specialty coffees
KOREAN CLUB RESTAURANT 4, Jln Aru, Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu (6016 833 5730)
OCTOBER COFFEE HOUSE 5-0 Grd Flr, Lorong Bunga Raja 9, Latitude 6 Commercial Centre, Kota Kinabalu (6014 307 2455)
WAH SAN RESTAURANT D2-G Blk 17 Jln Pryer, Sandakan (6089 212 626)
LITTLE ITALY Grd Flr Hotel Capital Jln Hj Saman, Kota Kinabalu (6088 232 231)
Credit Cards : AE | American Express MC | MasterCard V | Visa CAFÉ DE VIE Unit 6, Blk D, Metro Town Lorong Metro 3, Kota Kinabalu (6014 332 6131)
KOHINOOR NORTH INDIAN RESTAURANT Lot 4 The Waterfront Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 235 160)
MAD BEN CAFÉ Lot 121, Jalan Gaya, 88000, Kota Kinabalu (6088 255 073)
HUT STEAK HOUSE & RESTAURANT Grd Flr, Lot 29, Blk E, Damai Plaza, Phase 3, Luyang 88300 Kota Kinabalu (6088 238 558)
MAI YAI THAI ORCHID RESTAURANT Lot 13 KK Waterfront, Kota Kinabalu (6088 234 841)
JOTHY’S FISH HEAD CURRY & BANANA LEAF Blk 1, Lot G9, Api-Api Centre, Lorong Api-Api, Jln Centre Point, 88000 Kota Kinabalu (6012 414 8533)
MDM ING FISH NOODLE Lot 21 Towering Koidupan Perdana Jln Tambunan, Penampang (6016 831 8726)
GAM TONG HONG KONG RECIPE Lot 2, Grd Flr, Blk A, City Mall 88300 Kota Kinabalu (6018 327 9696)
KEDAI KOPI WAH JUAN Jalan Lee Thau Sang, Pekan Tanjung Aru, 88100 Kota Kinabalu (6016 830 6160)
GRANDCHAMP’S CAVE & SHOP Unit S3, Grd Flr, Blk B, The Peak Vista, Kota Kinabalu (6088 261 886)
KEDAI KOPI YEE FUNG 127, Jln Gaya, 88000 Kota Kinabalu (6088 312 042)
NAGASAKI JAPANESE RESTAURANT No 19 Grd Flr Bangunan Harrison Jln Hj Saman, Kota Kinabalu (6088 216 623) NAM CHAI RESTAURANT BAH KUT TEH Grd Flr, Blk D, Jln Leila, Bandar Nam Tung, 90000, Sandakan (6089 612 603)
NON HALAL
FOO PHING DIM SUM
富平点心楼 To find good food in a city, they say ‘Eat where the locals eat’; here’s a classic location for Sabahans in Kota Kinabalu. Foo Phing Dim Sum’s three-decade long reputation for serving good dim sum and Chinese fare is well earned. Serving Nanyang dishes that are all crafted inhouse, like the steamed Caramel Sponge Cake, Siu Mai, Dragon Floss Ball and Yam Wu Kok, Foo Phing Dim Sum is a great nostalgia-filled munch through memory lane. What’s cool is they’ve marked Vegetarian, Prawn and Pork items, for diners who might be sensitive to these ingredients. There’s a variety of seating available and the kopitiam-casual front section has a takeaway waiting booth while the back is filled with banquet tables and cool air conditioning. Block A, Lot 6 & 7, Phase 2, Kolam Centre, Jln Lintas, Luyang, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia Tel: 6088-259692 IG: @foophingdimsum 46
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
ORION JAPANESE RESTAURANT Blk B, Grd Flr, Lot 14, Lorong Damai Point Commercial Centre, Jln Damai, Kota Kinabalu (6011 168 09012) PASTA PASTA 77 Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu (6088 280 790) PEPPERMINT VIETNAMESE CUISINE Lot 26, Blk D, 01, Karamunsing Capital, 88300 Kota Kinabalu / Jln Asia City, 88450 Kota Kinabalu (6088 231 130)
YOSHIMI JAPANESE RESTAURANT Warisan Square, Kota Kinabalu (6088 488 388) YU KEE BAK KUT TEH 74, Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 221 192)
EAT (SARAWAK) A ONE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT Lrg Chew Siik Hiong 1, Sibu (6084 215 803) ALL JOY CAFÉ UG01A, Wisma Saberkas, Jln Tun Abang Haji Open, 93000 Kuching (6082 330 872)
RESTORAN NEW SEA VIEW Bandar Ramai-ramai, 90000 Sandakan
APOLLO SEAFOOD CENTRE 4 South Yu Seng Road, Miri (6085 420 813)
RESTORAN SRI MENANTI Pekan Sikuati, Kudat (6010 957 3959)
APPLE RESTAURANT 76-79 Grd Flr, Parkcity Commercial Centre, Jln Tun Ahmad Zaidi, 97000 Bintulu (6086 333 377)
SAKAGURA JAPANESE RESTAURANT G-23 & G-25, Oceanus Waterfront Mall, Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, 88000, Kota Kinabalu (6012 817 3604) SANTOLA BAR CAFÉ 29, Jln Kilang, SEDCO Industrial Estate, Kota Kinabalu (6016 678 8472)
AROMA CAFÉ 126 Jln Tabuan, Kuching (6013 579 t8641) BEE HIONG RESTAURANT CAFÉ 157G Jln Muhibbah, Lawas (6085 285 137)
SENG HING RESTAURANT Blk E, Lot 10, Sinsuran Complex, Kota Kinabalu (6088 21 1594)
BEIJING 2008 RESTAURANT SDN BHD 157 Jln Kg Nyabor, Sibu (6084 330 955)
SUANG TAIN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT No. 16, Blk D, Grd Flr, SEDCO Complex, Kg Air, Kota Kinabalu (6011 261 55796)
BISMI RESTAURANT 947 Jln Parry, Sarawak (6085 416 872)
SUPUL KOREAN BBQ RESTAURANT Lot S-1-8, 1st Flr, City Mall (above Secret Recipe), Jln Lintas, Kota Kinabalu (6088 448 844) THE ENGLISH TEA HOUSE & RESTAURANT 2002 Jln Istana, 90000 Sandakan (6089 222 544) TOSCANI’S Lot 14, The Waterfront, Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6012 833 3609) THE BEAN CAFÉ Lot 8-1, 1st Flr, Lido Plaza, Jln 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) BLA BLA BLA 27, Jln Tabuan, 93000, Kuching (6082 2330944) BLACK BEAN COFFE & TEA 87, Ewe Hai Street, 93000 Kuching (6082 420 290) BUENAS FILIPINO LECHON & RESTAURANT 329, Phase 4, Parkcity Commerce Square, Jin. Tun Ahmad Zaidi, Bintulu (6086 310 860) CAFÉ CAFÉ AT ORIGINAL CARWASH Lot 211-214, Section 9, KTLD, Rubber Rd, Kuching (6082 256 396)
biG listings CAFÉ MIN XIN Lot 1126-27 Riam Comm Centre, Miri (6085 628 839) CAPITAL RESTAURANT 86 Jln Keppel, Bintulu (6086 331 160) CARVERY RESTAURANT 22, Jln Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kuching (6082 239 449)
FRATINI’S RESTAURANT Lot 2512, Grd Flr, Blk 5, Boulevard Commercial Centre, Miri (6085 431 115) FU XIANG FOOD COURT Rubber Road, 93400 Kuching (6019 817 0739) GOLDEN CITY RESTAURANT 3, Lot 1653 Main Bazaar (6019 877 7683)
CASABELLA MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT Crown Square, Kuching (6082 346 612) CHEF AT HOME Lorong Green 1 Blk 10, Kuching (6016 858 5159)
HOCK CHU LEU RESTAURANT Jln Tukang Besi, 96000 Sibu (6084 316 523)
CHUAN HONG RESTAURANT 123 Jln Council SAman (6083 322 466)
IMPERIAL DUCK RESTAURANT Bee San, Jln Padungan, Kuching (6082 336 313)
CROWN DYNASTY RESTAURANT Wisma Perniagaan dan Perindustrian Cina, Lot 2657, Jln Tun Razak, Tanjung Batu 97000 Bintulu (6086 335 908) CRUMB ARTISAN BAKERY & CAFE D-G-13A Miri Times Square,Marina ParkCity, 98000 Miri (6085 421 913) CUPPA-KAP COFFEE One Jaya, Jln Song, Kuching (6016 856 5533) DA MI XIANG GU TOU BAO RESTAURANT Tabuan Hts Comm Centre, Kuching (6082 458 952)
IMPERIAL RESTAURANT Blk 7, Lot 1120, McLd Jln Sehati, 98000 Miri (6085 431 133)
JAMES BROOKE BISTRO & CAFÉ Jln Tunku Abdul Rahman, 93100 Kuching (6082 412 210) JUBILEE RESTAURANT 49 India St, 93000 Kuching (6082 245 626) KHAN’S ISLAMIC RESTAURANT Lot- 229, Jln Maju, Miri (6016 577 1901) KOREANA RESTAURANT 101, Kuching (6082 575 072) L.L. BANANA LEAF Kuching (6016 525 6514)
DYNASTY CHINESE RESTAURANT Oil Town Comm Complex, Miri (6085 424 000)
LIM HOCK ANN 96, Kg Buntal Kuching (6082 846 533)
EARTHLINGS COFFEE WORKSHOP Soho East, Sublot 16 Grd Flr, Lot 188, Jln Wan Alwi Lorong 5, Kuching (6011 100 31208)
LOK THIAN RESTAURANT 2nd Flr, No. 317-319, Jln Chan Bee Kiew, Off Jln Padungan, Kuching (6082 331 310)
EAST COURT FOOD CENTRE Jln Kelab, 95000 Bandar Sri Aman ESCOBAR Damai Craft World and Event Centre, Santubong, Kuching (6013 822 6900) FAC BRAVO RESTAURANT 7778 Jln Sultan Iskandar, Bintulu (6086 316 920) FARLEY BAKERY Farley Commercial Centre, Sibu (6084 216 315) FEAST & FURIOUS CAFÉ 244, Jln Tunku Abdul Rahman (6013 780 1541) FISHERMAN RESTAURANT 4 Jln Chew Geok Lin, Sibu (6084 316 888)
LU LAI VEGETARIAN Lot 3640 & 3641, Grd Flr, 3rd Mile, Jln Rock, Taman Timberland, 93206 Kuching (6010 797 6677)
MEDAN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT 56, Jln Mdn Setiaraja, Mukah (6084 874 145)
SUSHI KING Lot Restaurant 5, Grd Flr, Jln Spg Tiga, 93350 Kuching (6082 245 355)
MERRY GARDEN CAFE Lorong 1, Jln Kelab, 95000 Sri Aman (6010 983 6178)
SUSHI TIE 24, Lorong Chiew Siik Hiong 1A, Fortune Commercial Centre, Sibu (6016 828 1228)
MING XIN COFFEE HOUSE Lot 1623, Grd Flr, Technip Building, Jln Pujut 1A, Miri (6085 628 839) MOMOYAMA Lot 1A & 2A, Grd Flr, Wisma Phoenix, Jln Song Thian Cheok 93100 Kuching (6082 420 561) NEW SEA VIEW CAFE & RESTAURANT No. 3 & 4, Grd Flr, BBC Industrial Estate, Shoplot Mile, 5, Bintulu-Miri Highway, 97000 Bintulu (6086 318 924) NOODLE DESCENDANTS No. 188, Grd Flr Lot 18, Section 52, Padungan Rd, Kuching PIN PIN CAFÉ 18 Jln Ong Guan Cheng, Sarawak (6082 763 486) POPULAR CORNER SEAFOODS RESTAURANT 50 & 51, BDA Shahida Commercial Centre, Jln Abang Galau, 97000 Bintulu (6013 807 0700) PORTICO Park Lane, Kuching (6012 313 8046)
WANG HIN RESTAURANT 1st Flr, Soon Hup Commercial Complex, No. 1, Jln Merbau, 98000 Miri (6085 413 678)
TEDUH SEDJENAK Pop-Up Cafe @ Kuching Community Social Support Centre, Wisma Ho Ho Lim, 291, Jln Abell, 93100 Kuching (6012 443 2143)
WARUNG NASI KUNING Blk 16, Grd Flr, Lot 10520, Jln Tun Jugah, Kuching (6082 451 685)
TEN-ICHI JAPANESE RESTAURANT 315-319, Bgn Bee San, Jln Padungan, Kuching (6014 699 2960)
XIN TSUI SIANG KITCHEN SDN. BHD. Grd Flr, Pardels A-1-16 & 17, Jln Petanak, 93100 Kuching (6082 414 616)
TEO SEAFOOD 787, Jln Kg Buntal, Kuching (6082 846 532) THE JUNK 80, Jln Wayang, Kuching (6016 889 2044) TOM’S RESTAURANT 160, Jln Padungan, Kuching (6016 889 9137) TREMENDOUS CAFE SARAWAK Lot 3550, Grd Flr, Al-Bayt Square, 98000 Miri (6010 549 7362)
YOFFEE CAFE Shoplot No. 3, Meditel Lot 133 & 157, Section 21, KTLD, Jln Tun Abang Haji Openg, Kuching (6011 168 44628) ZHUN SAN YEN VEGETARIAN Grd Flr, Lot 165, Jln Chan Chin Ann, 93100 Kuching (6016 868 7000)
YUUHI SHABU SHABU & YAKINIKU Do you feel like eating a meal fit for a queen or king? This Muslim-friendly establishment in the snazzy Marina Phase 1 lot serves some of the most expensive meat in the world right in the heart of Miri, Sarawak! Savour the best of Japanese beef at Yuuhi Shabu Shabu & Yakiniku; a Wagyu Yakinku set is the perfect choice to taste all the exquisite marbling and cuts of Myazaki A5 Wagyu meat directly imported from Japan, or try the steamboat options which include a famous homemade prawn paste, Black Angus beef slices and fresh veggies. You’ll feel just like you’re in Japan. Oishii-desu! Lot 2022, Marina Phase 1, Miri Tel: 6014-8759369 IG: @yuuhi_ shabuyakinikumiri
ROCK ROAD SEAFOOD RESTAURANT Lot 1229-1231, Jln Batu Kinyang, Kuching (6011 105 71575) ROCK ROAD SEAFOOD RESTAURANT 1230 Jln Rock Bt 2½ , Kuching (6082 241 575) ROOTS & BLISS CAFE Grd Flr, Sublot 68, Survey Lot 3569, TT3 Plaza, Tabuan Tranquility Phase 3 Stage 2, Jln Canna, Kuchin (6016 428 3889)
LUCKY RESTAURANT No. 271, Grd Flr, Hlm Kabor, Taman Jade Manis, 98000 Miri (6014 896 5555)
SALLEH’S CORNER CAFÉ Grd Flr, Bgn Kedai, Kg Tunku (RPR II), Jln Astana, Kuching(6012 807 8733)
MENAWAN RESTAURANT Grd Floor, Imperial Palace Hotel Lot 1120 Blk 7 Jalan Sehati MCLD 98000 MIRI (6085 432 299)
SEE GOOD FOOD CENTRE 53, Lot 228-229, Jln Ban Hock, 93100 Kuching (6082 232 609)
MARCO POLO RESTAURANT Blk 31, Grd Flr, WIWO Hotel, Sublot 116-124, Lot 7668, Bintulu Sentral (6019 815 7277)
TRIBAL TASTE No. 10, 1st Flr, Blk H, Jln Borneo, Taman Sri Sarawak, Kuching (6016 889 9165)
SHERATON RESTAURANT Persiaran Brooke, Sibu (6084 336 341) SURABAYA RESTAURANT 44-62, Jln Indica, Miri / Grd Flr, Lot 288, Jln Bendahara, 98000 Miri(6075 105 871)
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
47
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 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.
www.wamadesigns.com @wama_designs
AIR TRAVEL
Unit 49, Second Floor, Haji Munchit & Dayang Rapiah Complex, Kg Jaya Setia, Berakas, BB2713, Brunei Darussalam
LEARN
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.
A LINGO
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.
Bejaur
Ba
sa
ha
Ferry Services The Pontianak Crossing Port allows ferry connection to other cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan and Batam.
TOURIST INFORMATION For more information, visit: www.indonesia.travel/gb/en/destinations/kalimantan
Ke d
ayan
io n lat
Taxis can be found at the international airport, shopping malls and other public places.
Tra ns
"Bejaur kemana kau?"
Taxis
E ng lish
Going Out "Come, let’s go out"
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
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.
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 Kuching Visitors’ Information Centre Centre RM22.00 per way. Taxies are Tel: (6082) 410 944/2 easily found at large hotels, or at taxi stands in all the major Miri Visitors’ towns in Sarawak. Taxis don’t use Information Centre meters so always negotiate the Tel: (6085) 434 181 fare before getting into a cab!
Sibu Visitors’ Information Centre Tel: (6084) 340 980
biG navigator
Hua Ho Manggis Mall
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National Stadium Jala
Prime Minister Office Building
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RIPAS Hospital
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Jame’ Asr Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque
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Tourist Information Centre
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2 1968 Coronation Arch
5 mins
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Raja Ayang Mausoleum 5 mins
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Eco-Corridor Bandar Seri Begawan
4 Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien
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Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
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Sa Ali ar ‘ Om d i j M as
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7 The Royal Regalia 10 mins
5 The Secretariat Building 6 Lapau Lama Building
5 mins
5 mins
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
I s ta n
10 mins 1 Former Royal Customs & Excise Building / Art Gallery
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52
Saifuddien
Jalan Roberts
Jalan Pretty
Hotel
Taib HQ Branch
4 Sir Taman Omar Ali
Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery
Takaful IBB Building
3 Jalan Tutong
Bank/ ATM/ Money Changer
Public Transport
1
Syariah Courts
Tamu Selera (Hawker Stalls)
Bus Terminal
Raja Ayang Mausoleum 9 Time Piece en ifuddi Stone Monument ‘Ali Sa
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Water Taxi
Police Station
Brunei Hotel
Chinese Temple
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Public Toilet
Place of Interest
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Tourist Information Centre Public Transport
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Royal Brunei Airlines Golf Club
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Brunei Arts & Handicraft Centre Kampong Ayer
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Edinburgh Palace
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Mentiri Utama Jalan
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GADONG
MAP
SUNGAI MENG
Rizqun International Hotel
Block J
Fish Market (Gadong Wet Market)
AIT
Bangunan H Tahir A
Simpang 37
LAIT
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Bangunan H Tahir A
Gadong Night Market (Pasar Pelbagai Barangan Gadong)
Hj Tahir Complex 2
Shop Bank/ ATM/ Money Changer
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Block A
Block F Block B
Block C
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BAN HALIMGUNAN SAADIAATUL H
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Pas ar G a
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Hua Ho
SUN
GAI
KIULAP
MAP
SUN GAI N AYA KED
Tian & Chuan Building
Bangunan Lim Eng Ming Impiana Jaya Complex
d
hma
Hj A
gun
Qlap Complex Bangunan Awg Hj Matussin Jalan
Berib
i
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Bangunan Haji Abdul Rahman
Berib i
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Ban
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Public Transport Taib Kiulap Branch
mplex
BIBD Bank
Jalan
Seri Kiulap Complex Baiduri Bank
ing
Kampung Kiulap
ngan Build
IGS College
Police Station Clinic
Kiulap Plaza Hotel
Wisma Pengiran Hj Apong
Restaurant Hotel
Seri Qlap Mall
Yong Clinic
Setia Kena
Bank/ ATM/ Money Changer
Regent Square
IT
lap
Shop
GLA
Shakirin Co
Post Office
Fitness Zone
MEN
mersial Kiu n Ko Jala
Setia Kenangan 2 Complex
Palm Garden Hotel
One Riverside
Bangunan Begawan Pehin Dato Hj Mohd Yusof
Urairah Complex Post Office
Lee Clinic
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Gooooa Sarah Wong Jing Yuan
The Blind Side (2009) Starring Quinton Aaron, Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw Directed by John Lee Hancock Based on a true story, The Blind Side follows Michael Oher on a journey from homeless teenager with an impoverished upbringing to allAmerican football (rugby) player in the National Football League, with the help of a kind woman and her family. The film picked up on Oher’s story featured in the 2006 book, “The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game” by Michael Lewis. It’s a moving tale of how family isn’t just about blood, but about those who truly care for you, can help you through the dark times in your life, and be your greatest support in whatever field you are in.
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Ford v Ferrari (2019) Karate Kid (1984) Starring Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue Directed by John G. Avildsen If you loved the 2010 movie starring a young Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan, you might be surprised to learn that it’s a remake of the original Karate Kid movie, which has its own franchise. Starting with the first movie in 1984, the Karate Kid follows Daniel as he learns Karate under Mr. Miyagi, to compete in a Karate Competition against his bullies. Throughout the movie, Daniel learns important life lessons and bonds with Mr. Miyagi, who had to deal with the loss of his wife and child during WWII. As Daniel learns karate, he also learns that martial arts is not just about kicking and punching, but about training the mind and spirit.
Starring Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal Directed by James Mangold Alternatively titled “Le Mans ‘66” in other parts of the world, “Ford v Ferrari” is a sports biopic about a team of engineers and designers who build a race car to defeat long-time dominant Italian racing team Scuderia Ferrari at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans Race in France. Historical figures portrayed in this movie include American automotive designer Carroll Shelby (acted by Matt Damon), British engineer Ken Miles (acted by Christian Bale) and Henry Ford II, CEO of Ford (acted by Tracy Letts). Watch as this sports car rivalry between two famous car brands tests friendships, pushes endurance and ultimately culminates in a decisive battle on the race track.
Everyone loves an underdog s love, sweat, tears, and sometimes good viewing. For this issue’s scr some of the great movies that re revisiting classics like the origina which I’m sure shaped many of ou we could also achieve great things was super cool). There’s certainly p we’ve rounded up and we ho
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aaallll!
story and these movies combine s, a lot of laughter, for guaranteed reen, we went on a deep dive into evolve around sports. We enjoyed al Karate Kid and Ford vs. Ferrari, ur childhoods and made us believe s (or just that karate and car racing plenty of inspiration in all the films ope you enjoy the selection!
Blades of Glory (2007)
Shaolin Soccer (2001) Starring Stephen Chow, Wei Zhao, Yat-Fei Wong Directed by Stephen Chow Ingeniously combines soccer and Kung Fu, creating a hilarious and action packed spectacle. Directed by Stephen Chow who is also starring in this film, follows a group of former Shaolin monks as they infuse their martial arts skill into the world of soccer, turning a struggling team into unlikely champions. With jawdropping special effects, slapstick comedy, and a heart-warming underdog narrative, it’s a riotous blend of sports, action and humour for all ages.
Starring Will Ferrell, Jon Heder, Amy Poehler Directed by Josh Gordon, Will Speck Figure-skating is a graceful and elegant sport akin to dancing. Meet cocky ice-skating superstar Chazz Michael Michaels and sheltered-buttalented pretty boy Jimmy MacElroy: 2 very, eccentric men who make an unlikely pair in a global skating competition. Previously barred from joining future competitive skating tournaments after a fight, Chazz and Jimmy are now forced to team up in the upcoming World Winter Sport Games as the first-ever male-male pairs team. Prepare yourself for some over-the-top hilarity and crude humour! (kids, you might need your parents to accompany you for this film.)
Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004) Starring Ben Stiller, Christine Taylor, Vince Vaughn Directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber Whether you loved playing dodgeball in school, or just dreaded it every PE period, the Dodgeball movie is sure to hit your funny bone! “Dodgeball” is a sports comedy about a group of misfits who enter a dodgeball competition to win the money needed to save their gym from being taken over by a corporate health fitness chain. Expect mayhem as Peter and friends hit and dodge their way to victory against devious business rival White Goodman (portrayed by Ben Stiller)!
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MOVIES TO LOOK OUT FOR THIS QUARTER JAN
FEB
12
JAN
9
19
MADAME WEB
Starring Dakota Johnson, Emma Roberts, Sydney Sweeney, Adam Scott
THE BEEKEEPER
Starring Jason Statham, Lakeith Stanfield, Josh Hutcherson, Jeremy Irons
The victim of a phishing scam, Mr. Clay’s neighbour and close friend loses all of her savings and as a result, is drive to committing suicide. Mr. Clay’s brutal campaign for vengeance takes on national stakes after he is revealed to be a former operative of a powerful and clandestine organisation known as ‘Beekeepers’.
MAR
DUNE: PART TWO
MAR
29
In a switch from the typical genre, Madame Web tells the standalone origin story of one of Marvel’s more enigmatic heroines. Cassandra Webb, a paramedic in Manhattan who may have clairvoyant abilities. Forced to confront revelations about her past, she forges a relationship with three young women destined for powerful futures … if they can all survive a deadly present.
1
Starring Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken, Josh Brolin
I.S.S.
Starring Ariana DeBose, Pilou Asbaek, Chris Messina, John Gallagher
Tensions flare in the near future aboard the International Space Station as a worldwide conflict breaks out on Earth. Reeling from this, the astronauts receive orders from the ground: take control of the station by any means necessary.
This sequel will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavours to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.
THE FALL GUY
Starring Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Winston Duke
MICKEY 17
Starring Robert Pattinson. Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, Mark Ruffalo, Naomi Ackie
An “expendable” person is sent on the most dangerous, even suicidal jobs. When an expendable dies, a new body is regenerated with most of their memories intact. Essentially, Mickey7 is the seventh iteration of an expendable who is undergoing an existential identity crisis while trying to keep his successor’s regeneration a secret and negotiating with the planet’s native species on a dangerous trip to colonise a new ice world.
MAR 15
Colt Seavers is a stuntman who left the business a year earlier to focus on both his physical and mental health. He’s drafted back into service when the star of a mega-budget studio movie, which is being directed by his ex, goes missing.
LISA FRANKENSTEIN
Starring Carla Gugino, Cole Sprouse, Kathryn Newton, Jenna Davis
FEB 9
A coming of RAGE love story about a teenager and her crush, who happens to be a corpse. After a set of horrific circumstances bring him back to life, the who embark on a journey to find love, happiness — and a few missing body parts.
FEB 2
ARGYLLE
Starring Henry Cavill, Bryan Cranston, Catherine O’Hara, Dua Lipa
Elly Conway, an introverted spy novelist who seldom leaves her home, is drawn into the real world of espionage when the plots of her books get a little too close to the activities of a sinister underground syndicate. When Aiden, a spy, shows up to save her from being kidnapped, Elly and her beloved cat Alfie are plunged into a covert world where nothing, and no one, is what it seems.
THE MALL CINEPLEX @ LEVEL 3, THE MALL, GADONG 2422455 www.themallcineplex.com THE EMPIRE CINEMA, EMPIRE HOTEL AND COUNTRY CLUB, JERUDONG 2610001 www.theempirecinema.com TIMES SQUARE CINEPLEX @ 4TH FLOOR, TIMES SQUARE SHOPPING CENTRE, BERAKAS 2341122 www.timescineplex.com ONE CINEPLEX @ ONE CITY SHOPPING CENTRE 2338250 onecineplex.com AMAN HILLS CINEPLEX @ AMAN SHOPPING CENTRE 2335000 onecineplex.com TUTONG TIMES CINEPLEX @ BERJAYA COMPLEX, TUTONG 4220422 TIMES CINEPLEX @ KB SENTRAL 3340804 www.timescineplex.com
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