Jul // Sep 2019
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Editor’s Note A
nother quarter of the year gone, another issue of BiG magazine. This July, with the ghosts of Hari Raya’s assortment of delicious kueh still on our hips, we turn to the only thing that can snap us out of our sugar-crazed state: fitness. We’ve been to all the classes – now we’re just looking to get inspired. And in Brunei, what’s more inspiring than the nation’s fittest female? We sit down with Nina Juna to find out what makes this Crossfit Queen tick. On the other side of the island, we focus on two individuals set to make a change in the athletics sports world in Sabah: Louis Pang, who carried the Sabah cycling team to new heights against all odds; and Raynold Peter, who is carving the way forward for young champions with the Humansport Athletics Club. Over in Sarawak, we set our sights on those eschewing the traditional forms of exercise with a new fitness revolution, putting a spotlight on the trendiest workouts in the Cat City: boxing, BJJ, and group fitness classes with The Jungle Body. We also sit down and talk with Mohammad Vol who - aside from taking fantastic bird and nature photos – is also one heck of a mountain trekker. We talk to him as he prepares to undergo the grueling K2 Gondogoro La Trek – one of the most savage trails in the world, with one of the best views. We were also fortunate to go on two trips this issue. Our publisher Wan Zainal took a sojourn to Seoul and enjoyed the luxury of Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, while our Assistant Editor Sheyenne took a quick trip to Kuala Lumpur to check out what’s going on in the world of medical tourism. We thank the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) for taking us on this lovely, eyeopening trip. And so the third quarter of the year is among us, Ramadan and Hari Raya is done and dusted, Game of Thrones has finally ended, but we’ve got a lot more coming up this year to be excited about. Check out our website, borneoinsidersguide.com, to see what we get up to in between issues, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates. Until then, we’ll see you in October!
@b.i.g.magazine BIG: Borneo Insider’s Guide @bigborneo Publisher
CHMP MEDIA Editor-At-Large
Wan Zainal Shazali Editor
Intan Abu Daniel Assistant Editor
Sheyenne Siah Designer
Novri Rinaldi Assistant Designer
Aqilah Hj Abu Bakar Intern
Zulhelmi Kamaluddin Editorial
Pamela Fletcher Irene Chan Brunei | biG
biG stands for Borneo Insider’s Guide. It is a quarterly magazine that aims to entertain and share with readers the best there is to offer on lifestyle and travel in enigmatic Borneo and beyond. It is distributed at travel fairs, international events and Brunei high commissions abroad. biG is available at the arrival hall of Brunei International Airport, Brunei Tourism offices, Royal Brunei Airlines business class, all hotels, popular food and beverage outlets and foreign missions in Brunei. biG has a distribution network in the neighbouring states through the Sabah and Sarawak Tourism Boards as well as via prominent hotels in the respective capitals. Besides being Brunei’s very own publication for bridging its residents with a myriad of commercial and cultural offerings within the country, each issue also serves as the world’s window into the rich tapestry of Borneo’s life and culture. www.borneoinsidersguide.com 4
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
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.
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y red b
TO LOOK
OUT FOR
SARAWAK A three-day festival that celebrates the unique food, farming, forest and cultural heritage of the Bario Highlights, one of the last surviving traditionally farmed and forested
25-27
EVENTS
PESTA NUKENEN – UNIQUE ETHNIC FOOD FESTIVAL
highland watersheds in Sarawak and East Malaysia. Launched in 2006, the festival will have traditional games and dances, and plenty of trekking trails, but the star of the event will be the traditional food prepared by the various longhouse communities of the Kelabit Highlands.
THIS QUARTER
JUL
15 JUL HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN OF BRUNEI’S 73RD
18-28 JUL SIBU STREET ART FESTIVAL
BIRTHDAY
SARAWAK
BRUNEI Visitors and citizens of the sultanate gather in the capital to rejoice in yet another blessed year of His Majesty’s good health. With parades, performances and a festive cheer in the air, the Sultan’s monthlong birthday celebration is an occasion that is widely anticipated and celebrated by all.
7-15
Local graffiti artists will have their mural paintings on display here are at the largest art festival in Sarawak. With the theme ‘Fascinating Sarawak’, expect to see a number of creative and unique works featuring all things Sibu, from their signature foods to their day-to-day life.
SEP
KOTA KINABALU INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL SABAH
AUG HARI RAYA AIDILADHA BRUNEI, SABAH, SARAWAK
The Islamic holiday is celebrated by Muslims worldwide to mark the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. The day is spent performing prayers and the sacrifice of cattle, which is donated to the less fortunate and shared amongst neighbours, friends and relatives.
SABAH, SARAWAK
31 AUG
Celebrated nationwide, Hari Merdeka (Independence Day) sees Malaysians far and wide taking pride in yet another year since the Declaration of Independence was officiated. The national holiday, which will be the 61st of its kind, is incomplete without the seven proclamations of “Merdeka!” by patriotic Malaysians.
KUCHING WATERFRONT JAZZ FESTIVAL SARAWAK This is the third edition of the Kuching Waterfront Jazz Festival, an outdoor jazz festival that overlooks the Sarawak River. This is a weekend for jazz lovers, featuring jazz musicians from around the region and the world performing at the Kuching Waterfront during the two-day event.
www.bruneitourism.travel | www.sabahtourism.com | www.sarawaktourism.com
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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
27-28 SEP
12
HARI MERDEKA MALAYSIA 2019
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Kota Kinabalu International Film Festival – the longest-running independent film festival in Malaysia. This year, the festival will be screening movies from around the world and hosting free talks, workshops and trainings for potential and current Southeast Asian filmmakers trying to make their mark.
CONTENTS biG scoop Presenting our scoop on things to love and desire biG feature Stories so unique it can only be from Borneo biG trail Follow our trails and discover what is on the island biG focus See who and what we’re pointing our cameras at
biG getaway Near or far, we go on holiday for your benefit biG buzz We put our ears up and find out what’s buzzing in town biG appetite We try the food so you can follow suit biG listings Where to eat, drink and chill? Come with us and see
biG essentials Helpful tips for visitors arriving on our shores biG navigator Find your bearings with our walking maps biG screen See what’s playing in the cinemas around town
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9
BiG scoop
A Healing Touch
Crunchy Local Goodness I don’t think you’re ready for this level of crunchy yumminess. These light and crunchy rolls, at the time of print offered in three different flavours (Karitastic, Ayam-mazing, and Corn-fident), began when Majidah Rapidi and Liyana Hj Adanan were looking for inspiration for their final year project at UNISSA, realising that there isn’t much on offer in terms of premium local snacks from Brunei. They chose the name KARUP from the Bruneian term ‘KarupKarup’ which means crispy or
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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
crunchy, and a business was born. The two partners handle everything from production to packaging, with a keen eye on design and a keener taste for premium snacks made to please the local tongue. The result is a perfect snack to munch on at home, to share with friends, or as a gift for tourists to bring a taste of Brunei back home.
•• Tel: 673-8196359 IG: @karup.bn
Parents in tropical climates are well aware of the problematic skin issues that arise in small children. Cases like heat rashes, eczema and mosquito bites can range from irritating to downright tormenting for the little ones, and it’s enough to drive any parent to buy any product to soothe their discomfort. Enter Bossom Buddies Enterprise, who introduced Buds Organic to the local market in 2009 with the aim to provide natural organic treatments to these skin problems. Caring about what is applied on a baby and child’s skin, all of these products support natural remedies, organic remedies, eco-friendly products and packaging. The brand’s products are also certified by ECOCERT – a worldwide organic certification organisation that inspects products in over 80 countries, following strict production standards for sourcing, storage, processing, packaging and shipping. What this means is, as a brand certified by ECOCERT, that all of Buds Organics products are certified to be 100% natural and organic, with zero harmful chemicals. The brand uses the finest organic plant ingredients for their products, ensuring that your child is not exposed to pesticides, herbicides or other potentially harmful chemicals. They also use safe and mild preservatives that will not harm a child and will biodegrade safely into the environment, and all products are packaged with recyclable plastic. Bossom Buddies Enterprise also offers the brand Motherlove (breastfeeding supplements), Tanamera (post-natal care), and Jellycat (premium soft toys). Find out more by connecting with them on: •• FB: @budsorganicsbrunei IG: @buds.organics.brunei YouTube Channel: Buds Organics Brunei
Merging Culture with Art Suzi Sitai’s art catalogue is predominantly Borneo-inspired – ranging from painfully delicate illustrations of a Lunbawang girl, portraits of ethnic girls in the bold colours of their traditional costumes, a flowery detailed sketch of Borneo island and a quirky
colourful illustration of assorted Malay kueh. Identifying as a multi-disciplinary artist, Suzi combines different media and styles to create art forms in unconventional ways, continuously experimenting with new forms of expressions using established art forms.
And her aesthetic tends to be unmistakably Bornean. Born in a family of creatives and niece to Awang Sitai – a local veteran artist – Suzi credits her heritage, family and home as her biggest inspirations. But her inspiration to focus on Borneo-themed art
arose from her struggles with her own identity as a person with a multi-ethnic background. With her own views on the importance of preserving cultural identity for the benefit of future generations, Suzi started on her cultural art career at her final year in Universiti Brunei Darussalam, exhibiting a showcase aptly named “Beauty of Diversity” at the final year art exhibition. The set of four paintings featured her own cultural background of Lun Bawang, Iban, Dusun and Hakka female characters, and was an expression of her own identity as a multi-ethnic and multi-disciplinary artist passionate about preserving the beauty of culture. Suzi also accepts commissions for customised artwork. Check out her beautiful artwork below or contact her for more details. •• Website: susannahsitailiew.com IG: @suzi_sitai Email: Susannah.sitai43@ gmail.com
biG scoop
Bag It Super adorable, super affordable and super practical, Ridhwansabri Haji Hashim (Ridhwan) might have started Daun.co in secondary school following the drawstring bag trend from Korea that was all the rage for a while there, but his eye-catching original designs remain trendy today. He started out making his own bags with the use of his own recycled jeans and clothes for himself and his friends, but as word of his handiwork went around, he began earning an income from this little bag business. Soon, Ridhwan was offering cotton fabric drawstring bags with a unique design drawn on them – the result of his own creativity and collaborations with local artists. His handmade and hand-designed drawstring bags remain a huge draw for his business today, but he also makes totebags, zippered and drawstring pouches. Daun.co also offers customisable designs. Contact him or follow him at: •• Tel: 673-8894184 IG: @daun.co_bn
Handmade with Heart CURV Studio began with two creative partners with an art degree background and their shared passion for crafty handmade novelties you would find at a weekend craft market or a daily street vendor. They came up with the idea of CURV Studio from their visits to art events, auctions and gallery exhibitions around Asia, which began with the simple act of sharing their experiences. Five years of doing so and their good taste became known – soon suggestions and requests came pouring in, and that was when they decided to bring in more of their handmade items to Brunei. Soon, with a little design
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help from creative friends and artists around Asia, they began designing their own accessories. But this is more than business for CURV Studio. Their accessories, all handmade, also act as a platform for their creative partners to showcase their skills to the local market, and to preserve the sustainable traditional crafting skills used to handcraft each accessory. With an emphasis on how much value, time, planning, thought and creativity is put into each and every handmade item, CURV Studio believes that every purchase is a step toward ensuring sustainable traditional making skills are kept alive. It’s more than a pretty piece of accessory to them – it’s a piece of the artist’s life. CURV Studio also offers customisable designs, called CURV-Custom jewelry, which can be ordered through their Instagram account: @curvstudio.
Sock it to Us There is really no need to oversell one of the most important (and overlooked) accessory used for centuries: the humble pair of socks. Although these days, sock designs are anything but humble. This new fashion trend of an age-old accessory has people pulling up their socks as a way to brighten up an outfit, and USock! jumped on this trendy train with their own original designs of colourful socks. USock! (a play on the words You Suck – not that they do) socks are made from a combination of cotton and spandex, are limited in quantity and has already made great local gifts to foreign friends. Their Art Collection, consisting of some of the greatest artworks to ever be displayed around your ankles, was a hit. They soon branched out toward designing locally inspired socks, and the first USock! x Moosethetics collaboration kicked off with their famous “Nasi Katok” socks, later their “Kuih Brunei” socks, and soon after their “Ambuyat” socks. Keep an eye out for more of their upcoming quirky designs by following them on: •• IG: @usocksocks (DM for inquiries) Twitter: @usocksocks Tel: 673-7226619 (Whatsapp for inquiries)
biG scoop
A Pin on Greatness A playful and quirky lifestyle brand run by a one-man army, Moosethetics is the brainchild of Ibrahim Hj Mohd Yussop, who didn’t so much begin with a vision but sort of transitioned from his freelance design business into the booming pin and accessories business it is today. If you were to pinpoint a time when it really started, however, Ibrahim credits Minecraft and its community. His first foray into getting paid for his artwork stemmed from posting up Minecraft artwork which soon turned into being commissioned for his artwork. Further immersing himself in other forms of digital artwork, specifically, the local digital comic
trend on Twitter, Ibrahim began putting up his own online comics with a specific main character that remains his trademark today: Elky the moose. A few years more of dabbling in and receiving commissions for his artwork, it wasn’t until 2018, in his second year of college, that he decided to look into the idea of designing and then producing his own enamel pins. His first batch of ‘A-moose-ing’ pins was a success, and until today, Moosethetics remains the only brand offering original designs for enamel pins in Brunei. Staunch support from the local community and fans of his artwork started appearing on social media and on school bags, Ibrahim started enlisting a little help from his friends, and his pins flew off the shelves. It’s been a long journey for a young man but Elky the moose isn’t even nearly done yet. His recently released keychains have become bestsellers, and he has plans to branch out into offering a variety of other products with his quirky original designs. •• IG: @moosethetics Twitter: @moosethetics Email: MoosetheticsBN@ gmail.com
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biG scoop
Rejuvenate, Renew and Rewind with ARO Culture proud is one way to describe ARO, which, incidentally, derives its name from the Bisaya language. A through and through Sarawak brand, ARO prides itself on sourcing its traditionally-used ingredients from the heart of Borneo’s rich rainforest. Practicing an environmentally-friendly approach with reusable packaging, ARO bottles the essence of the Bornean jungle into each and every one of their rejuvenating products. While the brand is best known for their serums, creams and soap shampoos, ARO also produces toiletries made from wood and bamboo, staying true to their mission in breathing life back into the old and forgotten and making it new. •• FB: @AROsarawak IG: @arosarawak Email: arosarawak@gmail.com
The February Art They say weddings signify the beginning of a journey but in this case, it helped Abby Pang, who was inspired by the aesthetics of watercolour and calligraphy on Pinterest and Instagram while designing her own wedding invitation, kickstart the art & design studio now known as The February Art. Taking her interest and artistic capabilities to the next level, every piece of art on display is meticulously illustrated by hand via watercolour, ink or dip pen before being digitised. An avid believer in sharing the magic of the creative process, she also offers art workshops for hobbyists and enthusiasts looking to get in touch with their own processes. •• FB: The February Art IG: @thefebruaryart Email: thefebruaryart@ gmail.com
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biG scoop
Glossy Pearls Galore Whoever said diamonds are a girl’s best friend sorely underestimated the allure of a gleaming pearl necklace. Valentina Martin, on the other hand, frequents the seas of Southeast Asia in the search of real cultured pearls to turn into jewellery. Handmade in limited batches, the accessories are crafted with affordable materials allowing a price range of RM45 to RM400 per piece. Carefully selected and personalized to perfection, Pearlsome represents a timeless love for all that is classic and elegant. •• Tel: 6012-871302 IG: @pearlsome_ FB: @pearlsome
A Simple Luxury The location at the Tip of Borneo was hand-picked by its owner Sam who had just returned from a 10-month solo travel adventure and wanted to recreate that simple rustic lifestyle she had experienced while on the road. Ukkay is a transformed village farm house built in the 1900s in a coconut plantation and now boasts all the modern amenities for a relaxing stay in the countryside with easy access to some of the best beaches in Kudat. It’s still a work in progress to refurbish the house and garden to its original rustic splendour but it’s already doing what it had set out to do – giving you a place to totally unwind and find your better self. •• FB: @ukkaykudat Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
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feature
Younger Sarawakians are increasingly internet-savvy, and most are health-conscious as a result. While older generations were content to exercise alone, often viewing it as a chore, millennials have not only embraced exercise, but turned it into a type of social gathering. Irene Chan
T
his is reflected in the increasing number of healthconscious millennials frequenting fitness classes and health clubs. Traditional forms of exercise are being rejected in favour of
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alternatives that are more challenging, both physically and intellectually. Young Sarawakians are favouring group workouts that are engaging and enjoyable, instead of conventional, repetitive exercises, which has fostered the growth of innovative fitness
movements. Current fitness trends are skewed towards fullbody physical pursuits that are shorter, and most importantly, fun. These workouts are not only gratifying, but they also improve stamina, strength, flexibility and coordination – the main components of fitness.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, The Jungle Body and Boxing are three fitness trends that have been gaining traction within the state. In this issue, we speak to proponents of these activities, and find out why they have been going from strength to strength in popularity.
Stephen Onn Jenggieng runs Knight Performance Training Centre, a boxing and obstacle course training gym and personal training studio, of which he also co-founded. Coming from a varied martial arts background that includes Muay Thai and mixed martial arts, Stephen began boxing in 2015. Enamoured with the sport, he decided to pursue it professionally, however, that was not feasible due to lack of interest locally. He now hopes to spread his passion for the sport by teaching boxing at the centre. Most people know boxing as a sport where two people wearing gloves throw punches at each other in a boxing ring. Despite its physicality, it can be a very cerebral art that is much more just two people trying to strike each other – for its most passionate fans, it encompasses a way of life. “Boxing is a sweet science; it is a useful skill to have. Besides, it’ll teach you to be humble, competitive, and it will teach you the importance of discipline, consistency and hard work.” Tough and rigorous, the sport is fast-paced and compelling. Aside from learning self-defence skills, boxing as a sport improves athletic prowess: strength, speed, agility, hand-eye coordination, endurance, and power. Boxing as a fitness activity improves cardiovascular health, and Stephen’s students get to punch, kick, and jump their way to a healthy heart and lungs. Typically, a boxing class with Stephen involves laying down the fundamentals before actual application of techniques. He believes in customising boxing styles for each of his athletes based on their individual personalities, so his approach to coaching is extremely hands-on and personal. Stephen teaches boxing for all levels everyday except Thurdays and Sundays. Class schedules are posted monthly on their Facebook page. •• IG: @knightptc FB: @knightptc2017
BOXING BOXING
BRAZILIAN
JIU-JITSU Ivan teaches at school by day, and by night he also teaches – showing people “how to strangle necks and break limbs effectively, safely and nicely.” Originally from Hungary, he has been living in Kuching since 1993. He began Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2006 in the hopes of “becoming a good fighter, tough and rough!”, but over the years it has become a useful tool for personal development. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – fondly called BJJ by its proponents – is founded on the idea that a weaker person can successfully defend his or herself against a stronger and heavier opponent by using technique, leverage, and taking the fight to the ground. Developed by the Japanese before being brought over to Brazil, BJJ evolved through matches and street fights. Generations of testing and adjustments transformed it into an
effective and efficient grappling-based art – one that surprisingly held its own against – and even bested – other styles of fighting. BJJ is considered a martial art, a sport, a method for promoting physical fitness and building character, and even a way of life. Admirers of the art also say that it helps them become better people. The physical benefits of BJJ are undeniable – it gives practitioners the skills to defend both themselves and the weak, but it is also an excellent functional training system which quickly leads to strength, flexibility and fitness gains. Ivan teaches BJJ every Monday to Thursday, from 8.00pm to 9.30pm, at Studio23. Open mats are on Saturdays from 3.00pm to 5.00pm. Members of the public are invited to come and join a free trial class during their first time. •• IG: @studio23bjj.sarawak
THE
JUNGLE BODY
Formerly a competitive swimmer, and recently retired as a co-leader for The November Project Malaysia, Ing Hui began seeking out a new fitness challenge that eventually led to her taking her license as a Jungle Body instructor. The Jungle Body is an Australian fitness movement which offers five different programs – Konga®, Vypa®, Jagua®, Tyga® and Burn! The Malaysian Jungle Body movement began in Miri, and the programs have rapidly gained popularity over the past year. The programs promote engaging workouts that promise to “move, sculpt and transform the physique”. The greatest appeal of these programs lies in the flexibility for participants to perform at their own pace. Most routines only have four steps that are easy to follow – even the most uncoordinated people can pick up. KONGA has become a fast favourite among people seeking out a fitness alternative. Conducted in a dark studio with disco lights on, with upbeat party vibes, it is a full-body workout which is refreshingly different from other group fitness classes. New routines are introduced every month to keep things fresh. Ing Hui teaches at 7.15pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at Be U Academy, and 5.45pm on Tuesdays at Fitness Fix Factory. At 5.00pm on alternate Sundays, she conducts classes at Studio 96 Kiulap in Bandar Seri Begawan. •• IG: @thejunglebodywithing FB: @thejunglebodywithing Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
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biG feature
THE CROSSFIT
QUEEN Five years ago, Nina Juna had her first taste of CrossFit, eschewing the road most travelled by CrossFit athletes by jumping straight into competition with just three days to learn the basics. Undaunted by the challenge, the taste of the tough competition whetted Nina’s appetite for more, and it’s to the surprise of absolutely no one that the athlete from Temburong is now the fittest female CrossFit athlete in Brunei Darussalam.
of Brunei
Intan Abu Daniel
B
ut before she became Brunei’s CrossFit queen by jumping out of the pan and straight into the fire, the 27-year old Bruneian was a National Hockey player. Her leap to CrossFit came when she was asked to participate in a team category event for the Battle Royale Brunei Darussalam – and the tough challenge the sport represented surprised her. With a desire to improve, she began looking for more competitions with the aim to get better at the sport. She joined Mayhem Throwdown, an introductory competition to CrossFit, and accomplished her first win. She also met her coach at this
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competition, and began training at Extremis Athletics to improve her performance and start focusing on the basic foundations of CrossFit. She trained five days a week for five months, training diligently with a group of people who guided and nurtured her, kept track of her progress and ensured she remained injury-free. “Once my five months of training was up, I was still doubtful if I could perform,” Nina revealed. “My coach said, ‘Go out and have fun!’ And with that in mind, I competed, had fun, and managed to secure a podium finish for my scaled category.” Feeling more comfortable and confident in her abilities, her
coach pushed her to join other boxes in Brunei, namely Hybrid Movement, Getfit CrossFit and Reebok 673. This proved to be monumental in Nina’s journey as a CrossFit athlete – the athletes she trained with helped gain faith in her abilities and also prepared her mentally. From this, she gained more experience and confidence to perform as an individual athlete. “Community is one of the best things about being a CrossFit athlete,” Nina said. “There are many reasons to fall in love with CrossFit. Gaining physical progress, challenging yourself, the high intensity workouts, learning new movements – these
biG feature
are many reasons why people fall in love with the sport. But for me, the CrossFit community reminds me that we are all the same, we’re all on the same journey, we share the same struggles, and we all deserve the same respect.” “The CrossFit community is supportive. Oftentimes people stay back after finishing a workout just to provide moral and verbal support to another CrossFitter completing a WOD (workout of the day) in daily class, qualifier or on the battle floor.” Training nearly daily, setting goals and putting in 110% for her achievements certainly helped Nina out-pull, out-push, out-muscle and out-work many of her competitors. And importantly, she has fun doing it. “While I do have supplementary exercises, as programmed by my coach in accordance to my weaknesses, doing CrossFit is a fun part of my daily life. That feeling of achieving my daily goals with time targets, repetition targets, pacing, breaking down reps, and breathing. Even if I suffer during the workouts, I feel so much better after.” The results are evident. Five years as a CrossFit athlete
competing in both national and international competitions and securing a podium finish in most, Nina secured her position as the Fittest Female in Brunei through the annual CrossFit Open for the past two years, and has been invited to participate at the Reebok Crossfit Games held in USA in July this year. She would be the first female athlete from Brunei to participate. For future CrossFit athletes, male or female, Nina has this to say: “The Crossfit methodology believes in getting comfortable when being uncomfortable. It encourages us to push ourselves and test our limits. Work on your foundations and occasionally practice the basics. Once the mechanics is sound, focus on the consistency before you work on the intensity. This is when your strength increases, your condition gets betters, you start pushing harder, and this is how you start improving as an athlete. Pretty soon, all the workout and training begins to get fun.” “And,” Nina promises, “You will get hooked!” Just like she did.
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
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biG feature
ll A t s Ag a i n
Louis Pang is used to telling stories. A writer and professional photographer in his early career, he told stories with his pen and from behind the lens, capturing each detail and nuance to give them colour and life. Today, he is telling another story, one that is destined to be his most personal and lifechanging yet. Pamela Flet cher
1
S
addled with a recurring back problem since his mid-twenties, Louis had to occasionally take months off work when the pain was aggravated through long hours of work. Faced with the choice of back surgery or exercise to strengthen his back muscles, he chose the lesser of two evils. He thought swimming was too boring so he decided on cycling, a decision that would eventually
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change the course of Sabah’s track cycling future. In the five years since he took up cycling, Louis has charted a path for Sabah cycling in a way that no one could have ever imagined. Having completely embraced cycling both as a curative and competitive sport, he was all fired up to explore the fast and exciting realm of track cycling in Sabah – except there was none. Sabah had no track
cycling team, no velodrome, and no agenda. Participating in national competitions was almost cursory and even then, it was only to be beaten and come back empty handed. To say everyone was blindsided when Louis decided to become a cycling coach to change the status quo would be putting it mildly. Despite getting his Level 2 coaching certificate from UCI (the world governing body for
sports cycling), the naysayers were critical of Louis’ ability to put together and coach a bona fide track cycling team in Sabah. Proving them wrong was secondary to knowing he was right in setting this almost unbelievable goal. When he became a part-time coach with the Sabah Sports Council, his wife Jasmine saw how much he enjoyed working with the young athletes and the satisfaction
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1. Lim Chun Kiat, 19,
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he got from seeing them grow and realise their potential that she stood by his decision to finally wind down his 12-year photography business to pursue being a full-time coach. “Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of International Olympic Committee once said, ‘The important thing in life is not triumph, but the struggle; the essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.’ In cycling, we struggle more than we triumph. We lost many races before we started to win. The public sees our crowning moment on the podium but few see the pain we go through to get there. To be part of this journey of struggles and a few triumphs, fires up every fibre of my being,” says Louis. The team culture inculcated in Sabah’s current team of young cyclists, all of whom are between 17 and 19 years old, is one of trust, respect and support. To have all these so strongly embedded into the psyche at such a young age is a triumph Louis can look back on with pride not only as a coach but as a believer in their courage to challenge themselves to give and be their best. They have proven time and again, on the track
is in his first year competing in the Men’s Elite category, He finished 7th in the Taiwan Cup 2019. 2. Waldron and Louis (background) celebrated winning Bronze medal in Individual Pursuit in SUKMA 2018. 3. Waldron, Chun Kiat, Bong and Darren competing at SUKMA 2018 where they won Bronze in Team Pursuit. 4. With Cycology coming on as the
title sponsor, the team is now known as Cycology Sabah Racing Team and is based in KL for long term training and racing. 5. Arni Sanuddin, Sabah’s first national champion. She trains with high performance coach John Beasley in Melbourne. Arni’s win at the National Championship sparked a revolution as she was only a newbie from Sabah at the time.
and on the podium receiving their much deserved medals in competitions, that discipline and a great work ethic will keep you on the right track to success. Keeping them on the right track meant that Louis had to continuously challenge himself to learn, design and execute his plans which have yielded incredible results to date—but he is not resting on his laurels just yet. “I don’t consider myself successful. Not yet,” says Louis who has set the bar pretty high for himself. “I am relentless. Any advantage I can get my hands on be it training methods, recovery practices, aerodynamic gains, bike fitting, equipment or mental edge, I would pursue it. I look for small things I can improve.” “I would love to coach a national side one day. I’ll be going for my UCI Level 3 coaching certificate in Switzerland in October but for now, I just want to focus on doing my job well. “ Now coaching full-time, Louis has beaten all the odds to get him this far and with his dogged determination, I wouldn’t put it past him to accomplish anything he sets his mind to do in the future.
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The Human
It was just past 7am on a Saturday morning and already the sun was beating down with a vengeance. Yet, on the track of the Penampang Sports Stadium, there are kids running around and going through the motions of their weekly athletics training session. Cutting a diminutive figure amidst all this activity, with his eyes darting between his stopwatch and young chargers zipping around on the track, is Raynold Peter who started Humansport Athletics Club three years ago with nothing but the resolve to mould young athletes into champions.
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orn and raised in Tambunan, a district some 74km from Kota Kinabalu, Raynold Peter - or Coach Ryan as he is popularly known - grew up playing sports particularly football, rugby, volleyball, and track and field. Moving to Kota Kinabalu to work as a tour guide and leading guests on long multi-day treks into the rainforest of Sabah was a natural extension of his athleticism off the field. On his off-days, he would take to the trails around Kota Kinabalu to train for his new-found passion of ultra-marathons which have become popular in Sabah in recent years. Despite his penchant for trail running, he was inexplicably drawn to track and field and the desire to shake off the cobwebs of conventional athletics training in schools to produce higher calibre and more competitive athletes in Sabah. It was a personal journey that Ryan ventured on his own, seeking to fill a void that he knew he could, even if no one understood his purpose. Armed with a Sport Science Level 2 (Malaysia) and IAAF Level 1 (International) coaching credential, he started giving free coaching sessions at Penampang. Coaching young impressionable kids comes with a whole set of responsibilities. You are not only a coach but also a mentor, counsellor and confidant— interchangeable roles that have to be played with care. But it is a multi-tasking role Ryan relishes and takes pride in especially when he sees them grow in
Pamela Fletcher
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1. The number of
participants in youth athletics in Penampang is growing thanks to clubs like Humansports that focuses on teaching proper techniques and developing potential talents to compete in national and regional athletics competitions. 2. Hard work and selfdiscipline paid off for William who won a silver medal in the 800m in Thailand. Humansports Athletics Club went on to win another silver and three bronze medals which was an incredible achievement for this young club. 3. Weekend training sessions are the busiest when children ranging from ages 7 to 21 years old take to the track and field to hone their skills under the watchful eyes of Ryan and his coaching partner Jane.
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strength and confidence by cultivating the right attitude in all aspects of their training. But to test their mettle, the athletes had to compete against bigger and better opponents. Raising funds to give these youngsters competition exposure and incentive to strive for bigger goals meant digging deep into his own pocket, reaching out to sympathetic sponsors and even parents who were able to help finance the club’s entry in regional athletics competitions. The club competed in the Philippines Track and Field Competition and most recently in May 2019, in the Thailand Track and Field Competition where they won two silver and eight bronze medals. There were no gold medals but perhaps the greater achievement would be that many of the Humansport athletes who competed clocked their personal best times, a testament to their determination and positive attitude that have pulled them through months of physical and personal challenges. Ryan still works as a tour guide and spends whatever time he has on coaching these budding young athletes to what he hopes would be international level competition. He now has a coaching partner, Jane Mojulat who, like Ryan, is contributing her time and passion to help build Humansport Athletics Club into an arena where excellence in track and field can thrive amongst the youth and grow beyond the borders of Sabah.
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trail
When Man Mountain Meet An Interview With Mohammad Vol Mohammad Vol is a man of many hats. A retired army officer now entrepreneur, he is a photographer, bird-watcher and an activist for the conservation of endangered marine species. He is also an avid lover of nature and a fitness freak. Combine the two and his years of experience as a mountain trekker, destination and trail runner, culminates into the man that he is today: at 53 years young, ready to conquer one of the greatest adventure treks in the world. The K2 Gondogoro La Trek will have trekkers traversing grueling mountainous trails over a span of 22 days, through villages and valleys starting from Skardu and ending at Hushe Valley, all the while witnessing some of the most breathtaking views you could ever hope to see.
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aving completed the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trail in April 2018, the K2 Base Camp was the next logical choice for Mohammad Vol. Not for the faint-hearted, the K2 Mountain Trek is ranked as the second tallest mountain in the world at 8,611 metres and is considered the most savage trail to undertake. Without a bed and breakfast in sight, the term ‘roughing it’ brings a whole new meaning for participants of this trek. Completing a mountain trek as devilishly tricky as this will
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rank high on Mohd Vol’s list of accomplishments, but there are other reasons why he wants to conquer it. “Besides my love for the wild outdoors, I want to set an example for the local youths and encourage them to go out and explore the world,” Mohd Vol said. “And in doing so, represent our country to others and be proud of being a Bruneian. I believe Bruneians are dynamic, highspirited, strong-willed and passionate people – they can do anything.”
&
R TH E K 2 O F G IN R A P E R P TR E K ONDOGORO LA
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PHYSICALLY
For a mountain trek of this magnitude and with the fitness level that Mohd Vol is currently at, he prepared an intensive training plan two months ahead of the trek, but for those who are not as fit, a minimum of four months training is recommended. The staple of his training is High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), a cardiovascular exercise strategy that alternates short periods of intense anaerobic exercise with less intense recovery periods.
“In my opinion, HIIT is a must for mountain trekkers,” Mohd Vol said. “Other that helping in building and maintaining muscle strength, it also builds balance. And once you have balance, your strength increases overall. But most importantly, HIIT will condition your central nervous system to highly intense workouts and the recovery from it. Your heart will be more fit, and your whole body’s absorption of oxygen will be more efficient. This helps your body acclimate to the conditions of the mountain, which has a low oxygen
ESSENTIAL TREKKING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS Choose your route well Know your limits and make sure that you learn about the route and the trail, and that you’re positive your body will be able to handle it. Don’t forget, at the end of the journey, this is supposed to be an enjoyable experience.
and ensure before you go on this trek that you have an experienced and professional guide. Teamwork is also important. Bond with the team, and complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses.”
DIETARY
Mohd Vol has always kept his diet clean, with high protein and vitamin intakes, in accordance to his training schedule. However, nearing the time to trek, typically four weeks before the day, he starts loading up on high calories to maintain muscle strength and build up fat reserves.
TIPS
environment, and helps to avoid mountain sickness.” He couples this with endurance run/haul training, which involves hauling a 30kg pack up a steep incline for two hours a day, gradually increasing it to four hours a day (with an interval). He also does cross training in between with exercises such as spinning, swimming and yoga, just to diversify from his usual routine.
MENTALLY
Stepping outside of your comfort zone into a wildness environment with no modern facilities in a cold landscape requires mental fortitude, and needs mental preparation as much as physical.
Keeping himself well informed of the trek and in regular contact with the trekking agent in Pakistan ensures fewer surprises. He also takes the time to do extra research about the trail, taking advice from others who have done the trek and making an assessment of their reviews. In doing so, he identifies the dangers and risks of the upcoming trek and is therefore prepared for them. “Another important thing to mentally prepare for is to learn how to adapt in foreign land. Adjust yourself quickly to the environment and the people around you. Be conscious and sensitive to their culture and tradition. Listen to the lead guide,
As for tips for future mountain trail seekers, Mohd Vol advises, “If you’re a beginner, level up slowly. Start with the smaller mountains, like Mount Kinabalu, and learn how your body functions in high altitude. Research thoroughly, engage with those who have experience, leave your ego behind and listen to your body.”
Mohd Vol would like to express his extreme gratitude to his main sponsor of his trip, HAZ Fitness Studio. He would also like to thank Imperiall Sport and Keris Perdana Garment for sponsoring his trekking gears and training attire. • Learn more about the K2 Base Camp via Gondogoro La Trek trail by visiting their website: www.k2basecamptrekking.com.
Good trekking equipment is important Invest in good footwear – get a pair of good quality trekking boots that will endure the various terrains you will be trekking on. Make sure they’re ankle-high to give the most support. Aside from footwear, choose a comfortable backpack with the right back straps, hip straps and support. Stay hydrated Underestimating the amount of water to bring on a trek can be a trekker’s undoing. It’s always better to have an excess of water than to be hydrated. Fill up some water bottles and for long treks, purchase some good water filtration devices. Prepare for the weather Always be sure of the environment and temperature of the country that you will be visiting, and do a general search on the weather in the area to avoid rain or storms. While trekking is typically a safe activity, a lot can go wrong when doing it in extreme weather conditions. Pack lightly Don’t stuff your backpacks with everything and anything that you think you’ll need. While it might seem like a good idea to bring your Bluetooth speakers, pillows and an excess of snacks, hauling them up an incline won’t be worth it. Make sure you get lightweight equipment, pack lightweight food specifically for trekking, and take out any unneeded items. For multi-day treks, bring a cookery set and enough food and water to last you. Go at your own pace There’s nothing wrong with taking your time to enjoy the scenery. This isn’t a race – so listen to your body and take breaks. Trekking is a challenging experience, but that’s not to say it can’t be a fun one too. Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
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focus
DOUBLING DOWN
ON
FITNESS
MYTHS So you’ve got fitness goals – good for you! Regular exercise and a good diet plan will do wonders for your overall health. Physically fit people are healthier people and less prone to illnesses and medical conditions, and it also promotes a healthy state of mind.
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But then the Internet comes along and throws out science things suggesting how your training program isn’t actually good for you or is ineffective. Sometimes they throw down facts that make you worry about your physical state. Like everything else on the World Wide Web, these nuggets of wisdom need to be taken with a grain of salt. And so in this issue, we decided to do some of the dirty work for you and compiled a list of some fitness myths that leave our heads scratching.
3 YOU SHOULDN'T
WORK OUT GIVE 100% EVERY DAY
MEANS YOU’RE OUT OF SHAPE
BULKS YOU UP
We’ve all seen the films – the depiction of an unfit person comes with the vision of a man or woman huffing and puffing while sweating up a storm. This is actually the opposite of the truth: in comparison to a person who isn’t fit, a fit person is more likely to be sweating a river sooner into their workout session and in more volume.
It’s fantastic to see more and more women picking up weights to increase strength and power. But if bulking up is what you’re looking for (not that there’s anything wrong with that), you’re not going to get it by lifting heavy weights. In fact, they’ll slim you down by tightening and toning your entire body, burning fat, and shaping your curves.
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ALWAYS STRETCH BEFORE A WORKOUT
Regular static stretching loosens your tendons and will make your muscles feel weaker, and in turn tires out your muscles before you even begin, affecting your performance. But that’s not to say you shouldn’t stretch at all – the regular stretching of your major muscle groups (at least twice a week) improves posture and helps you stay flexible as you grow older.
Sort of? It’s a great idea to be 100% focused, but not every session requires 100% intensity. Feeling sore after every workout is your cue to start easing up. Avoid putting too much stress on your body and limit that ballsto-walls intensity to just two or three times a week.
WANT GREAT ABS?
DO CRUNCHES They’re certainly helpful, but they’re definitely not the most efficient way to strengthen your core. If that’s what you’re aiming for, try out other multi-muscle exercises that target every region of your core.
YOGA IS FOR WUSSIES
Designed by Freepik
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LIFTING HEAVY SWEATING WEIGHTS
While it makes for a great excuse, this isn’t true. It’s not a bad idea to do some form of physical activity daily especially if you’re looking to lose weight. That said, it isn’t advisable to repeat the same routine and intensity on a dayto-day basis. Instead, develop a workout schedule involving different activities, intensity levels and session lengths.
FOR EVERY WORKOUT
If your version of yoga is meditative silence while breathing in pink and breathing out blue, then you clearly have never taken a yoga class before. This ancient form of working out does more than burn calories and tone muscles. This is a total mind-body workout that increases strength, flexibility, and your physical and mental state of health.
THE BEST WAY TO LOSE WEIGHT IS TO DO LOTS OF CARDIO If weight loss is your goal, then putting in hours on that treadmill isn’t the best way to do it. While traditional cardio workouts go a long way to creating a calorie deficit essential for losing weight, a combination of highintensity and strength training is the best way to achieve your goals. That, and a good nutrition plan.
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Malaysian Hospitality At Its Finest Nowadays, no one needs an excuse to go traveling but for the sake of it, allow us to add another reason to that list. Now more than ever before, medical tourism is coming into its own with people conveniently taking to I nternational seas to seek affordable healthcare facilities and medical treatments abroad. Malaysia Healthcare recently invited us to hop on a quick plane ride to Kuala Lumpur to see for ourselves some of the clinical sights and sounds that Malaysia has to offer. Sheyenne Siah
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pon arrival at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, we were whisked off our feet and given the round tour of Malaysia Healthcare’s end-to-end services where health travellers are personally greeted and escorted from disembarkation through visa and customs clearance and luggage collection to the Malaysia Healthcare Concierge and Lounge where they can wait for their transport at the parking terminal entrance located nearby. After settling down in our cushy accommodations at Pullman Hotel Kuala Lumpur City Centre, we were granted a one-on-one discussion with the CEO of Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council, Sherene Azli, as
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she personally walked us through the essence of MHTC and their future endeavours. “We want communities to understand that Malaysia Healthcare offers more than medical treatment,” Sherene Azli said. “We offer a seamless end-to-end healthcare journey experience, putting thought into the needs of patients at their most vulnerable moments. It is that Malaysian hospitality we invest in, and the trust of healthcare travellers that we reap.” The welcoming dinner, held at the Living Space Lounge in Pullman Hotel KLCC, was even more enlightening as an international patient from Indonesia shared his personal account of undergoing treatment
under Malaysia Healthcare after his recent cancer diagnosis. Overcome with emotion and sincerity coursing through this voice, he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the council who had been by his side throughout his medical journey. The next morning, our team set out bright and early to our allocated medical institution, Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara, which had recently undergone a thorough rebranding in order to further promote their standing as a leading IVF centre in Malaysia. While the hospital is currently going through extensive renovation until 2020 in order to expand their facilities and accommodate their evergrowing number of patients,
both international and local, we were privileged to be given an in-depth run-through of their current building. While taking care of our bodies holistically should be a priority, Prof Muhaya Eye & LASIK Centre proves that a closer look at key organs within our bodies should be just as important. Stepping into the eye clinic that is best known for its corneal refractive surgeries ReLEx-SMILE and FemtoLASIK since 2014, their slogan stands out, warmly inviting patients to “correct your sight and improve your vision in life”. Co-founder and CEO Addaem Chandran shares that the centre has attended to over 12,000 local and foreign patients with more than
advertorial
To embark on your own healthcare journey with Malaysia Healthcare, please call 1-800-188-688 (within MY)/+603-2726-8688 (outside MY) or email them at callcentre@mhtc.org.my. For more information, please visit www.medicaltourismmalaysia.com.
14,000 successful procedures performed. While their services cover comprehensive matters of the eye, most patients flock to their expert ophthalmologists for the ReLEx-SMILE & LASIK treatments. Advanced prescriptions garnered from decades of unfettered eye strain can be reversed in a matter of 23 seconds with minimal, fussfree aftercare, reminding us that medical technology nowadays is nothing short of amazing. But while technology has progressed medicinal practices by leaps and bounds, GHHS Healthcare and Chinese Medical Centre thrives on health restoration
via a combination of Western preventive healthcare and traditional treatments. Located within the luxurious 5-star Palace of the Golden Horses resort, its Wellness Centre provides Asian therapeutic remedies while GHHS Healthcare provides guests with in-depth screenings to put their minds at ease. Aside from detecting early signs of heart diseases and cancer, the latter also provides an array of non-invasive treatments for scoliosis, fertility, stroke patients and endoscopic tests. Needless to say, if you’re looking for a rejuvenating vacation that looks after you, this lush health destination has your name on it.
During our trip we not only experienced firsthand the effortless comfort of a seamless healthcare journey, we were also privileged to enjoy the largest and finest of Kuala Lumpur’s major attractions, historical sites and famous landmarks atop an open deck double decker tour bus during a KL Hop-On Hop-Off tour hosted by Hop On Holidays Sdn Bhd. With such a complete and holistic healthcare travel experience to offer anyone and everyone, Malaysia Healthcare is looking forward to inviting more healthcare travellers to visit their shores next year in conjunction with the Malaysia Year of Healthcare Travel 2020. It will be quite an exciting experience especially for those who need a stepping stone towards a healthier lifestyle. A hearty thank you to Malaysia Healthcare for inviting us and being such accommodating hosts on our very own healthcare journey to #experienceMalaysiaHealthcare.
To read more on our visit to Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara, head on over to our website www. borneoinsidersguide.com for the full article.
Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara: 11, Jalan Teknologi, Pju 5 Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Tel: 603-62871111 W: www.thomsonhospitals.com • Prof Muhaya Eye & LASIK Centre S-29 Ground Floor Pearl Avenue Condominium, Jalan Pasir Emas Sungai Chua, 43000 Kajang Selangor Tel: 603-87415138/ 6017-8771819 (for Whatsapp purposes) E: profmuhayalasik@pmelc.com.my W: www.pmelc.my • Golden Horses Health Sanctuary Palace of the Golden Horses Jalan Kuda Emas, MINES Resort City 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor Tel: 603-89415833 E: enquiry.hs@ghhs.com.my W: www.ghhs.com.my/
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getaway
SEOUL
Sojourn Wan Zainal Abidin
Helped in no small part by the convenience of direct flights to Seoul via Royal Brunei Airlines, the South Korean capital is a favourite getaway for Bruneian travelers. With offerings ranging from fiery cuisine to trendsetting cosmetics set in a vibrant city that merges world-trending pop culture and deeply traditional roots, it’s no surprise that anyone who visits Seoul tends to leave a bit of their soul behind. At a recent trip to Seoul, Wan Zainal Abidin checked into Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, a hotel that embraces the city’s vast history and trend-setting culture, amidst the interior’s fabulous designs and sweeping picturesque views.
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pened in late 2015, Four Seasons Hotel Seoul is one of the more recent additions to the hotel scene in the capital city. The 29-storey glass and steel building is located in Gwanghwamun district in the heart of the city and offers easy access to all there is to see and do in this captivating metropolis. Celebrated Tokyo-based flora designer Nicolai Bergmann opened his first shop in Seoul within Four Seasons, and
his beautiful creations are on display throughout the hotel, complemented by an expertly curated art collection featuring over 130 Korean artists peppered throughout the building. This includes a stunning three-dimensional Korean ship made out of ivory-coloured buttons by artist Ran Hwang. Each of the 317 rooms (including 43 suites) feature full height windows offering stunning views of the Gwanghwamun
district, and the stark contrast of old Korea and new Korea is in full display here. Selected suites show a view of the enormous Gyeongbokgung Palace surrounded by modern skyscrapers and international commerce buildings that include the N Seoul Tower. The views are extended throughout the building, including the gym areas, where I enjoyed hours of working out while soaking in views of the bustling district below.
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1. Exterior view of the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul 2. A view of the palace from the Executive Suite 3. Maru at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul 4. The reception area 5. The cavernous lobby of the Four Seasons
Hotel Seoul
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5
The luxuriously appointed rooms combine classic Korean design motifs with a clean modern aesthetic. Completing the modish interiors of the rooms are all the usual mod cons you would expect of a hotel in the 21st century, including a bedside personalised iPad that acts as your concierge for all your needs and wants during your stay. A hotel of this size and magnitude comes with plenty of dining and imbibing options, as it is designed to be a lifestyle getaway for locals as well as visitors. A lavish breakfast buffet that caters to local and Western palates is served at the Market Kitchen, which is located below the lobby level, and breakfast is prepared in full view in the show kitchen – leaving no doubt of the quality of the food served. I can’t decide if the
showstopper at this restaurant is the DIY bibimbap counter or the display of actual ancient Korean ruins preserved in the glass flooring of the restaurant, which was uncovered during the construction of the hotel. Two other dining stand-outs in the hotel include Maru, located at the lobby level, and the Italian restaurant Boccalino. The tastefully decorated Maru takes up a bright and airy space which makes it a great spot to catch up on news while sipping on a cup of coffee and watching the world go by, while Boccalino, with its adjoining bar, serves up Chef Ciro Petrone’s interpretation of Italian classics in refined and modern settings. Of course, food options within the hotel are limitless - ranging from Akira Back’s creative Japanese fare with a Korean twist to Michelin-starred Chinese cuisine at Yu Yuan to sweet creations by Alexandre Chersouly at Confections, guests would be spoilt for choice. The hotel’s Four Seasons Club comes perfectly equipped to satiate a city with a wellness and beauty-obsessed culture and the visitors looking to experiment with Korea’s world-renowned wellness, fitness and beauty trends. This is a 5,800 square metre stylish space that spans across three floors dedicated to health, fitness, beauty and socialising. The club offers spa treatments, a full service nail bar, gym, juice bar, lounges, three pools, and an indoor golf experience. A hotel at the height of luxury and sophistication with impressive facilities and impeccable service, it’s no wonder that Four Seasons has won numerous accolades that firmly position it as the city’s latest hotel of choice. It’s also situated in one of the best locations for culture vultures or business jetsetters (not to mention the great grilled chicken shop located just next door that fully satisfied my late night snack attacks).
THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL SEOUL 97 Saemunan-Ro, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03183 Korea Tel: 82 (2) 6388-5000 Website: www.fourseasons.com/seoul/
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buzz
Thrills and Chills at the
Porsche Brunei Roadshow I
t was a thrilling day for a group of car enthusiasts and media representatives last 27 April 2019, as they gathered at the Jerudong Park Pusing Lagi parking lot for the Porsche Brunei Roadshow to experience driving four high-performance and utterly beautiful Porsche automobiles. The highlight of this event was a sneak peek at the all-new 911 Carrera 4S, and the day’s participants were privileged to be one of the first in the region to witness its unveiling. But it was more than just a cruise behind the wheels of the all-new Macan S, mid-engine 718 Boxster, Panamera and Cayenne. Participants also took the opportunity to enhance their driving skills and take a mid-level Fast and Furious approach to driving all four models, testing their skills with emergency braking,
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slalom and vehicle handling down a custom-made course, guided by a team of professional Porsche Certified Instructors. A Slalom competition was also held amongst the participants, and Mr Mervin Lo and Aziz Idris emerged as the winners for this competition on 27 April, while Ratna Ika Hamzad and Michael Liew Chee Wee won the next day’s event. The exclusive event also collaborated with prestigious brands such as Michelin – the world-leading tyre manufacturer – and Mobil1. The Porsche Brunei Roadshow was hosted by QAF Eurokars Sdn Bhd, the exclusive importer of Porsche vehicles and parts in Brunei. It currently operates under the management of QAF Brunei Sdn Bhd, which is located at the Beribi Light Industrial Area.
The Porsche Center Brunei, established in August 1997, is a modern and well-equipped one-stop facility for customers and sports car enthusiasts alike, which includes a fully equipped showroom, After Sales Service, Porsche Tequipment accessories, Porsche Driver’s Selection and many more services within that one location.
Visit their showroom at: QAF EUROKARS SDN BHD Qaf Center, Lot 66, Tapak Perindustrian Beribi, BSB Tel: 2453828 • Or keep yourself updated by following them on: W: www.porsche.com.bn FB: @PorscheCentreBrunei IG: @porsche.brunei
Four Local Baristas Battle It Out at
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Barista Competition The competition was intense, the outcome close, the afternoon a whole lot of fun, but by the end of the afternoon, a new winner was crowned at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf ® Barista Competition.
T
his is the 11th year of the esteemed competition, which sees baristas from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf battling it out on stage to present their best beverages and most unique concoctions to a team of guest judges and one technical judge. The event this year, held on 3 May 2019 at the recently opened OneCity Shopping Centre in
Sungai Hanching, provided an afternoon of entertainment for the audience, comprising family members, shoppers, and fierce supporters, all of whom had the chance to win amazing prizes throughout the day. The event was attended by guest of honour Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Mun’im bin Pg Anak Hj Tahiruddin, Managing Director of PAR Food
& Beverages, and Muniswaran G., General Manager of PAR Group of Companies. The event was kicked off with remarks from Sharil Sharudin, the Senior Operation Manager of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in Brunei. This year’s participants: Roselina binti Mat Kassim from the CBTL Times Square outlet, Nor Haziqah Nazirah binti Haji Hussin from the Supa Save Mata-Mata outlet, Mohammad Syukri bin Mohammad Rosli from the Brunei Shell Petroleum outlet, and Nur’ Adlina binti Rosmin from the Ministry of Finance outlet, took the stage to the cheers of their many supporters. Each took their time to prepare and then
present a cup of single Espresso, single Cappucino and a Signature Beverage under the watchful eye of Haniza Hashim, the BTL Espresso Shot Technical, and the Technical Judge of this year’s competition. The drinks would then be presented to the four sensory judges: Ak Khairuddin bin Pg Hj Tajuddin, Customer Relations & Marketing Manager of Pure Nectar; Fevamor Sencio Gonzago, Marketing Assistant from PDS Abbatoir; Hafizah Sazalee, the Property Manager of OneCity Management; and Rob Carpenter, Mr Cappucino of CBTL. In the end, Roselina binti Mat Kassim took the prize for both categories, snagging the Championship title of the barista competition and also winning Best Signature Beverage. In winning this competition, Roselina will go on to represent Brunei in the international rounds to be held in Philippines later this year. Roselina was also the lucky recipient of a host of prizes, including a Gold Medal and certificate, cash prizes from Syarikat Andong, a limited edition Barista Competition T-Shirt, a goodie bag from Boustead Sdn Bhd, vouchers from The Body Shop and PDS Abattoir, a ticket to Jerudong Park from JPCC, and a Vivo Y95 from Progresif Cellular. The first runner-up position went to fan-favourite Mohammad Syukri, while Nur’ Adlina and Nor Haziqah Nazirah took third and fourth places, respectively.
Find out more about The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Brunei at: FB: @thecoffeebeanbrunei IG: @coffeebean_brunei W: www.coffeebeanbrunei.com
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appetite
Who says eating out has to be an unhealthy affair? With all kinds of healthfriendly dining options popping up around town and on the Internet, we were more than happy to jump at the opportunity to try them all out—at zero expense on our diets. Whether you’re on a strict keto diet, need a helping hand with meal prep or just looking for a quick nutritious meal to tide you over on a busy day, it’s time to explore what the culinary greenery has in store for the healthconscious among us.
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FUEL’D
IG: @fueld.bn Unit A4, Grd Flr, Setia Kenangan 2, Kg Kiulap, BSB 673-8749881 Everyone loves a quick nutritious bowl from Fuel’d because not only do you get to curate and customise your bowl out of a rainbow of healthy options from every beneficial food group, you also won’t be breaking the bank with bowls starting at BND5.
PAN & WOK
IG: @panandwok G20, Grd Flr, OneCity Mall 673-2422335 With their promise of “Freshly Made, Hearty Food”, Pan & Wok keeps customers coming back for more with their conveniently packaged meals. Salads, wraps and soups prepared with hearty components and thoughtful touches make for a great feeling in your stomach. Their latest Build Your Own Bowl concept is also worth a try or three!
KITARO
IG: @kitaro.brunei Unit 2, Yong Siong Hai Building, Gadong 673-2457373/ 7323377
BERQAT
IG: @berqat Unit 4, 1st Floor, Spg 508 Jerudong Complex, Jln Jerudong, BSB 673-2611803/ 8831518 Best known for their delectable keto friendly treats, Serenity by Berqat Foods delivers exactly as its namesake claims—a peace of mind in the form of a scrumptious piece of cake! But cakes are far from the only thing they do with a full menu of healthy dishes catering to their ketogenic, vegan and vegetarian diners.
HEALTHY FOOD BSB IG: @healthyfoodbsb 673-8355796
In another case of convenience and health going hand in hand together, Healthy Food BSB helps with your nutrition planning and takes the stress off meal prepping by delivering healthy, portioncontrolled meals straight to your doorstep. Cooked with love and prepared with the freshest of ingredients, there’s nothing like having wholesomeness at your fingertips.
Kitaro joins the leagues of the poke bowl trend by introducing their very own line of customisable meals at your convenience. It’s as easy as one, two, three; while you can reach them by calling or texting, you can also place your order via an online form available on their Instagram, state your pick up or delivery date and voilà, you’ve got a nourishing bowl of goodness coming your way! Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
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advertorial
Eat Well at Armash Restaurant
Serving Authentic Indian and Asian Cuisine
A n unassuming restaurant located in traffic-heavy Kiulap doesn’t beg much in terms of first impressions. But for us, it was love at first smell. Situated in a bustling street, we walked in and were hit by the scents of fragrant spices and the undeniable smell of curry done right. With that to lure you in, the casual feel and no-frills look of the restaurant is unimportant – when you have great food as a defining factor of your restaurant, the extraneous details matter less.
T
he brains behind Armash Restaurant is Mr Umair Khan, the owner and founder of the Armash group of companies: a company that originally began as a retail company and then diversified into construction. That food and beverage doesn’t appear to be the company’s forte shouldn’t worry anyone dining here – the restaurant, which first opened in Tutong in 2017 and opened its second branch in Kiulap in August 2018, was born out of a passion for food. “Food feeds the soul,” Mr Khan says. “It’s a reflection of our culture and who
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we are, an integral part of our traditions and celebrations. A way to feel at home and at the same time bridge cultures.” The bridging of cultures is evident in their large menu, which offers wide varieties of North and South Indian cuisine, at the same time offering heavy-hitting favourites from Indonesia and Asia as well. While it isn’t uncommon to find Asian local favourites in most Indian restaurants in the sultanate, their menu selection speaks of a commitment to their need to offer different kinds of cuisine. A variety of soups from Sup Tulang to Sup Hati Buyah, Ayam Bakar, Tongseng Kambing and of course, Ayam Penyet, taste as legitimate here as they do in an Indonesian restaurant, while their offerings of Asian dishes like Tango Prawn and Chinese Dhak Chicken are simply delightful. As with any good restaurant, what helps is what goes on in the kitchen. Four chefs with experience working in 5-star hotels across Asia reign supreme here, given a space to reach their full potential and let their creativity and skills do the talking. As for the quality of their food, Brunei’s Health Promotion Centre’s mission embodies their cause: “Less Oil, Less Salt and Less Sugar.” Armash Restaurant is an advocate for healthy eating and this is done by incorporating fresh ingredients into their meals and without the use of processed food. Meals at Armash Restaurant are prepared without MSG. Mr Khan elaborates, “We believe the time is right to put healthy, authentic Indian and Asian dishes on the menu, and in retail takeaway plus catering, while offering much of what the evolving Bruneian palate craves.”
Armash Restaurant also offers catering. Contact them below for more inquiries: • (Kiulap branch) #5 Grd Flr & 1st Flr, Lot 56672, Bangunan Tian & Chuan, Kg Kiulap, BSB (Tutong branch) #31 & #32, Central Mall, Kg Petani, Tutong • Tel: 673-2672574 IG: @armashrestaurant
H APPY A N N I V E R S A RY We started out in 1999 as a family business in Berakas with the dreams of giving our customers a London food experience with freshly made kebabs and traditional english ďŹ sh & chips. 20 years of serving Brunei Darussalam we have grown with more branches accross the country and expended our menu to bring you more delicious London food. We have delivery for you to enjoy our food from the comfort of your own home and a food truck so our expert chefs can cook awesome food right at your doorstep. Thank you all for an amazing 20 years.
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All restaurants in Brunei are closed for prayers between noon and 2pm on Fridays.
Brunei Pamela Fletcher
The Koppe Company
Bloom Café The newly opened One Riverside luxury apartment buildings have been a subject of intrigue for most locals since its construction to its finish. Lined up along the scenic Kedayan River and with easy access to the hustle and bustle of Kiulap, the area also features a host of eateries and shops for the public, and a lovely little waterfront to take a walk on. It’s no surprise that an area as lovely as this would have restaurants and cafes to complement the scenery, and Bloom Café – the latest eatery brought to you by Mr Baker’s Bakeshop – is certainly up to the task. 38
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Walking into Bloom Café, one can’t help but feel instantly rejuvenated. The combination of fresh flowers and a whiff of Mr Baker’s baked goods from behind a vintage glass display has the refreshing effect of a tall glass of iced tea on a scorching hot day. Speaking of drinks, the florist cum café shows its best in a coffee mug with a good selection of caffeinated brews to choose from. The mains menu itself is simple but good, with fresh salads, egg dishes and toasts to fill you up while sitting pretty for your bouquets. The same can be said for the dessert menu but we were especially blown away by the chocolate cheese
mousse cake—off the menu but still very much on our minds, be sure to ask the staff for any cakes available behind the counter. Certainly a new favourite place for us to relax and unwind with an excellent cup of coffee and Mr Baker’s trademark delicious desserts amid blooming flowers. And once you’re done, make sure you finish the experience with a leisurely walk on the waterfront.
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Blk A, One Riverside Residence, BSB Open daily: 10am-7pm IG: @bloomcafebn
We’ve been lucky with our choices for BiG Appetite this issue, coincidentally choosing places that have terrific ambience. The Koppe Company has been on the coffee circuit for a few years now, run by two siblings with a shared passion for coffee, and recently opened their latest endeavor at a tourist landmark surrounded by the Brunei River: the Queen Elizabeth II Jetty. Combining delicious coffee with serene views of the Brunei River is already a win in our books, but a partnership with author and local foodie Siti Kaprawi means that they also offer a variety of Greek desserts and snacks to go with their beverages. If you’re looking for a menu, you’re out of luck here, but if your tastebuds are looking for a continental adventure, then you’re at the right place. A small glass chiller displays the goods of the day, and on the day that we visited, we were treated to a variety of bread, scones, mains and desserts. We absolutely lived for their Stuffed Tomatoes and Peppers, their Apple Crumble, and their Moussaka. Dining on these simple but elegant fare while sipping on an iced coffee on the deck and taking in the surroundings of the Brunei River is certainly a memorable experience for the books. The Koppe Company started in the cottage industry and they continue their support for local brands in this location. Waving the flag for their local counterparts, the interior of the cafe, an elegantly designed little nook, also displays a large shelf of local brands and products for customers to purchase.
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Queen Elizabeth II Jetty, Jln Kota Batu, Kg Dato Gandi, Brunei-Muara Open daily: 12noon-9pm (Mon-Thurs & Sun), 2pm-12am (Fri-Sat) IG: @thekoppeco
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The Garden’s Veranda
When it comes to locations, The Garden’s Veranda already wins all the awards for the prettiest surroundings. Located amidst the grounds of the recently opened Rimba Garden Central that has local anthophiles flocking there for their garden needs, you would be hard pressed to find a more beautiful location for a restaurant. You can choose to eat outside with a view of the grounds or in their spacious and elegantly designed interior. On a hot day, there’s no contest: flanked with windows on all sides so you can still dine with a view, cushy chairs and black tables accommodate the bigger groups of diners but you can always just kick back in plushy seats at a more casual section of their dining space. Serving mostly Asian fare and a selection of murtabaks, their menu is small but to the point. Choices vary from rice dishes with sides that speak to your local side, with options ranging from Pais Daging to Belutak and from Corned Beef to a truly delicious Udang Sambal Petai. A standard option of noodles are here too, but if you’re here to eat, you’ll be remiss not to try their Nasi Lemak options from their Breakfast menu, or their Nasi Garden’s Veranda – a plate of white rice, fried chicken thigh, ikan masin, tauhu goreng, and sambal – satisfying and delicious.
Beverages shine here with options ranging from your standard kopitiam fare Ice Lemon Tea and then branching out toward Ice Rambutan, Ice Bandung Cincau, and an Ice Tongkat Ali for the gentlemen. A variety of shakes ranging from Milo to Longan will appeal to the kids and the kid in you, and a variety of teas (including Detox Teas) seem appropriate for a garden cafÊ. Snack options are light, but on point; we wouldn’t recommend leaving without trying a plate of The Garden’s Mixed Cucur! A place as beautiful as this has to be open for events, and there are rooms available if you’d like your event to be held amid a gorgeously manicured landscape. Come for the sights and the Instagram-worthy surrounding gardens, stay for the food, and hang out for the ambience. Maybe go shopping for some plants to take home too.
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Rimba Garden Central, Spg 127, Kg Rimba, Gadong, BSB Open daily: 9am-6pm Tel: 673-2424128 / 7288889 for Whatsapp purposes FB: @TGVRGC IG: @thegardensveranda
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Nestled within the business district in Queen’s Court, Tristan Coffee & Roastery is one of the latest destinations for coffee aficionados in Kuching. Inspired by the owner’s travels, the establishment derives its design elements from European cafés. The café aims to promote the burgeoning coffee culture in Kuching – there is even a personal space for experimentations in coffee brewing. Aside from serving beverages and desserts, the café also offers an unexpectedly extensive menu of hearty meals, showcasing a myriad of culinary influences. Some of the must-tries at Tristan Coffee & Roastery are their tomahawk steaks imported from Spain, grilled pulpo (octopus) tentacle and steaks flown in from Australia – all premium ingredients available at great value, meticulously prepared in the Josper Charcoal Oven that the café takes special pride in.
Sarawak Irene Chan
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Tristan Coffee & Roastery
The Coffee Code With branches in Sibu and Bintulu, The Coffee Code has recently opened a new outlet in the trendy Saradise area, and has recently become a popular destination for hip, young foodies seeking out the latest dessert trends. From their VOLCANO – a decadent dessert in the guise of an overflowing beverage, to their milky White Rabbit candy soft-serve that embodies millennial nostalgia, the brains behind Coffee Code seem to have a firm finger on the pulse of the latest fads when it comes to sweet treats. Many of their desserts are available for a limited time only, and the White Rabbit soft-serves are expected to only be on the menu until the end of June or early July. However, it’s also worth checking out their pillowy soufflé pancakes – not as hyped up as their trendsetting dessert items, but still a definite crowd-pleaser.
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B2 Saradise, 93250 Kuching Open daily: 9am-11.45pm Tel: 6014-6140085 FB: @thecoffeecode IG: @thecoffeecodemalaysia 40
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PORKF R E E
Ken’s Kitchen “Affordable luxury dining” might sound oxymoronic, but Ken’s Kitchen has managed to encompass those three words since its opening in December 2018. The restaurant is beloved for their reasonable prices and top-notch service, as well as ever-changing monthly special menu. Items on this menu feature the latest specially-sourced
Sub-Lot 5 (Unit b), Grd Flr, Blk E, Queen’s Court, 93350 Kuching Open daily: 10am-12am Tel: 6017-8077027 FB: @tristancoffeeroastery IG: @coffeetristan
PORKF R E E
ingredients, which are thoughtfully prepared by the chef to highlight the quality and freshness of each of the dishes’ constituents. Boasting the first fullyequipped open kitchen concept and an innovative approach, the restaurant has humble beginnings as a home-based lunch-box delivery service. It has come a long way since, and the chef’s impeccable
artistry over ingredients such as tomahawk steak and empurau fish is evident, presented in his signature European Fusion style.
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Lot 49, Blk D1, Sardise, 93350 Kuching Open for breakfast (Saturday, Sunday and public holidays), brunch (Monday to Friday), and dinner (Wednesday to Monday), closed Tuesday FB: @thehungrybroscompany IG: @kenskitchenkch
biG appetite
eat , drink S a b a h Pamela Fletcher
City Veggie A1 Chicken Rice Many would already be familiar with A1 Chicken Rice at Lintas Plaza as one of the best chicken rice shops in Kota Kinabalu but as of last year, they have been serving freshlycooked dishes to make lunch a more leisurely affair than just a quick dine and rush stop. Extending its premises to accommodate an air-conditioned section with more comfortable seating, expect to delight your taste buds with their signature dishes of mainly seafood, vegetables and of course, chicken. The Melaka assam pedas fish is a stand-out with the chef’s interpretation of this classic Malaysian dish being mildly spicy with the sharp scent of lime leaves coming through to make it incredibly aromatic and appetising. The dish pairs well with the salted egg bitter gourd for a meal that’s spicy, sour, salty and bitter all in one. One hugely popular feature of A1 Chicken Rice is its rice. The grains separate beautifully to a fluffy texture and a fragrant finish. While their chicken rice usually takes little time to get to your table, do expect a bit of waiting for their freshly-cooked dishes during busy lunch hours.
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Lot 6-0 & 8-0, Grd Floor, Lorong Lintas Plaza, 88300 Kota Kinabalu Open daily: 7am-3pm, 5pm-9pm (7am9pm on Sundays) Tel: 6010-8212788 FB: @A1chickenrice
After relocating to its current more spacious premises at Lintas Platinum, City Veggie has upped the ante by increasing the choice of dishes on its already extensive vegetarian menu and has also included a range of wholesome breads, pastries and cakes. There is the typical economy rice setup with an assortment of dishes to choose
from for a quick lunch or you can order a la carte from its menu. Their noodles, rice and curry dishes are firm favourites but don’t miss out on some of their more unusual dishes such as young coconut flesh in sweet and sour or lemon sauce which comes highly recommended. The bakery section does an equal amount of business with customers dropping in to grab their choice of delicious freshly
COF Café Independent artisan coffee shops are springing up all over the city with one of the latest to open its doors being COF Cafe at the Aeropod Commercial Square. Strategically located just a stone’s throw away from the city’s international airport, COF Cafe is a quiet, spacious and relaxing spot to while away a couple of hours before your
baked breads and cakes, something you will be tempted to do yourself on your way out.
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Lot 3-1 & 4-1, Grd Floor, Lintas Platinum, 88300 Kota Kinabalu Open: 11am-3pm, 5.30pm-9pm (closed Mondays) Tel: 6088-236128 FB: @CityVegetarian
flight or to just drop by for a coffee and snack which is basically what you’ll find on its menu at this point. There are a few brunch options but the main attraction is definitely its coffees, teas and cakes. Customer favourites include its lava cakes which are tea-flavoured chiffon cakes topped with creamy milky tea foam and glutinous pearls. The chiffon cake is light and spongy with the discernable taste of Earl Grey tea, green tea and sesame coming through in each individual cake. And if you absolutely must take an Insta-worthy photo, there is a dedicated corner with retro rattan chairs to lean back and pose for that perfect picture before you leave.
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K-1-2, Blk K, Aeropod Commercial Square, Jln Aeropod Off Jln Kepayan, 88100 Kota Kinabalu Open daily: 9am-11pm Tel: 6016-8315780 FB: @cofcafekk
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biG listings Aminah Arif 2 & 3 Blk B Grd Flr Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kiulap (673 2236198) – Call for other branches
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!
Restoran Makan & Soto Rosmini Our favourite soto hang-out 1 Spg 15, Jln Gadong (673 8719946)
Amulya This North Indian restaurant serves our favourite briyani in town. Grd Flr Jln Setia Square Berakas, Kg Jaya Setia (673 2339230)
Mei Kong Coffee Shop A trip to Brunei isn’t complete without sampling their famous kolo mee 108 Jln Pemancha, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 2240688)
Chop Jing Chew Freshly made Roti Kahwin perfectly paired with a teh tarik 10 Spg 5 Jln Gadong, Kg Menglait (673 2424132)
Kaizen Sushi served fresh on your table plus a variety of other Japanese cuisine Yayasan Complex Waterfront Side, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 2226336) – call for other branches
Thien Thien Restaurant Purveyors of arguably the best Nasi Ayam in town 10 Grd Flr Mas Panchawarna Complex (673 2222435) – call for other branches
Aneka Rasa Blk A #16 & 17 Grd & 1st Flr Bgn Begawan Pehin Dato Hj Mohd Yussof, Kg Kiulap (673 2231728) Anjung Layar Luncur (Nur Wanita Serasa Branch) Simpang 287, Pantai Serasa (673 2771879) Ar Ruhma Restaurant 329 Blk D Bgn Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 2427847) Axtivo Restaurant #12, Grd Flr, Hj Uthman Complex, Spg 13, Kg Jaya Setia (673 2335642)
Ximply Chriz Café Divine desserts, great coffee and scrumptious meals Babu’s Kitchen 8 Blk A Regent Square, Kiulap C44 Blk C Grd Flr Gadong Central, (673 2234918) Kg Menglait (673 2457868) 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, Gwad Basha Arabian Pondok Sari Wangi Restaurant Gadong Restaurant Arabic cuisine at its finest Serving the best of Indonesian (673 2452852) cuisine #1A&1B Heng Thai Property Centre Spg 22 Jln 12-13 1st Flr Blk A Abd Razak All Seasons Restaurant Complex, Gadong 17 1st Flr Times Square Dato Ratna, Kiarong (673 2445043) (673 2450009) Shopping Centre, Kg Jaya – call for other branches – call for other branches Setia (673 2338068)
Armash Armash has been serving the residents of Tutong for two years before branching out to the capital. Serving a variety of North and South Indian cuisine, and Asian fare. OPEN DAILY 7.30am-10pm; No 5, Grd Flr & 1st Flr, Lot 56672, Bangunan Tian & Chuan, KG KIULAP (673 2672574)
Bali Pit-Stop 15 &16, Spg 150 Grd Floor, Block A Bangunan Habza, Kiulap (673 7209992) Chatterbox Kopitiam 2 Grd Flr Bgn Hasbullah 2, Gadong (673 8201212)
OPEN DAILY 8am-10pm; 49-50 Wisma Raya, Jln Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien, BSB (673 2220215)
Eco Dermaga Kafé 2 Building, Waterfront, Jln McArthur, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 7295999) Farmbasket Snack Bar A1, Grd Flr Blk A, Urairah Complex, Spg 88, Kiulap (673 2234666) – Call for other branches
Gratitude Café Grd Flr Serusop Complex, Kg Delima Satu (673 2341123) Great Taste Restaurant Grd Flr Setia Kenangan II, Kg Kiulap (673 2233913) Happy Dean Restaurant No 3, Grd Flr, Zainuddin Complex, Spg 11, Anggerek Desa, Berakas A (673 2340885) – Call for other branches Impian Rasa Restaurant #5 Bgn Pg Hjh Rafiah Spg 607 Jln Jangsak, Gadong (673 2653858) – Call for other branches Iron Chef Unit 5&6, Lvl 1, HuaHo Manggis Mall (673 2338888) Kaka Restaurant 2 & 3 Spg 100 Jln Jerudong (673 2672333) – Call for other branches Kitaro #2 Yong Siong Hai Building, Gadong (673 7323377 | 2457373) La Mee #1B & 1c Grd Flr Spg 41-1-12, Jln Kiarong (673 2430113) Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
GALLERY
Burger King The Home of the Whopper and the second largest hamburger chain in the world, Burger King is serving your favourie burgers in seven branches across Brunei.
Gurkha Palace 47 Jalan Bunga Melor, Seria Town (673 3221474)
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ADVERTISERS
Caffe Bene This coffeehouse giant from Korea opened its door to Brunei in 2017, and is serving your favourite Korean beverages, desserts and coffee at their cosy location in the Airport Mall! OPEN DAILY 9am-11pm; Patio 8, Grd Flr Airport Mall, KG JAYA SETIA (673 2340836)
Casbah London Kebab Pick lamb, chicken, beef or fish and have it dressed and wrapped your way – tikka, kebab, doner or shawarma style! A quick and deliciously meaty meal for hungry diners on the go. OPEN DAILY; #G2a Grd Flr Times Square Complex, KG JAYA SETIA (673 2343001) (Times Square Branch) or #204 Spg 210 Kg Lambak, JLN BERAKAS (673 8803183) – Call for other branches
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Despite new coffee shops popping up around town, the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf undoubtedly remains the most popular purveyor of caffeine in Brunei with 12 branches throughout the country. This global coffee chain continues to brew their specialty coffee and their ever-popular Ice-Blended coffee drinks for the masses. OPEN DAILY 8am-11pm; G26 Grd Flr Times Square Shopping Centre, Jln Jaya Setia, BERAKAS (673 2337358) – call for other branches
biG listings
BAKE CULTURE “FLAVOURS OF BRUNEI” COOKIES The local bakery owned by Brunei’s own superstar Wu Chun, is known for its range of sweet and savoury baked treats. But have you ever tried their cookies? Intrigued with the idea that a cookie can taste like a plate of Nasi Lemak, we followed the crumbs to the nearest Bake Culture joint to try a taste of their Flavours of Brunei cookie series – and what a trip it was. Offering seven flavours embodying flavours beloved by locals – Golden Salted Egg, Nasi Lemak, Brunei Laksa, Japanese Matcha, Belgian Chocolate and Musang King –Bake Culture managed to give us a whole new cookie experience. Nasi Lemak unerringly tastes like a plate of pusu, fried chicken, nasi lemak and peanuts in one bite, Musang King had an undercurrent of creamy durian, and we needed a tall glass of water to soothe the spiciness away from the Brunei Laksa. Housed in fetching jars and quirky labels, these cookies aren’t just made for snacking, they make pretty good souvenirs too. #6, Grd Flr, Blk B, Urairah Complex, Kg Kiulap, Bandar Seri Begawan Tel: 673-2233663 FB: @BakeCultureBrunei IG: @bakeculturebrunei
Mangrove Paradise Resort Spg 912 Kg Sungai Belukut, Jln Kota Batu (673 2786868)
Old Time Kopitiam G2 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Ibrahim, Kg Menglait (673 244 282)
Pho Hoa Restaurant #6 Grd Flr Blk B Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kg Kiulap (673 2236218) Rice Bowl 72 T.C.Y Building, Batu Bersurat (673 8630665)
Sate House Unit B9, Block B, Setia Kenangan II, Spg.150, Kiulap, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 2231017) Soto Pabo #9A Spg 222, Kg Pintu Malim (673 8686388) Sulbingsoo Korean Dessert Cafe Unit B7, Grd Flr, Shakirin Complex, Kiulap (673 2234271) SPICY CURRY & WRAPS FROM ARABIC TO INDIAN CUISINE, CHECK OUT THESE RESTAURANTS IF YOU LIKE A SPICY KICK TO YOUR MEALS. Sugar ‘n’ Spice Unit B1, Grd Flr, Purnama Complex, Kiulap (673 2332493 / 8810493)
is
PappaRich Blk G Grd Flr Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 2432333)
Ser� i ng
Seaworld Neptune 8 Spg 791, Jerudong (673 2612613)
uth Indian and A s i a nc & So u
Nyonya 3 Grd Flr Bgn Hasbollah, Gadong (673 2447090)
Seafood Palace #1, 2 & 3 Blk B An-Nuha Building, Kg Tanjung Bunut (673 2671299)
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MyTown Eating House Grd Flr The Crown Princess Complex, Jalan Tutong (673 2241880)
Seasons Restaurant Lvl 2 The Centrepoint, Gadong (673 2422291)
No
MY Favoureat Restaurant 9 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Munchit & Hjh Rapiah, Kg Jaya Setia (673 2232828)
Sapphira Cake House 3 Grd Flr Seri Anigma, Kiulap (673 2232021)
in e
Lee Loi Fatt Blk A #7 Grd Flr Serusop Complex, Kg Delima Satu (673 2342384) – Call for other branches
Address: Unit No 5, Ground Floor & First Floor Lot 56672, Bangunan Tian & Chuan, Kg Kiulap BE1518 Negara Brunei Darussalam (Opposite Hua Ho Kiulap) Address: Unit 31&32 Central Mall Kg Petani Tutong Negara Brunei Darussalam Tel: +673 2672574
IG: @armashrestaurant
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
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biG listings Amsarra Shawarma Grd Flr Block A, 1Riverside, Jalan Gadong (673 7318545) Armash Restaurant No 5, Grd Flr, Bangunan Tian & Chuan, Kg. Kiulap (673 2672574) – Call for other branches Bombay Palace Restaurant #9 Grd & 1st Flr Blk B Bgn Pg Mainuddin & Anak2, Batu Bersurat (673 2427313) C’Fu Curry House Restaurant Spg 103 #5 & 6 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Md Salleh, Gadong (673 2457000)
PAP Umi Kalthum, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 2240379) Saffron Restaurant 8 Blk C Shakirin Complex, Kiulap (673 2235888) Sameer Restaurant & Catering G1 Grd Flr Sg Akar Sentral, Berakas (673 2336613) Spices Restaurant #1 Grd Flr Blk A Aman Complex, Jln Muara (673 2330081) Ya Nur Restaurant #6 & #7, 1st Flr, Kompleks Hj Tahir 2, Gadong (673 8719986)
Delhi Darbar Restaurant & Catering Spg 38 Jln Jerudong (673 2672826)
Zaika Restaurant A4 Lot 308 Bgn Maju Jln Bunga Raya, Kuala Belait (673 3347430)
Le Taj 2-3 2nd Flr Seri Kiulap Complex, Kiulap (673 2238996)
Gwad Basha Arabian Restaurant 1A & 1B Heng Thai Property Centre, Spg 22, Jalan Dato Ratna, Kiarong (673 2450009)
Lotus Family Restaurant 27B Grd Flr Delima Jaya Complex, Berakas (673 2342049) Rajah’s Restaurant 3 Grd Flr Blk A Bangunan
WESTERN FOOD ITALIAN PIZZAS, AMERICAN STEAKS AND BURGERS, BRITISH COTTAGE PIES – WE LIST DOWN THE RESTAURANTS THAT SERVE THE BEST FROM THE WEST.
Bello Café L1/12 Seri Kiulap Mall, Kiulap (673 2233989) – Call for other branches
Fleur-de-lys L1/1 Seri Q-Lap Mall, Kiulap (673 223 1777) – Call for other branches
Buccaneer Steak House 92-93 (B) 94 Grd Flr Jln McKerron, Kuala Belait (673 33 0406)
Fratini’s Restaurant #1 Grd Flr The Centrepoint Hotel, Gadong (673 2451200) – Call for other branches
Charcoal BBQ & Grill Restaurant Grd Flr Le Gallery Suites Hotel, Jln Tutong (673 2221171) – Call for other branches
Home Kitchen by Tree-Bit Café D8 & D9 Lot 11620 Grd Flr Jln Gadong, Kg Mata-Mata (673 2429366)
Cheezbox Café External Café, Ramp A, The Mall, Gadong (673 2425506)
Kitchen of Jasmine by Aranda Café #17, Blk E, Atiya Complex, Spg 100, Jln Jerudong (673 8997333)
Countrypatch Café 3 Grd Flr Blk D Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kiulap (673 2232368) – Call for other branches De’ Olde Cottage 2 Grd Flr Blk C Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 2426982) – Call for other branches Magnum Café 18 & 19 Grd Flr Citis Square, Kg Jaya Setia (673 2392555)
Magherita Pizzeria #5 Blk A Scout Complex Jln Gadong, Kg Mata-Mata (673 8688884) Paddington House of Pancakes 3&4 Blk C Spg 58, Jln Berakas, Kg Serusop (673 2331668) Pastamania G9A & G10A, Grd Flr, Times Square Shopping Centre, Spg 13-29, Jln Berakas ‘A’ (673 2338061) – Call for other branches Pepper Lunch Brunei C9/10 Grd Flr Setia Kenangan II, Kg Kiulap (673 2253000) PEZZO Grd Flr Times Square Shopping Centre, Kg Jaya Setia (673 2440068 | 7182323) Qasehmaisara Café House #206-209 2nd Flr Plaza Athirah, Jln Kubah Makam DiRaja (673 2789898) RMS Diner A5 Lot 308 Bgn Maju Jln Bunga Raya, Kuala Belait (673 3347455) RBC Lifestyle Cafe Waterfront, Jln McArthur, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 2220815) Rovansil Restaurant #36-38 1st Flr Citis Square, Kg Jaya Setia (673 2337129) Red Canopy Café #5 Blk C Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 2453878) Ricardo’s #19 Jerudong Park Food Court Phase 2, Kg Jerudong (673 7276455) – WA only
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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
ADVERTISERS
GALLERY Riwaz A contemporary Indian restaurant that serves up traditional Indian cuisine with a modern twist! OPEN 6.30pm – 10.30pm (closed Mondays); Radisson Hotel Jln Tasek, BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (673 2244272 ext 8873)
Tasek Brasserie A perfect spot to dine with family and friends in the heart of the city, Tasek Brasserie provides casual dining in a relaxed atmosphere. Customers can enjoy light snacks and a cool mocktail while lounging at the outdoor pool, or dine on the variety of cuisine from their ala carte menu or sumptuous buffets. OPEN DAILY 6am-6pm; Radisson Hotel Jln Tasek, BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (673 2244272) ROYAL BRUNEI CATERING
Anjung Saujana As ever, Anjung Saujana offers travelers a unique dining experience before their onward journey out of Brunei. The restaurant features a la carte and buffet menus, taking inspirations from around the world. OPEN DAILY 7am-10.30pm (7am-12noon, 2pm10.30pm on Fridays); Departure Hall, Level One, Brunei International Airport (673 2331853/2339207)
Dynasty Dynasty restaurant boasts an expansive menu of 50 dim sum pieces and the famous roasted duck. A welcoming Chinese restaurant located on the ground floor of Centrepoint Hotel. OPEN DAILY 9am-2pm, 6pm-10pm (Mon-Thurs)/ 8am-12noon, 6pm-10pm (Fri)/ 8am-2pm, 6pm10pm (Sat)/ 8am-5pm, 6pm-10pm (Sun); Grd Flr, The Centrepoint Hotel, GADONG (673 2430185/6)
Express Fast Food Take a bite out of history with this fast food flashback! Express Fast-Food has solidified itself in the heart of the population and the fast-food scene. Known for their classic Fried Chicken and Seasoned French Fries. OPEN DAILY 8am-10pm (2pm-10.30pm on Fridays); Grd Flr, #1, Blk A, Bgn Hj Awg Matussin HA, KG KIULAP (673 2237253)
biG listings
PAN & WOK Pan & Wok is known for its array of delightfully packaged repertoire of healthy food and drinks, and its latest outlet in OneCity Shopping Center in Sungai Hanching has added a ‘Build-aBowl’ concept. Options range from a ‘Veggie Bowl’ to a ‘Small Bowl’ for the lighter eaters (although the meal is by no means light) and a ‘Large Bowl’ for a more voracious healthy eater – or two. The ‘Nacho Bowl’ is a huge platter that’s big enough to share among at least three people. The concept is easy – a Large Bowl would have you choosing a base (options range from mixed greens to red rice and herbs couscous to cauliflower rice), two protein dishes – a wide array to choose from, from Italian Meatballs to Baked Lemon Paprika Dory Fish. Add that with 2 Hot Sides and 2 Cold Sides, with a variety ranging from Charred Broccoli to shredded carrots, and two toppings to seal the deal. Their choice of sauces seal the entire bowl, offering options from Sriracha to the fan-favourite Roasted Sesame, none of them bad choices. Grd Floor, OneCity Shopping Centre, Jln Utama Salambigar, Kg Sungai Hanching FB: @panandwok IG: @panandwok
Sorriso Restaurant & Pizzeria #14 Blk B Grd Flr Regent Square, Kiulap (673 2233030) Swensen’s #2.34-2.36 2nd Flr The Mall, Gadong (673 2451864) Wing-It #16 Grd Flr Citis Square, Kg Jaya Setia (673 7224999) COFFEE & CAFES GOURMET, PREMIUM-GRADE, SPECIALTY COFFEE – THIS LIST ACCOMMODATES THE BEST OF THE BURGEONING LOCAL COFFEE INDUSTRY. Another Café #2 Grd Flr Blk A Bgn Hj Abd Rahman & Hjh Siti Ajar, Kiulap (673 2233593)
BELLUNO Café #2 Blk C Kiarong Complex, Kg Kiarong (673 2429010) Bloom Cafe by Mr Baker Grd Flr Block A 1Riverside, Jalan Gadong (673 8768770) Brew Café & Bakery #47 Grd Flr Blk C Gadong Central, Menglait (673 2427554) Caffé Bene Grd Flr Patio, The Airport Mall, Kg Jaya Setia (673 2340836) Caffé Verve #6A Spg 68, Jln Batu Bersurat (673 8757382) The Collective Wildflower Café Grd Flr Royal Brunei Recreational Club (RBRC), BSB
Balkony #10 Block C Shakirin Complex Kiulap (673 2230191)
Chocolate Origin Grd Flr Block B, 1Riverside, Jalan Gadong (673 2221865)
Beanery & Co #81 A/1 Grd Flr, Jln Bunga Rambai, Kuala Belait (673 3347772)
E.A.T. Bakery Grd Flr Blk B, Little Soho, Spg 73-5-8, Jln Batu Bersurat, Kg Pengkalan Gadong (673 8664608)
Fleur-de-lys L1/1 Seri Q-Lap Mall, Kiulap (673 2231777) – call for other branches
100% BEEF PATTIES
Games & Lattes Café #E9 Grd Flr Blk E Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap (673 2235200)
VEGGIES ARE FRESHLY CUT
NO FILLERS, NO PRESERVATIVES, NO NONSENSE
IN OUR KITCHEN EVERYDAY.
Geo Eats No. 13, Spg 381, Kg Jerudong (673 8271381) Gloria Jean’s Coffee G17 Citis Square, Berakas (673 2338452) Happy Cream Unit 1, 1st Flr, Bgn Majid Mohd, Jln Pasar Baharuddin, Gadong (673 8158587) High Frequency Lifestyle Café 1st Flr Unit 5 Blk B Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 2428262) It’s a Grind Coffeehouse 1, Grd Floor, Bgn AlWarasah, Muara Town (673 2772424) – call for other branches Kapra Coffee #26 Grd Flr Blk C Spg 440, Jln Muara (673 2345656)
CALL 2462656 RIMBA 2236486 KIULAP 3229050 SERIA/KB
For more info, visit: www.burgerking.com.bn @burgerkingbrunei Burger King Brunei
Delivery service available only at Rimba, Kiulap and Seria area (within 15km radius) with a minimum order of $9.50. Terms and conditions apply.
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
45
biG listings Kitchen of Jasmine by Aranda Café #17 Blk E, Atiya Complex, Spg 100, Jln Jerudong (673 8997333)
Rack & Brew #9 Blk H 1st & 2nd Flr Abdul Razak Complex, Gadong (673 7299668)
Peppermint Café #209B, 2nd Flr, Wisma Jaya, Jln Pemancha, BSB, BS8811 (673 8622848)
The Library Café #6 Blk C, Bangunan Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap
The Krema Coffee Ner Dee Café #D31 Lim Eng Ming st #F11 1 Flr Setia Kenangan II, Complex Blk D, Kg Kiulap (673 8973600) Kiulap (673 7331783)
Piccolo Café #11 Jln McArthur, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 2241558)
Sweet As Sara Unit 1, Grd Flr, Blk A, Spg 150, Wisma PH Apong, Kiulap (673 8889169)
DIVINE DINING EXQUISITE MEALS IN BEAUTIFUL SETTINGS – PERFECT FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS
I-Lotus 20 Spg 12-26 Perumahan Rakyat Jati, Kg Rimba (673 2422466)
Atrium Café The Empire Hotel & Country Le Keris Club, Jerudong (673 418888) L2/22, 1st Flr, Seri Q-Lap Mall (673 2230149) Dynasty Restaurant Lobby Lounge Grd Flr Centrepoint Hotel, The Empire Hotel & Gadong (673 2430185) Country Club, Jerudong (673 2418888) The Horizons Seafood Restaurant Pantai Restaurant Waterfront, The Empire Hotel & Jln McArthur, Country Club, Jerudong Bandar Seri Begawan (673 2418888) (673 2233400)
ANJUNG SAUJANA RESTAURANT Anjung Saujana offers guests a unique dining experience before their onward journey out of Brunei. Located at the Departure Hall of the Brunei International Airport, the restaurant is recognised for top quality international cuisine and its unique design setting. The restaurant features Ala Carte and Buffet menus, taking inspirations from around the world. Departure Hall, Level One, Brunei International Airport Open daily: 7am-10.30pm (closed from 12pm-2pm on Fridays) Tel: 673-2331583/2339207 FB: Anjung Saujana Restaurant IG: @anjungsaujanarestaurant
ADVERTISERS
GALLERY Horizons Arguably the most breathtaking restaurant in the Brunei capital, Horizons at the waterfront gives a panoramic view of the iconic Kampong Ayer with an array of fusion cuisine from Thai, Western to Chinese dishes and succulent seafood. Talk about dining with a view! OPEN DAILY 10.30am-2.30pm, 6pm-10.30pm (2pm10.30pm on Fridays); Waterfront, Jln McArthur, BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (673 2233400/2233401)
Seasons Restaurant Located on the 2nd floor of Centrepoint Hotel, this eatery offers the best in contemporary Asian cuisine and buffet spreads. OPEN DAILY 6am-10.30pm (2pm-10.30pm on Fridays); 2nd Flr, The Centrepoint Hotel, GADONG (673 2422291/2422292) THE EMPIRE HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB
Atrium Café The Atrium Café is located on level 3 of the main Atrium building, nestled amidst The Empire’s signature grand marble columns and offering a spectacular view of the sea. Buffet breakfast and á la carte lunch are available from Monday to Friday, offering a variety of international and local cuisine. OPEN 6.30am-10.30am (buffet breakfast) / 11.30am-3pm (à la carte lunch) / 2pm-4pm (à la carte lunch – on Fridays only)
Lobby Lounge The perfect place for casual or formal get-togethers or just to enjoy a cup of tea – the Lobby Lounge offers a selection of refreshments throughout the day and their popular traditional English High Tea in the afternoons. OPEN DAILY 8am-10pm / 2pm-6pm (Daily Afternoon Tea)
Pantai Restaurant Offering semi buffet meals combined
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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
Savy’s Brasserie 204 Lvl 2 Mabohai Shopping Complex, Mabohai (673 2240829) Senja Restaurant 8&9 Grd Flr Seri Kiulap Complex, Kiulap (673 2235313) Spaghettini The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 2418888) Tarindak d’Polo Royal Brunei Polo & Riding Club, Jerudong (673 2612500) Tarindak D’Seni Brunei Arts & Handicrafts Centre, Kota Batu (673 2240422) GO GREEN HEALTHY AND VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY OPTIONS Brunei Detox Bar 9 Grd Flr, Abdul Razak Complex, BE3519 Mituo Vegetarian Restaurant #11 Block B Grd Floor PAP Norain Complex, Batu Satu (673 2222821) Pureland Vegetarian Restaurant #15 Blk B Grd Flr Bgn Hj Awg Ahmad bin Hassan & Anak-anak, Kiulap (673 2236503) The Healthy Habit Blk A, Setia Kenangan II, Kg Kiulap BE1518 (673 2231030) TienSing Vegetarian & Catering Restaurant 21-22 Bangunan Hj Hassan II, Jln Gadong, Kg Menglait (673 2454988) QUICK EATS FAST AND DELICIOUS MEALS FOR THOSE ON THE GO Burgers & Grills F20, Jln Tengah Bangunan, Bowling Alley Seria, Kpg Pekan Seria (673 3221434) Chickilicious Unit 20, Grd Flr, Blk B, Spg 150, Regent Square, Kiulap (673 823 7518) My Fried Chicken Grd Flr, Freshco Food Junction, Times Square, Kg Jaya Setia Nasi Katok Mama Express No 3 Blk A Grd Flr Kompleks Madang, Madang (673 8641681)
Pan & Wok #28A Grd Flr Airport Mall, Kg Jaya Setia (673 2342836) RBC Express Fast Food #1 Grd Flr Blk A, Bangunan Hj Matussin, Kg Kiulap (673 2237253) Wayback Burgers Unit B10-11 Setia Kenangan II Spg 150 Kiulap (673 2236882) NON-HALAL OPTIONS Danes Café #102, Bgn Batu Bersurat, Jln Batu Bersurat (673 2428914) Golden Leaf Coffee House Blk 1 Grd Flr PAP Hjh Norain Building, Jln Batu Satu (673 2220422)– Call for other branches Phongmun Restaurant 2nd Flr Teck Guan Plaza Jln Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 2229561) Sui Heng Restaurant Grd Flr Hj Munchit & Hjh Rapiah Complex, Kg Jaya Setia (673 2338321) Hua Hua Restaurant Grd Flr, Blk B, Bangunan Urairah, Kiulap
ADVERTISERS
GALLERY with daily specials, the elegant Pantai Restaurant offers a Daily Asian buffet dinner from 6pm to 9pm with a wide variety of tantalising options to choose from, or enjoy a midday meal with the family at their popular Weekend Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. OPEN 6.30pm-10pm (closed Thursdays) / 11am-3pm (Weekend Brunch)
Pool Deck Located at the Beachfront on Level 1, enjoy the breeze from the beachside while you sip on cool beverages and enjoy light snacks in view of the swimming pool. OPEN DAILY 7am-9pm
Spaghettini Fine dining at its best, this restaurant offers authentic Italian and contemporary Mediterranean cuisine in divine settings, with a Daily Mediterranean à la carte dinner from 6pm to 10pm. A private room is available upon request for special occasions. OPEN DAILY 6am-6pm
Zen Pavilion Located just beyond Pantai Restaurant on Level 1, Zen Pavilion offers customers an exclusive dining experience, watching chefs prepare excellent dishes on the teppanyaki grill with flare and offering some of the most authentic Japanese cuisine. Daily à la carte dinner is available. OPEN 6pm-9pm (closed Thursdays) – advance booking is required
Zest A stylish café located at the Atrium on Level 5, enjoy a hot beverage with a selection of pastries, cakes, savoury treats, confectionary and chocolates, made fresh daily with the finest quality ingredients. OPEN DAILY 24 hours (midnight-6am for Empire Hotel residents only)
biG listings
Sabah & Sarawak The restaurants and eateries listed are arranged by food types, and not in order of our preference. Reviews are written from a typical diner’s perspective and written based on actual visits to the establishments listed, without the prior knowledge of the restaurants. Information given on menus, hours or prices may change and should be checked. Credit Cards : AE | American Express MC | MasterCard V | Visa
EAT (SABAH) BORNEO WILD TREASURE Lot 27-0 Blk C Lrg Bundusan Square1D, Kota Kinabalu (6088 732 222) BRASS MONKEY Lot 1-0 Lorong Lintas Plaza 4, Kota Kinabalu (6088 61 543) CAFÉ DE VIE Lot D-0-6 Lorong Metro Town 3, Kota Kinabalu (6088 393 863) CAFÉ HARU 7, Lorong Gunung Juo, Taman Far East Kota Kinabalu (6010 935 1233) CIRCLE RESTAURANT Le Meridien Hotel, Kota Kinabalu (6088 322 222) EMPEROR’S DELIGHT Lot 6 Grd Flr Jln Pantai, Kota Kinabalu (6088 288 686) FONG IP CAFÉ Lot 100 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 213 618) GAM TONG HONG KONG RECIPE Lot G-823 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 488 833) GRANDCHAMPS CAVE & SHOP Unit S3A, Ground Floor, Block B, The Peak Vista, Kota Kinabalu (6088 261 886) HANA JAPANESE RESTAURANT Lot S21&S22 Blk E City Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 538 178) HUT STEAK HOUSE & RESTAURANT 29 Blk E Damai Plaza, Kota Kinabalu (6088 238 558)
KOREAN CLUB RESTAURANT 4 Jln Aru, Kota Kinabalu (6088 232 213)
PARTY PLAY 117 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 311 210)
LITTLE ITALY Grd Flr Hotel Capital Jln Hj Saman, Kota Kinabalu (6088 232 231)
PASTA PASTA 108 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6014 371 4665)
MAD BEN CAFÉ Lot 121, Jalan Gaya, 88000, Kota Kinabalu (6088 255 073)
PEPPERMINT VIETNAMESE CUISINE No. 85 Grd Flr Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6012 802 4582)
MAI YAI THAI ORCHID RESTAURANT Lot 13 KK Waterfront, Kota Kinabalu (6088 234 841)
PORT VIEW SEAFOOD VILLAGE Lot 18 The Waterfront Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 221 753)
MDM ING FISH NOODLE Lot 21 Towering Koidupan Perdana Jln Tambunan, Penampang (6016 831 8726)
PUSAS THE SMOKEHOUSE Ground Floor, S6, Jalan Signal Hill The Peak Vista, Kota Kinabalu (6088 299 199)
MR HO’S FINE FOODS L-72-G Grd Flr Blk L KK Times Square Phase 1, Kota Kinabalu (6088 222 623)
RESTAURANT BABA & NYONYA RECIPE Blk E Grd Flr Grand Millennium Plaza, Penampang (6016 810 8206)
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 Shoppin Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 487 180) NISHIKI JAPANESE RESTAURANT Shop 4 Grd Flr 63 Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu (6088 230 582)
JOTHY’S FISH HEAD CURRY & BANANA LEAF Blk 1 Lot G9 Api Api Centre, Kota Kinabalu (6088 261 595)
OCTOBER COFFEE HOUSE Blk B The Peak Vista Lorong Puncak 1 Tjg Lipat, Kota Kinabalu (6010 346 954)
KIRISHIMA JAPANESE RESTAURANT Cititel Express No 1 Jln Singgah Mata 1 Asia City, Kota Kinabalu (6088 217 868)
OPEN KITCHEN Grd Flr, Unit 8, Blk 1, Metro Town, 88300, Kota Kinabalu (6088 254 161)
KOHINOOR NORTH INDIAN RESTAURANT Lot 4 The Waterfront Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 235 160) 48
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
PANCAKE HOUSE Concourse Flr 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 448 110) Lot G94-94A Karamunsing Complex, Kota Kinabalu (6088 319 168)
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)
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)
BEEI JING RESTAURANT SDN BHD 157 Jln Kg Nyabor, Sibu (6084 330 955)
THE B.E.A.N CAFÉ Lot 8-1, Lido Plaza, Jalan Nosoob, Penampang (6088 703 884) Café with a sofa lounge serving coffee and drinks, sandwiches, toasts, waffles, and desserts
BITES BY THE BATIK 38 Jln Pandungan, Kuching (6082 422 845) BLA BLA BLA 27, Jln Tabuan, 93000, Kuching (6082 2330944) –
DA MI XIANG GU TOU BAO RESTAURANT Tabuan Hts Comm Centre, Kuching (6082 458 952)
THE B SIDE Lot 21, Ground Floor, Lido Plaza, Jalan Nosoob Penampang (6088 715 453) – Hipster café offering all-day dining and specialty coffees
BLACK BEAN COFFE & TEA 87, Ewe Hai Street, 93000 Kuching (6082 420 290)
DYNASTY CHINESE ESTAURANT Oil Town Comm Complex, Miri (6085 424 000)
VINO VINO BISTRO Unit J-57, 1st Flr, KK Times Square, 88100, Kota Kinabalu (6088 486 363) WAH SAN RESTAURANT D2-G Blk 17 Jln Pryer, Sandakan (6089 212 626) YAMAGOYA RAMEN Lot 109 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 253 701) YOSHIMI JAPANESE RESTAURANT Warisan Square, Kota Kinabalu (6088 488 388) YU KEE BAK KUT TEH 74, Jln Gaya, 88000, Kota Kinabalu (6088 221 192)
EAT (SARAWAK) A ONE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT Lrg Chew Siik Hiong 1, Sibu (6084 215 803) ABSOLUTE TRIBAL RESTAURANT Hills Shopping Mall, Kuching (6082 237 468)
SAKURA JAPANESE RESTAURANT G-23A & G-25, Oceanus Waterfront Mall, Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, 88000 Kota Kinabalu (6088 273 604)
ALFIAN RESTAURANT 52 Pekan Marudi, Marudi (6085 755 215)
SANTOLA CAFÉ Lot 14 Blk B Damai Point, Kota Kinabalu (6088 260 188)
APOLLO SEAFOOD CENTRE 4 Jln Yu Seng Selatan, Miri (6085 420 813)
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)
ALL JOY CAFÉ 8-1 Jln Khoo Hun Yeang, Kuching (6082 243 535)
APPLE RESTAURANT 78 Jln Tun Ahmad Zaidi, Bintulu (6086 333 377) AROMA CAFÉ 126 Jln Tabuan, Kuching (6082 417 163) ASIAN EXPRESS RESTAURANT G40 The Spring, Kuching (6082 414 088) BEE HIONG RESTAURANT CAFÉ 157G Jln Muhibbah, Lawas (6085 285 137)
BISMI RESTAURANT 27 Jln Sommerville, Bintulu (6086 331 835)
CHUAN HONG RESTAURANT 123 Jln Council SAman (6083 322 466) CROWN DYNASTY RESTAURANT Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Bintulu (6086 335 908) CUPPA-KAP COFFEE Jln Song, Kuching (6019 8869636)
BOARDRIDERS CAFÉ EARTHLINGS Plaza Merdeka Jln Pearl, Kuching COFFEE WORKSHOP (6082 237 526) Coffee shop, roaster, academy Lot 45, Grd Flr, No. 1, CityONE BOULEVARD RESTAURANT Megamall, Jln Song 2228 Jln Saberkas, Lutong (6085 653 175) BUENAS FILIPINO LECHON & RESTAURANT 329 Jln Tj Batu, Bintulu (6086 310 860) CAFÉ CAFÉ AT ORIGINAL CARWASH Low 211-214, Section 9, KTLD, Rubber Rd, Kuching (6082 256 396) CAFÉ MIN XIN Lot 1126-27 Riam Comm Centre, Miri (6085 628 839) CAPITAL RESTAURANT 86 Jln Keppel, Bintulu (6086 331 160) CARVERY RESTAURANT Jln Abell, Kuching (6082 239 449) CASABELLA MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT Crown Square, Kuching (6082 346 612) CHEF AT HOME Lorong Green 1 Blk 10, Kuching (6016 858 5159)
YAKITO-LEE
Yakitori typically means skewered grilled chicken but at newly opened yakitori house Yakito-Lee, you’ll get to savour more than just chicken. Prime New Zealand beef, Atlantic salmon, smoked duck and Japanese eel are also served up together with a bowl of Japanese rice and salmon miso soup on the side. Iced fruit teas and milky smoothies blended with fruit, corn or sweet potato add a burst of colour and sweetness to the tasty grilled meats as does its dessert of creamy strawberry panna cotta fried banana fritters with ice cream. 1st Flr, Suria Sabah Mall, 8800 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Tel: 6016-4779855 FB: @yakitolee
biG listings EAST COURT CHICKEN RICE 867 Jln Club SAman (6083 326 818)
KUCHING NOODLE PORRIDGE HOUSE 115-1 Wisma Saberkas, Kuching (6082 426 005)
EDEN EVERISE Wisma Nation Horizon, Block C, Kuching (6016 888 4522)
L.L. BANANA LEAF 7G Lorong Rubber 1 Jln Rubber, Kuching (6082 239 404) LI GARDEN RESTAURANT Hock Lee Centre, Kuching (6082 340 785)
ESCOBAR SF3 Damai Cenral Pantai Damai Santubong, Kuching (6014 288 1160) FAC BRAVO RESTAURANT 7778 Jln Sultan Iskandar, Bintulu (6086 316 920) FARLEY RESTAURANT 1721 Jln Salim, Sibu (6019 816 3052) FEAST & FURIOUS CAFÉ 244, Jln Tunku Abdul Rahman (6016 2620916) FISHERMAN RESTAURANT 4 Jln Chew Geok Lin, Sibu (6084 316 888) FRATINI’S RESTAURANT 2512 Jln Boulevard 3, Miri (6085 431 115) FU LAI SIANG RESTAURANT 108 Jln Pekan Bt Niah, Bt Niah (6085 737 168) GOLDEN CITY RESTAURANT 87, Jln Ong Chu Seng, Saratok (6083 436 139) HIGHLANDS SEAFOOD RESTAURANT 298 Jln Tj Bt, Bintulu (6086 318 828) HOCK CHU LEU RESTAURANT 28 Jln Tukang Besi, Sibu (6084 316 524) IMPERIAL RESTAURANT Grd Floor, Imperial Hotel, Lot 827, Jalan Pos 98000 MIRI (6085 431 888) IMPERIAL DUCK RESTAURANT 313 Jln Padungan, Kuching (6082 336 313) JAMES BROOKE BISTRO & CAFÉ Jln Tunku Abdul Rahman 93100 Kuching (6082 412 210) JUBILEE RESTAURANT 49G Jln India, Kuching (6082 245 626) KHAN’S BILAL RESTAURANT 229-G Jln Maju, Miri (6085 418 440) KIM BAY HK MACAU RESTAURANT Boulevard Shopping Mall Jln Datuk Tawi, Kuching (6082 239 308) KOREANA RESTAURANT 10002 Jln Tun Jugah, Kuching (6082 575 072)
LIM HOCK ANN 96 1 Jln Kg Kuntal, Kuching (6082 846 533) LOK THIAN RESTAURANT 317 Jln Padungan, Kuching (6082 3313 310) LU LAI VEGETARIAN 3641, Lrg 2 Off Jln Rock, Kuching (6082 242 863) LUCKY RESTAURANT 65C G Pekan Marudi, Marudi (6085 755 562) LYN’S THANDOORI RESTAURANT 7 Jln Song Thian Cheok, Kuching (6082 234 934) MENAWAN RESTAURANT Grd Floor, Imperial Palace Hotel Lot 1120 Blk 7 Jalan Sehati MCLD 98000 MIRI (6085 432 299) MANGO TREE RESTAURANT Jalan Crookshank, Kuching (6082 235 353) MAP RESTAURANT Bang Terminal, Kuching (6082 459 087) MARCO POLO RESTAURANT 116A BDA Shahida, Bintulu (6086 332 458) MEDAN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT 56, Jln Mdn Setiaraja, Mukah (6084 874 145) MERRY RESTAURANT 187 Jln Song Thian Cheok, Kuching (6082 240 118) METRO CAFÉ 781 Jln Bangkita, Limbang (6085 215 488) MIN HUA (89) RESTAURANT G 13 Jln Bintang Utara, Bintangor (6084 693 240) MOMOYAMA Wisma Phoenix, Kuching (6082 420 561) MY LITTLE KITCHEN 56, Upper China Street, D’tea Pavilion, Friendship Park, Jln Song, Kuching (6016 858 6669)
NAM HOI RESTAURANT 110 Jln Penrissen Bt 7, Kuching (6082 612 379) ORION TROPICAL Jln Merpati, Miri (6085 417 417) PADUNGAN RESTAURANT 268 Jln Tunku Abd Rahman, Kuching (6082 233 417) PATZ DAYAK HOME COOK SPECIAL New Full 3 Foodcourt, Stutong (next to Giant Hypermart, Tabuan Jaya) (6016 864 4763)
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)
PIN PIN CAFÉ 18 Jln Krokong Bau (6082 763 486)
SUSHI KIN The Spring, Kuching (6082 245 355)
PINANG NYONYA 18, Grd Flr, 2nd Precinct, Jln Setia Raja 93450, Kuching ( 6082 459 162)
SUSHI TIE-TTS Wisma Sanyan, Sibu (6084 342 875)
POPULAR CORNER SEAFOODS RESTAURANT Bda Shahida Commercial Centre, Bintulu (6086 319 688) PORTICO 17A Lorong Park Lane, Kuching (6019 819 8046) POT & GRILL RESTAURANT 9 Jln Tun Abd Rahman Yaakub, Kuching (6082 425 525)
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 Sublot 29, Grd Flr, Panovel Commercial Complex, Jln Simpang Tiga, 93300, Kuching (6016 868 0071) THE JUNK Western fare 80, Jln Wayang, 93000, Kuching (6082 259 450) TIAN XIAN RELISH RESTAURANT 313 Jln Melaka Raya, MC (606 288 1120) TONG LOK RESTAURANT 1367 Jln Buangsiol, Limbang (6085 216 188)
WARUNG NASI KUNING Jln Tun Jugah, Kuching (6016 809 1286) WEI THIAN RESTAURANT Golden Square, Siburan (6082 862 968) XIN TSUI SIANG KITCHEN Wisma Nation Horizon Blk D, Kuching (6082 414 616) YUN YAN RESTAURANT Stutong Comm Centre, Kuching (6082 366 115) ZHUN SAN YEN VEGETARIAN FOOD Lot 165 Jln Chan Ann, Kuching (6082 230 068)
TONG XIN COURT RESTAURANT 151 Lrg Datuk Abang Abd Rahim 5a, Kuching (6082 482 252) TOPSPOT BUKIT MATA SEAFOOD CENTRE Jln Padungan, Bukit Mata, Kuching (6019 889 9838) TRIBAL STOVE Blk H Jln Borneo Taman Sri, Kuching (6082 234 873) WANG HIN RESTAURANT 1 Soon Hup Comm Complex, Miri (6085 413 129)
REJANG RESTAURANT 6 Lrg Lanang 2 Sibu (6016 860 2636) ROBATA YAKI 493 Jln Rambutan, Kuching (6082 235 372) ROCK ROAD SEAFOOD RESTAURANT 1230 Jln Rock Bt 2½ , Kuching (6082 241 575) SAJIAN WARISAN RESTAURANT 537 Jln Gartak, Miri (6085 429 911) SALLEH’S CORNER CAFÉ RPR Phase 2 Shoplot Jln Astana Petra Jaya, Kuching (6012 807 8033) SEA VIEW RESTAURANT G Pusat Tmn SDagang, Bintulu (6086 334 929) SEVENTY2 RESTAURANT 894 Jln Permaisuri, Miri (6085 366 318) SHABU-KUN RESTAURANT 253 Jln Tj Bt, Bintulu (6086 317 311) SHERATON RESTAURANT 37 Psn Brooke, Sibu (6084 336 341) Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
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biG essentials
BRUNEI BANKS Banks in Brunei Darussalam are usually open Mondays to Fridays, 9am - 4pm and on Saturdays, 9am 11am. Some banks have branches with later closing times. Islamic banks follow the same operation hours except on Fridays when they are closed for prayers between 11am - 2.30pm. Cash withdrawals and deposits can be made from Automated Teller Machines (ATM) that can be found in various shopping complexes and bank branches all over the country. ATM cards affiliated with the international Plus or Cirrus systems are accepted at most ATMs.
CREDIT CARDS VISA and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards in hotels, restaurants and major shopping complexes. Some establishments accept American Express.
$
50
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).
BUSES There are six bus routes servicing the BSB area. Normal operating hours are from 6am-8pm. Bus fares start from B$1.00. Buses heading to other towns in Brunei such as Tutong, Kuala Belait and Seria depart from the bus terminal located at the multistorey carpark on Jalan Cator in BSB.
WATER
Smoking Smoking is prohibited in both air-conditioned and non airconditioned areas in Brunei Darussalam. Smoking is banned in specific places, including government buildings, hospitals, recreational and educational centres, public transport and restaurants. Offenders could be fined.
Metered taxis can be found at the airport, hotels, shopping centres, and the central bus station in Bandar Seri Begawan. Alternatively, grab a Dart Taxi using the ‘Dart’ app - a taxi booking application that can be downloaded at the App Store and Google Play.
TAXIS Unique to Brunei, the water taxi is the most common means of transportation in Kampong Ayer. You can hail a water taxi from the numerous jetties along the banks of Brunei River. Fares are negotiable but usually a standard ride costs about B$1.00. Regular boat services to Temburong operate between 6am-4.30pm daily and a one way trip costs B$7.00.
FERRY SERVICES Passenger ferry services to the Malaysian island of Labuan operate from 7am to 4pm and departs from the Serasa Terminal in Muara town. The journey takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
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
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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...
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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
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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 8QLW % )LUVW )ORRU 7KH 0DOO $EGXO 5D]DN &RPSOH[ *DGRQJ %UXQHL 'DUXVVDODP %(
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biG essentials
Tourist Information Centre
SABAH Banks
Banks open from 9am to 4pm from Mondays to Fridays and are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. ATM machines are available 24 hours. Major shopping malls also have ATM machines and are available during operating hours.
CREDIT CARDS Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards at hotels, restaurants and major shopping malls. Some establishments do accept American Express.
$
Money Changer
Licensed money changers can be found at the airport, shopping malls, hotels and major banks.
SARAWAK Banks
Banks open from 9.30am to 3pm from Mondays to Fridays and are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. ATM machines are available 24 hours. Major shopping malls also have ATM machines and are available during operating hours.
CREDIT CARDS Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards at hotels, restaurants and major shopping malls. Some establishments do accept American Express.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Buses
There are three main bus terminals that operate regular services. The terminal along Jalan Tun Razak provides services within the city and its outskirts. For destinations south of the city (Papar, Beaufort, Tenom, Tambunan, Keningau), use the terminal near Padang Merdeka. For any other destinations north of the city and all the way to the east coast towns of Sandakan, Tawau, Lahad Datu and Semporna, you have to take a bus to the Kota Kinabalu North Bus Terminal in Inanam and from there proceed to your destination of choice. Kinabalu Park is located en route from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan.
AIR TRAVEL
Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) is the second busiest airport in Malaysia and is the main terminal for Malaysia Airlines, MASWings, Firefly, Royal Brunei Airlines, Dragonair, Silkair and Asiana Airlines.
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A free city-tram service is available for sightseeing around Kuching with pick up points at designated hotels. A daily bus service between Kuching and the airport operates from 6am-7pm and takes 40 minutes. The main intercity bus terminal is at Penrissen Bus Terminal southeast of Kuching. Ask Tourism Information Centres for bus timetables; a ‘green bus’ in the Kuching area goes to Santubong (SCV).
AIR TRAVEL
Kuching International Airport services airlines to destinations within Malaysia and overseas via Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia, Firefly, Tiger Airways, Royal Brunei, Silk Air and Batavia Air (Pontianak, Kalimantan). A network of services using smaller aircrafts provides access to remote destinations within Sarawak such as Bario, Mulu and Ba Kelalan.
Licensed money changers can be found at the airport, shopping malls, hotels and major banks. Some money changers may not accept foreign currency in small denomination or notes with a date or serial number that they don’t approve of.
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
Taxis
Taxis are available at the airport terminal and cost about RM30.00 to get to the city. The journey takes between 10-15 minutes. Within the city, taxi stations are located next to major shopping malls and hotels. Long distance taxi services can be found next to Padang Merdeka.
Buses
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
It is possible to make IDD phone calls at payphones using coins or call cards. Prepaid calling cards are also widely available by authorized dealers at shopping malls. Most major hotels have WIFI facility either in their guest rooms or public areas. An increasing number of restaurants now have WIFI zones too. Cybercafés offer very affordable rates for internet services.
Sabah Tourism Board Jalan Gaya Tel: (6088) 212 121 Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sinsuran Complex Tel: (6088) 232 121 Tourism Malaysia (Sabah) Api Api Centre Tel: (6088) 211 732 Visitors’ Information Centre Terminal 1 Tel: (6088) 413 359 Visitors’ Information Centre Terminal 2 Tel: (6088) 447 075
Ferry Services Jesselton Point is the main terminal for boats to the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park islands and to Labuan Island. If you wish to drive to Labuan, use the ferry terminal at Menumbok south of the city where car ferries are available.
Express Boats and Ferry Services A boat service locally known as tambang is available for the short trip across Kuching River to the riverside villages on the other side and along the river for sightseeing. Fast and comfortable express boats connect coastal towns (Kuching, Sibu, Kapit) and villages on the major rivers in Sarawak. The Express Ferry Terminal in Kuching offers trips to Sibu and onwards to Kapit for upriver journeys. Take a bus from Sibu to Miri for ferries to Brunei and onwards to Labuan island and Kota Kinabalu.
Taxis
Taxi fare from Kuching Tourist airport to the city cost about Information Centre RM22.00 per way. Taxies are easily found at large hotels, or at taxi stands in all the major towns in Sarawak. Taxis don’t use meters so always negotiate the fare before getting into a cab!
Kuching Visitors’ Information Centre Tel: (6082) 410 944/2 Miri Visitors’ Information Centre Tel: (6085) 434 181 Sibu Visitors’ Information Centre Tel: (6084) 340 980
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P I C K U P A C O P Y O F B I G AT T H E B R U N E I I N T E R N AT I O N A L A I R P O R T, YOUR NEAREST CBTL BRANCH OR CAFES NEAR YOU Call 2331031 or email contact@chmpmedia.com borneoinsidersguide.com
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Hua Ho Manggis Mall
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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
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Lee Clinic
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55
biG screen
Go, Team, Go!
A kind-hearted thug in a boxing ring, a teenaged boy confronting his bullies, a team of underdogs working toward the championship – the plots might be familiar, but you can’t deny the magic of a well-executed sports movie. They make you weep with joy, laugh out loud, cheer with all your might, and sometimes they’ll motivate a person to go and achieve their own victories. In this issue of BiG, we’ve come up with a list of sports movies that have inspired us through the years.
THE KARATE KID (1984)
ROCKY (1976) Starring Sylvester Stallone and Talia Shire Directed by John G. Avildsen
Starring Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita Directed by John G. Avildsen The winning combination of skinny teenager Daniel paired with karate sensei Mr Miyagi taking down bullies karate-style was a formula that worked so well that sequels and a complete remake spawned from its success. The famous ‘crane’ kick remains a legendary scene until today, and I dare you to wash a car without muttering the words, “Wax on, wax off” under your breath. FUN FACT: Check out the amazing and hilarious Cobrai Kai - the YouTube Red web series about the adult lives of Daniel and bad boy Johnny.
THE MIGHTY DUCKS (1992) Starring Emilio Estevez and Joshua Jackson Directed by Stephen Herek When hotshot lawyer Gordon Bombay is sentenced to community service coaching a peewee ice hockey team of underdogs, you know things are gonna get real good. At first a reluctant coach still facing the demons from his own peewee ice hockey days, he gradually gains the respect of his lovable but rowdy group of kids, and transforms them into a winning team just in time for the finals. Mighty Ducks 2 returned with the same group of children and inspiring victory, plus cooler uniforms, but we won’t blame you if you gave the third one a pass. FUN FACT: Then lesser known child actors Leonardo diCaprio and Jake Gyllenhaal both auditioned for the part of Charlie Conway, but both lost out to Joshua Jackson.
A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN (1992) Starring Geena Davis, Lori Petty and Tom Hanks Directed by Penny Marshall World War II has taken the men off to war – so how are the people left behind going to watch baseball? This is about the first professional women’s baseball team, and follows the story of two talented sisters from a small town in Oregon who make it to the major leagues. With a cast of unforgettable characters – including a scene-stealing Tom Hanks as their drunk coach – this is a movie about teamwork and skill, and a bunch of girls who are fantastic at baseball. FUN FACT: None of the actresses here had stunt doubles, and the numerous bruises shown in the films were real injuries the women sustained during filming.
COOL RUNNINGS (1993) Starring John Candy, Leon, Doug E. Doug, Rawle D. Lewis and Malik Yoba Directed by Jon Turteltaub Loosely based on the true story of Jamaica’s national bobsled team and their debut in the 1988 Winter Olympics, this is a charming feel-good movie that can only end well. Disqualified sprinter Derice, still determined to fulfill his Olympic dreams,
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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
You cannot talk about inspirational sports movies without thinking of Rocky – the film series that perfected the training montage. Through its excellent first movie to its lackluster sixth and later on, it’s impressive spin-off Creed, the film follows the trials and tribulations of fictional boxing legend Rocky Balboa, his relationship with his girl and then wife and then deceased wife Adrian, and the fighters that go up against him in the ring. But regardless of whether he wins or loses, regardless of his hardships and shortcomings, Rocky always finds a way to come out on top – and remains a figure of motivation, good sportsmanship, loyalty and hard work until today. FUN FACT: The theme song of Rocky III, ‘Eye of the Tiger’ by Survivor, only made the cut because rock legends Queen denied the filmmaker rights to use ‘Another One Bites The Dust’. The song choice was still a success, and would feature on the stereos of many gyms for years onwards.
enlists the help of disgraced bobsled champion Irv to help him and his three friends qualify for the Winter Olympics. Dressed in rudimentary gear, unprepared for cold weather, the four determined underdogs work hard to get to the finish line, and you’ll find yourself cheering for them (and even shedding a tear) along the way. FUN FACT: While the Jamaican team in the movie was met at the Winter Olympics with hostility, the real team was received warmly by the other international bobsledding teams, with one team even lending them a bobsled so they could qualify.
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BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM (2002) Starring Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley and Jonathan Rhys Meyers Directed by Gurinder Chadha 18-year old Jesminder (Jess) lives in West London and when fellow footballer Jules sees her playing in the park, she recruits Jess to join the Hounslow Harriers – an all-girl football team. Jess just wants to play football, but as the youngest daughter of an orthodox Sikh family, her parents just want her to learn how to make chappati. So what’s a girl to do but bend the rules so she can play? FUN FACT: The scar on Jess’s leg is real – the actress was worried that it would prevent her from getting the role, instead, it was written into the script.
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS (2004) Starring Billy Bob Thornton, Derek Luke and Jay Hernandez Directed by Peter Berg The film that spawned the popular TV series of the same name and based on the book by H.G. Bissinger, the economically depressed town of Odessa only has one thing going for them: their winning high-school football team and Friday night football games. Hope is lost when their superstar tailback suffers a career-ending injury at the start of the season, but thanks to their coach, the team manages to work together to the state championships despite personal troubles and the bleak environment in which they live in. FUN FACT: Connie Britton appears in both the film and TV show as the coach’s wife.
WARRIOR (2011) Starring Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton and Nick Nolte
Directed by Gavin O’ Connor A movie about two brothers living separate lives, but both training toward the Mixed Martial Arts Championship. Brendan is a high school teacher who plays in the amateur ring for extra cash, while former marine Tommy has returned home to enlist his once-alcoholic father to coach him. Amid the wreckage of their broken family, the two brothers fight their way to the top until it becomes clear that they’ll be facing each other, and their past demons, in the finals. An extremely underrated and absolutely amazing film about two brothers fighting for their families and forgiveness, and if you don’t start weeping when The National’s song ‘About Today’ kicks in at the ending, then you have a heart of stone. FUN FACT: The film was remade into a Bollywood movie called ‘Brothers’ in 2015, which became a blockbuster hit in India.
BRING IT ON (2000) Starring Kirsten Dunst, Eliza Dushku and Jesse Bradford Directed by Peyton Reed The Toro cheerleading squad champions are well on their way to winning their sixth national championship trophy, but there’s just one problem: the previous captain of the squad had stolen their winning routines from an inner-city cheerleading squad, and now it’s up to the new captain, Torrance, to come up with a new routine. A movie filled with team spirit, spunk, sass, jazz hands, and a spectacular ending, this one will have you rooting for the cheerleaders. FUN FACT: All of the actors who play cheerleaders in the movie did four weeks of intense training at a cheerleading boot camp.
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
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MOVIES TO LOOK OUT FOR THIS QUARTER JUL 19
AUG 2
AUG 9
THE LION KING
ARTEMIS FOWL
Voiced by Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Alfre Woodard
Starring Ferdia Shaw, Judi Dench and Josh Gad
THE NEW MUTANTS
The latest to join the list of star-studded Disney’s Live Action movies is the muchloved The Lion King, which begins with the tale of a little cub named Simba with a royal destiny. The cub is destined to take over his father, King Mufasa, and rule the plains of Africa, but Scar – Mufasa’s brother – has other plans. The battle of Pride Rock results in Simba’s exile, and now away from the kingdom with new friends, Simba needs to figure out a way to take back his position as the true lion king.
JUL 5
Starring Maisie Williams, Anya Taylor-Joy and Alice Braga
Much like the latest version of X-Men except in a sinister asylum instead of Professor X’s large and homely estate, The New Mutants is a team introduced to the comic book world in 1982 and features five teenagers with various abilities. This is a superhero movie that is more horror than heroic, so expect dark corners, long shadows and jump scares while the five young mutants come to grips with their superpowers.
Based on the first two books from the famous children’s science fiction series written by Eoin Colfer, Artemis Fowl is an adolescent genius and descendent of a long line of criminal masterminds. His skills are put to the test when he captures a vicious fairy to save his family and find out who may be behind his father’s disappearance, and finds himself in an epic battle against a race of powerful underground fairies.
SEP 20
AUG 2
AUG 9
FAST & FURIOUS PRESENTS: HOBBS & SHAW
ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad
Two sworn enemies off the Fast & Furious franchise, lawman Hobbs and outlaw Shaw, find themselves uniting their talents in this spin-off to take down a cyber-genetically enhanced anarchist named Brixton who is in control of a bio-threat that threatens to alter humanity forever.
Director Quentin Tarantino gathers up another all-star cast for his ninth feature film, which takes place in hippy Hollywood in 1969. The story follows former western television star Rick Dalton and his longtime stunt double Cliff Booth, and their struggles to make it in this unfamiliar Hollywood. Keeping things interesting is Rick’s famous neighbour: the doomed Sharon Tate.
Starring Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Vanessa Kirby and Idris Elba
SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME Starring Tom Holland, Zendaya, Marisa Tomei, Samuel L Jackson and Jake Gyllenhaal
Another notch in the Marvel belt of superhero movies sees everyone’s favourite neighbourhood Spider-Man back on the big screen and on an Eurotrip with his best friends with the hopes of taking some time off from superhero work. Things don’t work out quite as planned when Nick Fury shows up in his hotel room seeking assistance to stop Mysterio – an evil villain wreaking elemental havoc across Europe.
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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
IT: CHAPTER TWO
Starring Bill Skarsgård, Jessica Chastain and James McAvoy
The second part of the movie based on Stephen King’s horror opus, 27 years has passed since the monster known as It terrorised the small town of Derry, Maine, and he has returned. The children who faced and survived It has since gone their separate ways and long forgotten the terrors of their past, but now regroups as adults to take down the evil entity once and for all.
Pitt and Margot Robbie
SEP 6
DOWNTON ABBEY Starring Michelle Dockery, Maggie Smith and Hugh Bonneville
The Crawley family – owners of a large estate in the English countryside in the early 20th century – goes from the television screen to the big screen in this adaptation of the hit television show.
THE MALL CINEPLEX @ LEVEL 3, THE MALL, GADONG 2422455 www.themallcineplex.com TIMES CINEPLEX@EMPIRE, EMPIRE HOTEL AND COUNTRY CLUB, JERUDONG 2610001 www.timescineplex.com/empirePSBdualplex TIMES SQUARE CINEPLEX @ 4TH FLOOR, TIMES SQUARE SHOPPING CENTRE, BERAKAS 2341122 www.timescineplex.com THE ARENA CINEPLEX @ SERI QLAP MALL, KG KIULAP 2230138 www.arena-cineplex.com ONE CINEPLEX @ ONE CITY SHOPPING CENTRE Tel: 2338250 onecineplex.com AMAN HILLS CINEPLEX @ AMAN SHOPPING CENTRE Tel: 2335000 onecineplex.com TUTONG TIMES CINEPLEX @ BERJAYA COMPLEX, TUTONG 4220422 PSB DUALPLEX, SERIA @ F19, JALAN TENGAH, SERIA 3221437 www.facebook.com/PSBdualplex
In Taipei, the sun rises with tradition FLYING 4X WEEKLY
Fly with us from Brunei to Taipei FLIGHT SCHEDULE* FROM
DESTINATION
SCHEDULE
FLIGHT NO.
DEPART*
ARRIVE*
Brunei
Taipei
Mon, Thu, Fri, Sun
BI 451
10:15
13:50
Mon, Fri
BI 452
15:00
18:35
Thu
BI 452
15:10
18:45
Sun
BI 452
14:45
18:20
Taipei
Brunei
*Flight schedule is correct at the time of publication and is subject to change.
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WWW.FLYROYALBRUNEI.COM