Jul // Sep 2017
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Editor’s Note Imagine that you could only book your air tickets and hotel accommodations by a rotary dial telephone and a telex machine (a what?). Yes, in the good old days before the advent of the Internet and smartphone apps, one had to drive to the travel agent and discuss your travel options with a travel consultant, who either makes enquiries on your behalf using a phone (if it is a local call, otherwise it will be prohibitively expensive) where she pushes the circular rotary dial clockwise (not poke at the number pad) several times, depending on how many digits the phone number is, each time waiting for the dial to return to its original position, or she sends messages on a large telex machine that transmits a message at the top speed of 66 words per minute, just to make your travel dreams come true. Exhausting isn’t it? That was travelling in the nineteen seventies. Today, you don’t even have to get out of bed and you can get all your travel plans sorted in the time it takes to cook a hardboiled egg, and with the multitude of budget airlines, there’s really no need to mortgage your home to satiate your wanderlust, unless you like to travel large like a hip-hop mogul. So here we go, hopping around our own mystical Borneo and for a start, we focus on places in Sabah, away from the bright lights of Kota Kinabalu, which has some excellent holiday spots for adventure, culture, history, romance or just plain free-from-any-tech-devices family time. If you want to be the travel savvy one in the family, look at our choice of travel products we would take with us in BiG Getaway. And if you need a little inspiration to get your tush off the sofa and into a pair of travelling pants, may I suggest you see the movies listed in our BiG Screen that will whisk you away to faraway lands and perhaps, make you take out your luggage for a spin around the world. Bon voyage!
@bigborneo BIG: Borneo Insider’s Guide @bigborneo Publisher
CHMP MEDIA Editor-At-Large
Wan Zainal Shazali Editor
Pauline Chan Online Editor
Intan Abu Daniel Designer
Novri Rinaldi Editorial
Pamela Fletcher Chang Yi Intern
Shaf Said Sales & Marketing
Bina Chauhan Brunei | biG
biG stands for Borneo Insider’s Guide. It is a quarterly magazine that aims to entertain and share with readers the best there is to offer on lifestyle and travel in enigmatic Borneo and beyond. It is distributed at travel fairs, international events and Brunei high commissions abroad. biG is available at the arrival hall of Brunei International Airport, Brunei Tourism offices, Royal Brunei Airlines business class, all hotels, popular food and beverage outlets and foreign missions in Brunei. biG has a distribution network in the neighbouring states through the Sabah and Sarawak Tourism Boards as well as via prominent hotels in the respective capitals. Besides being Brunei’s very own publication for bridging its residents with a myriad of commercial and cultural offerings within the country, each issue also serves as the world’s window into the rich tapestry of Borneo’s life and culture. www.borneoinsidersguide.com
contact@borneoinsidersguide.com T: (673) 2331031 F: (673) 2231031 Unit 49, Second Floor Haji Munchit & Hajah Dayang Rapiah Complex Kg Jaya Setia, Berakas, BB2713 Brunei Darussalam
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various writers in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of biG Magazine.
Discover Brunei’s Premier School Jerudong International School ( JIS) is an academically selective, fully accredited, thriving school with 1700 day and boarding students aged 2 -18 years from 55 countries. Nestled close to the coast, JIS boasts well-qualified academic staff in state-of-the-art facilities on its 300 acre campus. It is a leading British international School in South-East Asia preparing students for I/GCSEs, A-Levels and the IB Diploma. JIS examination results are excellent with students entering the very best Universities in the world.
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JISBrunei
events TO look
out FOR
this quarter
Jul 15 His Majesty’s 71st Birthday Brunei When His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei celebrates his 71st birthday, the public can look forward to a royal address by His Majesty, a colourful parade and chances to personally meet the monarch during walkabouts in the districts.
May 18Jul 31
Jul 14-16
Rainforest World Music Festival 2017
Kraf Exhibition
Sarawak
Brunei
Borneo Cultural Festival 2017 Sarawak
Renowned musicians from around the world will jam alongside indigenous musicians from Borneo. There will be educational workshops, ethno-musical lectures, jamming sessions, mini concerts, and evening performances on the main stage.
In conjunction with International Museum Day, the Art Gallery at the Royal Wharf is showcasing “Kraf: Negotiating Cultural Traditions and Contemporary Artistic Practices” featuring artworks and crafts by local Bruneians.
Aug 26Sep 2
Jul 20-29
Aug 26-27 Merdeka Day Open Regatta Sabah
When the Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Malay, Melanau and Chinese communities in Sibu get together, they make it the biggest tourism event in town.
Sandakan Food Festival Sabah
This is nine days of the best east coast Sabah local food you don’t want to miss. This culinary event with a theme ‘Oceans, Land and Forest’ is also promoting the local food scene in Sandakan which is famous for nature and adventure.
Sep 21-24 Sibu Base Jump 2017 Sarawak Since it was introduced in 2009, this event has attracted BASE jumpers from all over the world every year to jump off the 126-metre Wisma Sanyan – the tallest building in Sarawak - and land in Sibu Town Square.
An annual regatta held to celebrate Merdeka Day and to promote sailing as a sporting event in Sabah.
Sep 27Oct 1
Royal Brunei Enduro 2017 Brunei The Asian Enduro Series mountain bike race makes its debut in Brunei. Participants can look forward to five race categories: Elite, Aficionado, Legends (45 years and above), Femenino for women and Prodigy for boys and girls between15-17 years. There will be 6-8 stages of racing with practice runs before the actual races on the last two days.
www.bruneitourism.travel | www.sabahtourism.com | www.sarawaktourism.com
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Contents biG dates See what’s happening in Borneo this quarter biG scoop Presenting our scoop on things to love and desire biG feature Stories so unique it can only be from Borneo
and find out what’s buzzing in town biG snapshot Memorable moments captured on camera biG getaway Near or far, we go on holiday for your benefit
biG trail Follow our trails and discover what is on the island
biG drive What has wheels and is cool to be seen in, let us show you
biG buzz We put our ears up
biG appetite We try the food so you
can follow suit biG listings Where to eat, drink and chill? Come with us and see biG essentials Helpful tips for visitors arriving on our shores biG navigator Find your bearings with our walking maps biG screen See what’s playing in the cinemas around town
biG scoop
A Spot of Tea? Nobody does afternoon tea quite like the British and this hallowed tradition is taken most seriously at the Buckingham Palace where it is reported 30,000 afternoon teas are prepared every year at the summer garden parties. Now you can get an insight into the royal kitchen’s range of tea-time treats across the seasons. Royal Chef Mark Flanagan shares his recipes for a variety of sweet and savoury pastries, cookies and spectacular cakes in a new 120page hardcover book, Royal Teas: Seasonal Recipes from Buckingham Palace, filled with beautiful photographs of the treats as well as the tableware, floral arrangements and other table decorations that adorn the royal table. •• www.royalcollectionshop.co.uk
Brunei by Design Royal Insignia has collaborated with two local designers to present BruneiGifts to the World, a new collection of exquisite lifestyle products with a Bruneian touch. The collaboration began in 2015 when Royal Insignia worked closely with Amnani Taib and Aziemah Ahmad to identify the flowers and patterns that best represent Brunei’s tradition, culture and heritage. Amnani has reinterpreted the illustrated flowers found on Brunei’s currency notes and her creations are applied to the Floral series of photo frames, gilded in gold and adorned with semi-precious stones. Aziemah integrated Bruneian flora and fauna motifs with the quintessential Ayer Muleh pattern and together they adorn the brand’s lacquered watches and jewellery boxes that are gilded in gold and embellished with semi-precious stones. •• Royal Insignia Empire Hotel & Country Club www.royalinsignia.com
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biG scoop
2358 Store The Korean Wave continues to sweep across Brunei and 2358 Store at the Airport Mall brings a touch of Korea to you. You can find a wide range of useful and highly affordable products for personal grooming, bath, kitchen, fashion and even toys for the little ones. And there is no shortage of lovable items that will appeal to the young and the young at heart, like their teddy bear massage stick that we couldn’t resist, to beat down our aching shoulders. ••
6, Grd Flr, Airport Mall, Kg Jaya Setia Tel: 2340023
Bundles of Sleep Lucy Bartlett loves camping and having friends round to stay, but uncomfortable portable beds, lowquality sleep and the fiddly equipment to set up and pack-down temporary sleeping arrangements made her weary. That’s when she decided to innovate. Lucy teamed up with her friend, James Clark, and together they came up with Bundle Beds - a revolutionary travel bed that’s easy to unclip, unroll, unzip and give you a good night’s sleep. They made their prototypes in Brunei with the help of a Kickstarter campaign and a local production team, and now they run all of their new product development from Brunei. Bundle Beds have a slim but comfortable self-inflating mattress and a luxurious duvet and pillow with 100% jersey cotton sheets. Its outer layer is water resistant, protecting the bedding within. Available in adult and child sizes, Bundle Beds is the ultimate sleeping alternative to a conventional bed.
Park & Shop Superstore Love Japanese snacks? Hop on over to Park & Shop Superstore and get lost in the rows of Japanese products in their adorable packaging. Even if you don’t understand the words on the packaging, it’s no matter, as the pictures of chocolates, cookies, candies, instant noodles and beverages on the packaging say it all, and they all look irresistible. You’ll also find products from Korea and a corner with varioussized boxes of Lego, and if you have a sudden need for a hot beverage, there is also a tea takeaway counter, Chá for Tea, at the back of the shop. •• 7, Blk B, Grd Flr, Bangunan Hj Abd Rahman, Kiulap
••
For stockists, see their website (www.bundlebeds.com) which includes detailed guides on how to set up and pack down a Bundle Bed. In Brunei, you can check out the beds at The Collective’s Makerspace , No.6, 2nd Flr, Spg 68, Jln Batu Bersurat, Bandar Seri Begawan
Quote BIGM AG10 when purc hasing your Bundle Beds and get a 10 % discount! (Promotion av ail online purchase able for note there will s. Please be charge for beds a shipping or outside of Brun dered ei.)
biG scoop
App for High Flyers If you spend a lot of time zipping from one airport to another, then make your travel experience better with Baiduri Visa Infinite and Platinum Credit Cards. Baiduri Bank now has a partnership with Visa and DragonPass for all existing and new Baiduri Visa Infinite and Platinum Cardmembers to enjoy complimentary membership to Visa Airport Companion Programme by DragonPass which can be activated by registering their new credit cards in the mobile app. DragonPass is one of the fastest growing providers of travel benefits and services via a digitally integrated mobile platform. Baiduri Visa Infinite and Platinum Credit Cardmembers can enjoy up to 24 complimentary visits to over 900 airport lounges, up to 50% off at over 800 airport restaurants, spas, limousine transfers, hotel room upgrades, retail privileges at premium fashion outlets, concierge services and more. The Airport Companion by DragonPass app eliminates the need for a physical membership card, and is available for free download in the GooglePlay Store or the App Store for both Android and iOS. •• www.baiduri.com.bn
Jungle Warrior Deep in the lush rainforest of Mulu, weary travellers can count on the 5-star Mulu Marriot Resort & Spa for a good night’s rest. It is only five minutes drive from Gunung Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where one can commune with rare birds and wildlife, discover exotic jungle plants and explore the world-famous Mulu Caves, and then return to the luxurious comforts of this ethnic longhouse-style sanctuary to relax and rejuvenate. The Mulu Marriot offers
a Balinese-style spa, an outdoor pool and your very own private balcony to continue to soak in the pristine rainforest air. The whole complex is airy and cooling, from the lobby and Riverside Bar to their banquet halls and business centre. It’s no wonder this jungle haven was named the TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice 2017. •• www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/myymu-mulumarriott-resort-and-spa
It’s Virtually Fun Virtual reality games are now in your neighbourhood. VR Arcade is Brunei’s first virtual reality games arcade and opened in May at the Hua Ho Manggis Mall. Open daily from 10am to 10pm, it will be an attraction to gamers and non-gamers, who might just want to experience the sensation of the virtual reality technology. Price per game range from BND2 TO BND4 and that is comparatively cheap as some VR arcades in the region charge a minimum of an equivalent of BND10 per game. With five VR stations and over 40 games, and even a mini dragon kids VR to start them young, owner, Sujee Hannah Abdullah Chan, hopes the competitive pricing will make the VR gaming more accessible to the general public. •• VR Arcade, #2, 1st Flr, Hua Ho Manggis Mall, BSB
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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
Beoplay M5
CONNECTING SPACES Introducing Beoplay M5, a wireless speaker designed to connect spaces with beautiful, authentic music. With its crafted aluminium top and wool blend fabric cover, Beoplay M5 is designed to blend in and stand out. True360 Bang & Olufsen Signature Sound Customizable design to fit your interior Crafted aluminium top with smooth tactile interaction — Wireless speaker that fills your home with music — Sound the way you like it Experience Beoplay M5 at our Brunei showroom today. Bang & Olufsen Brunei — Shop No. 1, Ground Floor, Lot No. 47322, Spg 41-1-12, Kg Kiarong brunei@bang-olufsensg.com Bang & Olufsen Brunei
+673 242 0166 Bangolufsen.bn
Show Your Eyes Some Love Luxury optical boutique, Optic King, now has a space on the first floor of The Centrepoint, Gadong. Optic King is your local purveyor of designer eyewear with famous brands like Burberry, Givenchy, Tiffany & Co. Oakley, RayBan, Marc Jacobs and many more luxury labels. They are also the first optical store in the country with an in-house Bruneian optometrist trained in U.K, so you don’t just get spectacles and lenses, you can get an eyehealth check up and review by a qualified optometrist. 1st Flr, Gadong Centrepoint, Gadong, BSB IG: @optic.king
Ride Easy Following the success of digital taxi booking apps around the world, Brunei has introduced its first taxi booking app, DART Taxi, a locally designed platform offering a wide range of services including ride booking and private hire of transportation. DART partners with local taxi operators to meet a growing need for public transport that is safe and affordable, using mandated metered fares which is available before booking a trip. With the app, a ride is only a click away and passengers can digitally hail a ride anytime, day or night. DART founder and CEO, Zul ‘Amali bin Dato Paduka Hj Idris, said DART is helping to create more jobs for the locals and improve passenger experience, and it aims to be the most trusted transport option in the country. ••
The DART app can be downloaded via the Apple App Store or Google Playstore.
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feature
Sabah has long been touted as one of the top tourist destinations in South East Asia with fantastic beach and island resorts, championship golf courses, amazing food and cultural centres in and around its capital city Kota Kinabalu. But it’s the smaller more laid back towns away from the city that beckon as gateways to a range of culture, nature and adventure attractions that are bound to take your breath away. Pamela Fletcher
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1. Sipadan Mabul Resort 2. Aerial view of Kudat 3. The Rungus women of Kudat
Photos: Sabah Tourism Board
Yen Phin Lee
in their traditional clothes 4. Scones at The English Tea House in Sandakan
Located 190km north of Kota Kinabalu, Kudat lies on the very northern tip of Borneo where the South China and Sulu seas meet. Tanjung Simpang Mengayau is the dramatic promontory of this meeting place and one of the best places in Sabah for sunsets. Aim to be here around July for the Sunset Music Fest to enjoy a musical performance by both local and international artistes amid this stunning backdrop. Stay at one of the many quaint beach resorts at Kelambu beach, rent a bicycle to explore the countryside or spend a day visiting a traditional Rungus longhouse, honey bee farm and gong making village located about 43km south of Kudat (best to do this en route to Kudat). The indigenous Rungus culture is preserved at Tampat do Aman (tampatdoaman.com. my) with its rustic longhousestyled accommodation and a museum set up to allow for a cultural exchange between the local communities and visitors.
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For a touch of luxury in this secluded corner of Sabah, head for the Hibiscus Beach Retreat (www.hibiscusbeachretreat.com) with unrivalled sea views and all the privacy you need for a dose of serious rest and relaxation. The beaches around Kudat are becoming popular with diving and surfing enthusiasts so make sure to check out the waves on your next visit (www.facebook. com/borneosurfer). For avid golfers, you can opt to stay at the Kudat Golf
and Marina Resort (www. kudatgolfmarinaresort.com) in Kudat town about an hour’s drive from Tanjung Simpang Mengayau. Seafood is abundant in Kudat and a quick visit to the local coffee shops in town will reward you with fresh delicious seafood platters cooked in a variety of styles.
Located on the east coast, Sandakan is a 35-minute flight or about seven hours drive
from Kota Kinabalu. It was the second capital of Sabah from 1883 to 1942 and its continued growth as an economic powerhouse after WW II can be seen in the colonial architecture of its township, historical buildings and monuments. The Sandakan Heritage Trail map (available at San Da Gen Kopitiam at NAK Hotel and major hotels in Sandakan) offers a quick introduction to Sandakan and its history dating back over a hundred years. Notable monuments and landmarks on this one to two hour self-guided walking tour include the Agnes Keith House, St. Michael’s and All Angels Church, the English Tea House and Goddess of Mercy Temple. History buffs can extend this tour by taking a taxi to the Sandakan Memorial Park which
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Detailed information boards line the boardwalk intermittently to give visitors a better insight into the lives and conservation of this elusive mammal in Sabah. Also nearby is the Rainforest Discovery Centre that attracts avid birdwatchers to its nature trails and annual Borneo Bird Festival (www.borneobirdfestival. com). Two nearby resorts, Sepilok Jungle Resort (www. sepilokjungleresort.com) and Sepilok Nature Resort (sepilok. com) are located within walking distance of the orang utan rehabilitation and sun bear conservation centres, and they are excellent options if you plan on spending more time here. About 45 minutes by boat from Sandakan is the Selingan Turtle Island Sanctuary (www. sabahparks.org.my/the-parks/
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turtle-islands-park). Observe turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs on the beach at night and if you’re lucky, you may get the chance to see baby turtles emerging from their underground nests at the hatchery before being released into the open sea. For accommodations, the Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan (www.fourpointssandakan.com) sits right by the bay and is on top of the list of luxury hotel stays in town. NAK Hotel (www.nakhotel. com), a family-owned hotel that was officially opened in 1966, saw a succession of Sandakan’s
5. The English Tea House
& Restaurant 6. A Rungus longhouse 7. A sun bear at the sun
bear conservation centre 8. Agnes Keith house
self-made millionaires who started out working there as low level staff and who went on to become pillars of society. The hotel still stands today with a recent revamp to include a rooftop garden on the 8th floor to afford panoramic views of Sandakan.
Photos: Sabah Tourism Board
commemorates the fallen during the Death Marches of WW II. For nature lovers, the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre and Sun Bear Conservation Centre are located about 25km from Sandakan. Visitors have the opportunity to see orang utans up close on the feeding platforms (feeding times at 10am and 3pm daily), and with the new addition of an indoor glass covered viewing gallery looking out towards the orang utan nursery, they can now observe young orang utans learning to swing around and climb ropes, essential skills to help them survive in the rainforest. The Sun Bear Conservation Centre is just across from Sepilok and has a boardwalk through the forested area where sun bears roam freely.
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From Sandakan, it takes about two hours by road to Lahad Datu or a direct 50-minute flight from Kota Kinabalu. Despite large areas of land having been cleared for agriculture, there are remaining pockets of rainforests around Lahad Datu that harbour a variety of rare and endangered wildlife species. About two and a half hours away are the Danum Valley Conservation Area (www.danumvalley.info) and Tabin Wildlife Reserve (www.tabinwildlife.com.my), havens for naturalists keen to explore the nature trails for sightings of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects and birds. The trail to an ancient coffin site at Danum Valley is a step back into the history of early human habitation in the area which extends to the Madai-Baturong Forest Reserve Nature Centre located about 50km from Lahad Datu, where caverns were also used as burial grounds. Birds nest have been harvested in these caves for centuries and remains an important traditional economic activity. Experience luxury stays at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge (www.borneonaturetours.com) in Danum Valley and the Tabin Wildlife Resort to enjoy the best
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Tabin Wildlife Resort
Like many of Sabah’s coastal towns, seafood makes up a large portion of the local fare here. Coupled with its historical ties to Chinese migrants who have long settled down here, expect to find specialties like seafood bak kut teh (seafood cooked in pork bone broth) and noodles with a variety of seafood to add flavour and texture. The water village of Buli Sim Sim is famous for its grilled fish and for sweets, there’s the popular UFO pastry, egg tarts and cream puffs available at coffee shops for a quick snack.
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9. Tabin Birding Tower 10. A spectacular view
in Bohey Dulang 11. A lepa sailing in
The Regatta Lepa Lepa 12. River lodges at The
Tabin Wildlife Resort 13. Turtle sightings
at the Selingan Turtle Island Sanctuary
Tabin Wildlife Resort
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Murphy Ng
of both nature and leisure in one place. Excellent nature walks and night drives led by experienced guides will leave you astounded by the diversity of wildlife in these protected rainforests.
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Located in the south eastern corner of Sabah is Semporna, a town synonymous with the Bajau Laut or Sea Gypsies, a seafaring community that has lived on the open seas and water villages here for generations. The town comes alive every April when the Regatta Lepa Lepa is celebrated to pay homage to the lepa, the traditional single-mast sailing boats of the Bajau Laut. There are no direct flights to Semporna so visitors have to take
a 50-minute flight from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau, followed by a one-and-a-half-hours drive from there. Semporna is the gateway to Sipadan, Mabul, Mataking, Kapalai and Pom Pom islands, ranked as some of the best dive islands in this part of the world. The Tun Sakaran Marine Park (www.sabahparks. org.my/the-parks/tun-sakaranmarine-park), also known as the Semporna Islands Park, is closest to the town and offers equally amazing diving with a short hiking trail on Bohey Dulang (one of the eight islands in the park) that rewards you with a truly spectacular panoramic view at the top. There are no overnight facilities so trips have to be done on a daily basis.
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advertorial
KEEPING COOL AT TUNGKU ESTATE
T
he Tungku Estate by Armada Properties Sdn Bhd is a gated residential complex nestled in a sprawling 15 acres, surrounded by lush greenery in the boroughs of Kampong Tungku. With the promise of hassle-free living, daily life is enhanced by feelings of exclusivity, as the estate has a host of facilities, and the homes come fully furnished with scheduled maintenance services to ensure that the comfort and satisfaction of tenants are exceeded. Its convenient location makes it a coveted residential choice: less than five minutes drive to the Jerudong International School and ten minutes drive to the bustling Gadong commercial areas, the Brunei International Airport and the Empire Hotel and Country Club, all accessible
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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
via the Tungku Link Expressway, and only two minutes drive to the verdant Agrotech Park, where you can find an assortment of plants for your home. The Tungku Estate makes it easy for its residents to keep fit and active, providing courts for tennis, futsal, basketball, netball and badminton. Their recent addition to the facilities is a recreation center which features a double-storey gym, a gleaming swimming pool and a poolside deck with sun umbrellas and seating. Cool and inviting, isn’t it time for a swim?
Tungku Estate Armada Properties Sdn Bhd Spg 206, Jalan Rakyat Jati Rimba, Kampong Tungku Bandar Seri Begawan BE 2119 Brunei Darussalam
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One-Stop
Shopping at Tasek Rimba When the Giant Hypermarket in Tasek Rimba opened in 2008, it was the beginning of a shopping experience on a large scale. The big complex not only houses the massive hypermarket which carries every imaginable product you could need, it has a good variety of food and beverage outlets and a large parking lot to boot, making it a popular one-stop shopping destination. A slew of new restaurants have opened around the core hypermarket and so we decided it was time for a revisit and find out what’s new.
Giant Hypermarket Shopping at the Giant Hypermarket is always a good exercise. Its vast square footage with rows, shelves, carts and pyramids of stacked products provides a good workout from the point you enter to the checkout counters. The wide aisles allow you to comfortably drive two trolleys side by side, and the best part of shopping here is the diverse range of products.
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Apart from the large food and household goods section where you can buy your daily items in bulk or in small amounts, there is also the other areas stocked with affordable products to fill every room in your house: clothes, stationery, electrical appliances, kitchenware, furniture, carpets, and for outdoors, you’ll have just as much fun browsing for bicycles, camping gear, swimming pool accessories, sports gear,
luggage and travel accessories. They have an assortment of fashion wear for all ages and for babies, you can find all you need from prams and car seats to walkers and toys. And come National Day when you need a Brunei flag to show your patriotic side, you can get that in Giant too.
remedies. Oils, teas, ointments, lotions and capsules made from natural plants and herbs are used in the prevention and treatment of a variety of ailments. Try some jungle honey from stingless bees – madu kelulut, or detox with some soursop tea from Araafah.
Traditional remedies
All around of the building there are restaurants and cafés so you won’t starve while you shop. On
Food and beverage In Brunei, many people believe in the healing benefits of traditional
check out their packed-shelves and discover what unexpected surprises they have.
Fashion Find affordable fashion at Inbru Enterprise or 8th Avenue, better still, make one that fits perfectly with fabric from KoFom Textiles, and complete your ensemble with precious jewellery from Okky Jewellery and footwear from Big Foot Company.
Usual favourites
the first floor, there is Wirarimba Restaurant & Catering, The Chicken Rice Shop, Pancake House International and on the ground floor, there’s a lot more to choose from: fast food joints like Burger King, KFC, Jollibee, Wayback Burgers and Potato Habit; local cuisine at Sotorinda or the food court inside the building; baked goods at Fun Bread and Bake Culture; Japanese cuisine at Excapade
and cool drinks from Teabox and Gong Cha.
Pop-up stalls Little pop-up stalls dotted around the building sell all kinds of things like mobile phone accessories, fashion jewellery, affordable cosmetics, bags, novelties and fun items like portable mini fans, fancy socks and colourful candy, and you can even get your metal rings and bracelets engraved here.
Jack of all trades Some shops are treasure troves for unusual finds and you’ll never know what they have until you walk in and take a good look. De’Cube Shop’s square shelves are filled with all sorts of products. Look hard and you might just find your favourite lipstick that you think is only available in Europe or a vintage toy. Ixin Choice Mart is another place where you might want to
It’s always a relief to find some familiar favourites that you can pop in for your emergency needs and we are always pleased to see a Guardian Pharmacy because there are times when you suddenly realise you need eye drops or plasters for your blistered feet, or if there is a frantic need to smell nice, The Body Shop is there. Neptune Florist is also on hand to provide a gift from nature while Ezy Printing Services will cater to your last-minute printing needs. Run out of cash? No problem, ATM machines of various banks are available in the building to ensure that your shopping spree is not disrupted.
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Sarawak Tourism Board uri sm Boa r
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The annual Bario Food Festival or Pesta Nukenen is here again this July from 27-29, and it is an event not to be missed, especially by adventurers who are looking for exotic and unique food in the exquisite rainforests of Sarawak. Bario is a village in the centre of the Kelabit Highlands, located close to the border between Sarawak and Kalimantan. At 1000m above sea level, it is the main settlement of the Kelabit tribe, a unique highland ethnic community whose population numbers around 5000. Chang Yi 22
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hat began as a small event to celebrate Bario Highland rice, grew to a three-day event of food, fun, farming, forest and cultural celebration of the Kelabit tribe. Established in 2006, Pesta Nukenen is getting more popular with not just the Sarawakians but visitors from all over the world, thanks to the increasing media coverage, who come here to enjoy the special organic highland cuisine cooked by the various longhouse communities of the Kelabit Highlands and numerous events held during this festival. Pesta Nukenen is embraced by the whole Kelabit community. The moment visitors alight from the small lightweight plane that carries only 19 passengers per trip to Bario, they are served a
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welcome drink made from Bario’s famous sweet pineapple. Visitors joining the festival will then be treated to traditional music, songs and dance of the Kelabit performed by Kelabit women dressed in their expensive heritage costumes and beads. The whole town comes alive with much fanfare and the sights provide a feast for the eyes. The opening ceremony, organised by the Bario Food Festival Committee, often involves a very important personality such as the Chief Minister of Sarawak.
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The scenic valley has a lot to offer photography enthusiasts. Soon, everyone will be transported into a dream world of wonderful hospitality in the cool highland atmosphere. There will be many stalls selling a variety of local cuisine: wild ferns, wild boar stew, rice cooked in bamboo lemang, chicken cooked in bamboo stems manuk pansuh, leaf- wrapped soft rice nuba laya, shredded organic beef with bamboo shoot and wild ginger flowers salad labo senutung, tapioca leaves, deboned fish a’beng, porridge made with wild mushrooms, wild asparagus and various kinds of soups from deer, fish and worms, and a special fried glutinous rice
cake called urum, made from freshly ground glutinous rice from the Kelabit highlands. Visitors also get to try the Kelabit’s traditional smoked and salted wild boar or deer meat, typically eaten with rice and many other wonderful raw wild vegetable dishes. Another thing Bario is famous for is their salt, evaporated from the salty highland spring water. The preparation process includes evaporation, drip and burning (in bamboo pipes) to harden the salt. The salt springs offer a unique tour to enthusiastic nature lovers who are seeking organic salt. Due to its popularity and limited accommodation, visitors to the food festival are advised to book one year ahead.
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1. A range of Kelabit food 2. Kelabit women in their tradiitonal clothes 3. Bario in the early morning mist 4. Bario salt wrapped in palm leaves 5. Urum Itam - purple Kelabit glutinous rice cakes
The Bario Highland Country Cottage Resort owned by husband and wife team, Robert and Leni Chee, is the answer to visitors of Bario. Travellers will be treated to comforts of living including well-prepared meals by Robert himself. The cottage has 5 fully furnished bedrooms, accommodating up to 16 people comfortably at any one time. The cottage, constructed with jati wood, may look traditional but it comes complete with modern showers and toilets, and runs hot and cold water. The owners built this cottage for the purpose of providing travellers with a rustic and unique holiday accommodation. And if you’re adventurous, Robert can arrange for a hunting or fishing trip, and even jungle trekking with a trusted guide. For those who plan to stay longer, Robert will also be able to arrange a tour of the Bario Salt Springs and a trek up to the Prayer mountains, where it is believed to have healing powers, and nature walks with tour guides who are extremely knowledgeable on the flora found in the highlands of Bario. Prices are very reasonable with good seasonal food cooked by Robert and his family.
Kampong Baru (2.4km from Bario Airport) Tel: 6019-8914829 FB: Robert Chee Email: cheeroberts@yahoo.com
The Bario Highland Country Cottage Resort
Sina Rang Lemulun Homestay and Handicraft in Bario offers guests the comfort and privacy of a Kelabit longhouse while enjoying a leisurely holiday visiting local sights, villages and getting a feel of the local culture. The two-storied longhouse consists of a living room, kitchen, dining room and nine bedrooms, with toilets and bathrooms as well as a handicraft centre. A short stay at Sina Rang will give guests an idea of what Sarawak highland hospitality is all about. Food is of course organic and fresh, straight from the jungle. A stay in this longhouse allows guests to spend time in the cooler climes of Kelabit Highland while enjoying the graciousness of a lovely host.
Sina Rang Lemulun Homestay Bario Asal Longhouse, Bario 98050, Sarawak, Malaysia Price Range: RM75 - RM159 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
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The Islands &
Beaches of
Kota Kinabalu
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The coral islands just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu have been attracting visitors to its shores for centuries. From wandering fishermen in the past to sun seekers and water sport buffs of today, the islands continue to captivate with its clear waters, underwater life and sandy beaches. Pamela Fletcher
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Sabah Tourism Board
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amutik, Manukan and Sapi are the most popular islands in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, about 15-20 minutes by boat from the city. A clear day will afford gorgeous views of the forest clad islands as you approach them, and towards the city, views of Mt. Kinabalu in the distance. Picnic tables and tented dining areas for larger tourist groups line the beaches while water sport centres offer a host of activities from snorkelling to diving, parasailing, windsurfing and banana boat rides.
Wet, wild and wonderful Day trippers throng the islands during peak tourist season and school holidays so if you want to get away from the crowd, spending the day on a pontoon is just the ticket. Borneo Reef World (www.borneoreefworld. com.my) operates the largest pontoon in South East Asia, and the second largest in the world. They offer a range of water sports like snorkelling, kayaking, jet skiing, banana boat, sea walking, scuba diving and parasailing. Sea walking is a novel way to explore the underwater realm,
especially for non-swimmers as no swimming skill is required. With a helmet securely fastened over your head to keep you dry from the neck up, you are lowered to the seabed where you can take a walk while being surrounded by amazing marine life. It’s the absolute freedom of not having to worry about breathing underwater, or messing up your hair, that is quite surreal. It’s a great family sport that anyone from the age of 10 and above can do safely. The pontoon has an Underwater Observatory Aquarium which gives you the extraordinary experience of being underwater as schools of fish swirl about or dart in and out of the coral reefs while up above, the Fish Education Platform showcases the ocean’s big fish and brings home a message to viewers on marine conservation in a bid to promote awareness on sustainable seafood. Take a break from soaking up the sun on the beach and enjoy panoramic views of the islands from above.
At 250m long, the Coral Flyer (coralflyer.com/www.coralflyer. com) is the longest island-toisland zip line in Borneo and is an exhilarating ride between the islands of Sapi and Gaya. A short jungle trail leads you to the take off platform on Gaya where you gear up in safety equipment before zipping over to Sapi. Be sure to keep your eyes open so you don’t miss a thing.
Cruise into the sunset The islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park are beautiful by day and night. The recently launched North Borneo Cruise (www.northborneocruises.com) is a 2-hour scenic cruise past the islands of the marine park and down the central coast
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gliding along the city’s famous Waterfront. Take your pick of a sunset cruise (4.50pm-7pm) or an after-dark soiree (7.50pm-10pm) and be dazzled by the natural hues of sunset and twinkling city lights. On the main deck, an airconditioned—fully enclosed and unimpeded by weather—buffet dining area combines sightseeing with on-stage live performances including a Bamboo Orchestra performance on weekends.
Island sojourn Once the day trippers have left, Manukan Island will slowly ease into tranquillity and you can enjoy all the comforts of the Sutera Sanctuary Lodge Manukan (www.wavetune.com/sslweb/ sslwww) amid the soothing sounds of the sea and views of the setting sun in the horizon. While over on the other side of Gaya Island behind the sprawling water villages is Malohom Bay and Polish Beach where the luxury island resorts of Gayana Marine Resort (echoresorts.com/ gayana), Bunga Raya Resort (echoresorts.com/bungaraya), and Gaya Island Resort (www.gayaislandresort.com) offer privacy and exclusivity with breathtaking views of the South China Sea from their beachside and hillside villas. Tropical paradise comes pretty close to describing the island resorts of Gaya as you will be truly pampered with spa treatments, delectable cuisine, luxurious accommodation and endless ocean views with gorgeous sunsets to end each day.
1. Snorkeling off the islands 2. The flourishing coral reefs in
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Sabah waters 3. Banana boat ride 4. Walking on the sea bed 5. Zip line on Pulau Sapi 6. The Fisherman’s Cove at the Gayana Marine Resort
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Jazz It Up! The 12th edition of the Borneo Jazz Festival kicked off over the weekend of May 12-13 at the Park City Everly Hotel in Miri, Sarawak.
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he two-day event featured eight bands from around the world performing toe-tapping jazz hits, including international names such as CaboCuba Jazz from the Netherlands, Delgres from Guadaloupe and France, Canada’s National Jazz Award winner and JUNO Awards nominee Laila Biali and Japanese Jazz veterans Osaka Monaurail. Set on the
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green lawns of the ParkCity Everly Hotel beside the beach, festival-goers enjoyed the evening performances under the stars, and the occasional rain showers did little to dampen the fun. Besides the performances, the festival held its musical outreach programme with professional artistes training aspiring musicians the basics of jazz keyboard and this year, the
programme was expanded to include classes for percussions. Another new introduction to this year’s festivities was the Networking Jazz Session, providing a great opportunity for amateur jazz enthusiasts to learn more about the industry from the international performers who are here for this year’s festival. During the event, visitors could also browse the various stalls on
the festival grounds selling food and local arts and handicrafts. In its 12-year history, the Borneo Jazz Festival has gained an international reputation for introducing acts that span a variety of jazz genres from Afro to Funk. This year was no different, and we give the organizers of the festival a round of applause for organizing yet another successful, enjoyable, funky, jazzy and fantastic Borneo Jazz Festival. We look forward to jazzing it up again next year! The Borneo Jazz Festival is organized by Sarawak Tourism, endorsed by Tourism Malaysia and is jointly supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Sarawak, with Malaysia Airlines as the official sponsor.
biG buzz
Thanks Mom! Korean cosmetics and skincare brand, Laneige, celebrated mother’s day with a difference this year - at the AgroTech Green House in Rimba. Guests were treated to gourmet coffee and canapés, and a chance to try out Laneige’s new White Dew and Clear-C Peeling series, surrounded by fresh blooms and lush green plants. Guests were gifted with a plain t-shirt which they decorated themselves with iron-on stickers and sequined decorations. The guests also took the opportunity to explore the cool greenhouse filled with a tremendous variety of decorative and edible plants. •• FB: Laneige www.laneige.com
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Baiduri Bank has relaunched their Baiduri Visa Infinite and Platinum Credit Cards, enhanced with the Visa payWave feature and membership to a revolutionary digital Airport Companion programme by DragonPass. The Baiduri Visa Infinite and Platinum Credit Cards are designed for the affluent segment and aim to encourage frequent-travelling cardholders to use
electronic payments when they travel and move towards a cashless society. The refreshed Baiduri Visa Infinite and Platinum Credit Cards provide all the existing range of financial products, services and benefits but now, with newly added benefits such as a wider range of global privileges, exclusive travel deals, the Visa payWave contactless payment feature, and the Visa Airport Companion Programme by DragonPass, which offers access to over 900 airport lounges and dining discounts of up to 50% at over 800 airport restaurants.
www.baiduri.com.bn
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Runway Winners
Jovian’s Fashion Fiesta Ladies, and a few gentlemen, succumbed to three days of festive fashion frenzy at Jovian Mandagie’s JBoxing event, held for the first time in Brunei on May 5-7 in partnership with local fashion house, Bajoo Butik and the Baiduri Bank Group. The popular Malaysian fashion designer showcased several of his ready-to-wear collections including JBasic Raya, Jovianmen, Lisa Surihani for Jovian, Baby Lisa, and J-Borsa handbags. Shoppers enjoyed up to 70% discounts and avid fans of the brand had their first pick of Jovian’s traditional wear, in good time for the Hari Raya celebrations. jovian.com.my FB: Bajoo Butik
And the Champion is… It was an all-female line-up at this year’s Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Barista Competition Grand Final. Five female baristas took to the stage to serve up three beverages within a span of 15 minutes to a panel of four sensory judges and two technical judges. The beverages were judged on two categories: technical skills and product taste, presentation
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and creativity. The event took place at the Times Square Shopping Complex lobby, packed with a huge crowd. Ayu Siti Mauweyah, from the CBTL BSP Headquarters outlet, won the top barista crown, and her signature drink – featuring a combination of coconut and pineapple mixed with coffee – won Best Signature Beverage. As champion, she will be representing Brunei in a Barista Competition in Kuala Lumpur this July. www.coffeebeanbrunei.com
The ASEAN-wide fashion competition kicked off in Brunei on April 15 to find two local designers to represent Brunei at the grand finale of the AirAsia Runway Ready Designer Search 2017, which will take place in Kuala Lumpur in August. Humaira Zakaria and Nazy (with her partner Kimmy) were declared the winners after a grueling day of judging. The two will compete with other ASEAN finalists for a chance to showcase their collection at the Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week next year.
Follow AirAsia’s Youtube Channel for webisodes featuring the journey of all participants of the AirAsia Runway Ready Designer Search 2017, or follow #AirAsiaRunway on their Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
biG buzz
A Taste of Australia The Australian High Commission’s Taste of Australia made its debut in Brunei on May 12 to a joyously large turnout. Visitors to the event at Radisson Hotel got to see a cooking demonstration by renowned Australian chef, Jake Nicolson, who used local blue shrimps and chicken wings together with Australian ingredients to prepare two dishes. Chef Nicolson and local food celebrity Thanis Lim judged a cooking competition that gave the public, adults and kids alike, a chance to show off their culinary skills in creating dishes using a combination of Bruneian and Australian ingredients. During the event, Australian High Commissioner, H.E. Nicola Rosenblum said, “Australians and Bruneians have many things in common, but if there is one things that truly
brings us together it is our shared national obsession with good food!” Taste of Australia, sponsored by Austrade and a host of local businesses, is designed to profile premium food and beverages from Australia and make it possible for visitors to learn more about the variety of Australian food products that are available in Brunei. The event ended with a VIP dinner the following day that included the two dishes demonstrated by Chef Nicolson the day before. During his visit to Brunei, the famous chef who is currently the executive chef of the Ghanem Group featuring the awardwinning Blackbird Bar and Grill, explored Brunei produce and flavours at the Kianggeh fruit and vegetable market, Kampong Ayer and Gadong Night Markets, and at the end of his visit, he had this to say, “I will certainly be taking a few ideas back to Australia with me.”
bruneidarussalam.embassy.gov.au
relax while you are here
Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam Jalan Tasek Bandar Seri Begawan BS8211 Brunei Darussalam Phone: +673 224 4272 Fax: +673 222 1579 reservations.brunei@radisson.com radisson.com/brunei
BiG snapshot
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, waves to onlookers as he leads a group of cyclists at the ‘Family Harmony Recreation and Cycling’ event, held at Taman Haji Sri Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien in conjunction with National Family Day on May 7, 2017. Cycling alongside him are members of the royal family, ministers and government officials. Fazizul Haqimie
BiG getaway
BENGALURU BECKONS
The bustling city of Bangalore, or now officially known as Bengaluru, is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka, and is the third most populous city in India. Located in the southern part of India on the Deccan Plateau, it is India’s highest major city enjoying moderate climate all year long. Wan Zainal Shazali checks into the Shangri-La Hotel Bengaluru for a truly Indian regal getaway.
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t was late January when I headed to Bengaluru – the Silicon Valley of India. From shopping to star dining attractions, this once sleepy regional capital is today a modern metropolis filled with a myriad of charms, much to my big surprise as a first time visitor to India. I arrived at this cosmopolitan city
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late one afternoon and drove past a plethora of old buildings, colourful markets, temples and charming gardens tucked in between streets, which tells me that despite the bustling development, the city’s Indian appeal remains unaltered. This place was, after all, once The Garden City of India. The
recent hotel openings like the Shangri-La, the vibrant cafés and restaurant culture with impeccable service, have added style and luxury to the cultural melee on MG Road - one of the busiest roads in the city. The Shangri-La Hotel is a 19-storey tower that is perfectly located on the fringe
of the central business district and the upscale residential suburbs of Bengaluru, and it commands uninterrupted views of the cityscape including iconic landmarks like the Military Memorial, Cubbon Park and the historic Bengaluru Palace. The 397 guestrooms are styled in earthy colors enhanced with
light and dark timbers, tufted leather headboards and carved Indian embellishments that perfectly blends with ShangriLa’s Asian brand values. The hotel’s design cues are derived from floral forms, giving a nod to the Bengaluru’s Garden City moniker. From carpets to furniture and light fittings to decorative screens, the entire hotel is laced with these beautiful abstract patterns. Exquisite rare marble and intricate brass fret work complete the patrician air one would expect from one of the newest luxury hotels in India. My spacious suite comes with a separate living and dining area, ideal for informal meetings in the privacy of my own room. It is one of the thirty suites in the hotel with full access to the Horizon Club Lounge that offers the privacy of express check-in and check-out, complimentary breakfasts, cocktails in the evenings and a full concierge service. I spent most evenings, unwinding in the lounge after a day of exploring the city, soaking in the sunset and unparalleled panoramic views of the city while being rewarded with beautiful sightings of eagles that can be
seen soaring above lakes and in the nearby trees. While dining options are aplenty in Bengaluru, the hotel offers one of the largest food and beverage choices in the city, all in spectacular settings. Caprese, the Italian restaurant and b Café, the all-day dining restaurant, are talking points for their excellent food. I had a memorable Japanese kaiseki dinner at Yataii and entertained some friends at the glamorous and lively Hype bar on the rooftop - a local scenester’s go-to destination. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to try Ssaffron, their opulent Indian restaurant, and Shang Palace, their modern Chinese restaurant, but judging from the rave reviews they have been gaining in the press, these two outlets are certainly making their mark on the local culinary scene. I will make a note to try both of them the next time I’m in town.
BENGALURU MUST-DOS • Start your morning with the breakfast spread at the hotel’s b Cafe, where the open kitchens serve a wide variety of Western, Chinese, Indian and Japanese cuisines. Jump-start the day with a glass of Massala Tea. • Get the hotel to pack you a picnic lunch and take a stroll through the verdant garden of Lalbagh, Bengaluru’s 200-year-old botanical garden that spreads over 240 acres. If you’re lucky, you may catch one of the two magnificent annual flower shows celebrated in the glass house. Otherwise, visit two of the most famous palaces in Bengaluru – the Bengaluru Palace, located just 300m from the hotel and built to look like a smaller replica of England’s Windsor Castle; and Tipu’s Summer Palace, a museum that takes visitors through the life of the late emperor Tipu Sultan. • Check out Shangri-La’s signature Chi Spa to sample the various treatments and remedies inspired by a fusion of chi and Ayurveda techniques. Their massages and beauty therapies are guaranteed to beat your jet-lag and give you the holiday glow that will be the envy of your friends back home.
• Buy some Indian-inspired fashion for the nice folks at home from Grasshopper, a boutique run by fashion duo Sonali Sattar and Himanshu Dimri. Shame you can’t pack the glorious lunch from the chef-curated prix fixe menu. Grasshopper is an industrial chic outdoor restaurant on a farm on the outskirts of Bengaluru that marries fashion and food. Reservation is mandatory. • What better way to while away the afternoon than to hit the cute boutiques that line Brigade Road, just off the bustling MG Road. You can find a wide range of formal Indian wear to home décor here. End your day with a dinner at what must be the most famous Southern Indian restaurant in the world – Karavalli. You’ll have a great meal and a chance to tap into the region’s Indian soul. • Have pre-dinner drinks at the hotel’s Hype or the Horizon Club and watch the big city unwind for the day before heading to Caprese for an Italian dinner, where I had the most delicious risotto and pasta outside of Italy. When I decided to order more, I let the chef surprise me with another pasta dish, and that did not disappoint at all.
Shangri-La Hotel, Bengaluru No 56-6B, Palace Road, Bengaluru, INDIA www.shangri-la.com
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Travel Savvy Your travels should be enjoyable and memorable, also as stress-free as possible. While one can’t prepare for every possible scenario on the road, we still want to make sure we have the right travel accessories that will make our journeys easier and safer. Here’s a few that we would gladly take with us.
GoToob from humangear* Air travel can wreak havoc on your toiletry bottles causing leak and mess in your bag. A silicon travel refillable tube with a reliable non-leak valve is what you need. GoToob from humangear is lightweight and flexible so you can squeeze out the contents. It’s 100% BPA and PC-free and comes in delicious pastel colours. ••
www.humangear.com
Tigernu Anti Thief Backpack A backpack with no zips that you can see, Tigernu is designed to protect your belongings when you are preoccupied. It has no zippers or pockets on its front. The zipper runs along the back of the bag and is hidden under a flap so thieves cannot unzip your bag, reach in and steal your belongings. It is waterresistant with hidden pockets that are easy for you to access. ••
Available online from www.antithief.sg
World Travel Adapter by SKROSS One of the most useful things to bring on your travels is a world travel adapter. Skross from Switzerland offers a range of adapters with 2 and 3-poles with an integrated USB charger, and they can be used anywhere in the world for all your devices. The Skross adapters are compact and easy to use by sliding out the required plug for your destination. ••
www.skross.com
Eagle Creek Pack-ItOriginal Starter set O2Cool Necklace Fan * The next time you are waiting in line to get on a ride at a crowded theme park, make sure you stay cool with an O2Cool necklace fan. This portable fan hangs around your neck and gives you a cool breeze and mist while keeping your hands free. Lightweight and compact, other people will be wishing that they had your O2Cool necklace fan. www.o2-cool.com ••
* Available in Brunei from Boarding Gate, 17, Grd Floor, Airport Mall, BSB FB: GL Extra Enterprise Instagram: glextraenterprise
Packing cubes help you organize your stuff so you can find them easily while keeping your luggage tidy. The mesh top allows you to see what is inside and lets your garments breathe. Shirts and pants can be kept neatly folded with minimal wrinkles in the folder which holds up to 12 items. You can roll and compress your clothes in the cubes. These cubes are washable and they will be your best travel buddy for many years. •• www.eaglecreek.com
Cabin Zero Classic Carry-On Carry it like a suitcase or strap it to your back, the Cabin Zero Classic 44L not only looks good, it is a super cabin-sized carry-on that is lightweight and durable with lockable zips and thick padded straps. There is a 25 year warranty (if you ‘Like’ them on FB) and it has a built in Global Tracker powered by Okoban, so if you lose your bag, there’s a good chance you can get it back. ••
www.cabinzero.com
GO Travel RFID money belt* When travelling, it’s always a good idea to hide your valuables from scheming eyes. Use the GO Travel RFID money belt, designed to be worn under clothing to prevent theft. It has a protective lining that blocks scans of RFID chips embedded in passports and credit cards, safeguarding you against identity theft and digital crime. ••
www.go-travelproducts.com/uk/ security/money-holders
Cabeau Evolution neck pillow *
Not all neck pillows are made equal and if you own a Cabeau, you won’t ask for any other. The Cabeau Evolution memory foam neck pillow is soft and supportive, ergonomically designed for all round head and neck support and has a secure clasp in front to support your chin so your head won’t dip forward while you sleep. It has a removable and washable cover and it shrinks to ¼ size for easy storage for travel.
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advertorial
B
lessed with diversity and variety, this ancient mystical land with crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches, forested mountains cloaked in dawn mists, well-preserved historical ruins, not to mention the excitement of the capital Bangkok where the old and modern blend in to form a vibrant cosmopolitan, is the perfect setting for weddings and honeymoons. Pick from any of the international hotels or convention halls to organise an extravagant wedding or the smaller boutique resorts for a sedate affair. You are sure to treasure the memory a lifetime. After the wedding, you are spoiled for choice to spend your once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon in Thailand. The occasion can be enjoyed together trekking atop majestic elephants through lush forest canopies in the country’s north, or sunbathing on the soft sandy beaches that line the country’s shoreline. Tee-off on a lush tropical fairway at the numerous internationally designed golf courses, or be gently pampered within the relaxing setting of a sumptuous spa. Thailand has it all. A rich culture inspired by a long and interesting history. Food lovers would find dishes to suit all kinds of palate, whether you fancy pungent and
The Perfect Romance and Honeymoon Destination Thailand. A land of romance. A lover’s paradise. Exotic and alluring, it is where love blossoms as the variety of flowers that grow in abundance. It is both an idyllic destination to tie the knot and to indulge in an exclusively unique honeymoon.
spicy exotic cuisine or sweet Oriental desserts. This is the place to be. Restaurants, from the fancy dining establishments to roadside cafés and stalls offer a variety of delicious food to suit all tastes. If beaches and islands is your thing, then take note that the country has quite a number of great honeymoon destinations such as Phuket, Krabi, Phangnga, Koh Samui, Koh Chang, Koh Samet, Hua Hin & Cha-am, and Pattaya, just to name a few. These seaside and island destinations, considered some of the most beautiful in
the world, offer a host of luxury accommodation to suit your discerning tastes. For those who prefer a honeymoon away from the sun and sand, then they can head for the cooler north where Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son beckon. For a destination nearer the capital city of Bangkok, then they may want to give places like Khao Yai and Pak Chong in Nakhon Ratchasima a try. If you would like to mix your romantic destination with a bit of culture and heritage then you
may want to consider the North East attractions such as Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani and Buriram, where ruins and historical remains transport you back to centuries gone by. Tired of walking and exploring? Head for the numerous spas and pamper yourselves. Let our welltrained masseuses massage away your aches and pains so that you would be rejuvenated for another adventure that awaits you on your romantic getaway. www.tourismthailand.org
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drive
MINI Driving, Big Fun
The big MINI has just gotten a little bit bigger and it’s been completely developed with considerable advancements in the areas of functionality, athletic flair and refined premium ambience. The new MINI Countryman’s increased dimensions mean more space on its five fully-fledged seats as well its storage volume. On top of that, there are some fine innovations introduced into the Countryman: an 8.8 inch colour display that you can tap to control your phone, music and the MINI Connected system, your personal mobility assistant; a boot that can be opened with a swipe of your foot under the rear fender; and the handy MINI Find Mate function which tracks your belongings. And here’s a feature we love, a built in Picnic Bench that unfolds out of the luggage compartment and seats two people! The new MINI Countryman is available in two models: MINI Cooper Countryman and MINI Cooper S Countryman, and two head-turning colours, Island Metallic Blue and Chestnut, now available for a MINI for the first time. View it at the MINI showroom: Unit 14, 1st Flr, Mabohai Shopping Complex, BSB www.mini.com.bn
Luxury Reinvented The All-New Mazda CX-5 is finally cruising along Brunei roads. Acclaimed worldwide for its dynamic design, responsive driving feel and excellent safety performance, the CX-5 has grown into Mazda’s core model accounting for 25% of the company’s annual sales around the world. So, what of the new CX-5? Mazda designers refined the exterior, elevating it into a sleek and bold machine with a luxurious interior that enhances the ride for both driver and passenger. The cabin is quieter, the rear seats are more comfortable and the i-Activsense advanced safety features help keep occupants safer. Driving performance is polished with the Mazda G-Vectoring Control, the first Skyactiv-Vehicle Dynamics technology. View the Mazda CX-5 at: Grand Motors Sdn Bhd Lot 31-32, Kompleks Perindustrian Beribi II, BSB www.mazda.com.bn
Scoot on Over To say a Vespa is a scooter is an understatement. Celebrating its 71st year on the road, the Vespa is the first and most enduring of scooters. The new Vespa of this generation keeps to its classic aesthetic but it is modernised for today’s scooter experience. The GTS Supersport 300 features new technology such as an ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) traction system, an ABS 2-channel braking system and a multimedia platform to connect to your smart phone. As for the looks, a Grigio Titanio matte paint combined with a smooth black seat, all new molding and dedicated graphics make for a very sporty-looking Vespa, but with the same old Vespa spirit. In fact, all the new models retain design characteristics that harken back to the days when Audrey Hepburn immortalised the scooter in the 1950’s classic ‘Roman Holiday’. No matter how modern the Vespa gets in this day and age, people will still buy it for its traditional style and charm. And who are we to argue with style? Check out the Vespa at: Grand Motors Sdn Bhd Lot 31-32, Kompleks Perindustrian Beribi II, BSB www.vespa.com
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made in borneo
*Subject to terms and conditions
Live Chat @better.brunei Better Brunei +673 2453333 customercare@betterbrunei.com
biG drive
The Most Beautiful Car in the World Jaguar stunned the motor world this year at the 2017 World Car Awards taking, not one, but two of the top trophies with their first performance SUV, the F-Pace. Jaguar’s record-selling SUV picked up the prestigious World Car of The Year and World Car Design of the Year titles, making it the second vehicle in the history of the World Car Awards to score a double victory.
T
he World Car Awards culminated in a high-profile prize presentation at the New York International Auto Show on April 12 after 75 jurors from 24 countries cast their votes for six categories. After the win, Jaguar Land Rover CEO, Dr Ralf Speth, said, “The F-Pace was designed and engineered as a performance SUV with exceptional dynamics, everyday usability and bold design, and winning this award endorses
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the talents and great work of their teams that delivered the world’s more practical sports car and Jaguar’s fastest-selling vehicle.” Jaguar has launched three completely new product lines in the last 12 months. Sales have been remarkably strong across new and existing products, making this British brand Europe’s fastest-growing car brand now. Ian Callum, Director of Design at Jaguar said, “ The F-Pace is
our first ever SUV but it is clearly recognisable as a Jaguar and for it to win the 2017 World Car of the Year trophy vindicates our decision to bring our unique design principles and dynamic qualities to a new sector of the market.” In Brunei, the Jaguar F-Pace is available in two variants: the F-Pace S with a 380hp 3.0-litre engine and the F-Pace R-Sport with a 340hp 3.0-litre engine, both supercharged V6 petrol. Spacious, practical
with technologically advanced safety features, the F-Pace provides an exciting ride within a sophisticatevd interior finished with premium materials which you can choose to reflect your individual style. A unique feature of the F-Pace is the Activity Key – a waterproof, shockproof wristband with an integrated transponder that replaces your conventional key fob and allows you to enjoy a range of activities from skydiving to swimming.
biG appetite
Eat, Drink Brunei
L
Coffee Field #5, Grd Flr, Blk A, Little Soho Spg 73-5-8, Batu Bersurat, BSB Tel: 673-8183600 IG: @coffeefieldcafe.bn FB: Coffee Field Café Open daily: 9am–11pm (Sat-Thurs)/ 2pm-11pm (Fri)
All restaurants in Brunei are closed for prayers between noon and 2pm on Fridays.
ocated in Little Soho amid the epicurean hotspot that is Batu Bersurat, Coffee Field Café and Resto opened its doors in March serving beverages, a variety of tasty dishes, and of course, coffee. The café offers a choice of desserts and pastries, a menu of classic meals and a lineup of beverages including a good selection of smoothies, teas and even kopitiam favourites - Neslo Tarik, anyone?. But with a name like Coffee Field you’re going to expect good coffee and they deliver, offering coffee beverages for the serious and casual coffee drinker, all made with beans freshly roasted by Roasted Sip, a local coffee roaster.
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I Say Yatta!
Alter Ego Fusion Cafe
#22, Grd Flr, Blk B, Regent Square Kiulap, BSB Tel: 673-2424222 IG: @isayyatta FB: I Say Yatta Open daily: 10am-10pm
#2 & 3, Blk E, Grd Flr, Setia Kenangan II Kg Kiulap, BSB Tel: 673-2230388 IG: @alteregofoods FB: Alter Ego Open daily: 10am-10pm
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n the new hipster hotspot that is Setia Kenangan II, Alter Ego Fusion Café easily stands out from the fray of stylish outlets there. The ‘fusion’ side of things is first reflected in the deco – on one side features a splendid wall mural (already the subject of many Instagram pictures) of a canal with two bicycles docked at the bridge, marble-topped tables and seats, while on the other side is a more rustic industrial feel with wooden tables and chairs against a bare brick wall. The soft opening menu takes a very
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apanese food and tea come together in this fun little restaurant with an interior that makes you feel like you’re in a comic book. The food offered at I Say Yatta! is specifically Japanese rice bowls and skewers, served in paper containers and bowls with bright blue stickers that encourage you to ‘Eat Me!’. On the other side of the room is Infinitea serving up different types of teas. Everything is packaged to go here, regardless of whether you dine in or not, but if you’re here for the skewers we would advise you to dine in and eat it still-hot at the table. Saying ‘Yatta!’ is not compulsory but it’s fun as heck.
S ballsy approach to the culinary fusion of ‘East meets West’, with choices like Salmon Tartare Donut, Sirloin & Unagi Ricebowl, Mentaiko Blue Prawn on Brioche, and desserts like Bandung St. Honoré, all attractively presented. Beverages include signature drinks like Blacktea Cucumber Cooler, Fortune Cookie Chai and a few but solid choices of coffee. A table at the main entrance waves the Brunei flag for local entrepreneurs, showcasing handicrafts made by locals.
Gordy’s Coffee Shop #10, Grd Flr, Bangunan Hj Mohd Salleh Gadong, BSB Tel: 673-2443218 IG: @gordyscoffeeshop_ Open daily: 7am – 7pm
ituated in Gadong on the rim of its busiest center is a charming little café called Gordy’s Coffee Shop. More like a local kopitiam than western coffee shop, it has a brightly lit and spacious interior outfitted with bright red chairs, marbletopped tables and green walls. Bread comes freshly baked from Gordy’s Bakery and food offerings are mostly local fare like nasi lemak, kolo mee and laksa. The laksa was plentiful for its price and we polished it off with a Hokkaido Cheese Tart, a curry puff and the local coffee shop requisite: a cup of teh tarik. Top that off with warm and friendly service from the staff and we’ve found ourselves a new kopitiam favourite.
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biG appetite
The Workshop
Sabah
San Da Gen
Eat, Drink
The Workshop With its eye-catching façade and art-centric décor, The Workshop will tempt both your taste buds and hipster heart. A fusion of bistro style food with a South African influence ensures a unique experience in this beautiful café. In the heart of The Workshop is its artisanal food and coffee. Its range of Puro coffee with beans roasted in Belgium, where the company has been active for more than 212 years, is organic and certified by the Fairtrade Organisation. Puro coffee funds the WLT (World Land Trust) and has already purchased more than 18,000 hectares of forest in Sandakan to preserve it for the orang utans. Truly a place serving coffee with a conscience.
Lot 19, Lorong Dewan, Kota Kinabalu Open daily: 8am - 10pm Tel: 6088-211170 FB: TheworkshopKK
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San Da Gen Kopitiam
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an Da Gen is a throwback to the early days when Sandakan was a bustling harbour filled with traders, fishermen and adventurers seeking their fortune in a town fondly known as “Little Hong Kong”. Its upscale homage to the humble kopitiam where business deals were made and gossip was whispered, is reflected in its retro interior décor, marble topped tables and of course, the menu.
The food list is short but offers a taste that is uniquely Sandakan, from the ubiquitous UFO tart (buttery sponge cake topped with custard and meringue), famous for its decadent sweetness but light on the palate, to local favourites like cream puffs that are filled with velvety custard and fresh fruit (filling depends on the fruits in season) and saucy noodles which are a definite must try. Adding more contemporary dishes to the menu like the salted egg
French toast is a great way to taste the old and new Sandakan flavours. San Da Gen Kopitiam also doubles as Sandakan’s tourist information centre which makes it the perfect place to relax while planning your travels in and around this nostalgic town. Jalan Pelabuhan Lama, Sandakan (below Nak Hotel) Open daily: 8am - 5pm Tel: 6088-238988 FB: TasteSanDaGen
biG feature ZINC
Eat, Drink The Barber Café
Sarawak
NON HALAL
Zinc
A
t Zinc Restaurant and Bar, you’ll not only get an exciting menu featuring an array of Spanish products flown in NON monthly and transformed by their HALAL resident chef from Spain, Chef Jordi, into unique Mediterranean The location of The Barber Café and Bar dishes that offers the best used to be an old barber shop for 78 years of both French and Chinese until the barber retired. The current owners cuisines, you’ll get a refreshing chose to keep the barbershop décor and selection of Sarawak cocktails furniture, including vintage mannequin and cool live music on Thursdays
The Barber Café
heads with wigs and hair curlers in them, to preserve the classic feel of the place.
and Saturdays. There’s always something going on and guests are encouraged to whatsapp them for new food events and music performances. The menu starts with the light offerings like tapas, paella, risotto, ham and cheese boards, and moussaka baked with ground lamb and eggplant. There are gourmet pizzas with exotic charcuterie and cheese and even a house original named Laksa! – made with typical ingredients of the famed Sarawak dish and
The Barber Café serves an eclectic mix of international and local cuisine, and you can tell from the names such as salted egg yolk chicken schnitzel, kompia with angchao chicken, duck-Jepun-nasipenyet-special and homemade meatball pasta with serunding, that there are no dull offerings here.
flavoured with coriander and lime. That’s just the dining aspect, the people at Zinc have a heart of gold and supports animal welfare. If you buy a rare framed print of a Kuching heritage site by wellknown local architect Min Wee for RM150, all profits go to the Sarawak Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. 38 Tabuan Road, 93000, Kuching Tel: 6016-5766647 FB: @ZincKuching Open: Tue to Sun, 5 pm till late
Sukha Cafe
74, Wayang Street, 93000 Kuching Tel: 6082-242961 FB: @thebarberkch Open: 4pm – 1.30am
Ground Floor, Lot 11963, Block 16 Brighton Square, Jalan Song, 93350 Kuching Tel: 6082-454158 Open: 11am-10.30pm (closed on Wednesdays)
Thanis Lim
Weekly music performances featuring DJ mixes inject extra life into this soulful café soaked in old-school hair saloon elements, which along with their hearty food and cool cocktails makes this dining destination a must-visit when in Kuching.
Sukha is a cozy cafe decorated with tables reconstructed from the sewing machines, bicycle wheels on the ceiling and carefully selected trinkets at different corners of the café. The coffees are standard but their food is the main attraction. They serve very good chicken and waffles - crispy fried chicken served with their signature waffles, and gorgeous looking caramelized apple waffles with apple slices arranged in the shape of a rose on top. Be sure to try their famous nasi lemak!
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biG listings
Brunei
80 Street Laundry Café
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.
Welcome to 80 Street Laundry Café – a launderette-cum-café that’s here to make laundry dtay less painful for you. Along with the usual wash, dry, fold, press deals, this little café also has local delights for you to snack on when you drop off your laundry. There’s an interesting variety of nasi katok (salted egg, buttermilk, mushroom being some of the options) and some cucur and soto to sweeten the laundry chores. The décor takes advantage of the old building that the café is located in by keeping to that vintage aesthetic with added details to distract you from feeling like you’re in a fabric-softenercovered nightmare. It’s a solid concept and a unique contribution to Brunei’s everincreasing food and beverage scene. Spg 80, Bangunan Dewi Jaya, Kg Pengkalan Gadong, BSB Tel: 673-8361856 IG: @80streetlaundrycafe
ADVERTISERS
GALLERY Bello Café
‘Bello’, which is Italian for ‘beautiful’, is certainly the right name for this elegantly designed café with their beautifully-styled food. Offering a tasty range of snacks, desserts, western and local main dishes, they are famed for their Swiss Burger and Chocolate Lava Pudding. OPEN DAILY Mon-Fri 7.30am-10pm, Sat 7.30am11pm, Sun 8am-10pm; L1/12 Seri Kiulap Mall, KIULAP (673 223 3989) Casbah London Kebab
Pick lamb, chicken, beef or fish and have it dressed and wrapped your way – tikka, kebab, doner or shawarma style! A quick and deliciously meaty meal for hungry diners on the go. OPEN DAILY; #G2a Grd Flr Times Square Complex, KG JAYA SETIA (673 234 3001) (Times Square Branch) or #204 Spg 210 Kg Lambak, JLN BERAKAS (673 880 3183) – Call for other branches Deals
This modern, refreshing and contemporary restaurant offers set menu for dinner for a gastronomic experience. OPEN 7pm onwards (Mon-Sat), closed on Sundays and public holidays; Radisson Hotel Jln Tasek, BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (673 224 4272) Ideal Café and Grill
Our Picks Ranging from quick & easy meals to lobster & caviar, these are our favourite haunts around town! Amulya This North Indian restaurant serves our favourite briyani in town. Grd Flr Jln Setia Square Berakas, Kg Jaya Setia (673 233 9230) Chop Jing Chew Freshly made Roti Kahwin perfectly paired with a teh tarik 10 Spg 5 Jln Gadong, Kg Menglait (673 242 4132) 46
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Gwad Basha Arabian Restaurant Arabic cuisine at its finest #1A&1B Heng Thai Property Centre Spg 22 Jln Dato Ratna, Kiarong (673 245 0009) – call for other branches
Kaizen Sushi served fresh on your table plus a variety of other Japanese cuisine Yayasan Complex Waterfront Side, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 222 6336) – call for other branches
Restoran Makan & Soto Rosmini Our favourite soto hang-out 1 Spg 15, Jln Gadong (673 871 9946)
Pondok Sari Wangi Restaurant Serving the best of Indonesian cuisine 12-13 1st Flr Blk A Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 244 5043) – call for other branches
Mei Kong Coffee Shop A trip to Brunei isn’t complete without sampling their famous kolo mee 108 Jln Pemancha, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 224 0688)
Thien Thien Restaurant Purveyors of arguably the best Nasi Ayam in town 10 Grd Flr Mas Panchawarna Complex (673 222 2435) – call for other branches
Ximply Chriz Café Divine desserts, great coffee and scrumptious meals 8 Blk B Regent Square, Kiulap (673 223 4918) 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 (673 245 2852) All Seasons Restaurant 17 1st Flr Times Square Shopping Centre, Kg Jaya Setia (673 233 8068)
Homegrown fast-food brand Ideal Café & Grill has been serving Brunei its signature grilled rotisserie chicken since 1996, when it first started off selling its homemade grilled chicken in a modest stall. The restaurant chain remains strong as ever today, serving customers their farm-fresh, freshly grilled rotisserie chicken in restaurants in five different locations, and remains a local favourite. OPEN DAILY 9am-10pm; Goodwood Building Kg Menglait, GADONG (673 245 5595) – Call for other branches
biG listings
ADVERTISERS
GALLERY
Roasted Sip One of the latest entries in the coffee craze in Brunei is Roasted Sip, a boutique coffee roaster and retailer that only just opened its doors this March. Located at the Jerudong Complex, this trendy café’s barebrick interior features an organised mishmash of chairs and tables, coffee paraphernalia and framed posters, and a glass room where the coffee beans are roasted. But the interior is not going to matter one iota to coffee afficionados, because the coffee served here is the real deal, offering a selection that caters to all kinds of coffee lovers, from flat whites to cappuccinos and bottled cold-brew beverages to drip coffee selections. A special shout-out has to go to the Jellatte – a unique cold coffee beverage that tastes like refined version of the local cincau (grass jelly) drink.
Swensen’s
This San Francisco franchise first opened its doors to Brunei in 1996, and they remain our favourite purveyor of healthy meals and sweet desserts to this day. Located at The Mall, Gadong and Sengkurong, Swensen’s serves a wide selection of hearty food, desserts, beverages, ice cream cakes and takeaway novelties, not to mention their famous ice-cream sundaes. OPEN DAILY 10.30am-10.30pm; 1st Flr, The Mall, GADONG (673 245 1864) Tasek Brasserie
A perfect spot to dine with family and friends in the heart of the city, Tasek Brasserie provides casual dining in a relaxed atmosphere. Customers can enjoy light snacks and a cool mocktail while lounging at the outdoor pool, or dine on the variety of cuisine from their ala carte menu or sumptuous buffets. OPEN DAILY 6am-6pm; Radisson Hotel Jln Tasek, BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (673 224 4272)
#3, Grd Floor, Blk D, Spg 50, Jerudong Complex, Jerudong, BSB IG: @roastedsip
Aminah Arif 2 & 3 Blk B Grd Flr Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kiulap (673 223 6198) – Call for other branches Aneka Rasa Blk A #17 & 16 Grd & 1st Flr Bgn Begawan Pehin Dato Hj Mohd Yussof, Kg Kiulap (673 223 1728) Anjung Layar Luncur (Nur Wanita Serasa Branch) Simpang 287, Pantai Serasa (673 277 1879) Ar Ruhma Restaurant 329 Blk D Bgn Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 242 7847)
Bali Pit-Stop 15 &16, Spg 150 Grd Floor, Block A Bangunan Habza, Kuilap (673 720 9992) Chatterbox Kopitiam 2 Grd Flr Bgn Hasbullah 2, Gadong (673 820 1212) G S Seafood Restaurant Sri Aman Complex, Tutong (673 422 1882) Golden Leaf Coffee House Blk 1 Grd Flr PAP Hjh Norain Building, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 222 0422) Gratitude Café Grd Flr Serusop Complex, Kg Delima Satu (673 234 1123)
Axtivo Restaurant Spg 13 Hj Uthman Complex, Berakas (673 233 5642)
Impian Rasa Restaurant #5 Bgn Pg Hjh Rafiah Spg 607 Jln Jangsak, Gadong (673 265 3858) – Call for other branches
Babu’s Kitchen C44 Blk C Grd Flr Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 245 7868)
Kaka Restaurant 2 & 3 Spg 100 Jln Jerudong (673 267 2333) – Call for other branches
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The Colony Tearoom
La Mee #1B & 1c Grd Flr Spg 41-1-12, Jln Kiarong (673 243 0113) Lee Loi Fatt Blk A #7 Grd Flr Serusop Complex, Kg Delima Satu (673 234 2384) – Call for other branches Mangrove Paradise Resort Spg 912 Kg Sungai Belukut, Jln Kota Batu (278 6868) MY Favoureat Restaurant 9 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Munchit & Hjh Rapiah, Kg Jaya Setia (673 233 9410)
Old Time Kopitiam G2 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Ibrahim, Kg Menglait (673 244 8282) PappaRich Blk G Grd Flr Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 243 2333) Pho Hoa Restaurant #6 Grd Flr Blk B Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kg Kiulap (673 223 6218) Pho Real 1st Flr Times Square Food Court, Kg Jaya Setia Rice Bowl 72 T.C.Y Building, Batu Bersurat (673 863 0665)
MyTown Eating House Grd Flr The Crown Princess Complex, Jalan Tutong (673 224 1880)
Sapphira Cake House 3 Grd Flr Seri Anigma, Kiulap (673 223 2021)
Nyonya 3 Grd Flr Bgn Hasbollah, Gadong (673 244 7090)
Seasons Restaurant Lvl 2 The Centrepoint, Gadong (673 242 2291)
A cozy European-style tearoom located at the Rizqun Wing of The Mall, Gadong, The Colony Tearoom recently expanded to new premises, offering with it a wider range of Mariage Fréres gourmet tea from Paris and light snacks. They also have an ‘All Day English Style’ tea set offering a daily selection of pastries, savoury finger food and scones. OPEN DAILY 10am-10pm; #2.16B 2nd Flr The Mall, GADONG (673 245 4325) The Empire Hotel & Country Club Atrium Café
The Atrium Café is located on level 3 of the main Atrium building, nestled amidst The Empire’s signature grand marble columns and offering a spectacular view of the sea. Buffet breakfast and á la carte lunch are
biG listings Seafood Palace #1, 2 & 3 Blk B An-Nuha Building, Kg Tanjung Bunut (673 267 1299)
Zaika Restaurant A4 Lot 308 Bgn Maju Jln Bunga Raya, Kuala Belait (673 334 7430)
Seaworld Neptune 8 Spg 791, Jerudong (673 261 2613)
Gwad Basha Unit 8, Ground Floor, Block D, Abdul Razak Complex, Jln Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan
Sate House unit B9, Block B, Setia Kenangan II, Spg.150, Kiulap, Bandar Seri Begawan Spicy Curry & Wraps from Arabic to Indian cuisine, check out these restaurants if you like a spicy kick to your meals. Sugar ‘n’ Spice Ground Floor Block B, Simpang 150-5-13-18, Bangunan Setia Kenangan II Kampong Kiulap, Brunei BE1518 Amsarra Shawarma & Espresso Grd Flr Airport Mall, Kg Jaya Setia Bombay Palace Restaurant #9 Grd & 1st Flr Blk B Bgn Pg Mainuddin & Anak2, Batu Bersurat (673 242 7313) C’Fu Curry House Restaurant Spg 103 #5 & 6 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Md Salleh, Gadong (673 245 7000) Delhi Darbar Restaurant & Catering Spg 38 Jln Jerudong (673 267 2826) Le Taj 2-3 2nd Flr Seri Kiulap Complex, Kiulap (673 223 8996) Lotus Family Restaurant 27B Grd Flr Delima Jaya Complex, Berakas (673 234 2049) Rajah’s Restaurant 3 Grd Flr Blk A Bangunan PAP Umi Kalthum, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 224 0379) Saffron Restaurant 8 Blk C Shakirin Complex, Kiulap (673 223 5888) Sameer Restaurant & Catering G1 Grd Flr Sg Akar Sentral, Berakas (673 233 6613) Spices Retaurant #1 Grd Flr Blk A Aman Complex, Jln Muara (673 233 0081) The Wrap #2 Jerudong Park Food Court, Jerudong Ya Nur Restaurant #7 1st Flr Bgn Hj Tahir 2, Kg Menglait (673 871 9986)
Kitchen of Jasmine by Aranda Café #17, Blk E, Atiya Complex, Spg 100, Jln Jerudong (673 899 7333) Magherita Pizzeria #5 Blk A Scout Complex Jln Gadong, Kg Mata-Mata (673 868 8884)
Western Food Italian pizzas, American steaks and burgers, British cottage pies – we list down the restaurants that serve the best from the west.
Paddington House of Pancakes 3&4 Spg 58, Berakas (673 233 1668)
Buccaneer Steak House 92-93 (B) 94 Grd Flr Jln McKerron, Kuala Belait (673 333 0406)
Pepper Lunch Brunei C9/10 Grd Flr Setia Kenangan II, Kg Kiulap (673 225 3000)
Pastamania #9 Grd Flr Blk H Abdul Razak The Frenz Café Complex, Gadong 13 Grd Flr Blk A Q-Lap Complex, (673 245 7441) – Call for Kg Kiulap (673 223 4933) other branches
Charcoal BBQ & Grill Restaurant Grd Flr Le Gallery Suites Hotel, Jln Tutong (673 222 1171) – Call for other branches Cheezbox Café External Café Ramp A The Mall, Gadong (673 242 5506)
Qasehmaisara Café House #206-209 2nd Flr Plaza Athirah, Jln Kubah Makam DiRaja (673 278 9898) RMS Diner A5 Lot 308 Bgn Maju Jln Bunga Raya, Kuala Belait (673 334 7455)
RBC Lifestyle Countrypatch Café #44Jln Sultan Omar Ali 3 Grd Flr Blk D Bgn Hj Abd Saifuddien, BSB Rahman, Kiulap (673 223 2368) (673 223 1466) – Call for other branches Rovansil Restaurant De’ Olde Cottage #36-38 1st Flr Citis Square, 2 Grd Flr Blk C Sempurna Kg Jaya Setia (673 233 7129) Complex, Batu Bersurat Red Canopy Café (673 242 6982) #5 Blk C Sempurna Complex, – Call for other branches Batu Bersurat Deli-Bites (673 245 3878) Royal Brunei Recreation Club Sorriso Restaurant & (Poolside Terrace) Pizzeria Jln Terunjing Lama, Berakas 14 Blk B Grd Flr (673 877 928) Regent Square, Kiulap Element Fusion (673 223 3030) #8&9 Blk A 1st Flr Gadong Swensen’s Central, Kg Menglait 2.34-2.36 2nd Flr The Mall, (673 717 2992) Gadong (673 245 1864) Flapjack House #6 Bagn Majid Mohamad Jln Wing-It #16 Grd Flr Citis Square, Pasar Baharu, Kg Kiarong (673 245 0987) Kg Jaya Setia (673 722 4999) Magnum Café 18 & 19 Grd Flr Citis Square, Kg Jaya Setia (673 239 2555) Fleur-de-lys L1/1 Seri Q-Lap Mall, Kiulap (673 223 1777) – Call for other branches Fratini’s Restaurant #1 Grd Flr The Centrepoint Hotel, Gadong (673 245 1200) – Call for other branches Home Kitchen by Tree-Bit Café D8 & D9 Lot 11620 Grd Flr Jln Gadong, Kg Mata-Mata (673 242 9366)
Coffee & Cafes Gourmet, premium-grade, specialty coffee – this list accommodates the best of the burgeoning local coffee industry. Another Café #2 Grd Flr Blk A Bgn Hj Abd Rahman & Hjh Siti Ajar, Kiulap (673 223 3593) Baristas by Modesto Grd Flr Foor Areana Seri Q-Lap Mall, Kg Kiulap (673 720 3777/223 7771) Beanery & Co #81 A/1 Grd Flr, Jln Bunga Rambai, Kuala Belait (673 334 7772)
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biG listings
ADVERTISERS
GALLERY
Caffé Bene The Korean craze has hit our screens, our radios, our wardrobes, our dining tables and our make-up bags, and it seemed like only a matter of time before it hit our coffee cups. Caffé Bene is one of the largest coffee chains in South Korea with over 1,000 outlets worldwide, and Brunei is its latest venture, marking the first ever Korean coffee house here. Offering both great coffee and non-coffee treats like fruit smoothies, they also have Italian gelato, Belgian waffles, and authentic Korean treats. Try the gigantic Bene Bingsu – a popular and very elaborate Korean dessert composed of ice shavings and various ingredients, served in a large glass. Doyo wihayeo! Ground Floor, The Airport Mall, Kg Jaya Setia, BSB IG: @caffebenebn
BELLUNO Café #2 Blk C Kiarong Complex, Kg Kiarong (673 242 9010) Brew Café & Bakery #47 Grd Flr Blk C Gadong Central, Menglait (673 242 7554)
available from Monday to Friday, offering a variety of international and local cuisine. OPEN 6.30am-10.30am (buffet breakfast) / 11.30am-3pm (à la carte lunch) / 2pm-4pm (à la carte lunch – on Fridays only) Lobby Lounge
The perfect place for casual or formal get-togethers or just to enjoy a cup of tea – the Lobby Lounge offers a selection of refreshments throughout the day and their popular traditional English High Tea in the afternoons. OPEN DAILY 8am-10pm / 2pm-6pm (Daily Afternoon Tea) Pantai Restaurant
Gloria Jean’s Coffee G17 Citis Square, Berakas (673 233 8452) High Frequency Lifestyle Café 1st Flr Unit 5 Blk B Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 242 8262) It’s a Grind Coffeehouse 1, Grd Floor, Bgn Al-Warasah, Muara Town (673 277 2424) – call for other branches
Caffé Verve #6A Spg 68, Jln Batu Bersurat (673 875 7382)
Kapra Coffee #26 Grd Flr Blk C Spg 440, Jln Muara (673 234 5656)
Countrypatch Café 3 Grd Flr Blk D Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kiulap (673 223 2368) – call for other branches
Kitchen of Jasmine by Aranda Café #17, Blk E, Atiya Complex, Spg 100, Jln Jerudong (673 899 7333)
Fleur-de-lys L1/1 Seri Q-Lap Mall, Kiulap (673 223 1777) – call for other branches
Ner Dee Café #F11 1st Flr Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap (673 721 4977)
Games & Lattes Café #E9 Grd Flr Blk E Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap (673 223 5200)
Peppermint Café Lim Eng Ming Complex Blk D, Kg Kiulap Beribi (673 8221888)
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Piccolo Café #11 Jln McArthur, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 224 1558)
Sweet As Sara Unit 7A, Ground Floor, Setia Kenangan II, Spg 150-17-20, Kiulap, Bandar Seri Begawan
Rack & Brew #9 Blk H 1st & 2nd Flr Abdul Razak Complex, Gadong (673 729 9668)
Divine Dining Exquisite meals in beautiful settings – perfect for special occasions
Rafia’s VK Café G13 Citis Square, Kg Jaya Setia (673 890 6990) Ran’s Coffee 1st Flr the Centrepoint Hotel Abdul Razak Complex Terminal 1 T1-05, Gadong (673 869 7700) The Frenz Café Grd Flr #13 Blk A Q-lap Complex, Kg Kiulap (673 279 1374)
Atrium Café The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 241 8888) Dynasty Restaurant Grd Flr The Centrepoint Hotel, Gadong (673 243 0185) The Horizons Seafood Restaurant Blk H Yayasan Complex Waterfront Side, Bandar Seri Begawan I-Lotus 20 Spg 12-26 Perumahan Rakyat Jati, Kg Rimba (673 242 2466)
The Krema Coffee #D31 Lim Eng Ming Complex Blk D, Kg Kiulap (673 897 3600)
Lobby Lounge The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 241 8888)
The Library Café #6 Blk C Bangunan Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap
Pantai Restaurant The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 241 8888)
Offering semi buffet meals combined with daily specials, the elegant Pantai Restaurant offers a Daily Asian buffet dinner from 6pm to 9pm with a wide variety of tantalising options to choose from, or enjoy a midday meal with the family at their popular Weekend Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. OPEN 6.30pm-10pm (closed Thursdays) / 11am3pm (Weekend Brunch) Pool Deck
Located at the Beachfront on Level 1, enjoy the breeze from the beachside while you sip on cool beverages and enjoy light snacks in view of the swimming pool. OPEN DAILY 7am-9pm Spaghettini
Fine dining at its best, this restaurant offers authentic Italian and contemporary Mediterranean cuisine in divine settings, with a Daily Mediterranean à la carte dinner from 6pm to 10pm. A private room is available upon request for special occasions. OPEN DAILY 6am-6pm
biG listings
ADVERTISERS
GALLERY Zen Pavilion
Located just beyond Pantai Restaurant on Level 1, Zen Pavilion offers customers an exclusive dining experience, watching chefs prepare excellent dishes on the teppanyaki grill with flare and offering some of the most authentic Japanese cuisine. Daily à la carte dinner is available. OPEN 6pm-9pm (closed Thursdays) – advance booking is required Zest
A stylish café located at the Atrium on Level 5, enjoy a hot beverage with a selection of pastries, cakes, savoury treats, confectionary and chocolates, made fresh daily with the finest quality ingredients. OPEN DAILY 24 hours (midnight-6am for Empire Hotel residents only)
Savy’s Brasserie 204 Lvl 2 Mabohai Shopping Complex, Mabohai (673 224 0829) Senja Restaurant 8&9 Grd Flr Seri Kiulap Complex, Kiulap (673 223 5313) Spaghettini The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 241 8888) Tarindak d’Polo Royal Brunei Polo & Riding Club, Jerudong (673 261 2500) Tarindak D’Seni Brunei Arts & Handicrafts Centre, Kota Batu (673 224 0422) URBN Kitchen by Gourmet Consultant Unit B3, Ground Floor Block B, Simpang 150-5-13-18, Bangunan Setia Kenangan II Kampong Kiulap, Brunei BE1518
Mituo Vegetarian Restaurant Grd Flr Pg Anak Puteri Norain Complex, Batu Satu (673 222 2821) Pureland Vegetarian Restaurant #15 Blk B Grd Flr Bgn Hj Awg Ahmad bin Hassan & Anak-anak, Kiulap (673 223 6503) The Energy Kitchen Grd Flr Fitness Zone Kiulap (673 223 3323) Tien Hsing Vegetarian Restaurant Bangunan Hj Abdullah, Jalan Gadong, Menglait TCVH Vegatarian House Unit B3, Ground Floor Block B, Simpang 150-5-13-18, Bangunan Setia Kenangan II Kampong Kiulap, Brunei BE1518
The Original Boat Noodle Opening its doors in Brunei for the first time is The Original Boat Noodle, which offers, you name it: boat noodles! For those of you who aren’t aware of this little Thai street food phenomenon, “boat noodles” is an aromatic soup dish that originates from the floating markets of Ayutthaya, Thailand. Typically, boat noodles are served in small bowls, so you’ll need about four bowls to be satisfied. But if boat noodles aren’t your thing, there are other Thai street favourites to choose from, and a selection of Thai beverages to wash them all down with. #12, Grd Flr, Blk B, Little Soho, Batu Bersurat, Gadong, BSB Tel: 673-2420677 IG: @ boatnoodlebrunei
Nasi Katok Mama Express 3 Blk A Grd Flr Kompleks Madang, Madang (673 864 1681) Pan & Wok #28A Grd Flr Airport Mall, Kg Jaya Setia (673 234 2836) Non-Halal Options Danes Café #102, Bgn Batu Bersurat, Jln Batu Bersurat (673 242 8914)
Go Green Healthy and vegetarian friendly options
Quick Eats Fast and delicious meals for those on the go
Phongmun Restaurant 2nd Flr Teck Guan Plaza Jln Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 222 9561)
Brunei Detox Bar Abdul Razak Complex, 31, BE3519, Bandar Seri Begawan BE3519
Bento Brothers #B19 Blk B Bgn Habza Spg 150, Kg Kiulap (673 2236800)
Sui Heng Restaurant Grd Flr Hj Munchit & Hjh Rapiah Complex, Kg Jaya Setia (673 233 8321)
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biG listings
Sabah & Sarawak
Kudos Bistro 69 Gaya Street (inside Jesselton Hotel), Kota Kinabalu (6088 313 366)
Mdm Ing Fish Noodle Lot 21 Towering Koidupan Perdana Jln Tambunan, Penampang (6016 831 8726)
Nishiki Japanese Restaurant Shop 4 Grd Flr 63 Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu (6088 230 582)
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.
La Fuente G-816 Grd Flr 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 488 000)
Mr Ho’s Fine Foods L-72-G Grd Flr Blk L KK Times Square Phase 1, Kota Kinabalu (6088 222 623)
October Coffee House Blk B The Peak Vista Lorong Puncak 1 Tjg Lipat, Kota Kinabalu (6010 346 954)
Nagasaki Japanese Restaurant No 19 Grd Flr Bangunan Harrison Jln Hj Saman, Kota Kinabalu (6088 216 623)
Open Kitchen Grd Flr, Unit 8, Blk 1, Metro Town, 88300 Kota Kinabalu Tel: (6088) 254 161 - Asian food incorporating health conscious ingredients
Little Italy Grd Flr Hotel Capital Jln Hj Saman, Kota Kinabalu (6088 232 231)
Nam Chai Restaurant Bah Kut Teh 10 Blk D Bdr Nam Tung, Sandakan (6089 612 603)
Mad Ben Café Lot 121, Jalan Gaya, 88000 Kota Kinabalu Tel: (6088) 255 073 - classic western food
Nan Yang Chic Kut Teh Grd Flr Lot 47 Jln Pantai, Kota Kinabalu (6016 833 5722)
Pancake House Concourse Flr 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 448 110) Lot G94-94A Karamunsing Complex, Kota Kinabalu (6088 319 168)
Mai Yai Thai Orchid Restaurant Lot 13 KK Waterfront, Kota Kinabalu (6088 234 841)
Natural Kitchen Lot No B10 & B11, Suria Sabah Shoppin Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 487 180)
Credit Cards : AE | American Express MC | MasterCard V | Visa
Eat (Sabah) Bar Tzar Bistro Lot 12 The Waterfront Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 260 211) Bella Italia 69 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 313 366) Borneo Wild Treasure Lot 27-0 Blk C Lrg Bundusan Square1D, Kota Kinabalu (6088 732 222) Brass Monkey Lot 1-0 Lorong Lintas Plaza 4, Kota Kinabalu (6088 261 543) Cabo Lot 32-0, Lorong Lintas Plaza 3, Kota Kinabalu (6088) 252 182 - Mexican cuisine Café De Vie Lot D-0-6 Lorong Metro Town 3, Kota Kinabalu (6088 393 863) Circle Restaurant Le Meridien Hotel, Kota Kinabalu (6088 322 222) Emperor’s Delight Lot 6 Grd Flr Jln Pantai, Kota Kinabalu (6088 288 686) Fong Ip Café Lot 100 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 213 618) Full House G7&1-10 Suria Sabah Jln Tun Fuad Stephens (014 559 9306) Gam Tong Hong Kong Recipe Lot G-823 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 488 833) Grand Port View Sea View Restaurant 16 Jln Tun Fuad Stephen, Kota Kinabalu (6088 538 178) Hana Japanese Restaurant Lot S21&S22 Blk E City Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 538 178) Hot Rod Sausage House No 1-G-02 Blk A Warisan Square, Kota Kinabalu (6016 804 3999) 52
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
Hut Steak House & Restaurant 29 Blk E Damai Plaza, Kota Kinabalu (6088 238 558) Jothy’s Fish head Curry & Banana Leaf Blk 1 Lot G9 Api Api Centre, Kota Kinabalu (6088 261 595)
Kirishima Japanese Restaurant Cititel Express No 1 Jln Singgah Mata 1 Asia City, Kota Kinabalu (6088 217 868)
K. Sanba’s Curry Specials Blk F Lorong Plaza Utama 1 Alamesra, Kota Kinabalu (6016 833 2308)
Kohinoor North Indian Restaurant Lot 4 The Waterfront Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 235 160)
Kampung Nelayan Taman Tun Fuad Bukit Padan, Kota Kinabalu (6088 256 001)
Korean Club Restaurant 4 Jln Aru, Kota Kinabalu (6088 232 213)
La Safran Grd Flr, The Peak Vista, Blk B, Lorong Puncak 1, Tg Lipat, 88400 Kota Kinabalu Tel: (6088) 266 489 - non-halal French cuisine
Party Play 117 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 311 210) Pasta Pasta 108 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6014 371 4665)
biG listings
Peppermint Vietnamese Cuisine No. 85 Grd Flr Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6012 802 4582) Port View Seafood Village Lot 18 The Waterfront Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 221 753) Restaurant Baba & Nyonya Recipe Blk E Grd Flr Grand Millennium Plaza, Penampang (6016 810 8206) Restoran Makanan Sedap No 1-0-1 Blk B Jln Kolam Centre Phase 2 Jln Lintas, Kota Kinabalu (6088 247 459) Sailors Lot 36 1st Flr Grand Millennium Plaza, Penampang (6088 731 960) Sakura Japanese Restaurant G-23A & G-25, Oceanus Waterfront Mall Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, 88000 Kota Kinabalu Tel: (6088) 273 604 - Japanese cuisine Santola Café Lot 14 Blk B Damai Point, Kota Kinabalu (6088 260 188)
Seng Hing Restaurant Ruang Sinsugan 2, Kota Kinabalu (6088 211 594) Seremban Seafood Restaurant Lot 126 Blk O Plaza Permai, Kota Kinabalu (6088 484 922) Suang Tain Seafood Restaurant Lot 12 Blk A Grd Flr SEDCO Complex, Kota Kinabalu (6088 223 080)
Yoshimi Japanese Restaurant Warisan Square, Kota Kinabalu (6088 488 388)
IDEAL CAFÉ & GRILL Delima Jaya Complex Tel: +673 2341104 +673 2341493
Eat (Sarawak) A One Seafood Restaurant Lrg Chew Siik Hiong 1, Sibu (6084 215 803)
Toscani’s Lot 14 The Waterfront Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 242 879)
Absolute Tribal Restaurant Hills Shopping Mall, Kuching (6082 237 468)
Vino Vino Bistro Unit J-57, 1st Flr, KK Times Square, 88100 Kota Kinabalu Tel: (6088) 486 363 - non-halal European fare with extensive wine collection
Alfian Restaurant 52 Pekan Marudi, Marudi (6085 755 215)
Yamagoya Ramen Lot 109 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 253 701)
IDEAL CAFÉ & GRILL Abdul Razak Complex Tel: +673 2420596 +673 2456244
Yu Kee Bak Kut Teh 74, Jln Gaya, 88000, Kota Kinabalu Tel: (6088) 221 192 - All pork dishes served in herbal soup
Supul Korean BBQ Restaurant Lot S-1-8 1st Flr City Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 448 844)
Wah San Restaurant D2-G Blk 17 Jln Pryer, Sandakan (6089 212 626)
IDEAL CAFÉ & GRILL GP-Goodwood Building Tel: +673 2453254 +673 2455595
IDEAL CAFÉ & GRILL Petani Mall Tutong Tel: +673 4220745 Fax: +673 4220744 IDEAL CAFÉ & GRILL Mentiri Tel: +673 4220745 Fax: +673 4220744
Sausage Meal Nasi Lemak
All Joy Café 8-1 Jln Khoo Hun Yeang, Kuching (6082 243 535) Apollo Seafood Centre 4 Jln Yu Seng Selatan, Miri (6085 420 813) Apple Restaurant 78 Jln Tun Ahmad Zaidi, Bintulu (6086 333 377) Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
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biG listings Earthlings Coffee Workshop Coffee shop, roaster, academy Lot 45, Grd Flr, No.1, CityONE Megamall, Jln Song East Court Chicken Rice 867 Jln Club SAman (6083 326 818) Eden Everise Wisma Nation Horizon, Block C, Kuching (6016 888 4522) Escobar SF3 Damai Cenral Pantai Damai Santubong, Kuching (6014 288 1160) Fac Bravo Restaurant 7778 Jln Sultan Iskandar, Bintulu (6086 316 920) Farley Restaurant 1721 Jln Salim, Sibu (6019 816 3052) Feast & Furious Café 244, Jln Tunku Abdul Rahman (6016 2620916) Fisherman Restaurant 4 Jln Chew Geok Lin, Sibu (6084 316 888) Fratini’s Restaurant 2512 Jln Boulevard 3, Miri (6085 431 115) Fu Lai Siang Restaurant 108 Jln Pekan Bt Niah, Bt Niah (6085 737 168) Golden City Restaurant 87, Jln Ong Chu Seng, Saratok (6083 436 139) Highlands Seafood Restaurant 298 Jln Tj Bt, Bintulu (6086 318 828)
Aroma Café 126 Jln Tabuan, Kuching (6082 417 163)
Bites by the Batik 38 Jln Pandungan, Kuching (6082 422 845)
Boulevard Restaurant 2228 Jln Saberkas, Lutong (6085 653 175)
Capital Restaurant 86 Jln Keppel, Bintulu (6086 331 160)
Asian Express Restaurant G40 The Spring, Kuching (6082 414 088)
Bla Bla Bla 27, Jln Tabuan, 93000 Kuching Tel: (6082) 233 944 - Chinese-inspired fusion dishes
Buenas Filipino Lechon & Restaurant 329 Jln Tj Batu, Bintulu (6086 310 860)
Carvery Restaurant Jln Abell, Kuching (6082 239 449)
Bee Hiong Restaurant Café 157G Jln Muhibbah, Lawas (6085 285 137) Beei Jing Restaurant Sdn Bhd 157 Jln Kg Nyabor, Sibu (6084 330 955)
Black Bean Coffe & Tea 87, Ewe Hai Street, 93000 Kuching (6082) 420 290 - Most aromatic shop in town with the finest brews
Café Café at Original Carwash Lot 211-214, Section 9, KTLD, Rubber Rd, Kuching Tel: (6082) 256 396 - Asian and western fare including Nyonya and Foochow cuisine
Bismi Restaurant 27 Jln Sommerville, Bintulu (6086 331 835)
Boardriders Café Plaza Merdeka Jln Pearl, Kuching (6082 237 526)
Café Min Xin Lot 1126-27 Riam Comm Centre, Miri (6085 628 839)
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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
Casabella Mediterranean Restaurant Crown Square, Kuching (6082 346 612)
Crown Dynasty Restaurant Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Bintulu (6086 335 908) Cuppa-Kap Coffee Jln Song, Kuching (6019 8869636)
Chef at Home Lorong Green 1 Blk 10, Kuching (6016 858 5159)
Da Mi Xiang Gu Tou Bao Restaurant Tabuan Hts Comm Centre, Kuching (6082 458 952)
Chuan Hong Restaurant 123 Jln Council Saman (6083 322 466)
Dynasty Chinese Restaurant Oil Town Comm Complex, Miri (6085 424 000)
Hock Chu Leu Restaurant 28 Jln Tukang Besi, Sibu (6084 316 524) Imperial Duck Restaurant 313 Jln Padungan, Kuching (6082 336 313) James Brooke Bistro & Café Western and signature local cuisine by the waterfront Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 93100 Kuching Tel: (6082) 412 210 Jubilee Restaurant 49G Jln India, Kuching (6082 245 626) Khan’s Bilal Restaurant 229-G Jln Maju, Miri (6085 418 440)
biG appetite Kim Bay HK Macau Restaurant Boulevard Shopping Mall Jln Datuk Tawi, Kuching (6082 239 308) Koreana Restaurant 10002 Jln Tun Jugah, Kuching (6082 575 072) Kuching Noodle Porridge House 115-1 Wisma Saberkas, Kuching (6082 426 005) L.L. Banana Leaf 7G Lorong Rubber 1 Jln Rubber, Kuching (6082 239 404) Li Garden Restaurant Hock Lee Centre, Kuching (6082 340 785) Lim Hock Ann 96 1 Jln Kg Kuntal, Kuching (6082 846 533) Lok Thian Restaurant 317 Jln Padungan, Kuching (6082 3313 310) Lu Lai Vegetarian 3641, Lrg 2 Off Jln Rock, Kuching (6082 242 863)
Lucky Restaurant 65C G Pekan Marudi, Marudi (6085 755 562) Lyn’s Thandoori Restaurant 7 Jln Song Thian Cheok, Kuching (6082 234 934) Mango Tree Restaurant Jalan Crookshank, Kuching (6082 235 353) Map Restaurant Bang Terminal, Kuching (6082 459 087) Marco Polo Restaurant 116A BDA Shahida, Bintulu (6086 332 458) Medan Seafood Restaurant 56, Jln Mdn Setiaraja, Mukah (6084 874 145) Merry Restaurant 187 Jln Song Thian Cheok, Kuching (6082 240 118) Metro Café 781 Jln Bangkita, Limbang (6085 215 488) Min Hua (89) Restaurant G 13 Jln Bintang Utara, Bintangor (6084 693 240) Momoyama Wisma Phoenix, Kuching (6082 420 561)
My Little Kitchen Home cooked style Scandinavian food inspired by the owner’s grandma’s recipes 56, Upper China Street, D’tea Pavilion, Friendship Park Jln Song, Kuching Tel: (6016) 858 6669
Portico 17A Lorong Park Lane, Kuching (6019 819 8046) Pot & Grill Restaurant 9 Jln Tun Abd Rahman Yaakub, Kuching (6082 425 525)
Nam Hoi Restaurant 110 Jln Penrissen Bt 7, Kuching Rejang Restaurant (6082 612 379) 6 Lrg Lanang 2 Sibu (6016 860 2636) Orion Tropical Jln Merpati, Miri Robata Yaki (6085 417 417) 493 Jln Rambutan, Kuching (6082 235 372) Padungan Restaurant 268 Jln Tunku Abd Rahman, Rock Road Seafood Kuching (6082 233 417) Restaurant 1230 Jln Rock Bt 2½ , Patz Dayak Home Cook Special Kuching (6082 241 575) New Full 3 Foodcourt, Stutong (next to Giant Hypermart, Sajian Warisan Tabuan Jaya) Restaurant (6016 864 4763) 537 Jln Gartak, Miri (6085 429 911) Pin Pin Café 18 Jln Krokong Bau Salleh’s Corner Café (6082 763 486) RPR Phase 2 Shoplot Jln Astana Petra Jaya, Pinang Nyonya Kuching Non-halal nyonya cuisine (6012 807 8033) 18, Grd Flr, 2nd Precinct, Jln Setia Raja 93450 Kuching Sea View Restaurant Tel: (6082) 459 162 G Pusat Tmn SDagang, Bintulu Popular Corner Seafoods (6086 334 929) Restaurant Seventy2 Restaurant Bda Shahida Commercial 894 Jln Permaisuri, Miri Centre, Bintulu (6085 366 318) (6086 319 688)
Shabu-kun Restaurant 253 Jln Tj Bt, Bintulu (6086 317 311) Sheraton Restaurant 37 Psn Brooke, Sibu (6084 336 341) Sin Lung Sheng Fu Tiao Qiang Restaurant 10788 Jln Simpang Tiga, Kuching (6082 231 260) Sin Soon Chin Restaurant 2415 Jln Boulevard 2, Miri (6012 808 5456) Sri Menanti Coffee House Restaurant 15 Lrg Pahlawan 7b, Sibu (6084 218 196) Surabaya Restaurant 288 Jln Bendahara, Miri (6085 411 239) Sushi Kin The Spring, Kuching (6082 245 355) Sushi Tie-tts Wisma Sanyan, Sibu (6084 342 875) Ten-Ichi Japanese Restaurant 317 Jln Padungan, Kuching (6082 331 310)
Teo Seafood 787 Jln Kg Buntal, Kuching (6082 846 532) The Banquet 4560 Jln Datuk Tawi Sli, Kuching (6082 451 414) The Dyak Restaurant Indigenous Dayak cuisine Sublot 29, Grd Flr, Panovel Commercial Complex, Jln Simpang Tiga, 93300, Kuching (6016) 868 0071 The Junk Western fare 80, Jln Wayang, 93000 Kuching (6082) 259 450 Tian Xian Relish Restaurant 313 Jln Melaka Raya, MC (606 288 1120) Tong Lok Restaurant 1367 Jln Buangsiol, Limbang (6085 216 188) Tong Xin Court Restaurant 151 Lrg Datuk Abang Abd Rahim 5a, Kuching (6082 482 252) Topspot Bukit Mata Seafood Centre Halal seafood centre with seafood fresh off the boats Jln Padungan, Bukit Mata, Kuching (6019) 889 9838 Tribal Stove Blk H Jln Borneo Taman Sri, Kuching (6082 234 873) Wang Hin Restaurant 1 Soon Hup Comm Complex, Miri (6085 413 129) Warung Nasi Kuning Jln Tun Jugah, Kuching (6016 809 1286) Wei Thian Restaurant Golden Square, Siburan (6082 862 968) Xin Tsui Siang Kitchen Wisma Nation Horizon Blk D, Kuching (6082 414 616) Yun Yan Restaurant Stutong Comm Centre, Kuching (6082 366 115) Zhun San Yen Vegetarian Food Lot 165 Jln Chan Ann, Kuching (6082 230 068)
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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
A Baker’s Philosophy Pauline Chan
W
hether or not you are a health-conscious eater, the sight of the full, rectangular loaves of crusty bread brimming with healthy, natural goodness on the shelves of Mr Baker’s Bakeshop sends quivers of desire to pick one up and run along home to enjoy it with some clean and healthy toppings. But not before rounding up a few cupcakes to go. All well-intentioned plans for a good healthy eating habit should be rewarded with a little sweet treat we say. The man behind Mr. Baker’s Bakeshop, Eric Pui, has built a brand that caters to both camps of the population – those who eat right and those who eat well, and those of us who want the
best of both worlds, ping-ponging between the two. When Eric started his bakery business in 2008, he took a chance on selling a range of artisan bread made with the good stuff like grains, seeds and wholemeal, along with the pastries and cakes that were popular with the local palate. Healthy alternatives were not a hit with the crowd then and business slid down rocky roads for a couple of years. Despite the initial struggles, the tenacious baker stuck to his guns and weathered the storms - innovating, learning, and investing in the one ingredient that made a big difference in his business – his team. Eric feels that it is not enough to just train his people to acquire
operational and creative skills, it is vital to him that they are also nurtured to develop altruism, and this, he leads by example, concerning himself with the welfare and happiness of his team members. He listens to their ideas, drops praises when deserved, considers their struggles, and when the economy weakened in recent years, Eric chose to manage his business more creatively, redistributed costs, changed working hours and kept certain benefits to maintain the staff welfare and morale. Eric fosters a good relationship with his team by hiking with them, sharing meals and celebrating birthdays and anniversaries together. One
good turn deserves another, and in return, the team gets behind Eric, supporting him with their appreciation, dedication and a positive attitude in their jobs. After nine years in business, the brand is a household name in the country and the outlets have increased to include a chic coffee shop, Brew Café & Bakery, opened in 2012 and recently, a lush new bakery located in the heart of Sengkurong and a new project The Cookie Factory™. Mr Baker’s range of healthy baked goods have widened to include gluten-free, low GI and eggless options, and the bread of the moment, the sourdough, and all baked with love. Eric has learnt a handful of lessons in his baking lifetime and stared down even more challenges, and he still sticks by his philosophy that in business, people matter. It looks like the healthy bakery is here to stay. FB: Mr Baker’s Bakeshop IG: Mrbakersbakeshop
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
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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.
$
58
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.
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
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.
Most public phones operate on calling cards such as Hello card, Netkad and Payless. These cards can be purchased at any store and comes in $5, $10, $20 and $50 denominations. Prepaid calling cards for the two mobile telephone operators, DST and Progresif Cellular, can be purchased from their respective authorised dealers in major shopping areas.
Taxis
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.
Information
Centre
Located at the Kg. Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery (9am - 2pm). Visitors can obtain information about Brunei and related pamphlets and maps free from here.
B uses There are six bus routes servicing the BSB area: the Central Line, Circle Line, Eastern Line, Southern Line, Western Line and Northern Line. Normal operating hours are from 6.30am - 6pm. 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. For your convenience it is also recommended to take your preferred taxi driver’s number to organize prearranged trips.
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 7.45am to 4pm daily and a round trip costs B$15.00.
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.
USEFUL local Malay words Good morning Good afternoon Goodnight Thank you You’re welcome What is your name? My name is … Excuse me Yes No How much? Where is the toilet? I want to go to … Turn right Turn left
Selamat pagi
Jalan terus
Selamat petang
Lapangan Terbang
Go straight Airport Selamat malam Town Terima kasih Home Sama-sama Shops Siapa nama awda? Eat Nama saya … Drink Maafkan saya Walk Ya Chicken Tidak Beef Berapa? Seafood Di mana tandas? Vegetables Saya mahu pergi ke... Rice Belok ke kanan 1, 2, 3...
Bandar Rumah Kedai Makan Minum Jalan-jalan Ayam Daging Makanan laut Sayur-sayuran Nasi Satu, Dua, Tiga...
Belok ke kiri
NUMBERS TO NOTE
FOREIGN MISSIONS
EMERGENCY Police 993 Fire 995 Ambulance 991 Directory enquiries 113 Darussalam Hotline 123
Australia 222 9436/426
FLIGHT INFORMATION General 2331747 AIRLINES Royal Brunei Airlines 2212222, 2240500 Air Asia 2333045 Singapore Airlines 2244901/2/3/4 Cebu Pacific Air 2222666, 2227965, 2239888 MEDICAL SERVICES RIPAS Hospital 2242424 Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) 2611433 Gleneagles JPMC 2611212 Tutong Hospital 4221336 Ext 991 Kuala Belait Hospital 3332366 Ext 991 Temburong Hospital 5221526 Ext 127
Bangladesh 223 8420 Cambodia 242 6450 Canada 222 0043
Unit 1.45B, First Floor The Mall, Abdul Razak Complex Gadong, Brunei, BE3519 Tel: (673) 245 7700
China 233 9609 France 222 0969/961
Opening Hours: 10am - 10pm
Germany 222 5574 India 233 9685
www.missha.net
Indonesia 233 0180 Japan 222 9265/6010 Korea 233 0248 Laos 238 4382 Malaysia 238 1095/1097 Myanmar 245 1960/1965 Pakistan 242 4600 Philippines 224 1465/1466 Russia 261 2142 Saudi Arabia 279 2822/2823 Singapore 226 2714/2742 Thailand 265 3108 United Kingdom 222 2231 USA 238 4616 Vietnam 265 1580/1587
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biG essentials
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. Terminal 2 caters to low-cost carriers Air Asia, Cebu Pacific and Eastar Jet.
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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.
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.
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
Taxis
Taxis are available at both airport terminals and cost about RM30.00 to get to the city. The journey takes between 10-15 minutes. Within the city, taxi stations are located next to major shopping malls and hotels. Long distance taxi services can be found next to Padang Merdeka.
Buses
Money Changer
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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.
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 Centre RM22.00 per way. Taxies are easily found at large hotels, or at taxi stands in all the major towns in Sarawak. Taxis don’t use meters so always negotiate the fare before getting into a cab!
Kuching Visitors’ Information Centre Tel: (6082) 410 944/2 Miri Visitors’ Information Centre Tel: (6085) 434 181 Sibu Visitors’ Information Centre Tel: (6084) 340 980
biG navigator Brunei Museum Hua Ho Manggis Mall
Public Transport
National Stadium
Kg Jaya Setia
Jala
Kum ban g
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Pa s a n
Jal an Kg K
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Kg Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery
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Brunei International Airport
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Prime Minister Office Building
SEE BANDAR MAP
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Mabohai Shopping Complex
Brunei Arts & Handicraft Centre Kampong Ayer
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Royal Brunei Airlines Golf Club
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Edinburgh Palace Times Square Hotel
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Orchid Garden Hotel
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Embassy Row
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SERI BEGAWAN
Mentiri Utama Jalan
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Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
Darul Ifta
Kiarong
Istana Nurul Iman
Hotel
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Post Office
Radisson Hotel Jalan B
Public Transport
Terrace Hotel
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Lapau 6 Lama Building
The Royal Regalia Building
Public Toilet
Jalan St oney
Syariah Courts
Tamu Selera (Hawker Stalls)
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Secretariat Building rce
Ston ey
Chinese Temple
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Dewan Bahasa (Library)
Jalan Tutong
Bank/ ATM/ Money Changer
Jalan
Jalan Ista
na Dar
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery
Takaful IBB Building Jalan Roberts
Jalan Pretty
S um b iling
10 mins
us
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2 1968 Coronation Arch
5 mins
4 Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien
Raja Ayang Mausoleum
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Omar Ali 3 Saifuddien Mosque
3 Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque
10 mins
9 Timepiece Stone Monument 1 mins
2 mins
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an
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A li ar ‘ Om
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1968 Coronation Arch
5 mins
The Royal Regalia
6 Lapau Lama Building
5 The Secretariat Building
8 Dewan Majlis and Lapau 5 mins
10 mins
10 mins salam 1 Former Royal Customs & Excise Building / Art Gallery
2 mins
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4
Taman Sir Omar Ali Saifuddien
Yayasan SHHB Complex
Water Taxi
Police Station
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Raja Ayang Mausoleum Time Piece Stone Monument
Jal
Place of Interest
Hotel
Bus Terminal
Brunei Hotel
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Jala n James Pea
Jala n
PGGMB Building
General Post Office Bandar Seri Begawan & Brunei Stamp Gallery
ltan O Jalan Su
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Restaurant
Tourist Information Centre
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Majlis DewanLapau and
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Kianggeh Markets
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Jalan McArthur
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SUNGAI
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Kianggeh Jetty
Kota Batu
Jubilee Hotel
SUNGAI BRUNEI
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Police Headquarters
Capital Residence Suites
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Grand City Hotel
Batu Bersurat
Jalan Pe ngir
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Tourist Information Centre
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SEE GADONG MAP
Tungku hraya Lebu
Jalan Elizabeth Dua
Place of Interest
biG navigator
GADONG
MAP
SUNGAI MENG
Bangunan H Tahir A
Simpang 37
LAIT
Fish Market (Gadong Wet Market)
Block J Hj Tahir Complex 2
Rizqun International Hotel
S im pa
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Block G
SUNGAI MENGLAIT
Bangunan H Tahir A
Gadong Night Market (Pasar Pelbagai Barangan Gadong)
Block A
Block F Block B
Block C
PIN
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Block H
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Bank/ ATM/ Money Changer gS
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The Centrepoint Hotel
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Police Station Clinic
SUN Baiduri Bank
Tian & Chuan Building
g Yon lap Man x Kiu Hau Comple mersial
Jalan
Seri Kiulap Complex
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Restaurant Hotel
Setia Kena
IGS College Kampung Kiulap
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Kiulap Plaza Hotel
Wisma Pengiran Hj Apong
Public Transport
Bank/ ATM/ Money Changer
Seri Qlap Mall
Yong Clinic
Regent Square
Shop
ng Gado
Shakirin Co
Post Office
Fitness Zone
r Pasa Jalan
GLA
mersial Kiu n Ko Jala
Setia Kenangan 2 Complex
Palm Garden Hotel
MEN
Bangunan Begawan Pehin Dato Hj Mohd Yusof
Urairah Complex Post Office
Lee Clinic
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The Yearn to Wander Intan Abu Daniel
Roman Holiday (1953) Starring Gregory Peck, Audrey Hepburn Directed by William Wyler Where it takes you Rome, Italy
There are movies, regardless of plot, that make you want to pack up your bags and experience new adventures. Every Indiana Jones, James Bond, and other globetrotting movie gave us more than entertainment – it gave us insight into locations that we would never have experienced if it wasn’t for the big screen. For all of you out there gripped with wanderlust, we round up a bunch of movies that (in our opinion) will inspire you to go out and travel, and perhaps, find yourself in these faraway lands.
This is a romantic travel film that takes you back to the 50’s. A bored princess (played by the eternally beautiful Audrey Hepburn) escapes her guardians and falls in love with an American newsman (Gregory Peck) in the picturesque city of Rome. It should come as no surprise that Italy is ranked one of the top 10 most visited countries in the world, and even though this film was shot in the 50’s in black and white, we never get tired of watching these two inimitable stars zipping around the ruins of ancient Roman on a Vespa.
French Kiss (1995) Starring Meg Ryan, Kevin Kline Directed by Lawrence Kasdan Where it takes you Paris, Valbonne and Cannes, France
The Beach (2000) Starring Leonardo DiCaprio Directed by Danny Boyle Where it takes you Thailand This movie follows Alex Garland’s novel of the same name about young backpackers looking for paradise – only to destroy it. Richard (a twenty-something DiCaprio) travels to Thailand and discovers a strange map that leads to a beach paradise. Intrigued, he and two other backpackers set out to find it. The movie is set against the backdrop of Thailand – from the bustling scenes in Bangkok, to the tourist-filled beaches of Koh Samui, to the breath-taking and idyllic Ko Phi Phi Leh. It’s a film about beaches, parties, and youthful dreams – and will have you pining away for the crystal clear waters of Ko Phi Phi Leh.
This movie follows a quirky heroine (Ryan) who braves her phobia of flying to travel to France in order to confront her cheating fiancé, but things go awry when the charming crook seated next to her on the plane uses her for smuggling. Bad things start to happen the moment she arrives in Paris, but the bad luck
slowly reveals itself to be good fortune as she travels with her crooked companion to Valbonne, and then Cannes, before finally settling down at an idyllic cottage with a vineyard in the French countryside. The movie will have you humming French tunes while you pack your bags (striped t-shirts a must) for an adventure in Paris.
Before Sunrise (1995) Starring Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy
Directed by Richard Linklater
Where it takes you Vienna, Austria
A classic Gen X movie in the 90’s, this is the story of an American man (Hawke), travelling around Europe by train, and a French girl (Delpy) travelling home from Budapest. The two strike up a conversation on the train and end up spending an evening together in Vienna, knowing that this will probably be their only night together. The movie follows the pair as they share stories, jokes, and discover love, while walking through the streets of Vienna. The movie stays true to the magic of ‘travel time’ – when one day can feel like a week and when meeting someone special, one evening can feel like a lifetime. Set against the charming backdrop of Vienna, this movie is one for the romantics. 64
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
The Motorcycle Diaries (2004) Starring Gael Garcia Bernal, Rodrigo De La Serna Directed by Walter Salles Where it takes you South America A critically acclaimed film based on the memoirs of Che Guevara before he became an iconic Latin American revolutionary, the movie follows Guevara and his friend Alberto as they travel across South America for eight months on a motorcycle, shot against some amazingly diverse images of South America, from deserts to villages to rainforests. It’s a trip that inspired the rest of Guevara’s incredible life, and it’s a movie that might inspire you to hop on a motorcycle with your best friend and take a road trip on the path to self-discovery.
Into the Wild (2007) Starring Emile Hirsch Directed by Sean Penn Where it takes you across the United States to Alaska Based on a true story, this movie is about Christopher McCandless – a university graduate who gives away his life savings to charity and hitchhikes across USA to Alaska, where he plans on settling down to live in the wilderness. Along the way, he meets a series of characters that shape his life. It’s a movie about the life-changing experiences of long term travel, and a reminder that we could all simplify our lives a bit and just enjoy living.
Under the Tuscan Sun (2003) Starring Diane Lane Directed by Audrey Wells Where it takes you Tuscany, Italy Diane Lane stars as a writer who feels lost in life, moves out of the big city and into a small village, experiences new things, falls in love, and everything works out in the end. But the real star of this feel good movie is Tuscany. In the movie, Diane lives in an idyllic cottage, meets intriguing people, falls in love against the splendid backdrop of this Italian paradise and is always eating mouth-watering-looking food. Word to the wise: if you love the city life, don’t watch this movie. It might inspire you to pack up and buy a vineyard in a small Italian village.
Lost in Translation (2003) Starring Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson Directed by Sofia Coppola Where it takes you Japan This film follows the intertwining story of two separate travellers - a faded movie star named Bob and a neglected woman named Charlotte - visiting Tokyo at the same time. The unlikely pair forms a friendship as they experience confusion, wonderment and hilarity in a foreign city filled with millions of people. A beautiful story that takes place under the bright lights of Tokyo, the movie shows the viewers that sometimes it’s the little things about a trip that end up being the most memorable.
Eat Pray Love (2010) Starring Julia Roberts Directed by Ryan Murphy Where it takes you Italy, India, Indonesia Based on the memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert, this is a movie about an unhappily married woman who realizes that she needs to take drastic measures to turn her life around. After a painful divorce, she goes on a trip and we follow Gilbert, played so memorably by Julia Roberts, as she eats her way through Italy, prays her way through India, and finds love in Bali. Truly a movie for the senses, we would recommend this to all women travellers as the movie to watch before you decide to take off on your solo adventure.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) Starring Ben Stiller Directed by Ben Stiller Where it takes you Iceland This is the story of Walter Mitty – a man constantly fantasizing about an adventurous life and who is about to lose his job at Life magazine. With his career on the line, Walter embarks on a global journey to hunt down the mysterious photographer Sean O’Connell, whose photograph the magazine wants to use in their very last issue. The journey takes him around the world (although most of the film is shot in Iceland), which becomes an adventure more extraordinary than anything he has ever fantasized about, taking him out of his shell and turning him into a new man. It’s an incredible story set against the breath-taking beauty of Iceland.
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
65
biG screen
Movies to look out for this quarter AUG
JUL
AUG
Ingrid Goes West
The Dark Tower Starring: Idris Elba, Matthew McConaughey, Katheryn Winnick
Spider-Man: Homecoming Starring : Robert Downey Jr, Tom Holland, Chirs Evans, Marisa Tomei Thrilled by his experience with the Avengers, young Peter Parker (Holland) starts to embrace his newfound identity as Spider-Man, under the watchful eye of mentor Tony Stark, while trying to prove himself to be more than just a friendly neighbourhood superhero.
An 11-year-old adventure seeker who discovers clues about another dimension is spirited away to MidWorld where he encounters a Gunslinger (Elba), who is on a quest to reach the “Dark Tower” with a vicious sorcerer in hot pursuit.
Starring: Aubrey Plaza, Elizabeth Olsen, O’Shea Jackson Jr. Ingrid Thorburn is a mentally unstable young woman who becomes obsessed with social media influencer Taylor Sloane. When Ingrid decides to move to LA to befriend Taylor, her behaviour turns from unsettling to dangerous.
SEP
JUL
American Assassin Starring Dylan O’Brien, Michael Keaton
AUG
War For The Planets Of The Apes Starring: Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson, Steve Zahn, Judy Greer Caesar and his apes are forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans led by a ruthless colonel (Harrelson). After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own quest to avenge his species.
JUL
Atomic Blonde Starring: Charlize Theron, James McAvoy, Sofia Boutella, John Goodman In this spy thriller set in Berlin during the twilight of the Cold War and demise of the Berlin Wall, an Mi6 agent (Theron) probes a murder that points to a much larger conspiracy.
The Hitman’s Bodyguard Starring: Samuel L Jackson, Ryan Renolds, Gary Oldman, Salma Hayek A bodyguard (Reynolds) takes his former enemy (Jackson) as a client so they can defeat a dictator whose mission is to assassinate them both.
IT Starring: Bill Skarsgard, Nicholas Hamilton
SEP
In the town of Derry, local kids are disappearing one by one. While the whole town lives in fear of the murderer in the form of an evil clown, seven kids united by their own encounters with this clown sets out to kill it. 66
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
Devastated by the loss of his girlfriend to a terrorist attack, Mitch enlists as a CIA black ops recruit and together with his trainer (Keaton), they go on a joint mission with a Turkish agent to stop a terrorist from starting a world war.
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