BIG Jan-Mar 2018 by CHMP MEDIA

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Jan // Mar 2018

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Introducing the new

Royal Brunei Holidays

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Book your way at www.flyroyalbrunei.com

i En tert ainment China

Editor’s Note

K Yue

ello Twenty Eighteen! If you haven’t made any New Year resolutions, do not fret, you can always make daily ones. Or weekly ones, monthly ones, quarterly ones. I don’t make resolutions before the strike of midnight on the last day of the year because I believe one can resolve to do something anytime of the year. I made one simple resolution a year ago that I carry forward everyday – learn something new, whenever there’s an opportunity. And I am not talking about learning things like, “Oh I didn’t know there was a washroom here! Well, I learnt something new today.” I am referring to something that can enrich one’s mind, body and soul. Learning is a non-stop train from the station of birth to the final destination. I once saw this on a poster, Anyone Who Keeps Learning, Stays Young, so we have laid out a smorgasbord of stories to feed your quest for the attainment of youth by learning something new. What enriches you is up to you. There are things to learn in a classroom, at home, on your travels, in your neighbourhood. In our Big Trail stories, Learn and Thrive, we explore some fun things to learn that will give both your mind and body a good workout. In Never Too Late, we meet people who feel that one can learn new things regardless of their age, and in Inspiring Women of Sabah, a group of women who chose to learn a new skill, brought light and hope to their village. Sometimes we need to pay to receive a lesson, sometimes the lessons we need don’t cost a cent, we just need to look around us. There is always something we can learn, if we pay attention. Do we need to learn to be kinder or more tolerant? How about learning to be more understanding or compassionate? Perhaps we need to learn to be still and listen more, or do the opposite, open up and connect with others more. Or maybe we can learn to be grateful and count our blessings. These lessons are often ignored and yet, mastering them can bring life-changing benefits. When we learn, we change our attitudes, and in turn, change the way others see us. I wish you an enlightened year!

@bigborneo BIG: Borneo Insider’s Guide @bigborneo Publisher

CHMP MEDIA Editor-At-Large

Wan Zainal Shazali Editor

Pauline Chan Online Editor

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Jan // Mar 2018

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Novri Rinaldi Editorial

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International celebrity Wu Chun, sharing a happy moment with his children, Nei Nei and Max, inside his new diner, Roti Culture. Image by WallAtLarge

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

Intan Abu Daniel

Bina Chauhan Brunei | biG 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.

events FEB

Musical Mania Brunei

TO look 3&4

Musical Mania by Relentless Entertainment is a Musical Extravaganza featuring songs and dance numbers from popular musical theatre productions. The show-stopping numbers will get the audience singing along and dancing on their feet. The show, featuring a cast of local talents is the company’s 6th and will be at the JIS Art Centre.

out FOR

this quarter

FEB 16 Lunar New Year

Brunei, Sabah, Sarawak All over the world, the Chinese will welcome the Year of the Dog on the first day of the new Chinese month with traditional lion dances, feasts and firecrackers crackling through the night! Celebrations will continue until March 2, when the moon is at its brightest point.

MAR 9-10 KK Jazz Festival Sabah This annual fund-raising jazz extravaganza returns to present jazz talents from around the world on the stage for this jam-packed weekend. The event is jointly organized by the Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu (RCKK) and the Society of Performing Arts Kota Kinabalu Sabah (SPArKS).

MAR 18 Miri Marathon SARAWAk

MAR 3-4

FEB 23 National Day BRUNEI

Borneo Headhunters Hat 2018 Ultimate Tournament

The streets of Bandar Seri Begawan come alive with the celebration of Brunei’s 34th National Day as locals and visitors gather at the city centre to watch the grand parade.

SABAH

MAR 17 A Night at the Oscars Concert BRUNEI The Serunai Singers choir will entertain for one night only, a repertoire of songs ranging from folk, musicals, jazz, pop and opera at the JIS Arts Centre. Formed in 1978, the Serunai Singers is a group of enthusiastic singers from various nationalities residing in Brunei.

MAR 25

Beach Bunch’s Trail Challenge SARAWAK

The extremely popular annual Miri Marathon will have as many as 10,000 participants ready to make a run for it at Stadium Miri in Miri, Sarawak. Categories are the 5km Fun Run, 10km Speed Run, 21km Half-Marathon or the 42km Full Marathon, which means everyone can join in on the fun!

Organized by Beach Bunch, this is the fourth edition of this popular trail challenge that takes place in Brunei’s scenic beaches. As well as being a part of the Asia Trail Master series for the third year in a row, participating runners looking to take part in the Ultra Trail Mont Blanc later this year can also gain Pre-Qualifying Points from the trail challenge. Alongside the 100km and 50km categories, novice and intermediate trail runners can take part in the 30km category, while the 10km fun category will be a great introduction for beginners!

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

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

The 8th instalment of this popular frisbee tournament will feature players from this region and beyond squaring off against one another on Sukma Fields, in the vicinity of Likas Stadium.

Contents biG feature Stories so unique it can only be from Borneo

biG snapshot Memorable moments captured on camera

biG listings Where to eat, drink and chill? Come with us and see

biG scoop Presenting our scoop on things to love and desire

biG talk We chat with personalities and discover their specialities

biG essentials Helpful tips for visitors arriving on our shores

biG trail Follow our trails and discover what is on the island biG buzz We put our ears up and find out what’s buzzing in town

biG getaway Near or far, we go on holiday for your benefit biG appetite We try the food so you can follow suit

biG navigator Find your bearings with our walking maps biG screen See what’s playing in the cinemas around town

biG feature

BiG

feature Not

Just

Stones

and

Letters Batu Bersurat, literally translated to mean ‘stone with letter’, is a neighbourhood beside the Tungku Highway that is packed with surprising specialty shops and some of the best places to eat in Bandar Seri Begawan. The two oldest sections - the Bangunan Pg Menuddin & AnakAnak, where the big Soon Lee supermarket and Grand City Hotel are located, and the Sempurna Complex – have been joined by newer additions such as the Abraco Building, Little Soho and shophouses along Simpang 68 in recent years. At the end of Jalan Batu Bersurat before you exit to Jalan Gadong is a collection of hardware shops that will delight the Tim-the-Toolman-Taylor in you. We can’t get enough of this epicurean and retail hotspot and we simply must share our top places to visit. 8

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Eat and Drink Coco Café offers a diverse range of cuisines. If you love English food, they have a trio of Grandma Ruby’s English Classics – Roast leg of lamb, English cottage pie and the good old

classic meatloaf. Meat lovers will be thrilled as they have Angus steaks in different cuts. We love the pretty cakes that tasted as good as they looked and we heard that they tend to run out rather early in the day. 1, Grd Flr, Blk E, Sempurna Complex

Ricebowl Restaurant & Catering At Ricebowl you can get kolo mee, rice porridge, nyonya laksa, chicken curry and corned beef kuay teow, and we really like their signature dishes like the 3-egg fried rice, Chop Chop chili fish with rice and shepherd’s pie. Food here is consistently good and wonderfully affordable and they have one of the best red velvet cakes in town. 72, TCY Bldg, Jalan Batu Bersurat

Old Coffee House High Frequency Lifestyle Café Well-known for their coffee and ambience, High Frequency is extremely popular for brunch and during the weekends, there’s a bum on every seat. We love their Eggs Benedict and Blue Cheese Lobster Slider, both available allday, and the angel hair pasta with creamy mentaiko is a must-try. If you need meat, try their tender sirloin steak served on a lava stone, you can thank us later. 5, Grd Flr, Blk B, Sempurna Complex

It’s rare to find Yong Tau Fu here in Brunei but we found that in Old Coffee House. Tofu stuffed with minced fish and other ingredients stuffed with minced fish like dry tofu, chili, okra, bittergourd and brinjal, as well as deep fried fish balls and wantons and bundles of vegetables can be selected to be served with your choice of noodles. They also have a big variety of local kuihs and other local favourites like laksa, noodles and rice dishes.

1st Flr, Blk B, Little Soho

This Japanese bubble tea franchise in Little Soho is more than just a bubble tea shop, it is a café serving pastries and a menu of Asian and Western delights, and also coffee. You can find Asian fusion dishes such as Thai style fried pasta, chili crab spaghetti and rendang burger. As for sweet endings to your meal, their Hokkaido ice cream puff, coconut smoothie and Ochado cheesecakes are wellknown favourites.

3, Grd Flr, Blk E, Sempurna Complex

Moundo On sight, Sri Lankan food may look just like Indian food with briyani, curries and sambal but they are more heavily spiced and the flavours are stronger. Moundo offers typical Sri Lankan cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Try their string hoppers served with dhal and seeni sambal – a sweet caramelized onion relish - and set lunches that come with vegetables and a curry of your choice. Don’t miss their rice-flour egg hoppers, served with seeni sambal and curry.

Ochado Café

11, Blk B, Little Soho

Boat Noodle At the Boat Noodle, be prepared for small portions. This is a Thai street food with origins in the floating markets of Ayutthaya, and each little bowl gives you a handful of noodles, the approximate equivalent of two mouthfuls, soaked in an aromatic soup and topped with some meat. Unless you’re sampling, one bowl is not enough, so you will end up with a stack of bowls. 2, Blk B, Little Soho

Coffee Field Café and Resto The Coffee Field offers a good selection of desserts, pastries, classic meals and beverages but with a name like that one would expect good coffee and indeed there is coffee for both the serious and casual drinker, all brewed with beans freshly roasted by local coffee roaster, Roasted Sip. 5, Block A, Little Soho

Yam-Yam Sarang Korea Yam-Yam is famous for their crispy fried chicken drenched in Korean style sauces Yang-Neom or Gan-Jang. They serve a whole range of authentic Korean food including stone pot rice, hot and spicy kimchi stew, seafood pancake and steamed egg, but their fried chicken is definitely a crowd-puller. 6, Blk J, Bangunan Pg Menuddin & Anak-anak Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG feature

nonhalal

New Golden Leaf For good value and delicious non-halal Chinese food, head to the New Golden Leaf. In the mornings, they offer Chinese steamed tidbits like yam cakes, chai kuih, angku kuih and they will bring out trays of freshly cooked meat and vegetable for their economy rice lunch buffet. Try their roast duck, chicken, crispy pork and pork char siew, all of which you can have with rice or noodles. 12, Blk B, Bangunan Pg Menuddin & Anak-anak

Roti Culture The latest casual dining outlet in the area, Roti Culture, brings to the local food scene a variety of Brunei’s favourite one-dish meals and the crispiest roti prata in town. Signature dishes such as chicken curry, pandan kaya butter toast and chicken wings, are made from family recipes, and without doubt the order of the day is the roti and dosai, served in a variety of ways and freshly made every day. ••

8 & 9, Blk H, Bangunan Pg Menuddin & Anak-anak

Mr Baker’s Bakeshop For artisanal breads and wholesome baked goods, go to Mr Baker’s Bakeshop. They have a range of healthy baked goods with all the good stuff like wholemeal, grains and seeds and also for those with specific needs like gluten-free, low GI and eggless. Their sourdough, sorvital and premium milk loaves will elevate any sandwich. But they’re not all about lean eating, there are pastries, cakes and cookies for those who need a sugar lift. 106, Grd Flr, Bangunan Bersurat

Hello, Good Buy Urban If you are tired of the way your home looks, perk it up a tad with home accessories, even the littlest item will make a difference. Urban carries all kinds of chic accessories and furniture. We love their wooden boxes, ceramic jars and animals that are both colourful and quaint, and we wouldn’t mind having a few of their floor lamps and quirky throw cushions either. 13, Blk B, Little Soho

Caffe Verve There are plenty of good cafes in this neighbourhood and Caffe Verve stands out for their pizzas topped with gourmet ingredients. They also bake up a bunch of sweet pies such as apple crumble pie, cherry pie, chocolate pie and matcha pie. They take great pride in their coffee beans so whether it’s hot or cold, you will be getting gourmet quality coffee. 6A, Spg 68, Jalan Batu Bersurat 10

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Danes Café

nonhalal

The only place in town where you can get a real bacon and eggs breakfast is at Danes Café. This cosy café serves pork bacon, sausages, meatballs and other delightful things like crispy pork knuckle and ribs. Their Kuching kolo mee with pork meatballs and springy noodles is a firm favourite with customers and so is their double pork burger with crispy bacon strips. 102, Grd Flr, Bangunan Bersurat

Loft & Co To acquire the art of French living, one should start at Loft & Co. and be inspired by their high-end furniture brand Ligne Roset. Some of their furniture have been recognised as classics worldwide. The Togo sofa is distinctive and timeless, despite being designed in 1973 while Ruché and Ploum sofas are Red Dot Award Product Design winners that can be conversational pieces in any home. 6-9, Blk A Little Soho

Hallyu Mart Korean shop Hallyu Mart sells Korean products but don’t expect to find only food here, they have personal care products, clothes, home accessories and various knick knacks from Korea. Their food shelves are lined with snacks, hot and spicy instant noodles, canned food, cooking marinades and pastes, and of course, the delight of Korean cuisine, the ubiquitous kimchi. 4 & 5, Blk K, Pengkalan Gadong Complex

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My Little Brown Mouse This pretty shop is stocked with pretty and colourful craft things to make your scrapbook, albums or greeting cards. You can get a variety of patterned paper and cards, paints, colour pencils, stickers, stamps and also gadgets and tools to help you create your own craftwork. My Little Brown Mouse offers in-house classes on craft making too, find out about their future classes on mylittlebrownmouse.com 3, 1st Flr, Blk M, Bangunan Pg Menuddin & Anak-anak

Guan Hock Lee Delicatessen One of the best places in the capital to get premium imported food is Guan Hock Lee, especially Japanese and Korean products, frozen seafood, dairy goods, chocolates, snacks, health foods and beverages. You can also find coffee machines and various equipment and accessories for F&B usage.

SERVICES Bag Story Brunei

2, Blk M, Bangunan Pg Menuddin & Anak-anak

Barossa Sdn Bhd Barossa Sdn Bhd carries international brands of home fixtures and accessories such as Conwood substitute flooring, Innoci bathroom products, VRH stainless steel bathroom accessories, Leo Ceramiko building materials and more, and with premium brands, they won’t break down or turn dull after a short period of usage. Spg 73-5-8, Little Soho

Low San Hardware Hardware shops are aplenty in this area and one of the biggest is Low San Hardware in Bangunan Bersurat. It is a fascinating place to shop because you can find an amazing array of things for your home from heavy duty carpentry tools to scented candles for your bathroom. And if you are planning to do a spot of home DIY and are not sure about the ‘what’ and ‘how to’, their helpful staff will assist you. 115-112, Grd Flr, Bangunan Bersurat

An Kang Central Health Service Pains and aches, be gone! An Kang Central Health Service deals with all forms of body aches, back pains, bone pains, sprains, insomnia, rheumatism and even skin diseases. Their medical team utilises traditional Chinese chiropractic services and acupuncture to provide relief and cure. ••

10, Blk E, Sempurna Complex

If you have a precious handbag that needs some tender and loving care, take it to Bag Story, a specialist in bag spa treatment. They will clean, restore and condition branded leather or fabric handbags and return them to you cleaner and brighter. They offer services for cleaning and conditioning of articles, anti-bacterial cleansing, minor hardware buffing, zip repair, stitching, anti-slip for footwear, stain removal and leather edge paint repair. Prices depend on size, type and condition of your bags. 1st Flr, Blk B, Little Soho, Spg 73-5-8

Kang Comfortzone Kang Comfortzone offers massages to both men and women. They have male and female staff from Thailand who provide foot reflexology, aromatherapy and Thai massages, and massages that soothe specific areas such as the back, head, neck and shoulders. While you’re there, you can get your ears spruced with a session of ear candling. 2, Blk J, Bangunan Pg Menuddin & Anak-anak

Alliance Française de Brunei Alliance Française de Brunei has been promoting the French language and the Francophone culture in Brunei since 1986. They have an active cultural promotion calendar throughout the year and their annual Francophonie Week showcases French movies, art exhibitions and music performances. They also have a library stocked with French language books, newspapers, magazines and movies that can be borrowed. 1, Spg 68, Jalan Batu Bersurat

The Collective Makerspace The loft-style space at The Collective Makerspace is a hub for local handcrafted goods, art and creative events. The space houses aspiring artists and crafts people who work on their art. The public can visit the space during their working hours to view the products on sale such as handmade jewellery, leather goods and fashion. If you need a space to hold an event, the Makerspace also converts to a space for rent. 6, 2nd Flr, Spg 68, Jalan Batu Bersurat Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG scoop

BiG

scoop

Bubble Monkey There is something quite amusing about seeing people ‘dressed’ in a large inflatable ball trying to kick a football or wrestle one another into the ground. You can try it out yourself at Bubble Monkey. Gather a few friends, preferably enough to make up an even number, and challenge each other in a bubble soccer match or bubble sumo wrestling. When you are worn out, take it easy and shoot some arrows (safe ones with sponge tips) while you catch your breath. Bubble Monkey also has a virtual reality game set with various games and a collection of tiny Nerf guns to amuse the under 7’s who can’t

play the bubble games yet. The bubbles can also be rented for outdoor play so you can have your matches in your own backyard or on the beach. They have several packages, the minimum is 45 minutes and each package gives you both

Monsters, Dragons & Fairies Monsters, dragons and fairies are not just characters from Harry Potter’s world, but Borneo has its own collection of mythical creatures and unexplainable sightings too. Hj Mohd Rozan Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Yunos, a keen historian and author of books on Brunei, has turned his attention to the folklore and legends of Borneo. His latest book, Monster, Dragons and Fairies: Myths and Legends for Brunei and Borneo, went on sale on October 1st. The book is a compilation of articles he has written over the years for his column in the Brunei Times when it was in circulation. He revisited the articles that were published in the paper and added a few more to produce this excellent book about the fascinating and mystical side of Borneo. •• Available at Fanboys Infinite 32, Grd Flr, Bangunan Hj Hassan Abdullah, Jln Gadong, Kpg Pengkalan Gadong

Tel: 673-8328377

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Move Like A Ninja If you have seen the Ninja Warrior on TV and thought to yourself, hey I can do that, then head over to Gravity 8 Zone. The gym at Gravity 8 has 16 obstacles on which you can climb, run, hang, or negotiate

in any other imaginative way. It is like a big playground for adults. The founders of Gravity 8 wanted to make exercise fun for everyone so it is not just a place for the fittest, strongest or most agile athletes to challenge themselves, but it is also a place

bubble play and archery. It is best to call ahead to book your play time. •• D6/7, 1st Flr, Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap Tel: 673-2233654 IG: @bubblemonkeybrunei

for those who don’t normally enjoy conventional exercise but want to start exercising and get into shape and have fun along the way. Gravity 8 offers classes and programs consisting of body weight training, calisthenics, cardio, high intensity interval training, parkour and nonconventional light weights training - going back to the old school ‘core’ workouts and ‘focus and breathing’ techniques. They also have a training academy for young Gravity 8 warriors from age 8 onwards. Walk-in rates are $5 per person for an unlimited time and for students, only $3. They offer training classes for $6 an hour as well as 1- or 3-month memberships. •• A5, Grd Flr, Blk A, Eng Ho Complex, Spg 217-5-54, Jln Tungku Link Tel: 673-8888235/ 8742112 IG: @gravity8zone

advertorial

Leading the Way to Higher Education F

indlay’s service goes above and beyond supporting students in selecting a university overseas. Offering a comprehensive suite of services, they not only guide students from pre- to post-university, they also stay in touch even when they are ready to seek employment.

For example, at the very start of a student’s journey to the job market, Findlay may use the Morrisby Career Profiling Assessment to assess their academic strengths, aptitudes, learning styles and working preferences to guide them in career choices and the most suitable subject to study at university.

When it is time to embark on their studies, Findlay is on hand to ensure that all the little details required for a smooth journey to their university are taken care of, giving them peace of mind. Findlay stays in touch with their students, and when the opportunity arises, visits them in

the country where they are studying and provides counselling and support when needed. After they graduate, the Findlay hand continues to guide their students with training in the soft skills needed in the working environment and access to workshops on sharpening their CVs, time management, leadership skills and a host of tools to help them be the best professional they can be.

Findlay provides solutions for education, employment and excellence. Talk to them at their annual education fair on February 3. You can find out more on their website www.findlaybsb.com

YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP FOR YOUR INTERNATIONAL HIGHER EDUCATION AND BEYOND! (+673) 242 8658 / 722 2092 / 822 8847 (+673) 244 8678 findlaybsb@gmail.com

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E2 1st Floor Abdul Razak Complex Jalan Gadong

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG scoop

Brow-tastic Art Shape your face with perfectly groomed eyebrows at CSA Studio, the only studio in Kota Kinabalu that offers microblading for natural looking eyebrows. Founded by Cabrine Solibun, a graduate of the Australian

Snappy Snapbacks The 90’s has come to call and they’ve brought their snapbacks with them. These are retro adjustable baseball caps with snap buttons in the back and a wide flat bill, and if you didn’t know that, then you need to start paying attention: everyone from your father to your baby brother and sister are wearing snapbacks now. Here for your snapback cap needs are Street Kings – a cap store located in Kiulap with an impressive collection of high-quality hats from USA, the Philippines and Korea. Slope it on sideways, slide it on backwards, crown it on a head of trendy hair, or just slip it on like a gangster – these trendy caps are its own fashion statement. •• 10, Spg 150, Grd Flr, Bangunan Habza, Kg Kiulap Tel: 673-7158302 FB: Street Kings BN IG: @StreetKingsBN 14

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

College of Beauty Therapy, the studio specialises in waxing, tinting and ‘eyebrow rescues’ – yes, we are all guilty of overplucking those brows at one point in our lives! As a certified master in the Phibrow technique, which is a semi-permanent tattoo that emulates and enhances your natural eyebrows, Cabrine adds

value to her services with her exclusive line of beauty products called Kudou which includes a serum to revitalise hair growth for eyebrows and eyelashes, eyeliner and eyebrow pencil to keep those eyebrows looking good throughout the day. ••

Lot 54, 1st Floor, Block G, Plaza 333, Penampang, Sabah Tel: 6014-6588300 (Whatsapp only) www.cabrinesolibunart.com

Snack On This Snacks galore at The Neu Co. and resistance to buy anything is futile. In this convenience store you will find imported snacks, condiments, beverages, cereals and sauces from the UK and the USA, alongside instant noodles and cooking ingredients. Sometimes you will find the same products priced differently, that’s because they are made in different countries, ask the cashier who will be able to provide the information about their origins. The place is not all about munchies and drinks, they also have a corner of personal care and home products. The Neu Co. is quite the snacks treasure trove and being the type who lack self-control, we just couldn’t leave without a few bags of crisps and packets of chocolates. No judging please! ••

4, Bangunan Khazanah PM Noorashikin, Spg 51, Kg Menglait Tel: 673-8801033 FB: The Neu Co. IG: @theneucompany

advertorial 1

1. Expression Music Academy top medalists in

the 24th Kota Kinabalu Music and Dance Festival 2017 (34 medals total) - Donovan Lai, Zacc Lai and Paris Lai with their teachers, Teacher Syn Nee and Franz Lazanderas, with Lily Chiam, Director of Expression Music Academy. 2. Lily Chiam, Founder and Director of Expression Music Academy 3. Expression Music Academy top medalists in the 4th Hong Kong International Music Festival (left to right): Evan Chiam, Onn Jia Yi, Eden Chiam, Shian Li Chiam, Glory Roslily, Luis Lim

Expression Music Academy’s Lesson Plan for Excellence S

uccess does not happen overnight. In fact, success relies on interest, dedication, deliberate practice, expert guidance with the right support. In Expression Music Academy, we aim to create this environment for our students. It is vital to build a strong foundation while they are still toddlers. Many of our students started while they were 2 ½ or 3 years old with our EMGenius and EMFun music development programmes. These programmes ingrain essential music fundamentals as well as nurture creativity and confidence as they pursue their chosen instruments later on.

Prodigies are mainly made, not merely born. Look closer and we will see that prodigies spent a staggering amount of time and effort in practice. Deliberate practice with proper technique and feedback are crucial when practicing. It ensures each action is done consistently and correctly. We count on our maestros to firmly instruct and guide our students, to see room for improvement as well as to encourage and build confidence. Expression Music Academy have produced music talents that shine on the local and world stages. Just this year, we took 269 medals for Brunei

against 3,000 competitors from China, Hong Kong, United States and other countries. We always emphasize getting the right instruments for our students. What if Lionel Messi never saw a football? What if Chopin never touched a piano? If beginning students have access to quality instruments, they have the opportunity to develop better skills from day one. The most dazzling performance, that “one in a million 3

Darussalam at the 24th Kota Kinabalu Music and Dance Festival, including 97 gold medals, 102 silver medals and 70 bronze medals. And in the 4th Hong Kong International Music Festival last August, we took 11 awards

success” is, in fact, the result of interest, dedication, deliberate practice, expert guidance and right support. This is the ultimate secret, and when done consistently and correctly will produce excellence.

biG scoop

Pop of Flavour Pops & Pints is taking popsicles to a whole new level of ‘wow’ with its funky flavours that will really make your taste buds pop. Drawing inspiration from everyday Malaysian food and ingredients, the three young entrepreneurs behind Pops & Pints began experimenting with various

flavour combinations about a year ago to come up with bold and refreshing creations such as Asam Laksa, Strawberry Kantan, Sweet Potato, Yoghurt and Smoked Beef Brisket. No preservatives and artificial flavourings are used so you know you are getting the real taste of these unique icy treats. New flavours will be

Metal Mania Staying true to the roots of smithing, metalsmith Jason Labunda hand crafts exquisite accessories the old-fashioned way from his workshop using different metals such as steel, iron, copper and aluminium with a particular penchant for brass. His collection of brass accessories is inspired by Bornean culture, which is dominant in every aspect of his designs. At just 24 years

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

introduced every month so keep up with Pops & Pints on FB and Instagram for the latest from this fun loving trio. Currently available on order and delivery basis, Pops & Pints is available at Crack Inc. café at The Walk Riverson. ••

Tel: 6016-4187797 IG: @popsandpintsofficial FB: popsandpintsofficial

old, Jason’s innate sense of tradition has brought this indigenous art form into mainstream fashion that every fashionista would be proud to own a piece of. Still new to the scene, Jason’s accessories can be purchased at the Jesselton Artisan Market or through his Instagram @pogunsavat_craftwork. Expect to see more from this talented young artist as he continues to sharpen his skills in producing designer quality accessories to enhance your individual style.

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 120 acre campus. It is a leading British international School in South-East Asia preparing students for I/GCSEs, A-Levels and the IB Diploma. JIS examination results are excellent with students entering the very best Universities in the world.

Why choose JIS for your children?

 A beautiful, safe and secure campus in a clean, wholesome environment  An academically challenging yet holistic education which seeks to develop the whole child  A caring, comprehensive pastoral support system  Full or weekly boarding for up to 280 children aged 11-18 years in “outstanding” facilities  British international curriculum – recognised the world over  Recent graduate destinations include: UK - Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial College, LSE. USA - Stanford, University of California, Los Angeles, University of New York. Australia - Melbourne, Australia National University, UWA. Canada - UBC.  120 acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities  B$8 million Sports Complex opened February 2017

Apply now for August 2018! www.jis.edu.bn

/JISBruneiDarussalam

JIS Brunei

JISBrunei

Address: Jalan Universiti, Kampong Tungku, Bandar Seri Begawan, BE2119, Brunei Darussalam

Achieving Excellence

Email: enrol@jis.edu.bn Telephone: +673 241 1000

JISBrunei

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Treading the boards to the boardroom! Performing arts is more important to a child’s overall education than ever – and there’s no better place to study it than at Jerudong International School. Peter Iantorno

erforming arts hasn’t always been the best-regarded subject area in education. For every Dame Judi Dench (who graduated with a first-class honours degree in the subject, before going on to become one of Britain’s most cherished actors) there’s a failed performer, unable to find a job and struggling to make ends meet. In today’s results-driven world where exam marks are everything and good grades have the potential to unlock a lifetime of opportunity, the commonly perceived ‘safe’ view is that a child’s time is far better spent swatting up on English literature, working out complicated

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algebraic equations in mathematics, or discovering the secrets of the universe in physics, than focusing on a more abstract subject such as performing arts. However, in reality, that’s simply not the case. In fact, there’s a growing body of research to suggest that studying performing arts is beneficial not just to children with aspirations of getting into the industry, but to all students regardless of their aspirations. For example, according to a 2013 study by the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Education and Social Work and the Australian Council for the Arts, engagement in the arts benefits students not just in the

classroom, but also in overall life. Published in the prestigious Journal of Educational Psychology, the study, which examined 643 primary and secondary students in 15 different schools, found that students who participated in drama, dance, music or visual arts showed more positive academic results in other subjects than students who were not as involved in the arts. And that’s not all: the study also found that children who were involved in performing arts had higher self esteem, life satisfaction and even a clearer idea of a sense of life purpose. “The study shows that school participation in the arts can have positive effects on diverse

aspects of students’ lives,” says lead author, Professor Andrew Martin. “It shows that the arts can impact broader academic and personal wellbeing outcomes for young people.” Very much in agreement with the likes of Professor Martin is the staff at Brunei’s Jerudong International School (JIS). “Most forward-thinking international schools nowadays are realising the importance of performing arts,” says Will Kemp, Head of Drama at JIS. “It’s not just about interpersonal skills and developing children who can communicate directly with people in smaller- and larger-group contexts, but it’s actually about

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unearthing innate skills and talents within children.” “What we try to do with performing arts at this school is basically say to children, ‘you have a voice. Whatever you have already, we’re going to amplify that.’ Performing arts enables and empowers children to express themselves.” The team at JIS are big believers in the importance of performing arts to a child’s wider academic success, and absolutely no expense has been spared in creating the perfect environment in which children

from 7 years to 18 years can learn their craft. “We are the luckiest educators on the planet,” says Kemp of the incredible performing arts facility at JIS. “The place is absolutely amazing – it’s beyond professional. We’re equipped to do everything from crisp, classic performances of Shakespeare, to large scale musical productions open to the public such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Les Miserables and our latest musical - The Sound of Music (9 & 10 March 2018).” The school has also hosted

productions from local company Relentless Entertainment to the prestigious Globe Theatre on Tour production of ‘Hamlet’ and most recently, the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra (RPCO). Each year, some 16 productions are put on, in one form or another, from nursery to IGCSE, A Level and IB Diploma students. Students participate as part of the curriculum in the Junior School and Middle Years. For older students, they either choose this as an academic subject or can join as part of the co-curricular programme. “The limitless potential of the space is just so exciting; it adds a slickness and a professionalism that really makes the difference to the final production. We regularly remind the children, that this is not normal – not many children have the chance to perform in a space like this. But they enjoy the space and they respect it.” Nicholas Smith (Head of Music Performance) at JIS agrees and as a former French horn player for the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and founding member of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, he should

know! Together with Janette Brass (Head of Music Curriculum) and an extensive team of well qualified music teachers, they offer a range of musical performances from concerts to chamber ensembles, wind ensembles, five different choirs, jazz bands, rock bands, gulingtangan, weekly concerts for the students - by students, ‘Battle of the Bands’, JIS Idol and so the list goes on! And it’s easy to see why the performing arts team is so happy with the facilities at the JIS Arts Centre. With dedicated soundproofed music, drama and dance spaces in addition to a large exhibition gallery, Black Box theatre (studio theatre), dance studio and spacious music rehearsal space that leaves most other schools’ main performance areas in the shade, it’s fair to say that the facilities are second to none. And that’s without even mentioning the focal point of the JIS Arts Centre – a cavernous auditorium with the capacity to host 725 guests and 19 VIPs for shows ranging from orchestral and choral concerts to theatrical and solo performances. The school’s Principal, Barnaby Sandow, is equally enthusiastic about not only the facilities, but primarily about the children - their talent and good old-fashioned hard work that goes into every production. “I have visited many other schools across the region over the past decade, but, after every trip, I thank my lucky stars that I am coming home to JIS,” he says. “One of the best things about the performing arts programme here is that it empowers children who would usually have been left in the background to step up and come into the foreground. Their confidence improves, they learn a whole range of new skills and, at the end of it all, they can go away feeling proud of what they have achieved.”

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1. Malinah working

the ropes 2. Datuk Peter

keeping an eye on birds 3. Maria’s line dancers strike a pose

Never Too Late

These days, getting older is looked forward to not as the final stage in the circle of life but more as a new beginning to explore new things that will continue to keep your mind sharp, your body healthy and your spirit energised. Learning a new skill or challenging oneself to step out of the comfort zone can ignite a passion that lasts years beyond retirement. Pamela Fletcher

M aria Lee has just turned 70 but when you see her leading a group of line dancers through their steps, you’d be hard pressed to think she was anything more than half her age. Two years after

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retiring at 58, she took up line dancing as a form of exercise to help lower her cholesterol level. After a few months, her cholesterol level returned to normal and Maria decided to pursue line dancing more seriously. Soon, she was asked to teach, which she did after some cajoling and have been teaching for the last 10 years.

“I love my line dancing groups,” she enthused of her students, some of whom are over 70 years old and retirees like her. “We are like a family. We celebrate birthday gatherings, fellowship, travelling overseas and lean on each other through our ups and downs in life. Line dancing has brought us all closer together.”

One advantage of line dancing is that you don’t need a male partner. You just form a line and dance, and anybody can join in, young or old. But sometimes it’s a lot of hard work too. “When we have line dancing parties, we have at least 40 to 50 different dances to dance to on that night. And that is not easy to master so we need to practice and practice but we all enjoy ourselves,” adds Maria who relishes the challenge as

she loves listening to music and dancing with her students. When she’s not teaching, which is every day except Saturday, she loves pottering about in the garden and I can bet that all her flowers are lined up perfectly too. As a mother of 6, and recently grandmother to her third grandchild,

52-year-old Malinah Mohd Yusof has always led an active life and mindful to add some form of exercise into her life. The trails at Bukit Padang is her go to place for a bit of exercise and a catch up with friends but about 2 years ago, she was diagnosed with hypertension and put on medication. Malinah needed more than her usual Bukit Padang soirees with friends to tackle this health issue and signed up for the Jom Kurus

course at a local gym to learn more about other exercise options to lose weight. In the process, she got hooked on crossfit and has been actively involved since then. Clad in sweats and a tudung, Malinah defies the stereotype of a typical crossfit devotee but the youngsters at the gym she attends absolutely loves and respects her. Fondly known as just Aunty, she whips ropes, turns over massive wheels and swings kettle bells over her head with relative ease. “I’m used to exercising on a treadmill and jogging with friends but it’s quite boring. You just do the same thing every time,” explains Malinah on why she was so taken with crossfit which pushes you to your physical limit and gives you more of a sense of accomplishment. “It’s physically challenging but I don’t think age is a barrier to take up something like this. If you have the passion for it and you do it within your capability, it’s very rewarding.” Former Sabah Minister of Youth and Sports, Datuk Peter Pang played an active role in promoting sports particularly cycling while he was in office. He had cycled from Sandakan to Lahad Datu on his mountain bike for charity and supported cycling activities in Sandakan to popularise it among its youth. But when it came time to retire, he was at a crossroads as to what to do. His curiosity was piqued when he began to notice birders with their long lenses staying at a lodge he operates in Sepilok. He saw the bird photos the

photographers took and was instantly attracted to the details and amazing colours of their plumage. With no experience in photography, he decided to learn this new skill. “It wasn’t that difficult really because modern high-tech cameras these days make it easier to learn than if you had to do it years ago,” he explains of his hobby which he took up about one and a half years ago. As a beginner, he took pictures of everything and once he had honed his skills sufficiently, he began his journey into bird photography, the subject that started it all. Now 58 years old, Pang says that taking up photography has taken him to places he never would have gone to before. “My goal now is to explore and photograph all the birds of Borneo although I have been to Peninsular Malaysia and Taiwan for trips to explore beyond Borneo,” says Pang, adding that these trips have widened his circle of friends and has made it an enjoyable social activity as much as a passion project. Pang pays particular attention to the quality of his photographs which he considers the most difficult part of photography but also the most addictive. It’s a quest that continues to inspire him and if his personal collection of bird photos is to go by, he is well on his way to making a mark as an accomplished bird photographer. So what’s next? “There are more than 700 birds in Borneo and I’ve probably photographed only about 200 so I still have a long way to go. Maybe I might take up flying next. If you stay healthy and active, there’s nothing to stop you from doing whatever interests you. But maybe not ballroom dancing,” he quips with a smile.

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Lighting Up A Village Tarihing was one of three grandmothers selected by the Sabah Women Entrepreneur and Professionals Association (SWEPA) in an ambitious project to electrify offgrid villages in Sabah with sustainable energy. The project was a collaboration between SWEPA and Barefoot College in Tilonia, India, a voluntary organization working in the fields of education, skill development, health, drinking water, women empowerment and electrification through solar power for the enrichment of rural people founded by Bunker Roy in 1972. Tarihingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s village, Sonsogon Magandai, is located 290km

from the nearest town of Kota Marudu in the north of Sabah, and involves a harrowing 8 hour journey by 4x4 vehicles to get there. Of the three grandmothers selected, two eventually dropped out which left Tarihing as the sole candidate, and the first Malaysian illiterate grandmother who would be trained to be a solar engineer. Tarihing herself was unsure how she would cope with the 6-month training course in India to learn how to build, connect and maintain the solar kits, solar panels and lanterns.

Borneo.Insiderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.Guide

INSPIRING

WOMEN OF SABAH

Every year, we make new resolutions to better ourselves either personally or financially, to achieve that elusive goal that would make us happier, healthier and more in control of our lives. For Tarihing Masanim, an illiterate grandmother from a far-flung village in one of the most remote areas of Sabah, her resolution was not only personal but encompasses the hopes of an entire village.

But she was resolute in her determination to provide for a better future for her children and grandchildren, and if it meant taking this giant leap of faith, she was going to go through with it. Upon returning from her training stint in India in March 2015, Tarihing got right to work assembling the solar panels with the help of the community. Today, more than 100 houses at Sonsogon Magandai are supplied with solar energy to light up the night. Two more grandmothers from neighbouring Sungai Magandai and Sonsogon Suyat have undergone similar training with another two candidates scheduled to go to India in 2018 but plans are already being discussed to establish a Barefoot College in Sabah to accelerate the process of electrifying rural villages in Sabah. These grandmothers have truly transcended their illiteracy and impoverishment to become solar power engineers. In a remote and still fragile world, they are the new heroines of sustainable development.

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id you know that professional private psychological services are available in Brunei? Now anybody can quickly and easily make an appointment to see a counsellor or therapist without needing a doctor’s referral. Clarity Sdn Bhd has a team of qualified professionals providing counselling, therapy, coaching and facilitation services to individuals, couples, families and organisations. Clarity’s services are useful and available to everybody. They serve clients in crisis, and those who are functioning well but are stuck with a problem that isn’t getting better. Clarity promotes learning effective strategies in order to overcome problems and reach one’s full potential. The counsellors/therapists at Clarity help people with problems like: marriage or relationship issues, anxiety, worry and stress, depression, anger, shyness, phobias, trauma and difficulties from the past, lack of direction, parenting problems and many other things that people will experience in their lives. Because Clarity is a private company, the work is confidential and takes place in comfortable private counselling rooms. Clients report that a few counselling sessions make a tremendous difference in

Live with Clarity how they feel and provide effective strategies for moving forward. In addition to counselling, Clarity provides other important services: arly intervention therapy for children with developmental disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, behavioural issues, communication issues and social problems. Clarity’s behavioural therapists utilise ABA-based therapy and other tools to help children acquire the skills needed to thrive. Parents have been delighted with the results when children who were not responding and not making eye contact begin to interact and engage.

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Occupational Therapy and Behavioural Therapy for children with developmental delays

Personal and career coaching to help people maximise their potential

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Changing the game: ISB’s New Accelerated IGCSE Program

“S

tress”, “anxiety” and “pressure” – these are typically the emotions to be expected of 15 and 16 year-olds at the end of Year 11 as they prepare for their final IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) examinations. Usually, after 2 years of studying 11 subjects, these students face the daunting task of having to sit up to 33 exams in only 25 days! Stress, anxiety and pressure, for many, don’t even begin to describe the emotions of the time. At ISB, the leadership team has taken decisive action to pilot a system which will change the game entirely: enter the ISB Accelerated IGCSE Program.

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Developed by the Cambridge International Examinations Board (CIE), the IGCSE is the world’s most popular international certification for end of secondary school (equivalent to O-Level, UK GCSE, Form Five) before one proceeds to IB, A-Levels, Foundation Year, or vocational training. Under the guidance of the ISB’s Executive Principal, Dr Steven Geraghty, and Head of Secondary, Mr Rob Commons, the ISB IGCSE program will now see ISB students beginning the curriculum a year earlier, in Year 9, spreading the course load across 3 years. Students will have the opportunity to stagger their exams, creating a much more forgiving

examination period and the ability to complete up to 6 IGCSE’s early. The new system also allows the student to take A-levels two years earlier, if they so wish! Quite a game changer indeed. Students choose their IGCSE subjects at the end of Year 8, selecting 5-6 optional subjects taken each year through to Year 11. These are studied alongside Maths, English, Science and a second language, which are all compulsory subjects. The overwhelming advantage of this is that by the time Year 11 begins, most students will have already attained half of their IGCSEs. Perhaps one of the most exciting new opportunities that this change brings is the addition of “Enrichment” subjects into the school curriculum. According to Mr Commons, spreading the IGCSE load over 3 years has freed up space in the timetable for Enrichment subjects that will not be externally examined. “We’re extremely excited about the ability to teach subjects that will be motivated, not by

an external exam, but the love of teaching and learning from our staff and students repectively.” These enrichment subjects will allow students to immerse themselves in subjects like journalism, mathematical explorations, drama, practical manufacturing, finance, environmental awareness, art history and many more. As to be expected, announcing the changes to the IGCSE program was met with many questions from both inside and outside the ISB community. Are learners mature enough to grapple with the curriculum in Year 9? At 14 years of age, are they at a disadvantage to their peers who would write the same exams at 16 years of age? The short answer to these questions is that “taking examinations at the age of 16 is a constructed practice; there is no research to support an optimum time for summative achievement tests”, said Dr Geraghty. The fact of the matter is that “there is no straight line to maturity… many students will achieve better at 14 years old, others at 16”. Indeed, the system has already run in other schools under Dr Geraghty’s coordination; over the five years, results did not establish a correlation between age and achievement levels, so the future for the new system appears both student-friendly and academically successful. The mood at ISB is punctuated, as always, by optimism, excitement and dedication to education innovation where, as the school tag line explains: “everyone excels”.

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“The vision of holding high this degree scroll, and wearing this gown and cap helped me to overcome the challenges I’ve faced as a student! Alhamdulillah I have made it, with a first class honours too!” SITI SARAH BINTI SYED IBRAHIM BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance (First Class Honours)

The Pursuit of Knowledge “It certainly hasn’t been easy being a mature student with a lot of commitments. I hope to be an inspiration for others to go further in their studies and to make our beloved Brunei Darussalam proud!” SAHRIN BIN HAJI ABDUL RAHMAN BSc (Hons) Computer Science (First Class Honours)

t Laksamana College of Business (LCB) students are able to study a variety of courses. One of our very popular accredited programmes - the Academic Pathway enables students to take the University Foundation Course (UFC) and the BA Common Year 1 over a two year period. Once completed,

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students have the option to continue and complete their degrees in the United Kingdom. LCB also offers the opportunity to complete your degree here locally, in Brunei. Our three-year degrees are awarded by the University of Chester, UK. The degrees on offer include the BSc (Hons)

Computer Science, BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance, BA (Hons) Business Management and BA (Hons) Marketing. In addition to our degree courses, LCB has launched the Pearson BTEC (UK) Diploma, HNC and HND computing programmes. Additionally, LCB offers the Pearson BTEC in

Hospitality Management for those looking to enter the growing hospitality industry. At LCB, we understand the importance of tourism to a country’s economy, and so our tourism courses on offer include the ‘Bridging Tourist Guide’ and ‘Basic Tourist Guide’. These courses are not just based in the classroom! They include overnight nature stays, bus and boat tours, museum visits etc. On completion, candidates will be awarded a Tour Guide license endorsed by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism. LCB is a global institution that is the first college in Brunei Darussalam to receive the Accreditation Service for International Colleges (ASIC) from the United Kingdom as an acknowledgement of the educational quality at the college, both locally and internationally. It also recognises LCB’s mission and vision to educate every Bruneian with the finest international educational experience.

Sup Surfari

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Much Ado

About Learning Learning is one thing that we humans can’t and shouldn’t stop doing. Giving our brain a workout is just as important as doing a physical workout to get fit and strong. Research has shown that an active mind and a healthy body are both vital in improving the cognitive abilities in middle-aged or older people. Regular physical activity is good for your heart and your mental wellbeing, and learning a new activity will challenge the brain, and the more you train it, the sharper your mind will be. If you want to broaden your mind and master a new skill, or just want to try something new for the fun of it, there are many places in Brunei that can offer a new experience that you can embrace. So the next time you hang out with your buddies, you have something to brag about. Pauline Chan 1

Speak Learning a new language improves the functionality of your brain by challenging it to recognise, negotiate meaning and communicate in a different language system. Being multilingual means you can switch between systems of speech, writing and structure and this ‘juggling’ skill makes you a good multitasker and improves your memory. These days learning a new language is easy, if it’s a conversational skill you need, there are plenty of free Apps made for smart gadgets that you can use like Duolingo, Babbel, Busuu and Hello Talk, and if you are specifically interested in French, Alliance Française de Brunei, the French cultural and language

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

promotion centre based in Bandar Seri Begawan, offers courses taught by native French speakers who will certainly help you get beyond “oui oui”. They have classes starting from toddlers aged 1-3 years old to adults. •• 1, Spg 68, Jalan Batu Bersurat FB: @AFdeBruneiDarussalam

Cook Go beyond cooking instant noodles and frying eggs, learn to make a meal that you can serve at a dinner party. HERS Kitchen Cooking Class teaches kids from the age of 4 and adults about cooking, kitchen safety and nutrition. They have a fully fitted kitchen for their classes, maximum 10 students per class and judging from the photos they post on the

Facebook page, you can learn to make yummy dishes such as classic one-dish meals, Western main courses and delectable desserts. Owner and instructor, Hajah Erni, said that some of her students have gone on to start their own business selling the food they have learnt to cook from her and they still go back to her for more lessons to learn new recipes. She conducts about 5 classes a week and the recipes for each class are posted on her Facebook and Instagram. Anyone who is interested to learn to make the dish of the day can contact them to book a spot. Prices will vary according to the menu. •• C5, 1st Flr, Shakirin Complex, Kiulap FB: @HERSKITCHENCOOKINGCLASS

Paddle Stephen from SUP Surfari School will have you standing on a board and paddling around a lake in less than half an hour into the lesson. SUP (Stand Up Paddling) is a relatively new but growing sport in Brunei. It is a whole body workout that requires arm, leg and core muscles to help you balance and move around. Once you are comfortably balanced on the board, it’s easy to glide along the water and just enjoy the fresh air. Lessons are conducted on the calm Lugu Lake near Tutong and when you are proficient enough, you can advance to paddling at sea where you will be tossed by the waves, which is much more exciting but you will have to pull out all your

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1. Stand-Up Paddling on Lugu Lake 2. The library at Alliance Française de Brunei 3. Learning decor art at Jo’s Art Gallery & Décor 4. Cooking classes at HERS Kitchen 5. Scale the walls at Up Climbing Centre

balancing skills. The beginners’ lesson is an hour and 20 minutes and all equipment will be provided. Lesson times are on their website and you can book your lessons from there or their social media. •• FB: @sup.surfari www.sup-surfari.com

Climb At Up Climbing Centre, don’t be surprised to see older adults climbing beside bouncy kids and limber youths. The centre offers leisure climbing to all ages and fitness. Those who are new to the sport don’t have to worry about safety as they will have a rope secured to the harness around their waist while a belayer standing below holds on to the rope to provide support and security.

Climbing is an activity that engages every muscle in your body and a lot of core strength is required. It improves your movement and flexibility, tones your muscles and even strengthens your fingers. The co-owner, Dale, tells us that since they opened the centre, they have attracted little children who have learnt to overcome their fear of heights, boosting their confidence. They even have over-50s who come in and scale the walls for fun. •• One Menglait Industrial Park, Spg 44, Menglait FB: @upclimbingcentre

Paint Jo from Jo’s Art Gallery& Décor teaches both children and adults deco art, painting and creative craft. If you are tired of the things

in your home, give it a facelift with some painting, not only will you learn a new skill, you’ll get a fresh new objet d’art with a little acrylic paint or watercolour. Jo has classes for all ages and her classes are not based on standard art programmes. She encourages imagination and personal creativity so one can use the painting techniques she teaches to express themselves. Adults can take classes in folk art, decorative painting, furniture painting, watercolour and sketching. Children can learn to sketch, paint with watercolours and create handicrafts that are fun and enjoyable. Jo’s folk art has transformed decorative objects, household items and even furniture, giving tired old objects a new lease of life and she can be commissioned to redecorate your home or shop with a mural on your wall. •• 3, 1st Floor, Blk A, Batu Bersurat, Gadong FB: @joartgallerydecor

These days, with the ease of technology, we can document our stories using the camera on our smartphones. Local short filmmaker, Abdul Zainidi, is well known for telling stories through his camera lens and he gave us 5 tips to making a homemade film. Camera - a DSLR is very 1 popular these days but in some instances, even a mobile phone is enough! And a simple microphone will also suffice if you have dialogue. Actors - they are the 2 main ingredients to bringing your story to life. If you can’t find actors, turn to friends or close cousins! They might just surprise you with their hidden talent. Locations - these are 3 important so choose wisely. People want to see interesting faces and places, if you’re promoting your country, don’t go for the commonly filmed places. Storyboard - helps to 4 visualise the ideas of the director. You can draw your character or scenes in a comic book style. Editing - once all is shot 5 and finished, you need to edit. A good editor can piece the puzzles together with the right software like Final Cut Pro or Adobe Pro. Ask friends to help out because unless you have eight arms, filmmaking is a group effort at times.

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the of

Pasar Pelbagai

Barangan

Gadong

The Pasar Pelbagai Barangan Gadong (PPBG), also commonly known as the Gadong Night Market, is one of the Sultanate’s most visited landmarks. Strategically located in the Gadong commercial centre, the bustling night market is one of the most popular places in the city for affordable local cuisine. Amal Kadir

he market has been selling an array of food items ranging from the ready-to-eat meals to finger foods, and fresh produce since the 1970s. Visitors can also find clothing, toys, handicrafts and a variety of locally-made products. The night market has been given a facelift and began operating in February 2017. In its place, a permanent roofed structure spanning an area of 5,979 square metres now stands to accommodate the

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

vendors. Each vendor has a space equipped with better facilities to prepare and cook their food or to display their wares. In addition, there is a wide walkway to allow customers to comfortably browse around the stalls. The area is split into three zones: A, B and C, and to make it easier for customers to find their favourite stalls, the vendors are categorised into grilling, cooking, non-cooking, and fruits and vegetables.

Cheap

Here’s our A-Z guide to the Pasar Pelbagai Barangan Gadong:

Ambuyat That’s right, you can sample one of Brunei’s local delicacy, ambuyat, at the PPBG.

Buzzing

Hungry but broke? PPBG got your back. You can stretch your five bucks and get yourself up to FIVE different types of foods and drinks!

When the sun goes down, the night market comes alive and buzzes with hungry visitors.

Did you know? • Prayer rooms are available nearby to make it easier for Muslims to fulfil their daily religious obligations while they’re at the market. • You can order from PPBG and get your food sent to you by a food delivery service, such as Foodpanda, to your door. • PPBG has its own website where you can browse to find out what is sold at the market and get more information on the vendors. Visit them at www. pasarpelbagaibarangan. com.bn

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International

You can find international cuisine here like takoyaki, pasta, and cheeseburger here but made with a local twist.

Jagung

Eat In The revamped market has ample sitting areas on both sides of the building for dining in or resting.

Fritters What’s a market without fritters? Prawn fritters, banana fritters, vegetable fritters, you name it, they’re all here.

Jagung or corn comes in many beautiful and delicious forms!

Kuih

Apam, pinyaram, kelupis, bahulu, and bingka. Sound familiar? These are the Malay sweet and savoury tea time treats available in PPBG.

Local Nasi katok, ikan bakar, hati buyah, pais daging, PPBG is a great place for visitors to Brunei to sample local food.

Durian

When in season, you can find fruit vendors lined up side-by-side selling the King of Fruits.

Grill Mouth-watering,

succulent grilled meat and seafood await you and they are delicious whether eaten with a sauce or without.

Music

While you shop or dine, listen to evergreen Malay songs blasting throughout the market from one of the stalls selling old-school music tapes and records.

Homemade

Prepared daily by the locals, these ready-to-eat food items are homemade and served fresh to satisfy your hungry tummy!

Noodles

Be it beehoon or kueyteow, soto kuning or kolomee, there are all kinds of noodles here for everyone.

Open U

The PPBG is open from 3:00pm to 11:00pm everyday, rain or shine.

Pulut Panggang

Pulut panggang is a local delicacy - glutinous rice with either prawn or beef filling is wrapped in leaf and grilled over fire.

Tapau Get your food to go if you’re in a hurry, just tell the vendor you want to ‘tapau’!

Quench

Quench your thirst with one of the many sweet, icy cold drinks in delicious flavours.

Roti John We’re not sure who John is but these oblong burgers made with fried eggs, minced beef, onions and drizzled with chilli sauce and mayonnaise is a local favourite.

S Satay The ultimate treat for meat eaters - satay, the meat on a stick grilled over a charcoal fire, is flavourful on its own but goes much better with a peanut sauce.

Unique

You may stumble upon unusuallooking fruits that are Uniquely Bruneian like the kembayau, tampoi and tarap. Give them a try!

Vegetables

Handpicked, farm-fresh vegetables sold at the PPBG are cheap and you can get a big bundle for as little as a dollar.

W Weather The new market structure is an openair, roofed building that promises an unforgettable shopping experience to the foodies, rain or shine.

X-traordinary There are more than 150 vendors at the PPBG, visitors wanting to satisfy their tummies will be spoilt for choice.

Y Yummy

PPBG welcomes visitors with yummy smells coming from the stalls. Where there is smoke, there’s something yummy going on there.

Zone in at the market Zone in at the Pasar Pelbagai Barangan Gadong for an authentically Bruneian and truly fulfilling experience!

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BiG buzz

Jazz it Up at the Kuching Waterfront Johan Alias

azz fans headed down to the Kuching Waterfront to witness a star-studded line-up that attracted nearly 4,000 festival-goers – making the inaugural Kuching Waterfront Jazz Festival 2017 (KWJF 2017) one of the most successful outdoor jazz festivals in the region last year. The two-day festival, held on 29 and 30 September, featured world class acts including Ernie Watts from the United States, Jeremy Monteiro from Singapore and Malaysian-born Lewis Pragasam, as well as a spectacular heart-stopping performance by the Malaysian Queen of Jazz: the inimitable Sheila Majid, who had the

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audience cheering and dancing the night away. Performing on the second night, Sheila Majid brought her power energy to the listeners with her sultry vocals, which transformed the depth of the most complicated jazz compositions. Her performance left them transfixed. Managed by Place Borneo and hosted at the Grand Margherita Hotel in Kuching, the aim of KWJF is to spur the local jazz scene by inviting young artistes from Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand to showcase their talents. The fans were not disappointed, with the likes of Balawan Magic Fingers

from Indonesia, Baihana from the Philippines and Borneo Big Band featuring Malaysian artiste, Jessel Yansalang wowing the crowds from the start and getting toes tapping and fingers snapping. A total of 17 bands performed at the festival which was set in a laid-back atmosphere that blended seamlessly with the sights and sounds of the bustling Sarawak River. The festival also featured open air and indoor courtyards filled with food vendors, specialty bazaars, and activities and games for children. The weather held out for the most part of the festival with only a short rain shower in the later part of the second evening, the

undeterred crowd just whipped out their ponchos and umbrellas and continued to enjoy the night. According to the organisers, the festival exceeded the target of 3,000 visitors and attracted a strong crowd of 3,925 people from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei. All systems are a go for the next KWJF this year, slated to happen on 28 and 29 of September.

KWJF 2017 is one of the first events held in conjunction with What About Kuching (WAK) 2017 – a month-long event showcasing the best of Kuching’s arts, culture, dance, music, history and lifestyle through the participation of various communities throughout the state.

biG buzz

Radio Progress P

rogresif Cellular has made another notch in its belt of progressive milestones by launching the Progresif Radio app – bringing with it a whole new approach to Brunei’s radio and music industry. The Progresif Radio is a livestreaming music app that, to put it simply, allows users full control of what they listen to. This is a new evolution of the radio as we know it, where listeners are able to tune in to the live broadcast, tune in to a selection of international radio stations, vote for their favourite songs, choose from a selection of playlists in different genres, and even record requests on the ‘Open Mic’ function – all accessible through an intuitive user-friendly interface.

Sports Carnival Mania Fitness and fun came hand in hand at the Ultimate RBRC Sports Carnival for the hundreds of participants that turned

Their ‘Catch-Up’ radio library gives listeners a chance to tune in to live sessions after they have been aired, and there is a variety of podcasts to check out at the ‘Podcasts’ section. Locals would surely enjoy the ‘Locals Only’ playlist that introduces listeners to artistes and bands from Brunei, with songs previously recorded in the Progresif studio as part of their ongoing CSR to support arts and culture. The Progresif Radio app is available for download on iOS and Android platforms.

For more information, visit their website at www.progresif.com.

up to try out sports, eat some food and just have some plain old fun at the Royal Brunei Recreation Club on October 8 organised by the Royal Brunei Recreation Club (RBRC) in collaboration with 15 local sports providers, the one-day carnival played host to a line-up of demonstrations, work-out sessions and the opportunity to try out 14 sports and activities, with the aim to create awareness of the products and services offered by RBRC, in line with their tagline “Fun, Family, Fitness”. Also available at the one-day event were food vendors and locally made items, as organised by The Collective. Interested in becoming a member at the Royal Brunei Recreation Club? Contact 673-2332531 for more details.

Whether you are looking to host an event, our Jungle View Room located in the Business Class Lounge on Level 6 is available for your breakfast meeting, business lunch or a group dinner. As relaxed or formal as you like. We can customize the the is something speciﬁc you prefer, please menu or if there let us know. With a beautifully designed room seating from 2 up to 20 guests, this is the perfect setting with natural daylight, dedicated and personalized service as well as impeccable food. 48 hours advance notice is required. Phone : (673) 224 4272 Fax : (673) 222 1579 Email : sales.brunei@radisson.com

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James WK

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Royal Brunei Enduro F

rom September 27 to October 1, the Royal Brunei Enduro hosted close to 100 cyclists - over 30 of those were from countries around the region as well as Australia, France and Canada – who raced down eight trails in Tasek Sarubing and Subok for the third series of the Asian Enduro Series 2017. “Enduro” is an evolving form of mountain biking sport that is a mixture of downhill and cross-country biking, and this event marked the first time that Brunei has hosted this famous series of mountain bike racing.

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Participants were divided into five categories: Elite (experienced riders), Legends (for those aged 45 and above), Femenino (female riders), Aficionado (hobby cyclists) and Prodigy (for teenagers aged 14 to 18 years), and the winner of each category was decided by the fastest combined time of downhill racing for all stages. The award-giving ceremony took place on the final day of the race which was attended by the guest of honour Yang Mulia Awang Wardi bin Hj Mohammad Ali, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Tourism) of Ministry of Primary

Resources and Tourism. Yang Mulia Awang Wardi presented trophies and gifts to the winners along with official representatives of Royal Brunei Airlines and Jason Pickett, the managing director of Kingdom Rides + Adventures. Royal Brunei Airlines also presented airline tickets as prizes to the fastest local riders. In the Elite category, the first place went to Gabriel Amigo III from the Philippines, while second place went to veteran rider Florent Poilane from France and Nick Shaine from Canada took third place.

Seasoned Enduro rider Florent Poilane, who participated in all of the Asian Enduro Series this year, had warm things to say about the Royal Brunei Enduro. “I think it’s quite refreshing to see that such a small country has a big mountain bike scene. There are so many good riders here already. I think next year’s Enduro will be bigger and better, especially with all the work that Jason [Pickett] is doing.” While this is the first time that Brunei has taken part in the Asian Enduro Series, the response was overwhelming. Known as one of the most prestigious mountain bike competitions in the region, this year’s success will hopefully encourage more participants for next year’s event, both local and international. The Royal Brunei Enduro 2017 was organised by Kingdom Rides + Adventures with Royal Brunei Airlines as its title sponsor and support from the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism.

Learn more about the Asian Enduro Series in Brunei from their website (https://enduro.asia) or their Facebook page: Asian Enduro Series Brunei 2017. Read more about the Royal Brunei Enduro 2017 on www.borneoinsidersguide.com.

James WK

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Gourmet Tea French Pastries Customized Cakes Dessert Tables Party & Corporate Catering

A New Jewel in the City T

housands attended a milestone event for the sultanate when the new Golden Jubilee Crown Park opened to the public last October 22 in the city centre, which was officially launched by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni AlMarhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. The lively ceremony of the opening of the Golden Jubilee Crown Park was a fitting end to the festive Golden Jubilee celebrations, which began with a procession of floats and cultural performances at Taman Sri Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien, before His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei, along with members of the royal family, proceeded to the Golden Jubilee Crown Park for the launch. Colourful balloons filled the air, cultural performances were held along the Sungai Kedayan River, and thousands flocked to His Majesty for an opportunity to meet the beloved monarch and snap a few photos.

Formerly known as the Sungai Kedayan Eco-Corridor, development for the park first began in January 2016 and now the area has been transformed into a beautiful 12-hectare park with manicured lawns adorned with shrubs, brightly coloured flowers and exotic baobab trees, and walking paths for locals and visitors to enjoy. The park itself comprises several parts: the Darussalam Jetty, Riverfront Promenade, Grand Entrance and Crescent Bridge. Situated among popular and beloved sights of Brunei including the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and Kampong Ayer, a visitor is guaranteed stunning views all around this park. The Golden Jubilee Crown Park is the latest of landmarks in the capital that will very likely be a favourite with locals and visitors alike. The official launch of the Golden Jubilee Crown Park was held in conjunction with the Golden Jubilee Celebration of His Majesty’s accession to the throne.

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Headbangers Unite

ver 5,000 rock fans from all over Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore came together to headbang with the best of them at the first ever Rocktober Fest Borneo on October 6-7. The two-day event held at the ParkCity Everly Hotel was by far Borneo’s biggest beachside rock festival and had a total of 37 bands rocking the two stages from noon until midnight. Headliners included some of the biggest names in Malaysia’s rock music scene such as Hujan, OAG, XPDC, Koffin Kanser, Bunkface, Estranged and many more. Bringing more meaning and heart to their performances and to the festival goers is the fact that members of some of these well-known bands hail from the island of Borneo. Estranged

Oh! Secret Garden Sound and Canvas, presented their first exhibition at their gallery in Kiulap, Oh! Secret Garden - an immersive audiovisual composition inspired by the artist’s own affinity for floral motifs. The exhibition featured a multi-sensorial installation with floral images framed in a kaleidoscope, reflected by mirrored floors and dancing to original music

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composed by founder and composer, Sandy Tan. The space also showcased a floral art installation by Bloom Project Co. and flower wall art by Happy Petals & Co. Sandy hopes to connect with other musicians, artists, performers and filmmakers to create original music to merge with their art forms. Sandy also conducts music composition/

production and interdisciplinary workshops and invites participants to showcase their completed works at her gallery. •• 9, Blk E, 1st Floor, Setia Kenangan II, Spg 150-17-20, Kiulap Tel: 673-7314688

lead singer Rich Gimbang, a Sabah native, was thrilled to perform at the Rocktober Fest Borneo. “It has been really awesome for Estranged to be back here and to be a part of a festival with such great acts. The audience was so supportive as well, and we were happy to hear that some of our fans travelled from all over to hear us play.” Rocktober Fest 2017 organiser NorthEastern Group is aiming to revive the music scene in Miri and the #RTBF17 was a great platform for local musicians to be exposed to a larger audience.

Get the latest updates by following @RocktoberfestBorneo on Facebook or head on over to the website: www.rocktoberfestborneo.com.

biG buzz

Rina 2 in Luang Prabang T

he Luang Prabang Film Festival (LPFF) has celebrated Southeast Asian cinema every December in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Luang Prabang in Laos. The festival features a range of feature films, short films, panel discussions and events, and is open to the public, free of charge, and for the filmmakers in the region, it is an opportunity to build connections with other professionals in the field and interact with the audience. This year, a Brunei and Lao PDR co-produced film, Rina 2, was screened at the LPFF which took place from December 8-13. Starring local comedic actors Tauffek Illyas and Syukri Mahari, the movie is a sequel to the 2013 Regalblue Production film Ada Apa Dengan Rina

and follows the main actors in their continuing saga to find their perfect match. During a work trip to Vientiane, their friendship is tested when they both fall in love with Mina, a tour guide played by Lao actress, Khouannakhone Souliyabapha. The screenplay was written by a group of six people comprising the two main actors, director Harlif Hj Mohamad, producer

Nurain Abdullah, Farid Azlan Ghani and Artison Hj Mohamad, and the movie was filmed in Brunei and Vientiane over 30 shooting days from September 2016 to February 2017. The movie also stars Brunei funnyman Hj Yahya Hj Berudin and Lao actress Chintana Soukkavongsa. •• www.lpfilmfest.org

An Indigenous Connection The Kelabit people have a tradition of telling stories through song, having lived through generations of cultural changes. Alena Murang wanted to relate the strength of the young women who had to work hard in the rural village of her tribe and their longing for something more. Alena produced the first Kelabitlanguage music video with the help of crowd-funding. In the video, she sings an old song, Re Lekuah, and plays a young woman working in the urban setting who is later drawn back to her roots. The music video presents dualities, drawing parallels and contrasts across time (old versus young; past versus present) and space (rural versus urban). Alena is an accomplished musician who sings songs from the Kelabit and Kenyah tribes and plays the sape to audiences outside her village and country. She has shared her music in the USA, the UK, France, the Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, Indonesia and Taiwan. ••

www.alenamurang.com

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BiG snapshot On October 14, 2017, the Brunei skies and river came alive with an explosion of fireworks and a procession of colourful floats at the opening ceremony of the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Bridge, held in conjunction with His Majestyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Golden Jubilee celebrations. James WK

BiG talk

From

Father

With Love Pauline Chan

Yue Kai Entertainment China

u Chun is a person who never says ‘no’ to trying something new. He is currently starring in one of China’s most popular reality show with his children, Nei Nei, 7, and Max, 4; and somewhere in between shoots in China, sending and

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picking up his kids from school, running a fitness centre, a bakery and a health food restaurant, he still manages to find time to open a new diner last October named Roti Culture. But Wu Chun’s life seems to be a complete bliss even though his hands

are full juggling fatherhood, acting and multiple businesses. He recently won the 2018 Most Influential Artiste Award at the 2017 NetEase Award Ceremony in recognition of his achievements in show business and contributions to society. His reality show, Dad, Where Are We Going?, takes Wu Chun and his children out of their comfort zone and plunge them into places and situations where they have to count on their wits, resilience and love for one another to overcome the challenges presented to them. Wu Chun calls it ‘a once in a lifetime opportunity’. Not only did the show provide entertainment for over 3 billion online viewers in China, it was an adventure that gave Wu Chun

and his children a different kind of education. BiG: You and you kids are in the 5th season of Dad, Where Are We Going? which was ranked number one on China’s TV charts when it was on air. What makes it is so successful? Wu Chun: When the show first debut, it was very popular. Perhaps it appeals to a wide range of viewers, from children to the elderly. Maybe people like to see a bunch of male celebrities handle their children without their mothers around! They probably find it amusing to see these dads looking after their kids alone for 3 days in a row, wondering whether they can do it. This show brings

us to remote villages in China that are not so well developed and the audience get to see different cultures and beautiful landscapes. In the show, we are given tasks to fulfil, which, when we succeed, decide our fate, like where we will stay, what we will eat. The audience can also see our kids’ reactions on TV, they are innocent and how they react on screen is genuine. Kids on the show learn to do their tasks without their father’s help and work together with other kids as a team to solve the problems given to them. Some dads don’t get to spend a lot of time with their kids,

their interaction with them and what they learn throughout the show is precious. The father and children bond grows after that. BiG: Your kids are in the show roughing it out with you. What do you think they are learning on the show? Wu Chun: This show not only provides entertainment, it is also educational. My kids had to learn to adapt to different environments. Some places we stayed in had cockroaches, bugs, no air con, but they try to adapt. Some of these places don’t even have toilets. In some episodes, we went to farms

and picked our own vegetables and cooked them ourselves. It was interesting to see how my kids learn to be independent and manage their tasks. I feel that my kids also learn to count their blessings and realise that they are very lucky so they shouldn’t complain about what they don’t have. I believe these are all good learning experiences for kids. They also learn about different cultures in China even though we are all Chinese. I find that very meaningful. People have asked me why I do this show with my kids, why don’t I just record my personal time with them and air that? The show involves many cameras, sometimes we can’t see what they are doing behind us but the cameras capture moments that are very often heartwarming. Years from now when my kids look back at these shows, they will remember those moments that we shared. It makes it all worth it. BiG: What are you learning as a parent while filming this show? Wu Chun: Looking after them in those remote places is not the same as looking after them at home in a comfortable house. We are together for 24 hours a day, three days in a row for each episode. I have to figure out how

to guide them and be very patient with them. I also learn to let go let them leave their comfort zone, take risks, try new things. BiG: What kind of dad are you? Wu Chun: I am a nagging, nonstop-talking kind of dad! I like to talk to them about all kinds of things and teach them through conversation. I like to tease them too. I want them to think ‘hey, dad is quite fun too’ and they will listen to me when I give them advice. Sometimes I will be strict. Depends on the situation. I find that it’s not useful to discipline them when they are upset or crying. I will choose a better time when they are calmer to bring up the subject again for reflection and learning. I always tell them that I am not scolding them but teaching them. I never scold them. I would not blame them if they make a mistake. It is our responsibility as parents to guide them and patiently nurture them. I feel that no matter what they choose to do when they grow up, most importantly, they must have good character because then, their direction will always be right. I hope that they will grow up to be cheerful, humble and loving people. They can have a simple life, if they are happy, that’s good enough for me.

Read the full interview on www.borneoinsidersguide.com

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biG talk

On the Write Path Pauline Chan

aji Mohd Rozan bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yunos was a man of service, having poured 30 years of his life in service to the Brunei Government, holding a multitude of positions in various ministries and departments including that of a Permanent Secretary at three ministries. While serving the government, he regularly fed us fascinating tidbits of Brunei’s historical and cultural side via his website, The Brunei Resources. He contributed to the Brunei Times as a columnist giving us fascinating stories about Brunei. Last year, he selected some of those stories and published them in his new book, Monsters, Dragons and Fairies: Myths and Legends from Borneo and Brunei. Now retired from civil service, Rozan is currently teaching as an adjunct lecturer at the Centre for Lifelong Learning at the UBD and pursuing a PhD. Rozan’s present preoccupation with juggling multiple roles as student, teacher and author led us to seek him out for a chat and tea to find out how he finds time to relax. BiG: So, you’re retired but you’re as busy as ever. How do you give your grey cells a rest? Rozan Yunos (RY): I watch Netflix. It is like Astro, but it’s Astro on steroids. [big laugh] Yea, I watch Netflix. You know how hard it is when you’re working and you’re trying to watch anything. BiG: Ah, you’re making up for lost time. RY: When I used to work in the

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government, I used to write a lot of things for Brunei Times, in that sense you know, even my spare time was filled up doing research and all sorts of things. BiG: Is there anything else you would like to learn? RY: Life is about continuously learning and I learn new things all the time. I am always curious about things and I write them down. This whole thing started many years ago at functions, like weddings, Hari Raya, where you get some aunties and uncles who will recount the old days, “Aiyoh, thirty years ago it wasn’t like this, it was like that.” I used to listen to them and then when you get older, they pass on. One day I started thinking that someone has got to write all these down before they all disappear. That’s why I started writing blogs back in the 1990s.

In those days, nobody read them but slowly, I realised that there’s a readership out there so I kept writing and the blog got bigger, then I started a website, www.bruneiresources.com, and moved my writings there and I put up all these little things, you know, these snippets that I learn everyday. Soon, people started to ask me to write for them, that’s when I discovered that writing can be quite lucrative, I didn’t realise that, I was just writing for fun. BiG: Were you the kind who kept a journal? RY: Yes, I am the writer type. It suits me, you know, writing releases your tension. BiG: Do you think our youths and children should be more interested in cultural and historical issues as well?

RY: Well, we can’t force them because that’s something that has to come naturally. I notice people get interested in these things when they grow older. Eventually the younger generation will come around and start asking questions. Even I wasn’t interested in these things when I was younger, like where I am from, who are my extended family, what happened in past generations. I am only interested in all that now at my age. Nowadays I would drive to Kota Kinabalu with my uncles to search for old relatives we haven’t met before. So, I wouldn’t worry so much about the younger ones showing less interest in culture and history. It will happen later.

The above is an excerpt from the full interview with Rozan Yunos which can be read on www.borneoinsidersguide.com.

biG talk

Stages of Life Pauline Chan

zad era s

n Fra

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Faiq Airudin

anz ade ras

n Fra

ver thought of throwing yourself into a musical and sing and dance your heart out? The realm of performing arts is not just for the young but also for the young at heart. Learning new songs, lines and dance steps require coordination and memory and doing all that together is harder than it looks. Practice will, however, make it look easy and bring out the star in you. The founders of Relentless Entertainment, Amy Cheong and Sumardi Hedus, know just what it takes to make a star. The fantastic duo produces two stage musicals a year that provides the much-awaited opportunity for all ages in the country to live their musical dream. Their last show Shrek: The Musical was a colourful extravaganza with a cast of over 50 performers, ages ranging from 7 to 50, and they will be staging another largescale show in February. Since 2008, they have been providing a safe and nurturing environment for children and youth to express themselves through art. They run an 8-week weekend arts programme called Centre Stage for kids from age 6 to 16 to develop

their dance, drama and singing abilities, but that is not all they will learn. According to Amy, “Participation in the arts allows them to grow their self-esteem and self-confidence, developing poise and learning to overcome anxieties.” She has seen how performing arts have helped children “develop reasoning and creative thinking, as well as motivation, concentration and team work” and one of the most obvious benefits of performing is the development of skills in self-presentation. “Parents are usually amazed and surprised at the talent their children have, as well as our ability as educators to bring out the best in their children. We hear stories of our students rehearsing all over the house and working hard to recall scripts, lyrics and dance steps. We also see an improvement in their communication skills and confidence. Our programs and classes truly ignite a love and appreciation for the arts,” said Amy. There are often misconceptions that there is no future in the performing arts in Brunei. Amy feels that what is lacking is the awareness on the value of the arts. “Performance artists in

Brunei work really hard. We are firm believers that Bruneians are talented, they just need a push in the right direction. For the last 10 years, we have been laying the foundations for our local talents and we will continue to push for them to achieve their dreams. We are hopeful that Bruneians will one day be on par with those in the international arena.” Another misconception is that performers are a wild group of people who are hungry for popularity and fame. “This is a funny one! From my experience, performers and those in the creative industry are very disciplined, yes, they have a laugh here and there but because they take their art very seriously, they put in hours and hours of rehearsals to perfect their craft. At the end of the day, they are looking to share their talent and love for the arts through performances.”

Read more of the interview with Amy on www.borneoinsidersguide.com FB: @relentless.entertainment IG: @relentlessbrunei

BiG getaway

Tokyo’s Rising Star Mention Tokyo, and immediately you would think of sumptuous Japanese meals, copious amounts of green teas, insanely beautiful shops and super-fast metros, and if you want to truly unwind, you would head to Kyoto or Hakone where you can luxuriate in one of the ryokans to experience true Japanese hospitality. Things have changed since July 2016, with the opening of Hoshinoya Tokyo – visitors to the city can enjoy a respite from the melee of the Otemachi financial district by checking into this serene accommodation in the historical Imperial Palace precinct. Wan Zainal Abidin

OSHINOYA Tokyo is uniquely an urban ryokan: a traditional Japanese inn located in a 17-storey building. This award-winning design by Japanese starchitect, Rie Azuma of Azuma Architect and Associates, offers breathtaking architecture and stunning interiors in what must be the only tower ryokan that is built in

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metropolis Tokyo. Every walkable surface is finished with tatami mats, while furnishings are fitted out to encourage floor-level relaxation, true to Japanese style. The exterior of the tower is clad in metal lattice of traditional kimono patterns called komon, whose elegant designs can be appreciated up close – giving the hotel building the look of an

elegant jewel box among the adjoining soaring office towers, more evidently at night when the building is illuminated. The hotel offers 84 guest rooms of varying sizes that are split over 14 floors. Each floor is designed to resemble the traditional inn, with its own Ochanoma lounge that lets guests experience a traditional

ryokan experience where onigiri rice balls, delicious Japanese snacks and teas are served at a communal wooden table throughout the day. The two main room types, Yuri and Sakura, can comfortably sleep two guests, while I was assigned the corner room called Kiku - the largest room in the hotel, which is double the size of the standard

rooms. It has a spacious living area, a large low-level day bed and a raised wooden platform that can comfortably fit three single futons. The rooms are handsomely decked out with luxurious bamboo closets, shoji paper sliding doors, jewelcoloured walls, tatami mats, low level fluffy white futon mattresses and glass encased

bathrooms, that frosts for privacy at the flick of a switch. The interiors are all exquisitely detailed to capture the modernity of Tokyo while upholding the rich history and culture of the city. The hotel also sets the tone for indulgence with its choice of dining options. From in-room dining, which is true to the ryokan tradition where guests can enjoy a

leisurely breakfast or dinner in the comforts of their own rooms, to the Ochanoma lounge that serves as an exclusive living and dining room for guests that evokes the charming aura of the traditional Japanese inn, to the dramatic basement restaurant which offers French cuisine that incorporates Japanese artisanship, culinary skills, and seasonal ingredients. This popular restaurant which is opened to non-hotel guests is helmed by chef Noriyuki Hamada—bronze medalist at the 2013 Bocuse d’Or world chef championship, where his fish dish was rated world’s best. The 17th-floor onsen bath, whose waters flow from beneath the hotel is possibly one of the best rooftop hot spring pools in the world, where guests can marvel at the unobstructed view of the sky while enjoying Tokyo’s ever changing seasons. The most recent addition to the hotel’s star attractions is the spa, which was opened in spring 2017. Located

1. Street-level

exterior of the hotel 2. The illuminated exterior 3. Entrance to Hoshinoya Toyko 4. One of the beautifully presented courses served at the Hoshinoya 5. Kiku is the largest guest room in the hotel 6. The Ochanoma Lounge

on the same floor as the rooftop onsen bath, the spa offers Japanese therapies that combine stretching, hot spring dips and massages that will restore and complete the guests’ inner and outer balance. The gentle aroma of seasonal flowers and incense that greet visitors as they wander freely around the hotel and the carefully selected art pieces and collectable art that are peppered around the building, complete the hotel’s sensorial ambience of luxury. With such attention to detail, it is no wonder that the hotel has won numerous awards and accolades in the past year making it one of the most sought after addresses in Tokyo for those in the know.

HOSHINOYA TOKYO 1-9-2, Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo www.hoshinoyatokyo.com

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Eat, Drink

Photos: Lex Yong

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Brunei

Courtyard Pizza & Wraps

All restaurants in Brunei are closed for prayers between noon and 2pm on Fridays.

5, Blk A, Setia Kenangan II, Spg 150-17-20, Kg Kiulap Open daily: 10am–10pm Tel: 673-2444424 IG: @cafe.courtyard FB: Cafe Courtyard

hin crunchy-crusted pizza, bulging wraps, crunchy falafel patties, baked halloumi

Roti Culture 8 & 9, Blk H, Bangunan Pg Menuddin & Anak-anak, Kg Pengkalan Gadong, Batu Bersurat Open: 8am–5pm (closed Monday) Tel: 673-2421000 IG: @roticulturebrunei FB: Roti Culture Brunei

nternational superstar Wu Chun has added another eatery to his growing list of local enterprises with the opening of Roti Culture in Batu Bersurat. The new place is visible from the Tungku Link and every drive pass on that highway is a reminder to pop in for their varieties of roti – roti crispy plain or with egg or onions, roti tissue, murtabak, dosai, chappati and many more variants. Roti Culture is not all about flour and dough, they have a range of local one dish favourites such as laksa, nasi lemak, soto, and some

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signature dishes like their special chicken curry, grilled otak-otak, satay mee hoon, mee rebus and rendang with pulut. Roti Culture is a family restaurant with something for everyone, including the little ones. Their kids menu include a Baby Roti set which is served with chocolate, maple syrup or condensed milk, or even ice cream, and while the kiddies wait for their order, they can amuse themselves at the mini play area set up in the corner.

Cultivate Café & Bistro Grd Flr, Progresif Headquarters, Spg 137-65, Jalan Pasar Baharu Gadong, Gadong Open daily: 8am-6pm Tel: 673-8314427 / 2422421 IG: @cultivate.bistro FB: Cultivate Bistro Bn

hen it comes to lunch, a nice place, good company and excellent food that won’t cost us a trip to the moon is all we need. Luckily for us, there is Cultivate Café and Bistro,

cheese and smooth hummus served with crispy pita bread, these were some of the lunch dishes we had at Courtyard Pizza & Wraps that more than satisfied our curiosity. Enter through their heavy solid door and experience Mediterranean food in an intimate setting with a view of the oven that coaxes their pizzas to perfection. The menu includes pastas, wraps and donner which can be served in freshly made flour tortillas wraps or pita pockets. The wrap orders tend to run large, the Mexican wrap comes with two portions of wraps, bulging with chicken sautéed with enchiladas, onion, bell pepper, black beans, butter rice and jalapenos for that extra spicy kick. For enders, try their honey cake jar or Courtyard brownies.

located at the Progresif HQ in Gadong. Cultivate is not your typical café, you will get to see Progresif radio DJs live at work while dining on a selection of local and western fare. We tried the chef’s pick – the nasi lemak rendang that comes with their signature chicken rendang, peanuts, and a scoop of pickled vegetables and lime chutney with the sambal pusu presented in a wooden mortar. If you’re not ready to commit to a full dish, snack on the banana fritters drizzled in gula Melaka syrup, a total scene stealer! For sipping, there are cold pressed juices and brewed coffees to choose from. Cultivate is a big believer in supporting the locals. They have collaborated with small and medium food companies to house their products. Occasionally, Cultivate also hosts community outreach sessions conducted by the youth, for the youth.

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Eat, Drink Sarawak

Noms Chapter Two

The G Café Outfitted with the Old West and cowboy elements, the G Café is a fun, casual dining spot to cover your whole day’s dining needs. Located at the prime area of Stampin, along the shoulder of busy Jalan Laksamana Cheng Ho that connects City One Megamall and Jalan Song flyover, this fully air-conditioned café offers western and fusion food, and of course, coffee. Their location beside an automobile grooming centre makes them the perfect place to linger and have a dine-while-you-wait-for-car-tobe-washed experience. You can get burgers, pastas, pizzas, salads and a whole lot of cake and desserts, and coffee with delightful coffee art. Check out their FB page that shouts their promotions with humour, and we love their “Watch out! Buy 2 Free 1” cake promotion that happens every Wednesday. 121, Lorong Laksamana Cheng Ho 2A, 93350 Kuching Open daily: 9am–11pm Tel: 6016-5758101 FB: The G Café IG: @thegcafe

If you are familiar with NOMS on Street, the food truck about town, you will be surprised by the food they offer at NOMS Chapter Two. The three gentlemen behind the food truck, Ardeles, Avertino and Kelvin, have set down roots with

Chapter Two and created a whole new menu that features treasures such as Golden Wings drenched in their signature egg yolk sauce, cheesy beef egg rolls, grilled mac and cheese with chicken ham, signature brownies and Filthy Rich fries with chilli beef. If you can’t stay away from salted egg yolk, try their Golden Mess, a chicken thigh burger with the same yellow

Lima.Tujoh Café Quaint, cute and rustic, customers of Lima Tujoh have sung praises of this place housed in a 110-year old heritage shophouse in the Main Bazaar in Kuching and since they opened on August 1 last year, the reviews are glowing. The six

devilish yolky sauce. Their menu is not extensive but the dishes are thoughtfully created and well presented, some paying homage to local ingredients such as the Local Pasta – spaghetti with local midin vegetable, smoked duck, cherry tomatoes and chilli flakes. Expect the place to be full during the weekends as the locals clamour for these guys’ repertoire of comfort food. The place is pork-free. 332, 801-2B Jalan Tun Jugah, 93350 Kuching Open daily: 11am–10pm Tel: 6013-8682138 FB: NOMS Chapter Two IG: @nomschaptertwo

co-owners were inspired by the history of the Upper China Street in that area to open Lima Tujoh Café and Guesthouse and they kept the lot number as the name of the establishment to remind them of the history as they progress. The specialties on the menu include a selection of Nonya-style cuisine, nasi lemak, ayam pansuh and pies, and the food is a collection of the childhood memories and stories from their joint travels. They will add more items to the menu but they intend to keep it simple and introduce more home cooked food prepared by the six owners who are not just business partners but close travel buddies.

Aside from normal coffee drinks, they also serve authentic Vietnamese drip coffee, specially sourced from an independent roaster from Vietnam. The guesthouse receives guests who go there for short stays over the weekend. As avid travellers who look for affordable and clean places to stay when abroad, the owners maintains the guesthouse in the same way to appeal to similar flash packers visiting Kuching. 57, Upper China St, 93000 Kuching Open: 10am-10pm (closed on Mondays) Tel: 6082-231382 FB: Lima.tujoh IG: @limatujoh

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Eat, Drink Sabah Pamela Fletcher

Shoney’s Dining & Bar

Turmeric Café & Restaurant U

ncle Garry’s Recipe, one of Kota Kinabalu’s more popular nasi kerabu eateries, has moved on to greener pastures with the opening of Turmeric Café & Restaurant at the Likas Golf Driving Range. With its new name and location, diners can expect a cozier and more comfortable dining atmosphere but the same delicious signature nasi kerabu that it is famous for. The beautifully blue or yellow tinted rice is served with a choice

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of ayam penyet, fried turmeric mackerel, stuffed squid or rendang Tok. Garnished with half a salted egg, crispy keropok, vegetables, ulam, tumis and sambal, the dish is well-balanced with flavour and freshness. Fried noodles and spicy noodle soups are also available as well as a selection of Nyonya cakes such as kuih tai tai, onde onde, pulut sambal and pulut ubi for dessert. Views of the

driving range and open space outside the restaurant is perfect for a relaxing getaway lunch or dinner from the city which is just a short 5 minute drive away. Premier Golf Centre, Level 1, Kompleks Sukan Likas, 88400 Kota Kinabalu Open: 9pm-9.30pm (closed Mondays except on public holidays) Tel: 6016-8303163

A family restaurant that has been serving up big plate dishes has come up with its biggest creation yet – a 13” burger that can literally feed the entire family and then some. The giant burger at Shoney’s Dining & Bar is packed with juicy slices of beef or chicken (you can also order a mix of both), and layered with crunchy nachos, lettuce, and creamy mayonnaise to pull it all together, was inspired by the owner’s quirky take on the traditional birthday cake she had whipped up for her son a year ago. Now a regular on the menu, the burger is good for up to 8 persons and is destined to become another family favourite at this popular eatery. Advanced booking is required. Another Shoney’s staple is its generous grilled platter with seafood, lamb, chicken, sausages and BBQ ribs that is great for a group meal and value for money. 52, Jalan Gaya, No. 1, Lorong Dewan, Kota Kinabalu Open daily: 11am – 11pm Tel: 6088-297228

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Chicken Clinic The ongoing fascination for all things Korean from K-pop music and drama to food has seen a mushrooming of Korean restaurants in Kota Kinabalu. Chicken Clinic is the latest to open its doors with its offering of traditional Korean dishes and in particular, its special fried chicken. Choose from a variety of sauces such as black sesame, wasabi, cheese and spicy to add an extra dose of flavour to the succulent fried chicken which comes with fries and a shredded cabbage salad. The heat factor in its spicy chicken starts from Level 1

(just nice) to Level 3 (my mouth is on fire!) with an off-the-chart Level 4 and Level 5 available upon request. Chicken Clinic’s Korean chef has managed to bring the authentic flavours of Korea to the table with dishes that will satisfy even the most ardent Korean food addict. And for that something extra, dress up in a traditional hanbok for a photo memory of your hot meal at Chicken Clinic. 45, Grd Flr, Blk F, Plaza 333, Kota Kinabalu Open daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm Tel: 6019-8958122

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ADVERTISERS

Brunei

Guidelines: The restaurants and eateries listed are arranged by food types, and not in order of our preference. Reviews are written from a typical diner’s perspective and written based on actual visits to the establishments listed, without the prior knowledge of the restaurants. Information given on menus, hours or prices may change and should be checked. In Brunei, all restaurants are closed between 12 noon and 2 pm on Fridays. Our Picks Ranging from quick & easy meals to lobster & caviar, these are our favourite haunts around town! Amulya This North Indian restaurant serves our favourite briyani in town. Grd Flr Jln Setia Square Berakas, Kg Jaya Setia (673 233 9230)

Chop Jing Chew Freshly made Roti Kahwin perfectly paired with a teh tarik 10 Spg 5 Jln Gadong, Kg Menglait (673 242 4132) 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

Restoran Makan & Soto Rosmini Our favourite soto hang-out 1 Spg 15, Jln Gadong (673 871 9946) 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) 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 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 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)

D’Annex Café UBD D’Annex Café has been providing parents and children guilt-free desserts since the opening of their first branch at Funzania, and now they’ve given UBD students an option of healthy munchies. The café is conveniently located in a portable cabin by the student centre in UBD, bringing with them a selection of glutenfree cakes and brownies, alongside a daily menu of snacks, pasta and sandwiches. Best news for the late-nighters is that they open at 7am, so students will be able to get a much-needed dose of caffeine from their Duke blend coffee beans from Brunei’s local coffee roaster, Roasted Sip, before class starts. #5 Portable Cabin, Student Center, Universiti BruneI Darussalam, Jln Tungku Link IG: @dannexcafe.bn FB: @dannexcafe

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GALLERY Casbah London Kebab

Pick lamb, chicken, beef or fish and have it dressed and wrapped your way – tikka, kebab, doner or shawarma style! A quick and deliciously meaty meal for hungry diners on the go. OPEN DAILY ; #G2a Grd Flr Times Square Complex, KG JAYA SETIA (673 234 3001) (Times Square Branch) or #204 Spg 210 Kg Lambak, JLN BERAKAS (673 880 3183) – Call for other branches COFFEE BEAN & TEA LEAF

Despite new coffee shops popping up around town, the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf undoubtedly remains the most popular purveyor of caffeine in Brunei with 12 branches throughout the country. This global coffee chain continues to brew their specialty coffee and their ever-popular Ice-Blended coffee drinks for the masses. OPEN DAILY 8am-11pm; #G26 Grd Flr Times Square Shopping Centre, Jln Jaya Setia, BERAKAS (673 233 7358) - 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

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 farmfresh, freshly grilled rotisserie chicken in restaurants in five

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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)

Axtivo Restaurant Spg 13 Hj Uthman Complex, Berakas (673 233 5642) Babu’s Kitchen C44 Blk C Grd Flr Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 245 7868) Bali Pit-Stop 15 &16, Spg 150 Grd Floor, Block A Bangunan Habza, Kuilap (673 720 9992)

01-Nov-17 12:07:03 PM

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

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

Mangrove Paradise Resort Spg 912 Kg Sungai Belukut, Jln Kota Batu (278 6868)

Rice Bowl 72 T.C.Y Building, Batu Bersurat (673 863 0665)

G S Seafood Restaurant Sri Aman Complex, Tutong (673 422 1882)

MY Favoureat Restaurant 9 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Munchit & Hjh Rapiah, Kg Jaya Setia (673 233 9410)

Sapphira Cake House 3 Grd Flr Seri Anigma, Kiulap (673 223 2021)

Golden Leaf Coffee House Blk 1 Grd Flr PAP Hjh Norain Building, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 222 0422)

MyTown Eating House Grd Flr The Crown Princess Complex, Jalan Tutong (673 224 1880)

Seasons Restaurant Lvl 2 The Centrepoint, Gadong (673 242 2291)

Gratitude Café Grd Flr Serusop Complex, Kg Delima Satu (673 234 1123)

Nyonya 3 Grd Flr Bgn Hasbollah, Gadong (673 244 7090)

Anjung Layar Luncur (Nur Wanita Serasa Branch) Simpang 287, Pantai Serasa (673 277 1879)

Impian Rasa Restaurant #5 Bgn Pg Hjh Rafiah Spg 607 Jln Jangsak, Gadong (673 265 3858) – Call for other branches

Old Time Kopitiam G2 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Ibrahim, Kg Menglait (673 244 8282)

Seafood Palace #1, 2 & 3 Blk B An-Nuha Building, Kg Tanjung Bunut (673 267 1299)

Ar Ruhma Restaurant 329 Blk D Bgn Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 242 7847)

Kaka Restaurant 2 & 3 Spg 100 Jln Jerudong (673 267 2333) – Call for other branches

PappaRich Blk G Grd Flr Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 243 2333)

All Seasons Restaurant 17 1st Flr Times Square Shopping Centre, Kg Jaya Setia (673 233 8068) 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)

Chatterbox Kopitiam 2 Grd Flr Bgn Hasbullah 2, Gadong (673 820 1212)

Seaworld Neptune 8 Spg 791, Jerudong (673 261 2613) Sate House unit B9, Block B, Setia Kenangan II, Spg.150, Kiulap, (673 223 1017)

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GALLERY different locations, and remains a local favourite. OPEN DAILY 9am-10pm; Goodwood Building Kg Menglait, GADONG (673 245 5595) – Call for other branches 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

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ADVERTISERS

GALLERY 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) The Colony Tearoom

Chocolate origin If you love chocolate as much as we do, you’ll be happy to learn that Singapore’s Chocolate Origin has branched out to Brunei to woo us with their delectable chocolate desserts that will leave you drooling. Choose from their specialty chocolate cakes, the cuppa lava cake (a glass topped with chocolate cake with chocolate lava oozing out from the inside and divine vanilla ice-cream to be scooped from the bottom), freshly brewed artisan lattes, or just dig into a cup of their velvety smooth dark gelato. Or why choose one at all? Eat as much of that chocolatey goodness as you want (we won’t judge). L1-09 Annajat Complex, Kg Mata-Mata, BSB IG: @chocolateorigin.bn FB: @chocolateorigin.bn 54

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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) SOULed OUT

A hugely popular restaurant chain in Malaysia with a good variety of Western, local, Italian and Northern Indian cuisine. Located by the city’s waterfront, diners can catch the sunset from the al fresco dining area with their signature mojito, rated as the best in Kota Kinabalu. OPEN DAILY: Noon-1am; G-101, Imago Shopping Mall, KK Times Square Phase 2, Off Jalan Coastal Highway, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, SABAH (6016-8299268, 6088-275988)

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Happy Cream Scoop Shop Take a sweet respite from shopping by indulging in a scoop of happiness at Happy Cream Scoop Shop – that offers 20 delectable ice-cream flavours made with quality ingredients and zero preservatives by local premium ice-cream brand Happy Cream & Co. The scoop shop is located on the 1st floor of The Mall Gadong, so shoppers can buy a cone or cup to lick away while windowshopping or you can bring them home in pints or minis for some postshopping munchies! Classic flavours are available here including vanilla beans, chocolate and cookies and cream, or give your tastebuds an adventure with their unique flavours like pandan, earl grey and teh tarik. #1.35A, The Mall Abdul Razak Complex, Jln Gadong IG: @happycream.co FB: Happy Cream & Co.

Spicy Curry & Wraps from Arabic to Indian cuisine, check out these restaurants if you like a spicy kick to your meals.

Lotus Family Restaurant 27B Grd Flr Delima Jaya Complex, Berakas (673 234 2049)

Amsarra Shawarma & Espresso Grd Flr Airport Mall, Kg Jaya Setia (673 731 8545)

Rajah’s Restaurant 3 Grd Flr Blk A Bangunan PAP Umi Kalthum, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 224 0379)

Bombay Palace estaurant #9 Grd & 1st Flr Blk B Bgn Pg Mainuddin & Anak2, Batu Bersurat (673 242 7313)

Saffron Restaurant 8 Blk C Shakirin Complex, Kiulap (673 223 5888)

CA Mohd Unit 11/12, Ground Floor, Block A,Warisan Complex, Delima Satu, Berakas A, Brunei-Muara(673 2330915) 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)

Sameer Restaurant & Catering G1 Grd Flr Sg Akar Sentral, Berakas (673 233 6613) Spices ReStaurant #1 Grd Flr Blk A Aman Complex, Jln Muara (673 233 0081) Sugar ‘n’ Spice Ground Floor Block B, Simpang 150-5-13-18, Bangunan Setia Kenangan II Kampong Kiulap, Brunei BE1518

Le Taj 2-3 2nd Flr Seri Kiulap Complex, The Wrap Kiulap #2 Jerudong Park Food (673 223 8996) Court, Jerudong

Ya Nur Restaurant #7 1st Flr Bgn Hj Tahir 2, Kg Menglait (673 871 9986) Zaika Restaurant A4 Lot 308 Bgn Maju Jln Bunga Raya, Kuala Belait (673 334 7430) Western Food Italian pizzas, American steaks and burgers, British cottage pies – we list down the restaurants that serve the best from the west. Bello Café L1/12 Seri Kiulap Mall, KIULAP (673 223 3989) Buccaneer Steak House 92-93 (B) 94 Grd Flr Jln McKerron, Kuala Belait (673 333 0406) 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) Countrypatch Café 3 Grd Flr Blk D Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kiulap (673 223 2368) – Call for other branches Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG listings De’ Olde Cottage 2 Grd Flr Blk C Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 242 6982) – Call for other branches Deli-Bites Royal Brunei Recreation Club (Poolside Terrace) Jln Terunjing Lama, Berakas (673 877 928)

Flapjack House #6 Bagn Majid Mohamad Jln Pasar Baharu, Kg Kiarong (673 245 0987) 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)

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)

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GALLERY The Empire Hotel & Country Club Atrium Café

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

Bus 365 and Café Come onboard Bus 365 and Café, an eatery that features a bus across the length of the ground floor, which is actually where the cooks prepare your meals. The minimalist and modern interior of both the ground and first floors are far superior than the usual buses we’ve boarded, and there are no stops here, but people do stop here for some good selections of Asian cuisine with generous portions, which include a single steamboat menu for those who like to DIY their meal and their Taiwan Beef noodle soup. So make sure you have enough bus fare and make sure you don’t miss this bus and get on this bus (okay we’ll stop now). #8 Grd & 1st Flr Blk A Serusop Complex, Serusop, BSB IG: @bus365_at_beefstop FB: @bus365 56

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

Offering semi buffet meals combined with daily specials, the elegant Pantai Restaurant offers a Daily Asian buffet dinner from 6pm to 9pm with a wide variety of tantalising options to choose from, or enjoy a midday meal with the family at their popular Weekend Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. OPEN 6.30pm-10pm (closed Thursdays) / 11am3pm (Weekend Brunch) Pool Deck

Located at the Beachfront on Level 1, enjoy the breeze from the beachside while you sip on cool

biG listings Mama Wong’s B25 Grd Flr Bgn Habza Spg 150, Kg Kiarong (673 729 0877) Paddington House of Pancakes 3&4 Spg 58, Berakas (673 233 1668)

RMS Diner A5 Lot 308 Bgn Maju Jln Bunga Raya, Kuala Belait (673 334 7455) RBC Lifestyle #44Jln Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien, BSB (673 223 1466)

Swensen’s 2.34-2.36 2nd Flr The Mall, Gadong (673 245 1864)

Beanery & Co #81 A/1 Grd Flr, Jln Bunga Rambai, Kuala Belait (673 334 7772)

Wing-It #16 Grd Flr Citis Square, Kg Jaya Setia (673 722 4999)

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)

Pastamania #9 Grd Flr Blk H Abdul Razak Complex, Gadong (673 245 7441) – Call for other branches

Rovansil Restaurant #36-38 1st Flr Citis Square, Kg Jaya Setia (673 233 7129)

Coffee & Cafes Gourmet, premium-grade, specialty coffee – this list accommodates the best of the burgeoning local coffee industry.

Pepper Lunch Brunei C9/10 Grd Flr Setia Kenangan II, Kg Kiulap (673 225 3000)

Red Canopy Café #5 Blk C Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 245 3878)

Another Café #2 Grd Flr Blk A Bgn Hj Abd Rahman & Hjh Siti Ajar, Kiulap (673 223 3593)

Qasehmaisara Café House #206-209 2nd Flr Plaza Athirah, Jln Kubah Makam DiRaja (673 278 9898)

Sorriso Restaurant & Pizzeria 14 Blk B Grd Flr Regent Square, Kiulap (673 223 3030)

Baristas by Modesto Grd Flr Foor Areana Seri Q-Lap Mall, Kg Kiulap (673 720 3777/223 7771)

Caffé Verve #6A Spg 68, Jln Batu Bersurat (673 875 7382) Countrypatch Café 3 Grd Flr Blk D Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kiulap (673 223 2368) – call for other branches Fleur-de-lys L1/1 Seri Q-Lap Mall, Kiulap (673 223 1777) – call for other branches

ADVERTISERS

GALLERY 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

Stressed Milkshake Bar What’s the anadrome of ‘stressed’? Desserts! And what’s the best dessert beverage out there? Milkshakes! This funky little milkshake bar just opened up in August last year concocting milkshakes like no other, following a simple three-step BYOD (buildyour-own-drinks) procedure to ensure that you get the milkshake you want, so you get to choose your desired size, flavour and sauce or topping (and for the extreme milkshake drinkers, you can choose three different flavours in one upgraded sized milkshake). And with more than 30 flavours to choose from, this a milkshake bar that would definitely bring all the boys (and girls) to the yard. G-10 Grd Flr, Plaza Abdul Razak, Batu Satu IG: @stressedbn

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG listings

ADVERTISERS

GALLERY private room is available upon request for special occasions. OPEN DAILY 6am-6pm Zen Pavilion

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

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

Games & Lattes Café #E9 Grd Flr Blk E Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap (673 223 5200)

Ner Dee Café #F11 1st Flr Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap (673 721 4977)

Gloria Jean’s Coffee G17 Citis Square, Berakas (673 233 8452)

Peppermint Café Lim Eng Ming Complex Blk D, Kg Kiulap Beribi (673 8221888)

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 AlWarasah, Muara Town (673 277 2424) – call for other branches Kapra Coffee #26 Grd Flr Blk C Spg 440, Jln Muara (673 234 5656)

Roti Culture 58

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Kitchen of Jasmine by Aranda Café #17, Blk E, Atiya Complex, Spg 100, Jln Jerudong (673 899 7333)

Piccolo Café #11 Jln McArthur, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 224 1558) Rack & Brew #9 Blk H 1st & 2nd Flr Abdul Razak Complex, Gadong (673 729 9668) 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)

biG listings

Cultivate Cafe The Frenz Café Grd Flr #13 Blk A Q-lap Complex, Kg Kiulap (673 279 1374) The Krema Coffee #D31 Lim Eng Ming Complex Blk D, Kg Kiulap (673 897 3600)

Club, Jerudong (673 241 8888) Dynasty Restaurant Grd Flr The Centrepoint Hotel, Gadong (673 243 0185)

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

The Horizons Seafood Restaurant Blk H Yayasan Complex Waterfront Side, Bandar Seri Begawan

Sweet As Sara Unit 7A, Ground Floor, Setia Kenangan II, Spg 150-17-20, Kiulap, Bandar Seri Begawan

I-Lotus 20 Spg 12-26 Perumahan Rakyat Jati, Kg Rimba (673 242 2466)

Divine Dining Exquisite meals in beautiful settings – perfect for special occasions

Lobby Lounge The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 241 8888)

Atrium Café The Empire Hotel & Country

Pantai Restaurant The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 241 8888)

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)

Go Green Healthy and vegetarian friendly options

Tien Hsing Vegetarian Restaurant Bangunan Hj Abdullah, Jalan Gadong, Menglait

Brunei Detox Bar Abdul Razak Complex, 31, BE3519, Bandar Seri Begawan BE3519

TCVH VEGETARIAN House 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)

Quick Eats Fast and delicious meals for those on the go

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)

Bento Brothers #B19 Blk B Bgn Habza Spg 150, Kg Kiulap (673 2236800)

Phongmun Restaurant 2nd Flr Teck Guan Plaza Jln Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 222 9561)

Nasi Katok Mama Express 3 Blk A Grd Flr Kompleks Madang, Madang (673 864 1681)

Sui Heng Restaurant Grd Flr Hj Munchit & Hjh Rapiah Complex, Kg Jaya Setia (673 233 8321)

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG listings

Sabah & Sarawak The restaurants and eateries listed are arranged by food types, and not in order of our preference. Reviews are written from a typical diner’s perspective and written based on actual visits to the establishments listed, without the prior knowledge of the restaurants. Information given on menus, hours or prices may change and should be checked. Credit Cards : AE | American Express MC | MasterCard V | Visa

Eat (Sabah) 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)

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) K. Sanba’s Curry Specials Blk F Lorong Plaza Utama 1 Alamesra, Kota Kinabalu (6016 833 2308) Kampung Nelayan Taman Tun Fuad Bukit Padan, Kota Kinabalu (6088 256 001) Kirishima Japanese Restaurant Cititel Express No 1 Jln Singgah Mata 1 Asia City, Kota Kinabalu (6088 217 868) Kohinoor North Indian Restaurant Lot 4 The Waterfront Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 235 160) Korean Club Restaurant 4 Jln Aru, Kota Kinabalu (6088 232 213) Kudos Bistro 69 Gaya Street (inside Jesselton Hotel), Kota Kinabalu (6088 313 366) La Fuente G-816 Grd Flr 1 Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 488 000) 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

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

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

Hot Rod Sausage House No 1-G-02 Blk A Warisan Square, Kota Kinabalu (6016 804 3999)

Mad Ben Café Lot 121, Jalan Gaya, 88000 Kota Kinabalu (6088 255 073) - classic western food

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Mai Yai Thai Orchid Restaurant Lot 13 KK Waterfront, Kota Kinabalu (6088 234 841) Mdm Ing Fish Noodle Lot 21 Towering Koidupan Perdana Jln Tambunan, Penampang (6016 831 8726) Mr Ho’s Fine Foods L-72-G Grd Flr Blk L KK Times Square Phase 1, Kota Kinabalu (6088 222 623) Nagasaki Japanese Restaurant No 19 Grd Flr Bangunan Harrison Jln Hj Saman, Kota Kinabalu (6088 216 623) Nam Chai Restaurant Bah Kut Teh 10 Blk D Bdr Nam Tung, Sandakan (6089 612 603) Nan Yang Chic Kut Teh Grd Flr Lot 47 Jln Pantai, Kota Kinabalu (6016 833 5722) Natural Kitchen Lot No B10 & B11, Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 487 180) Nishiki Japanese Restaurant Shop 4 Grd Flr 63 Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu (6088 230 582) October Coffee House Blk B The Peak Vista Lorong Puncak 1 Tjg Lipat, Kota Kinabalu (6010 346 954) Open Kitchen Grd Flr, Unit 8, Blk 1, Metro Town, 88300 Kota Kinabalu Tel: (6088) 254 161 - Asian food incorporating health conscious ingredients

Pancake House Concourse Flr 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 448 110) Lot G94-94A Karamunsing Complex, Kota Kinabalu (6088 319 168) Party Play 117 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 311 210) Pasta Pasta 108 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6014 371 4665) Peppermint Vietnamese Cuisine No. 85 Grd Flr Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6012 802 4582)

Port View Seafood Village Lot 18 The Waterfront Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 221 753) Restaurant Baba & Nyonya Recipe Blk E Grd Flr Grand Millennium Plaza, Penampang (6016 810 8206) Restoran Makanan Sedap No 1-0-1 Blk B Jln Kolam Centre Phase 2 Jln Lintas, Kota Kinabalu (6088 247 459)

Sailors Lot 36 1st Flr Grand Millennium Plaza, Penampang (6088 731 960) Sakura Japanese Restaurant G-23A & G-25, Oceanus Waterfront Mall Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, 88000 Kota Kinabalu (6088) 273 604 - Japanese cuisine Santola Café Lot 14 Blk B Damai Point, Kota Kinabalu (6088 260 188)

biG listings

Seng Hing Restaurant Ruang Sinsugan 2, Kota Kinabalu (6088 211 594) Seremban Seafood Restaurant Lot 126 Blk O Plaza Permai, Kota Kinabalu (6088 484 922) Suang Tain Seafood Restaurant Lot 12 Blk A Grd Flr SEDCO Complex, Kota Kinabalu (6088 223 080) Supul Korean BBQ Restaurant Lot S-1-8 1st Flr City Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 448 844)

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

Yoshimi Japanese Restaurant Warisan Square, Kota Kinabalu (6088 488 388)

Vino Vino Bistro Unit J-57, 1st Flr, KK Times Square, 88100 Kota Kinabalu (6088) 486 363 - non-halal European fare with extensive wine collection

Yu Kee Bak Kut Teh 74, Jln Gaya, 88000, Kota Kinabalu (6088 221 192) - All pork dishes served in herbal soup

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

Eat (Sarawak)

Yamagoya Ramen Lot 109 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 253 701)

A One Seafood Restaurant Lrg Chew Siik Hiong 1, Sibu (6084 215 803)

Absolute Tribal Restaurant Hills Shopping Mall, Kuching (6082 237 468) Alfian Restaurant 52 Pekan Marudi, Marudi (6085 755 215) All Joy Café 8-1 Jln Khoo Hun Yeang, Kuching (6082 243 535)

Aroma Café 126 Jln Tabuan, Kuching (6082 417 163)

Bites by the Batik 38 Jln Pandungan, Kuching (6082 422 845)

Asian Express Restaurant G40 The Spring, Kuching (6082 414 088)

Bla Bla Bla 27, Jln Tabuan, 93000 Kuching (6082 233 944) - Chinese-inspired fusion dishes

Bee Hiong Restaurant Café 157G Jln Muhibbah, Lawas (6085 285 137)

Apollo Seafood Centre 4 Jln Yu Seng Selatan, Miri (6085 420 813)

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

Apple Restaurant 78 Jln Tun Ahmad Zaidi, Bintulu (6086 333 377)

Bismi Restaurant 27 Jln Sommerville, Bintulu (6086 331 835)

Boardriders Café Plaza Merdeka Jln Pearl, Kuching (6082 237 526)

Chicken Clinic

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG listings

Turmeric Cafe & Restaurant Boulevard Restaurant 2228 Jln Saberkas, Lutong (6085 653 175)

Café Min Xin Lot 1126-27 Riam Comm Centre, Miri (6085 628 839)

Chef at Home Lorong Green 1 Blk 10, Kuching (6016 858 5159)

Buenas Filipino Lechon & Restaurant 329 Jln Tj Batu, Bintulu (6086 310 860)

Capital Restaurant 86 Jln Keppel, Bintulu (6086 331 160)

Chuan Hong Restaurant 123 Jln Council Saman (6083 322 466)

Café Café at Original Carwash Lot 211-214, Section 9, KTLD, Rubber Rd, Kuching (6082 256 396) - Asian and western fare including Nyonya and Foochow cuisine 62

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Carvery Restaurant Jln Abell, Kuching (6082 239 449) 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)

Da Mi Xiang Gu Tou Bao Restaurant Tabuan Hts Comm Centre, Kuching (6082 458 952) Dynasty Chinese Restaurant Oil Town Comm Complex, Miri (6085 424 000) Earthlings Coffee Workshop Coffee shop, roaster, academy Lot 45, Grd Flr, No.1, CityONE Megamall, Jln Song

East Court Chicken Rice 867 Jln Club SAman (6083 326 818) Eden Everise Wisma Nation Horizon, Block C, Kuching (6016 888 4522) Escobar SF3 Damai Cenral Pantai Damai Santubong, Kuching (6014 288 1160) Fac Bravo Restaurant 7778 Jln Sultan Iskandar, Bintulu (6086 316 920)

Farley Restaurant 1721 Jln Salim, Sibu (6019 816 3052) Feast & Furious Café 244, Jln Tunku Abdul Rahman (6016 2620916) Fisherman Restaurant 4 Jln Chew Geok Lin, Sibu (6084 316 888) Fratini’s Restaurant 2512 Jln Boulevard 3, Miri (6085 431 115)

biG listings 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) Hock Chu Leu Restaurant 28 Jln Tukang Besi, Sibu (6084 316 524)

Chicken Clinic 64

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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 (6082 412 210) Jubilee Restaurant 49G Jln India, Kuching (6082 245 626) Khan’s Bilal Restaurant 229-G Jln Maju, Miri (6085 418 440)

Kim Bay HK Macau Restaurant Boulevard Shopping Mall Jln Datuk Tawi, Kuching (6082 239 308) 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)

Lyn’s Thandoori Restaurant 7 Jln Song Thian Cheok, Kuching (6082 234 934)

Lim Hock Ann 96 1 Jln Kg Kuntal, Kuching (6082 846 533)

Mango Tree Restaurant Jalan Crookshank, Kuching (6082 235 353)

Lok Thian Restaurant 317 Jln Padungan, Kuching (6082 3313 310)

Map Restaurant Bang Terminal, Kuching (6082 459 087)

Lu Lai Vegetarian 3641, Lrg 2 Off Jln Rock, Kuching (6082 242 863) Lucky Restaurant 65C G Pekan Marudi, Marudi (6085 755 562)

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

biG listings 56, Upper China Street, D’tea Pin Pin Café Pavilion, Friendship Park Jln 18 Jln Krokong Bau Song, Kuching (6016 858 6669) (6082 763 486) Nam Hoi Restaurant Pinang Nyonya 110 Jln Penrissen Bt 7, Kuching Non-halal nyonya cuisine (6082 612 379) 18, Grd Flr, 2nd Precinct, Orion Tropical Jln Setia Raja 93450 Jln Merpati, Miri Kuching (6082 459 162) (6085 417 417) Popular Corner Seafoods Padungan Restaurant Restaurant 268 Jln Tunku Abd Rahman, Bda Shahida Commercial Kuching (6082 233 417) Centre, Bintulu (6086 319 688) Patz Dayak Home Cook Special New Full 3 Foodcourt, Stutong Portico (next to Giant Hypermart, 17A Lorong Park Lane, Tabuan Jaya) Kuching (6016 864 4763) (6019 819 8046)

Pot & Grill Restaurant 9 Jln Tun Abd Rahman Yaakub, Kuching (6082 425 525)

Salleh’s Corner Café RPR Phase 2 Shoplot Jln Astana Petra Jaya, Kuching (6012 807 8033)

Rejang Restaurant 6 Lrg Lanang 2 Sibu (6016 860 2636)

Sea View Restaurant G Pusat Tmn SDagang, Bintulu (6086 334 929)

Robata Yaki 493 Jln Rambutan, Kuching (6082 235 372)

Seventy2 Restaurant 894 Jln Permaisuri, Miri (6085 366 318)

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

Shabu-kun Restaurant 253 Jln Tj Bt, Bintulu (6086 317 311)

Sheraton Restaurant Sajian Warisan Restaurant 37 Psn Brooke, Sibu 537 Jln Gartak, Miri (6084 336 341) (6085 429 911) 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)

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)

Tong Lok Restaurant 1367 Jln Buangsiol, Limbang (6085 216 188)

Yun Yan Restaurant Stutong Comm Centre, Kuching (6082 366 115)

Tong Xin Court Restaurant 151 Lrg Datuk Abang Abd Rahim 5a, Kuching (6082 482 252)

Zhun San Yen Vegetarian Food Lot 165 Jln Chan Ann, Kuching (6082 230 068)

IDEAL CAFÉ & GRILL GP-Goodwood Building Tel: +673 2453254 +673 2455595 IDEAL CAFÉ & GRILL Abdul Razak Complex Tel: +673 2420596 +673 2456244 IDEAL CAFÉ & GRILL Delima Jaya Complex Tel: +673 2341104 +673 2341493 IDEAL CAFÉ & GRILL Petani Mall Tutong Tel: +673 4220745 Fax: +673 4220744

Gelato

Shoney’s

IDEAL CAFÉ & GRILL Mentiri Tel: +673 4220745 Fax: +673 4220744

Belgium Wafﬂe

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG essentials

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Taxis Information

Centre

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

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

Water

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

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

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

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

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 EMERGENCY Police 993 Fire 995 Ambulance 991 Directory enquiries 113 Darussalam Hotline 123 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

Unit 1.45B, First Floor The Mall, Abdul Razak Complex Gadong, Brunei, BE3519 Tel: (673) 245 7700

Opening Hours: 10am - 10pm www.missha.net

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

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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.

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

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

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

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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Dewan Bahasa (Library)

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7 The Royal Regalia 10 mins

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5 mins

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Police Station

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Bus Terminal

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Chinese Temple

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Gadong Night Market (Pasar Pelbagai Barangan Gadong)

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Borneo.Insiderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.Guide

CLASS

ISSESSIINON

School of Rock (2003)

Educating is on our minds in this issue of BiG magazine and for this reason, we’ve compiled a list of movies that is (in our opinion) all about educating people in and out of the classroom - through life lessons, poetry, football, and even rock n’ roll. So pay attention, read on and let’s hope that these movies teach and inspire a little something in you, and as they have in us here at BiG.

Intan Abu Daniel

Starring Jack Black, Mike White and Joan Cusack Directed by Richard Linklater Life lesson “Don’t let the man bring you down.” - Lawrence

Dewey (Jack Black) just wants to be a rock star, but after getting kicked out of his band and threatened with eviction, his dreams aren’t going anywhere. Faking his way into a substitute teaching job at a prestigious prep school, he discovers that the fifth-grade students under his care are amazingly talented musicians and forms them into a rock band to get his own dreams back on track. He starts schooling them on rock n’ roll, but in a classic ‘teacher becomes the student’ twist, discovers that there’s more to life than being a rock n’ roll star. A movie that highlights the importance of art education, this is a heartwarming comedy for all ages – with a killer soundtrack to boot.

Mr. Holland’s Opus (1995) Dead Poets Society (1989) Starring Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard and Ethan Hawke Directed by Peter Weir Life lesson “Seize the day. Make your lives extraordinary.” – John Keating

You can’t think about inspiring teachers without thinking of that classic film that has inspired us all to stand on our desks and seize the day. Set in 1969, the movie centers on a group of students who attend a conservatory academy for boys. Things get shaken up when they meet their new English teacher, John Keating (Robin Williams in one of his best roles), an unconventional man who tells the boys to rip up their textbooks because poetry isn’t found in a book but within themselves. Under his tutelage the boys begin a secret club called the Dead Poets Society, a poetry club that has the boys sneaking out at night to recite poetry to each other. Inspiring, uplifting and heartbreaking all at once – this movie itself is poetry and tells you that you can follow your dreams, no matter the obstacles. 72

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Starring Richard Dreyfuss, Glenne Headly and Jay Thomas Directed by Stephen Herek

Life lesson “We are your symphony, Mr. Holland. We are the melodies and the notes of your opus. We are the music of your life.” – Gertrude Lang

This is a movie about composer and music teacher Glenn Holland (Richard Dreyfuss), whose one aspiration is to compose a classical masterpiece. The movie spans Mr. Holland’s 30year career as a high school music teacher, from his initial reluctance, to his burgeoning passion, to his heart-soaring ending. Throughout his career, and through his own personal hardships, Mr. Holland’s love for music never wanes, and in teaching generations of students about the joy of music, becomes an iconic teacher to many of his students. Any generation of students can attest that there’s a Glenn Holland in every school who will go through any length to inspire a student to be the best they can be, and this is why this movie remains as inspirational today as when it was first released.

Remember the Titans (2000)

Starring Denzel Washington, Will Patton and Wood Harris Directed by Boaz Yakin

Life lesson “I don’t care if you like each other or not, but you will respect each other. And maybe we’ll learn to play this game like men.” – Coach Boone

It’s 1971, and schools in Virginia that have been segregated by race for generations are now under federal law to integrate. Leading the way is African-American football coach Herman Boone (Denzel Washington), who takes over as head coach of a newly formed team of racially integrated football players. A heartlifting movie based on true events, this football team becomes a unifying symbol for the distrustful community around them, and as the boys learn to play together, respect one another, and ultimately trust one another, the adults find that they can do the same too.

To Sir, with Love (1967)

Starring Sidney Poitier, Judy Geeson and Christian Roberts Directed by James Clavell

Life lesson “Who are you? Do you see you the way you want to be seen? Then you must see character in yourself, discipline in yourself, determination in yourself, to survive with dignity no matter how tough the world is around you.” – Mark Thackeray Based on the largely autobiographical novel by E.R. Braithwaite, this is a movie about an out-of-work engineer in the 1960’s who takes a teaching job at a school in London’s tough East End. Mark Thackeray (Sidney Poitier) has more than education on his plate: the graduating class is brash and

Good Will Hunting (1997)

Starring Matt Damon, Robin Williams, Stellan Skarsgård and Ben Affleck Directed by Gus Van Sant Life lesson “My boy is wicked smart.” - Morgan

Education isn’t always found in the classroom, as told by this touching tale about a wayward young man named Will Hunting (Matt Damon, who wrote this Oscar-winning script with co-star Ben Affleck) who also happens to be a self-taught mathematical genius. Will is discovered solving an impossible mathematical equation while working as a janitor at M.I.T, and is taken under the wing of Professor Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgård) to unleash his full potential. But Will has internal problems that can’t be solved by any textbook, and when therapist Sean Maguire (Robin Williams) is enlisted to guide him, Will faces a daunting task of confronting his past to move forward with his future.

Dangerous Minds (1995) Mona Lisa Smile (2003) Starring Julia Roberts, Kirsten Dunst and Julia Stiles Directed by Mike Newell Life lesson “Not all who wander are aimless. Especially not those who seek truth beyond tradition, beyond definition, beyond the image.” – Betty Warren

Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993)

undisciplined, but Thackeray is more than up to the task, and begins to force the students to learn to treat each other, and themselves, with respect. This is not a perfect film by any stretch but it’s a film that shows you how a good teacher can affect even the most undisciplined of students. It also comes with a title song (performed by Lulu who is also in the movie) that will have you serenading your own inspiring teacher.

In 1953, during a time when women’s roles were mostly relegated to the home, a free-spirited art history professor named Katherine Ann Watson (Julia Roberts) takes a teaching job at the prestigious Wellesley College – a conservative all-girl institution with a reputation for academic excellence. Yet despite the fact that all the students in her class are very bright, their success is measured more by how well they marry rather than their grades. Under her guidance, Watson encourages the girls to look beyond their traditional roles and reach their potential – regardless of what society expects from them. Funny, frustrating and heart-warming, this one is for the girls ready to break the glass ceiling and will hopefully, motivate others to do the same.

Starring Whoopi Goldberg, Maggie Smith and Lauryn Hill Directed by Bill Duke Life lesson “If you want to be somebody, if you want to go somewhere, you better wake up and pay attention.” - Deloris

In a sequel that is completely different from its predecessor, showgirl Deloris (Whoopi Goldberg) is asked by the sisters to don the habit once more as Sister Mary Clarence so she can teach music to a group of students in a rundown school on the brink of closing down. Realising her rowdy students are actually amazing singers, in particular the rebellious Rita (Lauryn Hill), Deloris trains the choir to complete in the state championships against all odds, in the hope that her students will achieve a victory for the school, and for themselves. This is a pretty wonderful movie that shows you that if you have the talent and are willing to work hard, you can do anything.

Starring Michelle Pfeiffer, George Dzundza and Courtney B. Vance Directed by John N. Smith Life lesson “Sometimes it takes a lot of wrong answers to get a right.” – LouAnne Johnson

Based on the autobiography of LouAnne Johnson (Michelle Pfeiffer), this is the story of an ex-marine who takes on a temporary job at a high school, and on her first day finds herself in a classroom full of underprivileged, troublesome and sullen teenagers who refuse to engage with her. Rather than give up, she goes back to the school (in a leather jacket this time), and begins to use unconventional methods of teaching – from bribing them to using karate moves to reciting Bob Dylan lyrics - to gain her students’ trust. The fish-out-of-water teacher trope has been used umpteen times, but when executed right, it can turn into one hell of a movie, and this is especially true of Dangerous Minds – a remarkable movie that teaches you to never give up, even if you have to break conventional rules to do it. The movie also introduced us to Coolio, but we should learn to forgive them for that. Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG screen

Movies to look out for this quarter FEB

MAR

Early Man Cast: Maisie Williams, Eddie Redmayne, Tom Hiddleston

JAN Black Panther Cast: Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong’o, Michael B. Jordan When T’Challa (Boseman) returns home, he is challenged by two dividing factions in his country. To take his rightful place as the new King of Wakanda and prevent his enemies from destroying the kingdom, he has to team up with both the C.I.A’s Agent Ross (Freeman) and Wakanda’s special forces, the Dora Milaje, and suit up as the Black Panther.

Are you a fan of the classic British clay animation Shaun The Sheep or Wallace and Gromit? If you are, you’re going to love Early Man! The film is about a caveman named Dug (voiced by Redmayne) and his sidekick Hognob who fight to save their stone-aged home from being destroyed by Lord Nooth (voiced by Hiddleston).

Red Sparrow Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Mary-Louise Parker, Joel Edgerton The Russian intelligence service trains female officers to use their body as a weapon in an institution called the ‘Sparrow School’. When ballerina Dominika Egorova (Lawrence) is recruited, her first mission is to target a CIA agent.

MAR

Pacific Rim: Uprising

JAN

MAR

Cast: John Boyega, Scott Eastwood, Rinko Kikuchi

JAN

Insidious: The Last Key Cast: Lin Shaye, Javier Botet, Josh Stewart

Paddington 2

In a quiet town of New Mexico, young Elise Rainier had an unsettling encounter with a skeletal spectre described to have keys on its fingertips. When the current Elise (Shaye) returns home many years later, she will unveil the demonic, supernatural threat that the key holds.

Cast: Brendan Gleeson, Sally Hawkins, Ben Whishaw Paddington is now happily living with the Browns and has become quite the local celebrity in Windsor Gardens. He picks up a series of odd jobs to buy the perfect present for his Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday but it gets stolen.

Tomb Raider

A Wrinkle In Time Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, Gugu Mbatha-Raw When astrophysicist, Dr. Alex Murry (Pine), disappears, his daughter, Meg Murry (Storm Reid) together with her brother and her friend, embark on a voyage across the universe with three celestial beings in the quest of the missing parent.

MAR

Cast: Alicia Vikander, Walton Goggins, Dominic West Lara Croft (Vikander) is a fiercely independent daughter of a missing adventurer. Determined to solve his mysterious disappearance, she goes to the island off the coast of Japan where he was last seen and must push herself beyond her limits to survive her mission.

In the sequel to the first Pacific Rim in 2013, a former jaeger pilot, Jake Pentecost (Boyega), reunites with Mako Mori (Kikuchi) to lead a new generation of heroes as Jaeger pilots against a new Kaiju threat.

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