Borneo Insider's Guide (BiG) Jan-Mar 2015 by CHMP MEDIA

biG dates

Events to look out for this quarter Editor’s Note Hello 2015 and what a great year we anticipate it to be! I always feel renewed in the beginning of a new year and am filled with new hope and new energy. At BiG, we want to start the year off with some good intentions and work on the health aspect of our lives so in this first issue of the year, we tackle health and fitness with vigour and motivation. If you have ever envied anyone glowing with good health and shining with confidence and wished you had an ounce of what they have, then we encourage you to put on your fitness togs and get cracking this year. We check out some of the fitness joints buzzing with energetic and determined people. If pedaling is the action you seek, read our feature on bikes and cycling in Brunei. In Sabah, run amok in the Tun Fuad Stephens Park or climb the Fairy Caves in Sarawak and get a fantastic view of the Bau region. We know that it’s not enough to work on the physical side without paying attention to our diet and we are not alone on this. Eateries around town are running away with the eating clean concept and introducing healthier options with superfood and organic ingredients in their menus, and nobody gets it better than our very own healthy lifestyle ambassador, Wu Chun, who is changing the way we eat at his new restaurant. Taking the natural road a little further is our guest for BiG Talk - Raw Food Asia founder Mewsum Wong - who is driving the raw food movement of eating natural all the way.

PUBLISHER

CHMP MEDIA EDITOR-AT-LARGE

Wan Zainal Shazali EDITOR

Pauline Chan ASSISTANT EDITOR

Intan Abu Daniel DESIGNER

Cheong Zhi Ling Cheong Zhi Ying Novri Rinaldi

Finally, we celebrate Brunei’s 31st National Day on February

EDITORIAL

23. For us folks who live in this country, we know what we love about Brunei and the places that make us feel peace and gratitude. We asked a few friends of BiG to share their favourite spots in Brunei with us. Where is your favourite spot? If there is a place in Brunei that is special to you, do share it with us on our Facebook page – BIG: Borneo Insiders

Pamela Fletcher Iris Tan Heidi Munan Johan Alias

Guide. It would thrill us to hear from you!

SALES & MARKETING

Brunei | biG contact@borneoinsidersguide.com T: (673) 2331031 F: (673) 2231031 Unit 49, Second Floor Haji Munchit & Hajah Dayang Rapiah Complex Kg Jaya Setia, Berakas, BD2713 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.

JANUARY 3

MARCH 13-15

MAULIDUR RASUL

BORNEO TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIP

BRUNEI, SARAWAK, SABAH

In Brunei, thousands of Muslims honour the anniversary of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W’s birth with prayer readings and a traditional procession through the streets of the capital, led by His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei.

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Reviving a once prestigious competition between Brunei, Sabah and Sarawak, Brunei will be hosting the Borneo Track and Field Championship – a historic event last held in the 1980’s. This year, nine athletic associations from Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia will be arriving in Brunei to compete in various track and field events.

JANUARY 21

“FALLEN HEROES” OF PETAGAS SABAH

An annual memorial service held at the Petagas War Memorial to remember and honour Sabah’s local war heroes, who fought and fell during the Second World War to defend their country.

JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 1

BRUNEI CONSUMER FAIR BRUNEI

The leading consumer and trade event in Brunei Darussalam, the Brunei Consumer Fair showcases a wide range of products and services. Held at the International Convention Centre (ICC), this will be the 15th edition of this extremely popular event which is held bi-annually.

MARCH 21-22

LUNAR NEW YEAR

STATE LEVEL OPEN FISHING COMPETITION

All over the world, the Chinese will welcome the Year of the Sheep on the first day of the new Chinese year with traditional lion dances, feasts and firecrackers crackling through the night! Celebrations will continue until the fifteenth day when the moon is at its brightest point.

Held in conjunction with the Sabah Agricultural Park’s 14th Anniversary, anglers are invited to bring their hooks, lines and sinkers and head on over to the park! This two-day event will also include other activities for families to enjoy including karaoke sessions and a colouring contest.

FEBRUARY 19 BRUNEI, SABAH, SARAWAK

SABAH

MARCH 28

FEBRUARY 23

NATIONAL DAY

EARTH HOUR

The streets of Bandar Seri Begawan come alive with the celebration of Brunei’s 31st National Day as locals and visitors gather at the city centre to watch the grand parade and enjoy the fireworks.

Borneo joins the world to celebrate Earth Hour – a global collaboration to switch off all electrical equipment for one allocated hour in an effort to reduce the greenhouse effect on Earth.

BRUNEI

BRUNEI, SARAWAK, SABAH

FEBRUARY 7

MIRI COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL 2015 SARAWAK

Time to dust off that ol’ cowboy hat and head to the Miri Country Music Festival (MCMF). Following the success of the first festival, it is back again this February for another knee-slapping good time with a line-up comprising musicians from Czech Republic, Malaysia, U.S. and Singapore.

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

Contents 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 dates

biG talk

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 scoop

biG focus

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.

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www.borneoinsidersguide.com

Get out and about; let us show you what you can do around Borneo this quarter.

We scour around town and discover the newest and best products for you to love and desire this quarter.

Take a closer look at what the Borneo Islanders are up to.

biG trail

Follow our plucky writers as they bring you stories from around Borneo.

BRUNEI

We chat with personalities and discover their specialities.

See who and what we’re pointing our cameras at.

biG special

Festive celebrations put people in a good mood and we show you how it’s done.

biG buzz

We put our ears up and find out what is buzzing in town.

biG appetite

biG directory

biG getaway

biG navigator

We try the food so you can follow suit. Check out our food journeys.

Expand your horizons. Pack your bags and explore beyond our shores.

biG listings

We make a list of places to eat, drink and chill.

biG essentials

Find travel agents & operators, and places to stay in Brunei.

Find your bearings in Bandar Seri Begawan, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching with our walking maps of hot spots around the capital.

biG screen

See what’s playing in the movies around town.

Here are some helpful tips for visitors just stepping onto our shores. Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG scoop

Simply Au Naturel A year ago when Patricia and Adrenne went on a quest to find organic products to use on their children, they realised that the products on the market either contained a lot of harmful chemicals or if they were all natural, were not affordable to them. Deciding right then not to depend on store-bought products, these two cousins started making their own and The Natural Bar was born. The Natural Bar is a line of reasonably priced natural products that include balms, body oils, moisturisers, scrubs and even a handy insect-repelling balm. Each one is purely handmade with natural ingredients like organic shea and cocoa butter, unrefined beeswax and organic coconut oil - which are good for users with eczema and sensitive skin. The Natural Bar products are safe for you and your loved ones and here’s an added bonus - they smell terrific! For more information on The Natural Bar, contact: (SAMO Furniture) Unit 27, Blk D, Lim Eng Ming Building, Kiulap, Brunei Darussalam Tel: (673) 884 2488 / 874 5556 Instagram: @thenaturalbar

Cycle in Style

Things we want, love & desire this quarter Under Pressure During and after a run, you’d be glad to have one of these on. Compression socks help to improve your running performance and post-run recovery by applying consistent compression to the calf, increasing the flow of oxygen-rich blood and maintaining overall leg health. CEP compression socks have been medically tuned to ensure proper compression on the calf and ankle, giving you just the right support you need. And with its range of eye-catching colours, you will feel and look good too. Where to get it:

Cyclists of Brunei take note: there is a way to enjoy cycling under the hot blazing sun in comfort and in style too. Rapha – the crème de la crème of cycling sportswear and accessories – has a solution for cycling in hot, humid weather: their Super-Lightweight jersey designed for riding in the heat. The jersey is made from extremely lightweight proprietary fabrics that are fast drying with anti-bacterial treatment. Practical rear pockets with reinforced construction and breathable mesh side panels plus Rapha’s trademark classy design means that you will look super cool in the heat.

Performance Sportz Ground Floor, Likas Golf Driving Range Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Tel: (6088) 212268 www.performancesportz.com

Check out Rapha’s online store at www.rapha.cc

Get Wicked The Body Shop’s new Red Musk fragrance is a wickedly bold scent with an attitude. This is Body Shop Musk Collection’s first unconventional no-flower scent featuring cruelty-free synthetic musk with notes of spicy pepper, cinnamon and tobacco. The result is a smouldering blend of spices that is simply irresistible. This redhot fragrance is set to heat things up with its Eau de Parfum and Perfume Oil. Both are now available at all The Body Shop Outlets.

Making Strides with Polar Loop More than your average pedometer, the Polar Loop is a 24-Hour activity tracker that serves as a fitness instructor in a bracelet. This smart bracelet is equipped with Bluetooth and has a mobile app that is compatible with both IOS and Android systems, helping you track your daily progress and calorie intake. It also tracks your sleeping hours and features an Activity Guide to help you reach your goal, track your training progress and even remind you to move every hour if you’re getting too complacent in your office chair. So strap one on, take the stairs instead of the elevator or go for a run instead of watching television and let Polar Loop keep you active. Available exclusively at all Fitness Concept Stores around Sarawak and Malaysia. Visit www.fitnessconcept.com.my for more details.

The Body Shop Grd Flr, The Mall, Gadong, Brunei Darussalam Tel: (673) 245 0339 www.thebodyshop.com

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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Follow the Fitness Frenzy Choosing the right fitness programme for yourself nowadays so is easy. There are more and more fitness trends popping up with fun, challenging and addictive workouts in supportive environments that will help you get fit, stay fit and keep you going back for more. Curious about what kind of fitness trends are happening around Borneo? The BiG team laced up their sneakers and hit some workout studios (and the countryside!) to find out what is getting people hot and sweaty these days.

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CAPOEIRA What it is Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art combining elements of combat, music, acrobatics and dance. Recognised as the national sport of Brazil since 1954, Capoeira is an integral part of Brazilian culture and is actively promoted through school programs, national and university tournaments and shows. What to expect Workshops cover basic Capoeira movements and sequences. As a holistic discipline that touches on elements of art, combat, music, this art form is easily adapted to each individual’s strengths and goals. Thumbs-up factor Capoeira is a multi-faceted sport and art form that promotes strength, coordination, flexibility, mental focus and creativity. Capoeira’s basic stance, the ginga (pronounced jeeng-ga), activates the whole body and builds strong back and core muscles.

Widari Bahrin

Newbie tip In the beginning, movements are slow and purposeful as the body learns to move with the music and rhythm. Strength, agility and confidence are built over time and participants can find themselves moving fluidly through sequences they never thought they could before.

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Where This is still rather new in Brunei and the workshops move about town. To join a class, contact by e-mail: daterra.capoeira@gmail.com or follow their posts on Instagram #capoeirabrunei

CROSS FIT What it is Cross fit is a strength and conditioning program incorporating constantly varied high-intensity movements and challenging workouts. Workouts incorporate weightlifting, plyometrics, powerlifting, gymnastics, girevoy sport, calisthenics, strongman and more. What to expect Workouts known as WOD or ‘workout of the day’ is posted on the board for everyone to follow and work out within a time frame. You’ll get to use equipment such as barbells, dumbbells, gymnastic rings, jump ropes, kettlebells, medicine balls, pylo boxes, resistance bands, rowers and various objects. Each day the workout will test a different part of your functional strength or conditioning with a goal of building a strong and resilient body.

Newbie tip New steps may be confusing in the beginning but once you get the hang of it, you can make it more fun by adding your own flair and strut your stuff! Where Dojo Studio Unit 21&22, Delima Square, Berakas Bandar Seri Begawan Tel: (673) 868 0484

What to expect You will learn the basic steps that are structured as letters and numbers. There is no step counting so you will have to just feel the music and move freely with it. There’s no choreography, just follow the instructor’s steps during the session. The best part of Bokwa is that’s it is done to popular music that’s energizing and addictive.

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The idea is that everyone involved works at their own pace as they team up and work towards one goal, either in pairs or small teams. Sessions usually finish with stretching. Thumbs-up factor Many of the exercises using weights and/or body weight are used to help lose body fat, increase cardiovascular efficiency, increase strength and help people get into a routine of regular exercise.

Thumbs-up factor Every muscle group is engaged and utilized, giving a well-rounded workout of the body with the aim of improving endurance, stamina, power, speed, coordination, agility and balance.

BOOT CAMP

Newbie tip There’s one workout each day but it is scalable based on your skill. Though you can scale the load and intensity, recognize your own physical capabilities and bear in mind your limitations while attempting the exercises.

What it is Boot camp is a group physical training program designed to build strength and fitness through a variation of moderate to intense interval training over a 45-minute to one-hour session. Boot camp may be conducted outdoors.

Newbie tip They offer a free trial for first timers. If a participant cannot cope then they will advise personal training as an option. They also have advanced and intermediate high, low and moderate fitness classes.

What to expect Sessions start with stretching and running, followed by a wide variety of interval training including lifting weights/ objects, pushups, situps, squats, burpees, plyometrics and various types of intense routines.

Where Classic Bootcamp (B) Sdn Bhd Unit 9&10, 1st Flr, Telanai Avenue Spg 175, Kg Telanai Bandar Seri Begawan Tel: (673) 720 9800/(673) 822 8017 or email: genfity2k@yahoo.com

Where Get Fit Cross Fit Lot 19990, Grd Flr, Taman Alam Spg 29, Jln Telanai Kg Beribi, Gadong Bandar Seri Begawan E-mail: info@getfitcrossfit.com

Feeling sluggish and envying all the body-beautiful people powerwalking out of fitness clubs? Well envy no more because you can be one of them too. Getting fit and healthy takes effort. You can’t pop in a pill then sit on the couch and wait for good health to be released into your bloodstream. If you want to get fit, you have to exercise and you have to do it regularly, not only when there’s a full moon. Work towards a healthy body and healthy mind, and the beauty will exude from within. When you feel good, you will look good. Let the BiG team show you where the hip and fit crowd is working out so you can join in and get a slice of that goodfeeling pie too!

What it is A new group fitness program that is rapidly spreading across the globe. The movements are done to music but it’s not exactly a dance workout. Participants ‘draw’ letters and numbers with their feet while moving in rhythm to music. Their philosophy is, ‘If you can move and you can spell, you can do Bokwa’.

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Text: Pauline Chan

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Thumbs-up factor Fun and easy-to-pick-up moves coupled with cool music makes this totally enjoyable and doesn’t feel like a workout at all.

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All Pumped Up!

BOKWA

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Rock Climbing at Fairy Cave

Text: Iris Tan Images: Base Adventure Management

Located 50km away from the capital are two famous tourist attractions at the Bau region: the Wind Cave and the Fairy Cave, two breathtaking and picturesque limestone caves. The Fairy Cave is so named because of the stalagmite structure at the entrance that resembles a Chinese deity. Inside the cave, photographic opportunities abound: the shadowy darkness of the cave is greatly contrasted by the light that enters it, highlighting the rich green moss around and the grey and brown colours of the cave walls.

How Rock Climbing is Good for Your Body and Mind

If you’re not here to explore the caves, then there’s only one other reason why you should be at the Fairy Cave: to climb its walls. The Fairy Cave might only sound like a pretty cave to visit, but it is well-known to locals and rock-climbing enthusiasts as the best climbing area in Sarawak and one of the best in Borneo and Southeast Asia. Located within Gunung Sireh, there are eight climbing walls here: the Stage Wall, the Orchid Wall, the Paw Wall, the Tiger Wall, the Staircase Wall, the Fairy Cave Wall, the Nepenthes Wall and the famous Batman Wall. At the Fairy Cave, there are walls that anyone and everyone can climb - including children. For absolute beginners, there are a number of places to put up an abseil line - an

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

04 05

Rock climbing is a great form of exercise Completing a route relies on physical factors including upper body strength, intricate footwork, lower body strength and lean muscle mass. A one-hour climb session burns well over 700 calories. ideal way to train progressively and build up enough confidence to go on longer runs. The most challenging wall is the Batman Wall – so named because of the ‘Batman’ start that is required from the lip of the wall where the climber is hauled up to the lip of the roof to start the climb. The Batman Wall also differs from the other walls in the area because of the overhangs that need a lot of upper body strength while not requiring precision footwork and the chimneys and pillars in the rock

formations are unique too. There is a row of stalactite that keeps both rain and sun off the wall making this wall climbable in any weather condition. The Batman Wall, considered one of the most challenging to climb in Borneo, is graded between 6A to 7C. Fairy Cave is also the venue for the annual ‘Rock On’ climbing festival where climbers from all over the world would come to the Bau Region to scale the Fairy Cave walls.

It boosts brain function The way to the top is not as direct as you think - climbing up a route demands body awareness and problem-solving skills, and takes a focused mind to work out where to grab and where to step. It reduces stress. It has been proven that exercise reduces stress by increasing levels of norepinephrine - a chemical that balances our brains’ response to stress. But climbing itself has an added advantage: climbers who are absorbed in the activity can create a sense of euphoria and even block pain. It instils valuable life skills Rock climbing is a very empowering sport. Mentally, it teaches you focus, balance and determination. No climber is a stranger to overcoming challenges.

Rock climbing in Sarawak began in 1997, when Eunice and Malcolm Jitam along with a group of climbers from Australia bolted walls at the Royal Mulu Resort. The following year, the group bolted the Batman wall at the Fairy Cave. Malcolm runs Base Adventure Management, a company that provides training, equipment and guidance for anyone interested in climbing the Fairy Cave walls.

Overhangs at the Batman Wall

One of the strongest female rock climbers in Sarawak, Eunice Jitam, climbing the Batman Wall

The start of the Batman Wall 03

Climbing up the Batman Wall

A child is geared up for a climb

To find out more about rock climbing at the Fairy Cave, contact Base Adventure Management: T: (6012) 888 6460 E: climbasend@gmail.com

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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A Fit Community

Pandagraphy

Text: Pamela Fletcher

Being fit and healthy is a choice you make. And it’s not all about age or gender. Choosing the right exercise that will keep you motivated and excited each time you put on your training kit and step out the door is a huge factor. They took it a step further and recently

outdoor sports. Sabah’s wild and rugged

teamed up with a few friends to complete

countryside is the perfect training ground for

the arduous Viper Challenge, dubbed Asia’s

a variety of challenging outdoor activities.

toughest obstacle event, in Kuala Lumpur.

rising need for more local races. The Borneo

Events such as The Most Beautiful Thing (an

Even though they were more accustomed

International Marathon, Sabah Adventure

ultra-trail race that goes up to 100km) and

to running road and trail races, it was an

Challenge, Mt Kinabalu Climbathon and The

most recently, the Ranauthlon (a moderate

outdoor challenge they could not turn

Most Beautiful Thing are now the mainstays

trail run up to 21km through a tea plantation)

down. The opportunity to push the limits

on every hard-core fitness enthusiast’s

has inspired more runners to trade in the

of one’s physical and mental strength is

competition calendar and every year, you

indoor treadmill for the great outdoors.

tempting and Sabah is waking up to this

see more and more new faces turning up.

i Nas

It’s fantastic to see how Sabah’s natural

a healthier lifestyle and gained a brighter

Robert and Paula Blake could not be

landscape is engaging more people to exercise

outlook in life as a whole. It’s amazing!”

more supportive of this growing trend.

outdoors and build up a community of

Expatriates living in Sabah and regular

recreational and competitive fitness buffs.

trail runners themselves, Robert, 65 and

Nova was more interested in promoting BJJ to other women and empowering

Paula, 62, competed in both the super

But if the outdoors is not your cup

them through the sport than competing

tough Mt Kinabalu Climbathon and the

of tea, you can challenge yourself by

in the sport itself so she started an all-

Ranauthlon in a span of just six days.

picking up a new indoor pursuit.

female BJJ class. The first batch of women

“I think we were just nuts, “ quips Robert.

and she couldn’t be more proud.

a combat sport and a type of ground-based

and it is what keeps the motivation level up.

martial art that emphasizes the use of leverage,

“Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone - young, old,

Sisters Jennifer and Georgina Jinu, and Hana

momentum and techniques over strength

male, female, lean or heavy - and I

Sue Harun have done numerous marathons

and power. BJJ has its roots in Kodokan Judo

believe everyone should give it a try.”

and even a couple of 100km ultra trail races.

and although its called Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, it

Flying Bataks Extreme

Trying out something new is always exciting

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Obstacle course events push the limits of physical strength and teamwork

Veteran trail runner Robert Blake actively competes in trail races in Sabah

Nova Renata shows some girl power in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

The renown Mt Kinabalu Climbathon attracts elite high-altitude runners to race to the summit of Mt Kinabalu

Ultra-trail runner Hana Harun challenges herself on an obstacle course to keep her fitness level in top shape

BJJ exponents is already outshining Nova Nova Renata took up Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ),

Sabah Tourism

A trend that is gaining traction in Sabah is

was actually founded by Mitsuyo Maeda, a

Getting into fitness, whether it’s outdoors or

Newaza (groundwork Judo) expert from Japan.

indoors, can be intimidating for some people

especially if they’re trying to keep up with “When I started, I couldn’t do one single push

the latest trends in exercise regimes, shoes,

up but over time, BJJ training has improved

apparel and fancy gadgets but remember this

my overall strength greatly,” says Nova. “I also

- the great outdoors is free, there is no fashion

believe that Jiu-Jitsu is not just a sport, it’s a

police around and there is no pressure to win

lifestyle. I have met great friends, adopted

an Olympic medal, so just get on with it!

Flying Bataks Extreme

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG trail

Buy a Bike

BOB SUFRIZAL

Type of cyclisT: Road bike cyclist currenT ride: Cervelo and Cannondale Bob manages the Belait Cycling Club comprising competitive cyclists who regularly compete in local races. He and his team also organise the annual Belait Bicycle Club race – a hugely successful race that takes groups of cyclists on a scenic route through the streets of Belait. The next race is tentatively scheduled for June and that covers 230km from Lumut to Rasau. As for himself, Bob’s favourite cycling route starts from the Lumut Bypass to Kuala Belait, where the road conditions are good and the road shoulder wide enough. He never cycles without a helmet, that, he says, is the most essential accessory for cycling on the road.

Any Advice To Aspiring cyclisTs? “Plan on the type of cycling that you want to take up and start from there. Never rush in purchasing expensive bikes and never expect to be super fast straight away!”

JOHAN ANNUAR

Type of cyclisT: Freerider / Downhill Johan has always been an extreme sports enthusiast and considers himself an aggressive cyclist. He rides once a week, usually at the bike trail that he and his friends made at the Berakast Forest Reserve. Typically, he cycles a distance of about 800 meters with more than 10 obstacles to clear at a break-neck speed. On a good day, he can complete the route in less than 3 minutes! Johan and his group have cycled around Malaysia. They have been to Mount Kiara –

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Jerudong. He hopes to one day take his bike up the National Park in Kota Kinabalu and is currently planning a ride to Melilas and Sukang in Kuala Belait in the near future.

Where Cycling Takes You Whether it’s for sports, charity, fitness, recreation or an environmental choice, the BiG team bravely dons Lycra shorts and hits the road to visit a bike shop in Belait, learn more about cycling sporting events, talk to a few local cyclists and check out the adventurous trails at the Berakast Forest Reserve.

one of the best bike trails in Malaysia, the world-class Putra Jaya Extreme Bike Park, Penang Bukit Bendera and the fast and obstacle-ridden trail at Mount Erskine in Penang. From his travels, Johan learns from other trail experts how to build trails and obstacles so as to ensure that the bike trails in Brunei have similar standards and challenges. For anyone wishing to take up the sport, Johan advises using nothing less than full safety gear: a full face helmet, goggles, full finger gloves, knee guards and a neck brace. As is true with all extreme sports, a cyclist must prioritise his safety.

Any Advice To Aspiring cyclisTs? “Everybody can do this sport – all you need is a bicycle, a good helmet and the right guidance.”

JOHN LIM Type of cyclisT: Mountain biker currenT ride: Lapierre Zesty

Above all else, John is a safe rider. He advises to never go without a good fitting helmet, protective padding for rough downhill rides, a good pair of cycling shorts, spare tubes and tools for minor repairs and a phone for emergencies.

Advice to Aspiring cyclists? “Ride responsibly. Wear safety equipment. Be visible. Go with the flow of the traffic. Ride defensively and be mindful of cars popping out of junctions. You will enjoy cycling better if you get a bike that is properly sized and fitted to you. And if you’re looking to ride trails, don’t try to ride alone. Falls and slips do happen, so make sure you go with someone more experienced to show you the ropes.”

JUNAIDI BAHRUM

type of cyclist: Off-terrain and

AM 327, a 150mm travel full-

road cyclist

suspension mountain bike

current ride: Saetta 27.5

John is an active cyclist – cycling two to three times a week at an average of 30-40km per ride (and longer on the weekends). He bikes with friends for pleasure and health, preferably off the beaten track. His favourite routes include the Berakas Forest Reserve for short trails and for longer rides, he does a route mixing road and trail from the Bio-Innovation Corridor to Empire Hotel and back to Berakas Forest Reserve via Tungku Beach. He also does climbs and downhills on trails from Jangsak to

hardtail for mountain trails; Specialised Allez SL alloy for road cycling Junaidi is a self-professed MAMIL (Middle Aged Man in Lycra) except that he is only 32. He rides at least four times a week, usually on a route that takes him from the Brunei National Stadium to Kampong Rimba and then to UBD, but on weekends he enjoys a nice, long easy route from Shahbandar to Tutong. He was a member of the team that took part in the Ride for Sight last year and hopes to do a Brunei – Kota Kinabalu route sometime this year with a few off-terrain cyclists.

Advice to Aspiring cyclists? “Put on that tight shirt, let your tummy out and have fun! Cycling is not about who’s the fastest or who has the best accessories – it’s the fun of having the wind in your face, the different perspective you have on your bike that you wouldn’t have in your car, the satisfaction of just powering through with two legs pedaling and the friends you make on your journeys! “

SOFIAN THANI

type of cyclist: Competitive and adventurous current ride: Anything with 2 wheels and human power Sofian is in it to win it. Always challenging himself, he regularly takes part in local and regional races, and he has won races with his local cycling team G530. He has taken part in races in Miri, Kuching and Singapore. He also competes annually at the InterMinistry Sports event, representing the Ministry of Education. Sofian used to cycle for fun in his younger days but only just got back on the saddle again in 2008 in a bid to stay healthy. He lost 30 kg in two years and has not stopped cycling since. His favourite off-road cycling routes include the McFarm Trail, Sungai Bason/ Bukit Ambuk Trail and the trail at the Berakas Forest Reserve. On road, he likes to take the route beginning at the National Stadium to the Empire Hotel and back again.

Advice to Aspiring cyclists?

Geotrax Bike Shop Since Geotrax first opened its doors to the local cycling community in October 2011, its business has been growing. Currently the shop offers road and mountain bikes as well as cycling accessories and it plans to start selling recreational, folded and cyclo-cross bikes in the near future. Bicycle brands currently available at the Geotrax include: S-Works, Cervelo, Cannondale and Giant Contact or visit the Geotrax showroom at: No. 13A, Jln Pantai Liang, Belait Tel: (673) 886 7568

Check out these other bicycle shops in Brunei: Triple Star Enterprise A6, Setia Kenangan Complex Kg Kiulap Bandar Seri Begawan Tel: (673) 223 1628 Awang Tum Tum Cycles Jalan Jerudong, BG3122 Tel: (673) 899 3659 Bicycles for rent: If you want to explore the gorgeous landscaped surroundings of The Empire Hotel & Country Club, what better way than to use a bike? The Empire rents bicycles out to their in-house guests to use within the resort area at a rate of B$8 per adult and B$5 per child for one hour. Call (673) 241 8888 for more details.

“Keep on riding and stay safe!”

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG trail Brunei Darussalam Cycling Federation How often do you cycle to work? Every day.

wHy do you cHoose to cycle to work? Cycling to work offers me freedom to go anywhere and to enjoy the sight, sound and smell of the surrounding areas. I want the public to be more receptive to the idea of cycling to work or to any destination in Brunei.

Berakas Forest Reserve Everybody’s Bike Trail There’s more to building a bike trail than just moving around rocks and dirt. A lot of hard work goes into the implementation of a bike trail, both logistical and physical. The bike trails that you ride on are usually the result of collaboration and careful, diligent planning to factor in environmental and geographical concerns to serve the needs of multiple users and groups. Point of the matter is: if you’re enjoying a good bike trail, there’s probably someone you’ll have to thank for that. If you’ve ridden the trail at the Berakas Forest Reserve or Hutan Simpanan Berakas (HSB), then you should be tipping your hat to Johan Annuar and his group of friends. Johan: “ A lot of work is involved in making a trail. An obstacle will take around 1-2 weeks to complete, depending on the size, the condition of the soil and the raw materials we can utilise around us (we usually use fallen trees), not to mention the weather conditions. We started building our first small obstacle course in HSB in 2010, but since then we’ve added bigger and better obstacles – in trying to keep up with the bike trail standards from other countries. We have many things to put into consideration: things like alternative routes for riders and hikers, the safety of the riders, and since HSB is a reserve forest, we ensure that the trails and obstacles do not intrude into areas we shouldn’t disturb.

How far do you cycle? A total of 40-45 km a day: 10 km to work and about 30 to 35 km back from work.

Pedaling to Work It makes perfect sense. Instead of driving back and forth to work every day – spending money on gas, increasing your stress levels and contributing to air and noise pollution – why not put your leg muscles to use and pedal to the office? You get to burn some calories, get an energy boost, whizz by traffic jams and get to work on time (or early!). The Honourable Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awg Haji Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar, the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, sets a sterling example to the citizens of Brunei by commuting to his office by bicycle. Pehin Hj Yahya, who is 60 years of age, was kind enough to share with us just why he prefers to cycle than drive to work.

Thankfully, we have help from the government and private sectors for racing events. Companies such as Malar Setia sponsors the races and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports assists in building obstacles. They also conduct local and international races here.

At the Berakas Forest Reserve, we have trails for every kind of cyclist. Everybody is welcome to ride here.”

However, the building and maintenance of all obstacles and tracks is a collective effort from all the riders. If we want to ride, then we have to build!

The trail at the Berakas Forest Reserve is open 7 days a week and closes at 6.30pm daily. Entrance is free for anyone who wishes to ride here.

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

for only $49.00

Brunei Darussalam Cycling Federation The governing body for all things to do with cycling in Brunei, the Brunei Darussalam Cycling Federation has a lot on their plate. Formed in 1986, the federation works towards maintaining and gradually upgrading the entire toolkit of the cycling industry in Brunei, which includes organising and coordinating races at international, regional and domestic levels, encouraging local riders to participate in these races, organising training activities, producing potential national athletes and at the same time, governing all cycling associations and clubs in Brunei. For races in Brunei, the rule is simple: no license, no racing. All cyclists in Brunei are expected to register with the federation to get a license before they compete for any national series events. There are usually five national series and five mountain bike races in a year (subject to change). The federation is hoping to organise an International Mountain Bike competition and to participate in the ASEAN Mountain Bike competition in 2015. The biggest cycling competition in Brunei was the Tour de Brunei last held in 2012 and the federation is hoping to run it again in 2015. “One thing about cycling,” said Omar Ali Hj Ibrahim, Secretary General of the federation, “is that it can really promote Brunei. No other sport covers the country like Tour de Brunei.” Learn more about the Brunei Darussalam Cycling Federation and keep track of racing events domestically, regionally and internationally at www.bruneicycling.org.

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biG trail

Sabah’s Trail Seekers Text: Pamela Fletcher

Trail running is definitely on the rise in Sabah. From the popular Tun Fuad Stephens Park near the city with its short hill tracks to long forest trails winding through the hilly ranges of the Penampang district, you will see familiar faces trudging up and down with smiles and grimaces all over their faces. These are the Sabah Trail Seekers and pain is their game. Seriously. Glen Forian The Sabah Trail Seekers is a fun bunch. Meet Symus Dimok, one of the members who gleefully comes up with taglines like ‘we are loving every wonderful horrible minute of this’ while others chip in with quotes like ‘if the bones not showing, just keep going’ and ‘the only things that suck are the leeches’. Symus did his first long distance trail run in 2013 on the 24km track from Kibambangan to Terian which is part of the historic Salt Route linking Penampang to Tambunan district in the interior. Muscle cramps, numerous rest stops, rolled ankles and 12 hours later, Symus ended his epic introduction to trail running on a walking stick. Perhaps this experience and his sense of humour inspire him to come up with such creative taglines and keep him going back for more. Sabah Trail Seekers was formed just over year ago and it has built a solid base of keen trail runners. Like Symus, many had to go through aches and pains to overcome that first hurdle but once that was over, the real satisfaction of trail running became more apparent. Eric Seidlitz, one of the group founders says, “The jungle trails feature some spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and even the sea, and they take the runners across rivers, sometimes by suspension bridge. But we’re never alone on

those trails as we have many leeches that come along for the ride!”

Symus Dimok

If you’re not too fond of leeches, you can try the roads from Kiansom to Kokol Hill. These aren’t exactly trails but the roads do have significant inclines and are good for building up leg muscles. Hit the hills early and on a clear day, you will be rewarded with stunning views of Mt Kinabalu at sunrise.

Glen Forian

KimbambanganTerian-Buayan trek which is part of the historic Salt Route Trail

Picturesque views are part of the attraction of trail running

Hanging bridges over clear running rivers add rustic charm to trail runs 03

Glen Forian

Trail seekers taking a break

Jungle trails are physically more challenging and exciting

The group also organises races for its members and those interested to cut their teeth on trail running. Forget about high registration fees and sponsored goodie bags, these are backyard races with minimal entrance fees that go into a pool to be shared amongst the winners. Volunteers man checkpoints, pick up rubbish along the route, share their snacks with you and pat you on the back for a race well run. Members of the Sabah Trail Seekers treat each other like family. They watch your back, ignore your pitiful whining and egg you on till you cross, crawl or roll over the finish line.

Trail routes often traverse isolated local villages and farmland

So if you’re ready to hit the trails of Sabah, give Sabah Trail Seekers a buzz at seidlitz@gmail.com

Glen Forian

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG trail

Addictive Rhythms at the Asia Music Festival 2014

India’s blues band, Soulmate, captivated the crowd with their performance that featured vintage-styled electric soul blues and showed off some slick guitar picking and the powerful voice of their lead singer Tipriti. A DJ gig was featured for the first time this year. Crowned as ‘Malaysia DJ Champion’ for three consecutive years, DJ RoundHead spun his array of music during the break between performances on both nights and got the crowd moving.

Text and Images: Johan Alias

The idea behind the festival was to address

THE second edition of the Asia Music Festival 2014 provided an extraordinary weekend of live music from the Asian region. The event was spread over two days (October 3 and 4) against the stunning backdrop of the Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club, Miri and there was top-notch entertainment throughout with an energetic crowd, fun fringe sideline events and great food. Live music was provided by a mixed genre of musicians playing rock, pop, hip-hop, blues and reggae music, giving this festival its own unique flavor. The organiser, Sarawak Tourism Board, raised the bar this time with a superb line-up that included DrumCall (Sarawak), PISCO (Taiwan), Masia One (Singapore), Pancake 80 (Philippines), Salammusik (Malaysia), Misaluvi & Motion Family (Miri), SoulMate (India), Restrospect (Thailand), Mad August (Malaysia) and Ras Muhammad (Indonesia).

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Reggae acts from Salammusik, Ras Muhammad and Masia One dominated the scenes during the two-day festival with their addictive rhythms and sing-along lyrics. To the surprise of the audience, all three reggae performers collaborated for a finale on the second night to perform Bob Marley’s popular song ‘Get up Stand Up’. The beat went on and the audience let their hair down to some high octane tunes by the rock and alternative bands Mad August, Pancake 80, PISCO and Restrospect.

the low peak season of tourist arrivals in the Northern region of Sarawak in October. The event successfully attracted visitors from Brunei, Sabah, Peninsular Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and the other regions. Visitors to the Asia Music Festival were not just treated to the live bands and the carnival atmosphere, there were also festival memorabilia, local handicrafts and tattoo booths that provided some side interests. It looks like The Asia Music Festival is set to become another iconic event in Sarawak after the success of the Rainforest World Music Festival held in Kuching and Miri’s other music event, the Borneo Jazz Festival.

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TOUR OPTION 1 : SABAH COOKING TOUR Tour includes transfers, lunch at Rumah Terbalik along with a two (02) hour guided Cooking Class featuring three Sabahan ethnic cuisine. TOUR OPTION 2 : MARI MARI SABAH TOUR Tour includes transfers and tour at Mari Mari Cultural Village and Rumah Terbalik with lunch. TOUR OPTION 3 : BORNEO ISLAND GETAWAY TOUR Tour includes land and boat transfers to two islands (either Manukan, Mamutik, Sapi), packing lunch box for the trip, use of snorkelling equipment, life jacket &

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biG trail

An Unforgettable Birding Experience Text: Intan Abu Daniel

Ridhwan Kamarulzaman 01

The 2nd Borneo Bird Race only just started its Brunei leg on October 1, 2014, but the travelweary participants had already been on a birding rampage since the race started the week before. A group of 24 bird-watchers from 7 countries, along with 30 sponsors, media representatives and coordinators from host countries Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei started the race on September 24 in Kota Kinabalu at the Kinabalu Park and later at the Rainforest Discovery Centre in Sandakan. The bird party moved on to the Borneo Highlands Resort in Kuching before finally arriving in Brunei. The final leg of the bird race began bright and early in Brunei’s iconic water village, Kampong Ayer. Each team went their separate ways, either choosing to spot shore birds around the water village and the mangrove trees or going further upstream passed the Istana Nurul Iman.

Ridhwan Kamarulzaman

The next segment took place at the Ulu Temburong National Park, an area only accessible by boat. It was an hour’s journey upriver through the deep mangroves before the teams were transferred by coach to the riverside where they boarded long boats that took them to the Ulu-Ulu Temburong Resort – an ecolodge nestled by the river in the national park.

Armed with cameras with lens the length of an arm, the birders – known to sacrifice comfort and meal times to sight a bird – scattered out in various directions of the jungle. By this time, the day was overcast with a light smattering of rain but that did nothing to dampen the birders’ enthusiasm. Many of the birders had been looking forward to sighting birds in the virtually untouched rainforest of the Ulu Temburong National Park. Borneo is home to over 622 species of birds – 49 are endemic to Borneo – and most of the birders were hoping to spot a ‘lifer’ (a first-ever sighting of a bird species by the observer) here. Wayne Hsu of The Wild Birds in Taiwan, explained, “The challenge of bird-watching in the rainforest attracts many birders because it gives you the satisfaction of seeing these endemic species all in one site like hornbills, trogons, parrots and kingfishers. These are unique birds that birders from the Northern Hemisphere region don’t see every day.” The final segment of the race began at the crack of dawn the following day. This time, the teams took the trail to the famous canopy walk - climbing 800 steps up the hill and another

Abidin Din 200 steps up the steel ladders to the very top of the canopy bridge. This was no time to worry about fear of heights even though the top of the canopy walk is 40 meters above the ground. The brave soul would be rewarded with a wondrous 360-degree view of the national park and beyond. For birders, it was a treasure trove as they spotted a number of endemic birds in the treetops. But for the casual observer, like myself, it was enough just to be able to witness the amazing view. The teams from Hong Kong, India, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand covered a total of 1000 kilometers of rainforest, coastal regions, freshwater swamps, lowland forests and mountain ranges of Borneo by the end of the weeklong race. Dr Jethva Bharatkumar of the Gujarat Birdwatchers Club in India had this to say about the experience, “It was so enjoyable to meet the international clubs of birders participating in this race. Our experience at Temburong, the boat rides, the canopy walk, all these are lifetime memories. And of course, we were able to see birds like the rhinoceros hornbills, owls and falcons, here at the Ulu Temburong National Park. What you have here in Brunei is such a pristine rainforest and after travelling around Borneo I believe it really is the very best of any rainforest that we have ever seen.” The Wild Bird Society of Japan won the overall champion of the 2nd Borneo Bird Race with a total of 160 bird species and 18 endemic bird species spotted throughout Borneo. Of the 160 bird species, 92 were found in Brunei.

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Cede Prudente

David Hogan

Mohd Vol Hj Momin

The Importance of Bird-Watching Nature-lovers of a feather flock together. Bird-watchers understand the importance of protecting the environment to keep birds flourishing. These days, birds face challenges to their existence from increased urbanization and unlawful wildlife trading, thus widening the network of bird-watchers will in turn broaden the support needed to protect birds and their nesting grounds. One successful effort to spread awareness among the locals was the first ever Brunei Darussalam Bird Race, held on September 29 at the Tasek Lama Recreational Park. Armed with cameras and binoculars, 26 local birding enthusiasts raced against the clock to take as many photos of birds as possible in the area. Trophies went out to those who found and recorded the most bird species, 5 winners were awarded for the best photographs and one motivational prize was given to the race’s youngest contestant: 14-year-old Gan Ken Ji. The goal of the race was to raise awareness of the importance of nature conservation in the country and also to promote bird-watching tourism in Brunei.

Cede Prudente

Have You Seen This Bird? The mysterious Spectacled Flowerpecker has eluded birders and photographers for years. This rare bird was first sighted at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge at Danum Valley in Sabah in June 2009 by Richard Webster, a biologist from the University of Leeds in the UK, who published his account and first photographs of this new bird species. Since then, there have been no sightings of the bird. On August 31, 2014, bird enthusiast and photographer Asmali Asli and his group, the Brunei Wildlife & Nature Photography Club, gathered for a birding session at the hills of Labi. One bird landed on a branch at eye level for just about ten seconds and before it took off, Asmali snapped a picture of it. It wasn’t until a few days later that Asmali realised it was the same bird that Richard Webster saw in 2009. Asmali’s picture is the second photographic evidence that this bird exists. The Brunei Wildlife & Nature Photography Club invites any aspiring nature and photography enthusiast to join and become a member of the group. You can find out more about the club on Facebook under the profile name: Ali Photos.

Asmali Asli

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG talk

J U LY - SEP T E M BER 2 01 4 JA N UA RY - F EBRUA RY 2 01 4

BiG: Can a raw food diet be adopted on a short-term basis, like as a cleansing step or a detox? Or do you need to be doing it all the time in order to reap the benefits? The raw food diet can work wonders in just a few days to rid your body of toxins. I find that when people with health issues try it and reap rewards from it, they often continue with it or at least begin to advocate it to others. This is why the movement has gathered so much pace recently, it is because people are spreading the word.

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BiG: Can you describe your lifestyle and food philosophy? My lifestyle and food philosophy is dictated by the food I ingest as fuel. That nourishment is completely natural, unprocessed, unadulterated and is the kind of sustenance that man has evolved to eat over many millennia. I have shunned modern junk food to go back in time and start my evolutionary process again.

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BiG: Please explain to us what your diet consists of? My diet is anything that grows and is edible. I’m among a growing cadre of people who are consciously living on entirely uncooked fare. BiG: Tell us what made you decide to switch to this kind of lifestyle? I’ve always strived to be healthy, and to feel and look my best. I’ve tried fad diets that have come and gone over time but they have not worked for me. I came across eating naturally on the social media where I saw the incredible health results achieved by people who simply cut out processed foods and replaced them with natural foods. I’m now perfectly healthy, my acne has cleared up and my arthritis is non-existent.

Raw and Lovin’ It Image: Ebi

The concept of eating raw food is certainly not a new one. It is said that humans ate raw food for millions of years before they discovered fire. These days, there are a growing number of people who are switching off their stoves and turning to a diet of uncooked vegetables, fresh fruits, nuts, seeds, herbs and grains in their natural state. To learn more about the Raw Food movement, BiG sits down with Mewsum Wong – founder of Raw Food Asia - who shares with us how a diet of raw food has changed her life, for the better.

A good way to get nutrients flowing in the body is at breakfast: eliminate refined processed meals with nutrient-dense whole foods. Freshly extracted juices and smoothies will be more easily assimilated by the body than eating solid foods. BiG: Do you miss the food you used to eat before adopting the raw food concept? I no longer eat to survive; I eat to thrive so I no longer miss the old dietary habits I once had. My body has adapted to the changes - cravings for chicken burgers have been replaced by cravings for durian! I relish the taste of fresh produce and the goodness I get from it. I always say “don’t count the calories, count the chemicals!”

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Why Wu Chun is happy to go home and play the biggest role of his life

Thus, my lifestyle in a nutshell is organic. We should be chemical free and as natural as possible, just take a look at every other species on Earth. They eat what is raw and natural to them, I simply strive to do the same every day.

BiG: How do you recommend transitioning to a raw food diet? People have spent their whole life eating processed, cooked foods so it will be challenging to change habits. Some may feel unwell from the experience. It’s important to learn what is going on at this initial stage and embrace it as a sign of something changing inside your body.

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BiG: Do you get bored with this limited selection? How do you mix things up? Boredom with natural foods is impossible as I’m constantly discovering new fruits,

vegetables, herbs and spices. Mixing and matching really is fun. Who needs Ribena when I can substitute it with a roselle and stevia chilled infusion?

3/21/14 1:30 PM

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG focus

Wu Chun – Brunei’s Ambassador of Healthy Living I am a genuine ‘foodie’ in the truest sense of the word. A passionate lover of all edible delights, it is this passion that fuels my dedication to share my culinary interests and knowledge with the world. I first started cooking at the age of 15 and since then, it’s been a part of my DNA. I am always exploring recipes and trying to recreate great dishes I’ve tasted.

Real Food @ The Energy Kitchen Text: Intan Abu Daniel | Images: Ebi

Who says healthy eating has to be boring? Ready to debunk the myth that healthy eating is bland or monotonous, The Energy Kitchen is here to change your perception of eating well by serving meals that are innovative, tasty and very healthy.

Occupying the ground floor of the Fitness Zone headquarters in Kiulap, The Energy Kitchen interior runs on the theme of green and natural. Wooden crates filled with fruits and vegetables adorn the

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

front counter and bare light bulbs strung up on wooden beams give the feel of a trendy country kitchen-hipster café. Two large chalkboard listing the restaurant’s specials flank a chipboard with the Energy Kitchen logo which carries a marunggai (moringa oleifera) leaf – a highly nutritious plant which has joined the ranks of superfoods. “What is Real Food @ The Energy Kitchen”? For a start, they serve real food that is minimally processed, using fresh ingredients that are, where possible, locally produced, all of which are grilled, steamed or baked – never deep-fried.

Vegetables are front and center in most of the dishes. The Superfood Salad in particular is a huge and satisfying bowl starring a number of greens such as edamame, roasted broccoli, avocado, cucumber, marunggai, sprouts and served with feta, toasted seeds and quinoa. The Vietnamese-style rolls are big and crunchy parcels of rolled-up vegetables complete with a spicy cashew sauce for added zing, and the Burrito Bowl has all the goodness of a burrito – just without a tortilla. But healthy eating isn’t just about the salads. Other innovative dishes stand

out like the hearty Roast Pumpkin Soup, Salmon Soba (buckwheat noodles served with green-tea poached salmon and roasted broccoli) and the very popular, The Energy Burger - juicy grilled herbed chicken breast topped with caramelized onions and beetroot pickle sandwiched between two whole wheat buns and served with sweet potato wedges – a huge, satisfying and scrumptious meal. For beverages, the menu gives you a comprehensive choice of slow-pressed juices and smoothies, as well as conventional coffee and tea options. Try their 9oz size bottles juices such as the detoxifying Cleanse!, the refreshing Burst!, and Supergreens - a health boost in a bottle comprising spinach, pak choi, marunggai, green apple and lemon. Brunei has been taking positive steps towards promoting the benefits of healthy eating to the public. Even though there is still a regrettable lack of healthy options when it comes to dining out, The Energy Kitchen has made a timely entrance. Finally, here is a place where you can literally have your (flourless and dairy-free) cake and eat it too. The Energy Kitchen Ground Floor, Fitness Zone Kg Kiulap, Bandar Seri Begawan Tel: (673) 223 3323

Eating clean is a big part of my life. I have traveled to many places, eaten at a lot of restaurants, and I have always wondered: why doesn’t Brunei have a healthy restaurant? It’s my mission to make it a part of every Bruneian’s life – it’s never too late to start living healthy! I want to start an EAT SMART Revolution in Brunei. It’s going to require commitment, dedication and patience, but our team is ready and prepared to take off. The Energy Kitchen was born out of a love for food and the belief that real food should fuel you. We want to make healthy eating easy, delicious and exciting to Brunei. We have eight innovative and driven chefs in the kitchen, spearheaded by a very passionate chef director who has spent a lot of time in the UK and USA exploring clean and healthy eating. The team has worked hard to craft a wide range of nutritious meals with bold flavours. Wherever possible, everything on your plate is made from scratch – from our nut butter to our homemade chilli sauce. At the end of the day, our aim is to show Brunei that you can go for a healthy makan that is simple, innovative, tasty and good for you. Remember: it’s not about eating less, it’s about eating right. At The Energy Kitchen, we make healthy food easy, not hard. And when we give you our food, we give you our heart.

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG special

A Special Place in My Heart Majestic mosques, nostalgic historic monuments, magnificent sunsets and rare endemic flora and fauna in our pristine rainforest and mangroves – this is the Brunei Darussalam that we live in and at the BiG office, we are thankful for the beautiful sights that we as residents here are privy to.

Brunei celebrates its 31st National Day on February 23rd and to commemorate this occasion, we ask you:

I would say the UluUlu Resort at the Ulu Temburong National Park. I was there a few years back with my wife and the place is breathtaking! The river is clean and the canopy walk is awesome. I plan on going back there again with my kids soon.

DJ DAFFY | Radio DJ for KFM

where’s your favourite spot in Brunei? I’d have to say that my favourite spot in Brunei is the BSB Waterfront. It’s the perfect balance of historic, modern and natural elements surrounding you in 360 degrees. From Kampong Ayer, the old shop lots, the modern buildings to the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and the museums that represent Brunei’s proud historic and cultural values flanking the boardwalk, walking along the Waterfront makes me feel proud to be Bruneian.

Tasek Lama Recreational Park is my favorite place for two reasons: 1. It has been my regular escape for running since I first arrived in Brunei. When you enter these beautiful Borneo jungles and spend time going through them you will experience a vast amount of wildlife and sounds, you then realise how unique and special it is. 2. Tasek Lama is the first place in Brunei my children experienced the Borneo jungle and they have been walking these jungles with me for the past four years.

Meragang Beach. A great place to connect with nature and it’s always best to pay a visit before sunrise and appreciate the beauty of what Brunei has to offer. There is also less pollution and rubbish in comparison to the other beaches in Brunei.

My personal favourite spot in Brunei is the playground at Muara Beach because it reminds me of the times I had picnics with my family while playing in the sand as a child.

LIYANA YUS | Actress, Singer

Tungku Beach. Whenever we think of beaches, we use words like ‘retreat’, ‘escape’, ‘blissful’ etcetera. Something very strange happens to ME when I look at the sea. It is always the overwhelming feeling of calm, wellbeing and oneness with the big blue expanse before me that is so magical! I love the South China Sea’s sunset in Brunei and now, if you’ll excuse me, I am off for a little sea view therapy on the beach… See ya!

The Canopy Walk in Ulu Temburong National Park. It’s really wonderful to be able to look out over the rainforest that is pristine and unchanged in a thousand years as the sun comes up.

DERMOT MANNION | Deputy Chairman, Royal Brunei Airlines The Secretariat Building. One of my early childhood memories is visiting my father at work in the early 1970s. He was a Senior Administrative Officer at the State Secretariat or SUK as it was known then and his office was next to the State Secretary’s in the Secretariat Building. My father would write arithmetic problems on pieces of paper and I will solve them while waiting for him.

Information Dept

RANO ISKANDAR | Social Media Strategist

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

MARIA GRACE KOH aka EIA | Singer-Songwriter

PETER FERAN | General Manager of Radisson Hotel Brunei

WU CHUN | Actor/Entrepreneur

HJ MOHD ROZAN DATO PADUKA HJ MD YUNOS | Permanent Secretary (Media and Cabinet), Prime Minister’s Office Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG buzz

BIBD Appreciates ALAF Supporters

B 02

A group picture with personnel from BIBD, Ministry of Education, Department of Religious Studies and Ababil Resources (NGO)

L-R: Sheikh Haji Abdulkadir Abdullah, Haji Abdul Rahim bin Derus , Hjh Noraini Hj Sulaiman (Deputy Managing Director of BIBD), Hjh Rusita Haji Yahya and Hjh Nurul Akmal Hj Mohd Jaafar at the event

A section of Student Affairs teachers at the event

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

ank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) has seen a successful year with their ALAF (Advocating Life-long Learning for an Aspiring Future) program. The program, aimed at providing assistance to underprivileged and orphaned students through sponsorship of basic needs, educational items and welfare, as well as mentoring and counseling, has seen significant contributions in the past year, indicated through the progress, achievements and successes shown by the students under their care and observation.

The hard work of the ALAF task force, whose management and efficacy has been a key component in the success of ALAF thus far, was also acknowledged during the event. The bank also took the opportunity to congratulate ALAF students for their achievements in the PSR examination. Certificates and tokens of appreciation were handed out to the individuals involved in the ALAF program from its inception, and monetary awards were given to students in the hope of encouraging them to attain further success in their studies.

On November 29, 2014, BIBD held an appreciation ceremony for the teachers and committee members of the BIBD ALAF 2014/2015 program at the Parkview Hotel in Kg Jerudong. The event was held to acknowledge the involvement and hard work of Student Welfare teachers from the Ministry of Education and Department of Islamic Studies in the ALAF program and in appreciation of their dedication toward the ALAF students.

The bank emphasised that in order to ensure sustainability of the ALAF program, a collaborated effort from all parties is crucial. With these collaborations, the bank hopes to align its initiative in supporting His Majesty’s 2035 vision of achieving a 100 percent level of education, bringing forth educated and highly skilled youths who will one day lead the country to greater success.

BIBD Deputy Managing Director, Hjh Noraini binti Hj Sulaiman, commented in her speech, “I understand that as educators, you are faced with various challenges. However, with your extensive experience and skills, as well as a strong spirit and faith, In Sha Allah you will be able to overcome any obstacles and ordeals that come your way.”

To further support the aspirations of this program and to enable students to pursue their education and dreams, the public is welcome to contribute to this cause by donating a minimum of B$1.01 via BIBD Online Banking, BIBD Mobile application, BIBD ATM machines or by using a BIBD standing instruction to pay into the ALAF account 1018181811.

biG buzz

A Good Night for HEART It was a big night for HEART (Humanitarian Emergency Aid Response Team). The first big scale charity event organized by HEART, the Charity Night Cycle, Walk and Run 2014 event had a strong turnout of over 1,700 participants and raised over B$50,000 which would go towards the underprivileged and patients who need assistance.

A Better Race with a Cause The Royal Brunei (RB) Airlines inaugural charity run, The RB Great Race, took off with a bang on October 19th last year. The Royal Brunei (RB) Airlines management, staff and crew welcomed an incredible crowd of 3,500 men, women and children, all donning white T-shirts resembling a pilot’s uniform in line with the aviation theme of the day. This unique charity race, held as part of Royal Brunei Airlines’ 40th Anniversary celebrations, consisted of seven categories to suit runners of all different levels – the ‘Long Haul 10km’ for male and female, the ‘Short Haul 5km’ for male and female, the ‘Happy Flight 3km’ and the ‘Corporate Team Challenge’ for male and female. The organisers added a fun twist to the ‘Long Haul 10km’ race, making it more challenging by adding obstacles for the runners to conquer. As soon as the Deputy Chairman of RB Dermot Mannion

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flagged off to start the race, the competitive crowd scrambled for the finish line. At the end of the races, Dato Paduka Hj Bahrin Abdullah, Chairman of RB and Deputy Minister of Finance was on hand to present prizes to the winners. The aviation theme was further emphasized on the trophies and wing-shaped medals to represent the flights of RB. The ‘Corporate Team Challenge’ male and female categories were both won by the DST Group and they each took home a BiG Magazinesponsored challenge trophy.

The event which took place from 7pm to 11pm on the evening of November 29th last year around the Indoor Stadium consisted of three categories: the walk event with distances of 3 and 5 kilometers, a 10km run and a 30km cycle. The guest of honour Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Hj Awg Halbi bin Hj Mohd Yussof, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, was on hand to give out trophies and lucky draw prizes sponsored by Panacom to the participants. The guest of honour, along with Datin Paduka Hjh Adina binti Othman, Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, also participated in the 3km walk. HEART is a non-profit organization founded by Paul Chiew in 2012. The group actively contributes their time and energy to help the nation’s underprivileged and needy community. To learn more about HEART, call (673) 875 0169 or visit their Facebook page: Humanitarian Emergency Aid Response Team - HEART Volunteers Group.

The Great Race is a great addition to the causes from RB’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative. Proceeds from The Great Race went to two worthy causes: the Brunei Paralympics and Green Brunei, for their Mangrove Rehabilitation Project along Sungai Damuan at Kampong Bengkurong.

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG appetite

Fancy a Plate of

Fish n’ Chips? In this issue, we go hunting for a dish of fried fish and fries, otherwise known as Fish n’ Chips, a menu staple that has found its way into many restaurants worldwide. In Brunei, the best plates of fish with chips are the ones that upholds the standards of Britain’s famous culinary export but at the same time managed to diverge ever so slightly from tradition: breaded instead of battered, sea bass instead of the typical haddock or cod. Whatever the style, our pick of restaurants serving fish and chips manage to excel at the basics: crispy batter, tender and flaky fish, creamy tartar sauce and crunchy fries – and maybe, just maybe, we can find some mushy peas to add to the dish!

ROVANSIL RESTAURANT & CATERING

MAMA WONG’S RESTAURANT & TAKEAWAY

TASEK BRASSERIE @ RADISSON HOTEL

One of the new kids on the Kg. Jaya Setia block, Rovansil offers a variety of seafood dishes on their menu so we expected the restaurant to know what to do with its fish. Thankfully, they did not disappoint. You can have the option of fish in batter or breaded – we chose the latter. One serving comes with two moist dory fillets encased in a crunchy and seasoned breaded exterior, a helping of tasty, though unremarkable, crinkle cut fries, tangy tartar sauce and a slice of lemon shaped like a mouse. The end result was so good we came back the next day to order another plate.

There’s only one reason to go to Mama Wong’s – eat their famous fish and chips! They’re known for their speed in packing up a serving of fish and chips to go but if you have time, pull up a chair and enjoy your fish on the spot. Their menu features four different types of fish, each fried to golden perfection: Atlantic cod, hake, tenggiri and tropical black salmon. We opted for the hake that arrived at our table on a bed of thick-cut fries and a bowl of their homemade tartar sauce. It has all the signs of Fish n’ Chips greatness: moist and flaky fish, delicious fries (although regrettably not as crispy as we would like) and flavourful tartar sauce. Pay an additional B$3.50 for a bowl of mushy peas and that is as close to Britain’s culinary classic as we can get!

At Tasek Brasserie of Radisson Hotel, even the simple Fish n’ Chips is elevated to gourmet class. Their version uses a big cut of sea bass fillet encased in a thin and crispy batter and it comes with shoestring fries and a bowl of tartar sauce. The combination of the flaky, tender fish with the fries and the tangy tartar sauce was a well-balanced treat on the senses. As a matter of fact, their tartar sauce was so good we wanted to bring it home to use as a sandwich spread.

Price: B$9.90

Price: B$10.95

Price: B$9.00

#36-38, 1st Flr, Citis Square Kg. Jaya Setia, Berakas, Bandar Seri Begawan

B25, Grd Flr, Bangunan Habza Spg. 150, Kg Kiarong, Bandar Seri Begawan

Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam Jalan Tasek, BS8211, Bandar Seri Begawan

Tel: 233 7129

Tel: 726 3878

Tel: 224 4272

MARILYN CAFÉ

FISH & CO

CASBAH LONDON KEBAB

At Marilyn, you can choose to have their hot favourite fish and chips with dory fish and coleslaw or their super-duper version with fresh snapper and fresh salad topped with their special pickled onions. Both are served with crinkly fries and their own-made tartar sauce that’s tangy and creamy. The snapper is dependent on availability as they are sourced fresh from the local market but on the lucky day that you do get to try their snapper fish and chips, you will be glad you ordered it because the fish is a generous chunk in crispy batter that’s good to the last bite.

If there is a competition for best variety of fish and chips in a restaurant, Fish & Co will win hands down – two pages of its menu is dedicated to fish and chips only. At this wellknown seafood franchise, you can try fish done in 10 different styles from all over the world but there is one that you should home in on - the confidently named, award-winning “The Best Fish & Chips in Town”. What makes this dish special is their choice of white fish instead of the traditional cod, that is coated in a light and crispy batter and topped with their signature lemon butter sauce. A big helping of seasoned thick-cut fries and a piquant tartar sauce rounds up the dish perfectly.

Fish and chips might be the last thing you’d expect to find in a restaurant famed for its meaty kebabs but Casbah London Kebab’s fish and chips is a very popular dish here. Each serving has two large pieces of red snapper fillet covered in a crunchy batter with thick cut chips on the side and a dollop of creamy tartar sauce. The batter is crispy and uncomplicated which is a good thing as it makes the fish stand out. The fish, even though fried, was not as oily as some others, which is a huge win when it comes to dining on deep-fried goodness. The next time you wander over to Casbah, you might want to consider not ordering the kebab but the fish instead!

Price: B$8.95

Price: B$8.30

Price: with fresh snapper – B$15 with dory fish – B$7.50 42, Jln Pretty, Kuala Belait Tel: 333 3066

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

18 & 19, Grd Flr, Citis Square Kg. Jaya Setia, Berakas, Bandar Seri Begawan

#G2A, Grd Flr, Times Square Complex Kg. Jaya Setia, Berakas, Bandar Seri Begawan

Tel: 239 2555

Tel: 234 3001

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG appetite

Anjung Saujana & Cilantro’s Gourmet Patisserie

Sri Latha Curry House

Text: Intan Abu Daniel, Images: Royal Brunei Catering

Text and Images: Pamela Fletcher

Departure Hall, Level One, Brunei International Airport, Bandar Seri Begawan Tel: (673) 233 1853 / (673) 233 9207

No 28, Jln Bandaran, Bandar Berjaya, Kota Kinabalu

OPEN DAILY 6.30am - 11pm

Tel: (6088) 253 669 Open Daily: 7am – 5pm

First Impressions Anjung Saujana – the flagship and the latest restaurant of Royal Brunei Catering is a timely addition to Brunei International Airport’s newly renovated interiors – located on the first floor overlooking the arrival hall with a view of the spectacular Surau. There is a busy vibe in this chic restaurant brightly lit by a modern ceiling light with an overlapping circle pattern. A soothing colour scheme and tasteful décor give the restaurant a classy, timeless look.

Just a couple of steps away beside the restaurant is the contemporary Cilantro’s Gourmet Patisserie, decked out like a classic gourmet French cafe offering a mouthwatering selection of desserts. Food Like its décor, the menu at Anjung Saujana is timeless, sticking to a variety of classic dishes. Asian Delights is the most comprehensive section of the menu, covering most of the culinary classics from Asia: Murtabak, Nasi Dulang Mandi, Laksa Lemak Anjung Saujana, Kashmiri Lamb, Pho Bo, Ayam Penyet, Thai Green Curry Chicken and the distinctly Bruneian Belutak Goreng. Such everyday home favourites are presented like works of art, making even chicken chop looked like an haute cuisine. The sweet selections are equally delectable at Cilantro’s Gourmet Patisserie with its elegant collection of awardwinning chocolate praline miniatures and a pleasing assortment of macarons, available along with fresh

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

pastries, scrumptious muffins and mouth-watering cakes to choose from as well as savoury treats like curry puffs and chicken pies. Also available is a selection of Bruneians’ favourite cake, Kek Batik from Kak Ros – a popular brand of a traditional Malay cake, made to order for events or as gifts. However, their fresh oysters and a selection of international caviar remain the stand-out here. Drinks A distinctive variety of gourmet coffee with unique concoctions like the Very Cherry Latte and Snickers Latte, and refreshing mocktails. But if you’re not feeling adventurous, you can still order a cup of the nation’s favourite drink, teh tarik or a glass of freshly squeezed juice.

Service Service is warm and polished. Queries are handled efficiently in an informative manner. Price Depending on your choices, starters and soups are priced from B$5.50 onwards and main courses ranges from B$5.50 for a plain murtabak to B$38.50 for a flavourful marbled sirloin steak.

Verdict Anjung Saujana and Cilantro are certainly not just for travelers. With their good classic dishes, it is a fine place for a night out for those staying put in the country as well.

First Impressions Located in one of the older sections of the city with narrow streets and back lanes, Sri Latha is clean, airy and laid-back with that typical neighbourhood coffee shop kind of feel. It seems to be a favourite with local and foreign tourists. Food We did brunch to sample a bit of their breakfast and lunch menu together. We had the tosai and coconut chutney, roti jala with grated coconut and sugar from the breakfast menu and from the lunch menu, we chose their popular banana leaf set. You can ask for your tosai to be crispier but I liked mine just the way it was. The chutney and curry was a bit mild but we added a side dish of mutton curry which was a definite highpoint – an aromatic and flavourful curry with tender meat, smooth on the palate and not too over-powering. You can have either plain rice or biryani with your banana

Tribal Stove leaf set with sides of mutton, squid or chicken curry. The vegetables and pumpkin with mint and mango chutney were fresh and complemented the entire spread perfectly. Don’t forget to order their fried bitter gourd chips, it’s so good. Drinks Standard coffee shop hot and cold drinks with their signature all-time favourite sweet and tangy mango lassi. Service Fast, friendly and very helpful in recommending the menu. Price We averaged about RM15 per person for food and drinks which is not too heavy on the wallet.

Verdict Probably one of the most popular Indian restaurants in the city, its reputation for freshly cooked authentic Indian food is well deserved. Well-prepared, not too greasy and the flavours are nicely balanced. Top service and a really pleasant place for a quick roti and teh tarik, or a lip-smacking curry and banana leaf feast.

Text and Images: Heidi Munan 10 Block H, Jalan Borneo (across the road from main entrance of Hilton Hotel), 93100 Kuching Tel: (6082) 234 873 - restaurant, (6082) 413 313 - office OPENING HOURS: 11.30am10.30pm (Mon-Sat)

First Impressions An airconditioned ‘inside’ is matched by an alfresco ‘outside’. Tribal Stove aims to bring a slice of Bario - the Central Borneo Highlands - to Kuching. Photo walls in the interior, ethnic décor, mats, plain wooden furniture reinforce the concept. Food Tribal - the staple is Bario Rice, known throughout Sarawak for its fragrance and flavour. Jungle and garden leaves form an important part of the cuisine, together with fish prepared in a number of ‘highland’ ways, chicken cooked in bamboo and the like. The menu is mainly captioned in Kelabit with translations or descriptions for the uninitiated. Tribal Stove serves no pork. Drinks There is a good selection of soft drinks and teas, together with equally traditional tribal rice wine.

Service The service is pleasant but depending on what is ordered the kitchen may take its time. There is an excellent buffet for those who are in a hurry. Price By Kuching standards, on the high side. Lunch for 4 persons comes to RM 105 or so.

Verdict Highland folks living in Kuching congregate here for a ‘slice of home’. For visitors, Tribal Stove is within easy walking distance of the major hotels if they wish to try something different once in a while. Drycrumbled fish with pumpkin leaf anyone?

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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

biG getaway

biG getaway 01 The wraparound balcony of the London Suite

A Night at the Playboy Mansion

02 CUT at 45 Park Lane

As a big fan of the Dorchester Collection, I’ve been longing to visit 45 Park Lane in Mayfair, formerly the site of the notorious Playboy Club, for a long time. This legendary gentry playground was reopened in September 2011 as The Dorchester Collection’s third outpost in the UK - after The Dorchester which is just steps away from it, and Coworth Park - bringing high class hospitality to Hugh Hefner’s former London haunt.

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

The entrance to 45 Park Lane 06 Big Eye Tuna Tartar 04

Text: Wan Zainal Abidin Images: Dorchester Collection

03 Penthouse dining room

I arrived at 45 Park Lane on a sunny October afternoon and was immediately greeted by a dedicated host who guided me through the hotel and completed the check-in procedures in the comfort of my own suite. Each guest is assigned a host who looks after your every whim and fancy from arrival to departure - an experience that is usually associated with the finest private clubs.

terrace and soaking in the London vibe while capturing some of the best views of The Shard and The London Eye to post on my Instagram account, much to the envy of my friends. Of course one of the star attractions of my stay was having perfect steaks and salads created by the chefs at Cut, Wolfgang Puck’s debut restaurant in Europe. What makes this restaurant special is the constant flow of guests - from eccentrics and ladies-who-lunch to media darlings and starlets - who flock to this restaurant for its outstanding cuisine. While Cut offers some of the best dining experiences in London, The Dorchester offers some amazing cuisine from Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse and halal Cantonese options from China Tang. As a matter of fact, my host organized quite a few in-room meals for me from the Dorchester kitchens including the most scrumptious scones from The Promenade.

Thierry Despont, the famous French designer who is responsible for the interiors of most of the hotels in the Dorchester Collection, has successfully infused a contemporary edge with an Art Deco design into this landmark building featuring distinctive aluminium fins that wrap around the exterior of every floor. The hotel is wellknown for its dynamic art collection that includes paintings and unique prints by art luminaries such as Sir Peter Blake, Christian Furr, Brendan Neiland and Damien Hirst.

The Bar at 45 Park Lane, with its perfect setting, lavish Art Deco detailing and a sumptuous bar menu with Wolfgang Puck’s dishes that include mini kobe beef sliders and spicy tuna tartar cones, seems to be the favourite hangout of visiting scenesters who come in to indulge in pre-dinner cocktails and nightcaps. With so many offerings within this hotel, it is very easy to not want to venture out at all. But then the myriad designer boutiques just behind the hotel lining Mount Street are begging to be discovered.

I was assigned the luxurious London Suite that has an adjoining living and dining room and a wraparound balcony. The suite is so big it occupies one corner of the sixth floor of this 45-room hotel. I spent most of my evenings having pre-dinner cocktails on the

45 PARK LANE Mayfair, London W1K 1PN Tel: (44) 20 7493 4545 Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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biG listings 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.

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 over five branches throughout the country. This global coffee chain continues to brew their specialty coffee for the masses, including their everpopular Ice-Blended coffee drinks.

Eat

(Brunei) MOMO RESTAURANT There are three simple steps towards enjoying a premium grilled cuisine at Momo Restaurant: First, you choose your meat, then you select from a unique list of sauces, and then take a pick from the wide variety of side dishes. We heartily recommend the OP Nolan Ribs with a rosemary shallot sauce accompanied with a bowl of creamy truffle oil infused mashed potatoes. Don’t forget to order the Ginger Crème Brulee for dessert!

| OPEN DAILY 11.30am - 2.30pm /6.30pm-10.30pm, Grd Flr StarLodge, JERUDONG (673 261 1618) KITARO LODGE Its subtle décor doesn’t give away much, but it’s a good indication of the quality of food in this restaurant to see Japanese expats frequently dining here. The attention to detail in their food presentation is also worthy of a mention, making their dishes some of the most Instagram-friendly in town.

| OPEN DAILY 11am-2.30pm/6pm10.30pm; Unit 5-7 Grd Flr The Centrepoint, GADONG (673 245 7373) or Grd Flr StarLodge, JERUDONG (673 261 1618)

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

| OPEN DAILY 8am-11pm; 36 & 37 Maya Puri Building, JLN SULTAN (673 222 0589) or #1-16A 1st Flr The Mall, GADONG (673 245 7460) – Call for other branches MARILYN CAFÉ If you’re looking for a good meal in Kuala Belait, drop by this gem of a café along the main street in town. Serving a wide variety of café fare, beverages, pastries and desserts, this cozy place is a staple for reasonably-priced tasty meals in Kuala Belait. Try their meaty Marilyn Burger, Cookie Monster drink and chocolate moist cake.

| OPEN DAILY 6am-midnight; No 42 Jln Pretty, KUALA BELAIT (673 333 3066) BELLO CAFÉ ‘Bello’, which is Italian for ‘beautiful’, is certainly the right name for this elegantly designed café with their beautifully-styled food. Offering a tasty range of snacks, desserts, western and local main dishes, they are famed for their Swiss Burger and Chocolate Lava Pudding.

|OPEN DAILY Mon-Fri 7.30am10pm, Sat 7.30am-11pm, Sun 8am-10pm; L1/12 Seri Kiulap Mall, KIULAP (673 223 3989) PHONGMUN RESTAURANT Serving families since the mid80’s, Phongmun is probably the oldest Chinese restaurant in town and has always been a favourite place for a good meal with its traditional Chinese ambience. Phongmun has plenty of delicious

meals to offer: from dimsum, to a variety of roasted meats and great selections from their ala carte menu. Must try: Lobster Salad. (Non-halal). | OPEN DAILY 7am-10pm;

2nd Flr Teck Guan Plaza, JLN SULTAN (673 222 9561, 673 222 9562)

for its monthly themed buffets. Customers have a choice of dining on the wide selection offered at the buffet or ordering from the ala carte menu which offers a variety of Western, Malay and Chinese cuisine. For dessert, there is a mouth-watering selection of

CASBAH LONDON KEBAB

cakes at their lounge area. | OPEN

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.

DAILY; 1st Flr Orchid Garden Hotel, KG ANGGEREK DESA (673 233 5544)

| OPEN DAILY ; #G2a Grd Flr Times Square Complex, KG JAYA SETIA (673 234 3001) (Times Square Branch) or #204 Spg 210 Kg Lambak, JLN BERAKAS (673 880 3183) – Call for other branches DEALS This modern, refreshing and contemporary restaurant offers an extensive menu. Enjoy a gastronomic experience featuring new dishes such as roasted slipper lobster with black pepper and roasted garlic butter, Grilled Australian ribeye and many more popular dishes.

| OPEN 7pm onwards (Mon-Sat), closed on Sundays and public holidays; Radisson Hotel Jln Tasek, BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (673 224 4272) TASEK BRASSERIE A perfect spot to dine with family and friends in the heart of the city, Tasek Brasserie provides casual dining in a relaxed atmosphere. Customers can enjoy light snacks and a cool mocktail while lounging at the outdoor pool, or dine on the variety of cuisine from their ala carte menu or sumptuous buffets.

| OPEN DAILY 6am-6pm; Radisson Hotel Jln Tasek, BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (673 224 4272) GOLDIANA CAFÉ & LOUNGE Open 24 hours a day, the Goldiana Café & Lounge is widely popular

VANDA CHINESE RESTAURANT Vanda’s popular Sunday dimsum brunch buffet brings families over there every week. The restaurant is similarly packed on other days, as Vanda has proven its reputation as one of the premier Chinese restaurants in town with the array of delectable cuisine from their ala carte menu. | OPEN

biG listings FRESH FLAVOURS

SERIKANDI

G S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

26B Grd Flr Delima Jaya Complex, Berakas (673 234 1394)

18 & 19 Blk B Qlap Complex, Kiulap (673 246 0432) – Call for other branches

Sri Aman Complex, Tutong (673 422 1882)

KAKA RESTAURANT

TATY’S CAFÉ

Departure Hall, Lvl One, Brunei International Airport (673 233 1853)

2 & 3 Spg 100 Jln Jerudong (673 267 2333)

A9 Grd Flr Muara Centre, Muara Town (673 878 9393) – Call for other branches

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

BELLUNO CAFÉ

2, 3 & 4A Blk B Spg 593-3, Beribi (673 265 3886)

NEW RESTAUR ANTS AROUND TOWN

ANJUNG SAUJANA & CILANTRO’S GOURMET PATISSERIE

#2 Blk C Kiarong Complex, Kg Kiarong (673 242 9010)

DANES CAFÉ (non-halal) #102, Bgn Batu Bersurat, Jln Batu Bersurat (673 242 8914)

| OPEN DAILY 10am-10pm; #G35 Grd Flr The Mall, GADONG (673 242 3606) – call for other branches

HADFA SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

20 & 21 Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 242 7342)

NASI KATOK MAMA EXPRESS

AXTIVO RESTAURANT

BAN HIONG

PANCAKE HOUSE INTERNATIONAL

A2 Grd Flr Seri Purnama Complex, Kg Kiulap (673 223 1788)

1 Grd Flr Spg 600, Kg Bunut (673 265 2426)

RESTORAN MAKAN & SOTO ROSMINI

BERRY WAN HOT POT

1 Spg 15, Jln Gadong (673 871 9946)

26 Q-Lap Complex, Kiulap (673 223 6699)

PRONTO BRUNEI

CERI CAFÉ

1st Flr Times Square Food Court, Kg Jaya Setia (673 723 8837)

Spg 122 Jln Bengkurong Masin Kg Masin, Bengkurong (673 265 2711)

683 Spg 681, Jln Jerudong (673 261 2140)

AMINAH ARIF 2 & 3 Blk B Grd Flr Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kiulap (673 223 6198) – Call for other branches

ARTHINI CAFÉ & CATERING

ROVANSIL RESTAURANT 1st Flr Citis Square, Kg Jaya Setia (673 233 7129)

SERAIMAS RESTAURANT

DIM SUM RESTAURANT 4 Bgn Yong Siong Hai, Gadong (673 245 6413)

FARMBASKET SNACK BAR A1 Blk A Grd Flr Urairah Complex, Kiulap (673 223 4666)

FILIO RESTAURANT & CATERING

Grd Flr Citis Square, Kg Jaya Setia (673 880 1109)

32 Blk D Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 244 9009)

BABU’S KITCHEN

THE ENERGY KITCHEN

FULL HOUZE RESTAURANT

CHOP JING CHEW 10 Spg 5 Jln Gadong, Kg Menglait (673 242 4132)

FAYZE JAYA RESTAURANT AND CAFÉ 38, 39 & 40 BT Complex, Kg Jaya Setia (673 242 4385)

Grd Flr Fitness Zone Kiulap (673 223 3323)

SAPPHIRA CAKE HOUSE 3 Grd Flr Seri Anigma, Kiulap (673 223 2021)

SELERA ALAM KITANI RESTAURANT & CATERING 24 & 25 Grd Flr Blk D Kg Delima Satu, Berakas (673 233 3733)

HOT POINT CAFÉ & RESTAURANT 101 1st Flr The Mall, Gadong (673 242 6719)

HOT POT KING STEAMBOAT RESTAURANT A12 & 13 Grd Flr Blk A Bgn Habza, Kiarong (673 223 4548)

HUA HUA RESTAURANT B1 Urairah Complex, Kg Kiulap (673 222 7796)

5 Grd Flr Bgn Pg Hjh Rafeah (673 265 3858)

1 & 2 Bgn Assyirah Spg 11 Jln Haji Halus, Bunut (673 265 2699)

C44 Blk C Grd Flr Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 245 7868)

Sumbangsih Corner Sumbangsih Mulia, Beribi (673 245 7126)

CHATTERBOX KOPITIAM

14 Jln Sultan Omar Ali, Seria (673 322 5938)

72 T.C.Y Building, Batu Bersurat (673 853 0665)

HAMBERLY HILLS CAFÉ

I-CRAVE KOPITIAM

CHENG WAH

RICE BOWL

Development Area Phase 4 Rimba Horticulture, Gadong (673 710 6168)

23 Grd Flr Blk B Delima Jaya Complex, Berakas (673 233 9997) – Call for other branches

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

A.AYAM RESTAURANT

AMANAH HARITH

101 Bgn Kumbang Pasang Gadong Properties, Jln Gadong (673 242 6336)

BIG MAMA’S RESTAURANT (BMR)

#1 Tian & Chuan Building, Kg Kiulap (673 223 5250)

FAVOURITE HOME BR ANDS

Creator of the delicious Blizzard, this international franchise serves up delicious ice-cream dishes and ice-cream cakes for any occasion, plus a variety of hot dogs. Go to any of their 10 stores across Brunei for an Oreo Blizzard Treat served to you upside down!

AYAM PENYET AP

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

NYAMAN RESTAURANT

#17, Blk E, Atiya Complex, Spg 100, Jln Jerudong (673 899 7333)

GRATITUDE CAFÉ Grd Flr Serusop Complex, Kg Delima Satu (673 234 1123)

#6 Spg 235 Jln Pasar Baru, Kg Kiarong (673 245 0987)

KITCHEN OF JASMINE BY ARANDA CAFÉ

GOLDEN LEAF COFFEE HOUSE

DELICIOUS ASIAN FARE

Spg 13 Hj Uthman Complex, Berakas (673 233 5642)

PIZZA HUT

DAIRY QUEEN (DQ)

MY FAVOUREAT RESTAURANT

ASIAN DELIGHTS

FLAPJACK HOUSE

HOME-GROWN TALENT

| OPEN DAILY 10am-10pm (9am-11pm on Tues, Thurs and Fri), delivery orders from 10am-10.30pm; Units 2&3, Grd Flr Blk J, Kompleks Abdul Razak, GADONG (673 222 6111) – call for other branches

KAYU NASI KANDAR

3 Blk A Grd Flr Kompleks Madang, Madang (673 864 1681)

DAILY 1st Flr Orchid Garden Hotel, KG ANGGEREK DESA (673 233 5544) An introduction hardly needs to be made here – this international franchise has been delivering pizzas to our homes since 1993, and it’s still going on strong today. Visit any of its 16 restaurants and delivery outlets around Brunei or simply pick up the phone and order up a hot and fresh pizza right to your doorstep.

JESSAMINE RESTAURANT & CAFÉ

1 Grd Flr Blk A Seri Purnama Complex, Kiulap (673 866 5809)

FUN TOAST KOPITIAM

Grd Flr iCentre, Kg Anggerek Desa (673 233 8282)

IMPIAN RASA RESTAURANT

JADE CRYSTAL KOPITIAM & CAFÉ 25 Grd Flr & 1st Flr Blk D Madang Complex, Berakas (673 233 6238)

KIMBALL RESTAURANT & CATERING 24-28 1st Flr Blk C Complex Muhibbah, Kg Menglait (673 242 0976)

LAMEE RESTAURANT 10 Grd Flr Blk C Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 243 0113)

LAGUNA DUA RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 31 Grd Flr Airport Mall, Kg Jaya Setia (673 233 6219)

LEE LOI FATT

36 Grd Flr Airport Mall, Kg Jaya Setia (673 223 2888)

4 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Gadong (673 223 6432) – Call for other branches

FUN WOK HONG KONG RESTAURANT

SEASONS RESTAURANT

4 & 6 Grd Flr Kiulap Plaza Hotel, Kg Kiulap (673 223 2397)

Lvl 2 The Centrepoint, Gadong (673 242 2291)

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG listings

biG listings LITTLE HOTPOT RESTAURANT

SCR EXPRESS

YOU ME RESTAURANT

BLUE EDEN

25 Grd Flr Blk B Regent Square, Kiulap (673 223 4399)

10 Bgn Hasbullah 2, Gadong (673 244 5355) – Call for other branches

13 & 14 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Hassan Abdullah, Kg Menglait (673 245 3940)

5 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kiulap (673 223 9476)

FINE CHINA

9 Blk B Grd Flr & 1st Flr Bgn Pg Mainudeen, Batu Bersurat (673 242 7313)

LUCKY RESTAURANT 1st Flr PAP Umi Kalthum Building, Jln Tutong (673 222 0181)

MANGROVE Z’YAN RESTAURANT

SEAWORLD NEPTUNE 12-8 Spg 791, Jerudong (673 261 2613)

SERI KAMAYAN

Mangrove Paradise Resort, Kota Batu (673 278 6868)

1st Flr Utama Bowling Centre, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 222 6217)

MARISCOS

SHIKAI

7-10 Roof Top Bgn PSI Lorong Sharifful Bahri, Kg Tungku (673 247 0355)

1 & 2 Blk E Grd Flr Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 245 6222)

MILLENNIUM RESTAURANT

SING U ME RESTAURANT

Blk C Scouts Centre, Kg MataMata (673 242 4168)

B14 Warisan Mata-Mata Complex, Gadong (673 242 1860)

MY PLACE CAFE

SINGAPORE TABLE

1 Blk B Spg 508 Jerudong Complex, Jln Jerudong (673 261 0741)

10 Grd Flr Bgn Hasbullah 3, Gadong (673 245 0099)

MYTOWN EATING HOUSE

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

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

SUI HENG RESTAURANT

SWEET N SAVOURY CAFÉ

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

No. 3, Grd Flr, Blk C, Warisan MataMata, GADONG (673 242 1203)

OLD TIME KOPITIAM

TAI KA LUK RESTAURANT

NYONYA

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

PEMODO

4 Blk C Delima Square, Berakas (673 233 2639)

THIAM HOCK RESTAURANT 5 Yong Siong Building, Kg Menglait (673 244 1679)

PHO REAL

THIEN THIEN RESTAURANT

PONDOK SARI JULIA D-9 Grd Flr Blk D Tanjung Bunut Place, Bunut (673 267 1420)

PONDOK SARI WANGI RESTAURANT 12-13 1st Flr Blk A Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 244 5043) – Call for other branches

PURELAND VEGETARIAN HOUSE 15 Blk B Bgn Hj Awag Ahmad bin Hassan, Kiulap (673 223 6503)

RESTORAN UMMI SALOMEH 2 Blk B Bgn Pg Hj Menuddin, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 245 3672)

ALL SEASONS RESTAURANT

C’ FU CURRY HOUSE

DYNASTY RESTAURANT

HALEEM’S AUTHENTIC INDIAN CUISINE

Grd Flr The Centrepoint Hotel, Gadong (673 243 0185)

EMPEROR’S COURT 3rd Flr Hua Ho Manggis Mall, Berakas (673 233 2880)

KAFE KAUSAR

LI GONG

Grd Flr Shakirin Complex, Kiulap (673 882 9495)

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

LE TAJ

Orchid Garden Hotel, Kg Anggerek Desa (673 233 5544)

THE SPICE ROUTE AHAN THAI 10 Blk B Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 245 2852)

10 Grd Flr Mas Panchawarna Complex (673 222 2435) – Call for other branches

AQIL SHAFIEE

TRIO HOTPOT RESTAURANT

AWAIS’S RICE N GRILL PAKISTANI RESTAURANT

25 Blk B Grd Flr & 1st Flr Bgn Habza, Kiarong (673 223 4495)

6 Blk A Jerudong Centre, Jerudong (673 261 2870)

VIV VIV RESTAURANT

144A Grd Flr Jln Pemancha, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 222 5397)

3A Spg 103 Grd Flr Bgn Hassanin 2, Gadong (673 242 7337)

BANN NUCHA RESTAURANT

WYWY RESTAURANT C1-C2 Blk C, Kg Sengkurong (673 266 0196) – Call for other branches

WAROENG PENYET 1st Flr Times Square Shopping Complex, Kg Jaya Setia (673 234 0848) – Call for other branches

KTM THAI SPECIAL SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

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

VANDA CHINESE RESTAURANT

2.31 2nd Flr The Mall, Gadong (673 245 6122)

External Café Ramp A The Mall, Gadong (673 242 5506)

CHOICES CAFÉ The Brunei Hotel, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 224 2372)

DE’ OLDE COTTAGE

14 Grd Flr Citis Square, Kg Jaya Setia (673 234 1231)

I-LOTUS

F3 1st Flr Times Square Shopping Centre, Kg Jaya Setia (673 233 7986)

CHEEZBOX CAFÉ

5 & 6 Bgn Hj Mohd Salleh, Jln Gadong (673 245 7000)

1 & 2 Spg 632, Kg Jerudong (673 261 0140)

SHINOBU RESTAURANT

Grd Flr Le Gallery Suites Hotel, Jln Tutong (673 222 1171) – Call for other branches

BOMBAY PALACE

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

SPICY DISHES FROM AROUND THE REGION

1 Grd Flr Bgn Awg Hj Ibrahim, Kg Beribi (673 265 6245)

1st Flr Times Square Food Court, Kg Jaya Setia (673 897 1266)

CHINESE CUISINE AT ITS FINEST

CHARCOAL BBQ & GRILL RESTAURANT

2-3 2nd Flr Seri Kiulap Complex, Kiulap (673 223 8996)

LEMONGRASS RESTAURANT 7A Grd Flr Bgn Urairah, Kg Kiulap (673 223 0316)

LOTUS FAMILY RESTAURANT 27B Grd Flr Delima Jaya Complex, Berakas (673 234 2049)

SAFFRON RESTAURANT 8 Blk C Shakirin Complex, Kiulap (673 223 5888)

SAGAR RESTAURANT 5 Grd Flr Blk C Aman Complex Kg Delima Satu, Berakas (673 233 3718)

SAMEER RESTAURANT & CATERING G1 Grd Flr Sg Akar Sentral, Berakas (673 872 8172)

SAWADDEE HOUSE 6 Grd Flr Yong Siong Hai Jln Pasar Gadong, Gadong (673 242 6619)

SERI DAMAI RESTAURANT & CATERING

MOD THASANAN THAI FOOD

10A Grd Flr Bgn Hau Man Yong, Kg Kiulap (673 223 0356)

1 Blk A Bgn Habza, Kiarong (673 223 4139)

TANDOOR.COM

NUR WANITA 10 Blk B Kiarong Complex, Kiarong (673 242 6789)

POPULAR RESTAURANT 5 Grd Flr PAP Hjh Norain Building, Jln Tutong (673 222 1375)

RAJAH’S RESTAURANT 3 Grd Flr Blk A Bangunan PAP Umi Kalthum, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 224 0379)

RANGMAHAL RESTAURANT 3A Bgn Mas Panchawarna, Jalan Tutong (673 222 7379)

3 & 4 1st Flr Bgn Majid Mohamad Jln Pasar Baharu, Gadong (673 245 0182)

THE GHURKA PALACE Lot 47 1st Flr Jln Bunga Melor, Seria (673 322 1474)

YA-NUR RESTAURANT 7 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Tahir 2, Gadong (673 245 2186)

ZAIKA RESTAURANT A4 Lot 308 Bgn Maju Jln Bunga Raya, Kuala Belait (673 334 7430)

WESTERN STAR ENJOY THE BEST FROM THE WEST

BISTRO CHEZ FIO 13 Grd Flr Blk A Q-Lap Complex, Kg Kiulap (673 223 4933)

BUCCANEER STEAK HOUSE 92-93 (B) 94 Grd Flr Jln McKerron, Kuala Belait (673 333 0406)

BUFFALO STEAKHOUSE 1 & 2 Grd Flr Halimatul Saadiah, Gadong (673 242 6769)

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

2 Grd Flr Blk C Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 242 6982)

DELI BITES Grd & 1st Flr Jubilee Plaza Hotel, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 222 1481)

FISH & CO 18 & 19 Grd Flr Citis Square, Kg Jaya Setia (673 239 2555)

IDEAL CAFÉ & GRILL 7 Blk H Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 242 0596) – Call for other branches

MAMA WONG Grd Flr Bgn Habza, Kg Kiulap (673 887 0877)

SWENSEN’S

PINES RESTAURANT

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

4 & 5 1st Flr Blk E Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 242 5461)

THE AIRPORT RESTAURANT & COFFEE SHOP

SHABULICIOUS RESTAURANT

Brunei International Airport, Berakas (673 233 1853)

TRADERS INN CAFÉ Traders Inn Blk D, Jln Gadong (673 244 2828)

SAVY’S BRASSERIE 204 Lvl 2 Mabohai Shopping Complex, Mabohai (673 224 0829) - Other branches 22/23 Wisma Hajah Fatimah Jln Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 222 2919)

LOOK EAST ORIENTAL DELIGHTS

AIKO SUSHI

1 & 2 Blk C Delima Square, Berakas (673 233 8333)

SUSHI TEI 42 & 43 Grd Flr Blk C Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 244 9977)

YAM YAM SARANG KOREAN RESTAURANT 6 Blk J Grd Flr Bgn Pg Hj Menuddin & Anak-anak, Batu Bersurat (673 860 7830)

YUGO BBQ AND SHABU SHABU RESTAURANT B23 Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 878 5398)

3 & 4 Blk A Wisma Pengiran Haji Apong, Kiulap (673 223 3626)

EUROPEAN LEAGUE

EXCAPADE

ITALIAN AND SPANISH CUISINE

4 & 5 1st Flr Blk C Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 874 0012) – Call for other branches

CALIENTE

GOHAN SUSHI AND SHABUSHABU RESTAURANT

CAPERS CAFE & RESTAURANT

7 Blk B 1st Flr Regent Square, Kiulap (673 223 4549)

MODESTO BISTRO & GRILL

2 1st Flr Spg 181-22, Kg Kiarong (673 242 8100)

2nd Flr Seri Kiulap Complex, Kiulap (673 223 8996)

8, 9 & 10 Abraco Building, Batu Bersurat (673 233 2000)

ICE BAR & CAFÉ SYABU SYABU

DE MARGARITA RESTAURANT

MUNCH CAFÉ N’ GRILL

15-17 1st Flr Kiulap Plaza Hotel, Kiulap (673 223 3031)

FC3 Giant Hypermarket Tasek Rimba, Kg Rimba (673 246 0829)

Jeruton Hotel, Jerudong (673 261 2213)

IKURA SUSHI

DIN’S BISTRO

C36 & C37 1st Flr Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 242 2020)

8 Blk E Grd Flr Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 878 6160)

C-3 1st Flr Warisan Mata-Mata Kompleks, Gadong (673 242 6230)

KAIZ CUISINE

PASTAMANIA

PADDINGTON HOUSE OF PANCAKES

KITARO

NEW COTTAGE GRILLS

42 & 43 Blk C Gadong Central, Gadong (673 244 9977)

3&4 Spg 58, Berakas (673 233 1668)

5-7 Grd Flr The Centrepoint Hotel, Gadong (673 245 7373)

RIZQUN COFFEE HOUSE

KO-RYO RESTAURANT

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

RISTORANTE BUON GUSTO 46 Blk C Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 242 7322)

SORRISO RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA

Rizqun International Hotel, Gadong (673 242 3000)

B16 Bgn Lim Eng Ming, Kiulap (673 223 9837)

RMS DINER

KOREAN HOUSE RESTAURANT

14 Blk B Grd Flr Regent Square, Kiulap (673 223 3030)

A4 Bgn Maju Jln Bunga Raya, Kuala Belait (673 334 7430)

6 & 7 Blk C Warisan Mata-Mata Complex, Gadong (673 245 7644)

VILLA MAURI

SECRET RECIPE

KIMCHI RESTAURANT

Spg 369 Jln Muara, Kg Sungai Tilong ( 673 233 5585)

19 Grd Flr Blk B Regent Square, Kiulap (673 222 2233)

SPAGHETTINI

1.28 & 1.33 1st Flr The Mall, Gadong (673 245 7123) – Call for other branches

SENJA RESTAURANT 9 Grd Flr Seri Kiulap Complex, Kiulap (673 720 3734) – Call for other branches

MISATO JAPANESE RESTAURANT

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

5 Grd Flr Blk D Shakirin Complex, Kiulap (673 223 9159) – Call for other branches Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG listings

biG listings TAUREAN CAFE @ THE ARCH 229 Grd Flr Bgn The Arch, Gadong (673 245 6389)

THE COFFEE ZONE 4 Grd Flr Seri Kiulap Complex, Kiulap (673 223 9333) – Call for other branches

TOMATO CAFÉ

CAFÉ CULTURE THE BEST OF CAFÉ FARE

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

MR BAKER’S CAFETERIA C47 Blk C Grd Flr Gadong Central, Menglait (673 242 7554)

BAKERLYN CAFÉ 3 Grd Flr Blk C Bgn Hj Abd Rahman & Hjh Siti Ajar, Kiulap (673 232 2328)

BUNKER BISTRO The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 241 8888)

CAFÉ AULAIT 3 Grd Flr Seri Q-Lap Mall, Kiulap (673 223 1901)

CHILL-V CAFÉ 1 Grd Flr The Mall, Gadong (673 242 0430)

COUNTRYPATCH CAFÉ

4 Grd Flr Blk C Bgn Hj Abd Rahman & Hjh Siti Ajar, Kiulap (673 223 2883)

FRANGIPANI BISTRO AND CAFÉ 7 Grd Flr Sengkurong Complex, Sengkurong (673 267 1100)

1 Grd Flr Blk D Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kiulap (673 223 9771)

FUN BREAD CAFÉ

VINTAGE ROSE CAFÉ

1 Grd Flr Blk E Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 245 1028)

GARDEN COTTAGE CAFE

GLORIA JEAN’S COFFEE

ZEST CAFE

G17 Citis Square, Berakas (673 233 8452)

HIGH FREQUENCY LIFESTYLE CAFÉ 1st Flr Unit 5 Blk B Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 242 8262)

LE STADIUM Spg 8, Kg Rimba (673 245 6755)

MATADOE 55 & 56 Lvl 1 Airport Mall, Kg Jaya Setia (673 234 0581)

DE ROYALLE CAFÉ

N.M DESA CAFÉ

Grd Flr Badi’ah Hotel, Jln Tutong (673 222 0074) – Call for other branches

DEPOT VLO CAFÉ 6 Grd Flr Blk B Kiarong Complex, Kiarong (673 222 5555)

FA SPORTS CAFÉ 6 Grd Flr Blk K Batu Bersurat Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 245 042) - Call for other branches

FLEUR-DE-LYS L1/1 Seri Q-Lap Mall, Kiulap (673 223 1777) – Call for other branches

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

XIMPLY CHRIZ CAFÉ 8 Blk B Regent Square, Kiulap (673 223 4918)

MAWAR COFFEE GARDEN

DELIFRANCE

31 Blk D Lim Eng Ming Building, Kiulap (673 223 3688)

3 & 4 Spg 58 Jln Serusop, Berakas (673 223 7764)

3 Grd Flr Blk D Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kiulap (673 233 2368) – Call for other branches

Grd Flr Jln Sultan Bangunan Haji Ahmad Laksamana, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 223 2519)

TWELV CAFÉ

The Brunei Hotel, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 224 2372)

16-17 Bgn Desa Delima Serusop, BERAKAS (673 233 8990)

PALM CAFÉ Palm Garden Hotel, Kiulap (673 223 3323)

PICCOLO CAFÉ

The Empire Hotel & Country Club, JERUDONG (673 241 8888)

WHAT A VIEW MEALS WITH A STUNNING VIEW

ATRIUM CAFÉ The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 241 8888)

FRATINI’S RESTAURANT Blk H Yayasan Complex Waterfront Side, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 223 1466) – Call for other branches

KAIZEN

QUICK PICKS QUICK AND EASY MEALS

ROSE EMMA FOOD CORNER S11 1st Flr Food Court Times Square Shopping Centre, Kg Jaya Setia (673 245 2036)

MEI KONG COFFEE SHOP 108 Jln Permancha, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 224 0688)

BIG PAPA’S RESTAURANT A8 & A9 Grd Flr Shakirin Complex, Kiulap (673 223 3333)

HOMMED BAGA 9 Spg 32-18 Kg Anggerek Desa, Berakas (673 879 8150) – Call for other branches

(Sabah)

THANN SANCTUARY 8/9 1st Flr Bgn Seri Kiulap, Kiulap (673 233 5599)

THE SPA ZONE BAR TZAR BISTRO

Lot 27-0 Blk C Lrg Bundusan Square1D, Kota Kinabalu (6088 732 222)

RIVIERA CAFÉ

TARINDAK D’SENI

TT BLUES CAFÉ

LOBBY LOUNGE

12 Jln Gadong Yong Siong Hai Building, Gadong (673 242 4527)

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

16 Jln Tun Fuad Stephen, Kota Kinabalu (6088 538 179)

Blk F Lorong Plaza Utama 1 Alamesra, Kota Kinabalu (6016 860 5827)

KIRISHIMA JAPANESE RESTAURANT

CAFÉ DE VIE

Brunei Arts & Handicrafts Centre, Kota Batu (673 224 0422)

MR HO’S FINE FOODS

BELLA ITALIA

TARINDAK D’POLO

Riviera Hotel, Kuala Belait (673 333 5252)

GRAND PORT VIEW SEA VIEW RESTAURANT

KAMPUNG NELAYAN

BORNEO WILD TREASURE

Lot 1-0 Lorong Lintas Plaza 4, Kota Kinabalu (6088 261 543)

Lot D-0-6 Lorong Metro Town 3, Kota Kinabalu (6088 393 863)

CIRCLE RESTAURANT

Taman Tun Fuad Bukit Padan, Kota Kinabalu (6088 231 003)

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

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

L-72-G Grd Flr Blk L KK Times Square Phase 1, Kota Kinabalu (6088 222 623)

NAGASAKI JAPANESE RESTAURANT No 19 Grd Flr Bangunan Harrison Jln Hj Saman, Kota Kinabalu (6088 216 623)

108 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 280 790)

PEPPERMINT VIETNAMESE CUISINE No. 85 Grd Flr Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6012 802 4582)

PORT VIEW SEAFOOD VILLAGE Lot 18 The Waterfront Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 221 753)

RESTAURANT BABA & NYONYA RECIPE Blk E Grd Flr Grand Millennium Plaza, Penampang (6088 733 993)

RESTORAN MAKANAN SEDAP

NAM CHAI RESTAURANT BAH KUT THE

No 1-0-1 Blk B Jln Kolam Centre Phase 2 Jln Lintas, Kota Kinabalu (6088 247 459)

10 Blk D Bdr Nam Tung, Sandakan (6089 612 603)

SAILORS

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

NATURAL KITCHEN Lot No B10 & B11, Suria Sabah Shoppin Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 489 180)

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

Lot 36 1st Flr Grand Millennium Plaza, Penampang (6088 731 960)

SANTOLA CAFÉ Lot 14 Blk B Damai Point, Kota Kinabalu (6088 260 188)

SENG HING RESTAURANT Ruang Sinsugan 2, Kota Kinabalu (6088 211 594)

SEREMBAN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

OCTOBER COFFEE HOUSE

Lot 126 Blk O Plaza Permai, Kota Kinabalu (6088 484 922)

Blk B The Peak Vista Lorong Puncak 1 Tjg Lipat, Kota Kinabalu (6010 947 8921)

SUANG TAIN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

PANCAKE HOUSE Concourse Flr 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 448 110) Lot G94-94A Karamunsing Complex, Kota Kinabalu (6088 319 768)

Lot 12 Blk A Grd Flr SEDCO Complex, Kota Kinabalu (6088 223 080)

SUGARBUN CAFÉ Lot 48 Jln Pantai, Kota Kinabalu (6088 218 326)

KOREAN CLUB RESTAURANT 4 Jln Aru, Kota Kinabalu (6088 233 213)

KUDOS BISTRO

Hotel JW Marriott, Kota Kinabalu (6088 322 222)

69 Gaya Street (inside Jesselton Hotel), Kota Kinabalu (6088 313 366)

EMPEROR’S DELIGHT

LA FUENTE

Lot 6 Grd Flr Jln Pantai, Kota Kinabalu (6088 288 686)

MDM ING FISH NOODLE Lot 21 Towering Koidupan Perdana Jln Tambunan, Penampang (6016 827 9296)

Lot 12 The Waterfront Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 260 211)

69 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 313 366)

Lot 13 KK Waterfront, Kota Kinabalu (6088 234 841)

Lot G-823 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 485 454) S-0-2 Lot 2 Blk A City Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 484 367)

K. SANBA’S CURRY SPECIALS

5 Blk C Sempurna Complex, Jln Batu Bersurat (673 718 4878) – Call for other branches

Royal Brunei Polo & Riding Club, Jerudong (673 261 2500)

GAM TONG HONG KONG RECIPE

Blk 1 Lot G9 Api Api Centre, Kota Kinabalu (6088 261 595)

BRASS MONKEY

RED CANOPY CAFÉ

PASTA PASTA

JOTHY’S FISH HEAD CURRY & BANANA LEAF

1st Flr Yayasan Complex Waterfront Side, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 223 1465)

#11 Jln McArthur, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 224 1558)

MAN YAI THAI ORCHID RESTAURANT

G7&1-10 Suria Sabah Jln Tun Fuad Stephens (014 559 9306)

29 Blk E Damai Plaza, Kota Kinabalu (6088 238 558)

3 Grd Flr Blk B Seri Purnama Complex, Kiulap (673 223 6668)

Palm Garden Hotel, Kiulap (673 223 2211)

FULL HOUSE

HUT STEAK HOUSE & RESTAURANT

PEARL HEALTH CARE

PALM SPA

117 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 311 210)

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

The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 241 8222)

PANTAI RESTAURANT

PARTY PLAY

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

HOT ROD SAUSAGE HOUSE

THE SPA AT THE EMPIRE HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB

9-11 2nd Flr, Suria Kiulap (673 223 7777) – Call for other branches

LITTLE ITALY

Lot 100 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 213 618)

Lot S21&S22 Blk E City Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 848 367)

INVIGORATE

2.22 2nd Flr The Mall, Gadong (673 244 8491)

FONG IP CAFÉ

HANA JAPANESE RESTAURANT

C5 Spg 145 Grd Flr Blk C, Serusop (673 233 5222)

ZEN SPA

RMS PORTVIEW SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Eat

TASCONI’S PIZZA

Yayasan Complex Waterfront Side, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 222 6336) – Call for other branches

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

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.

G-816 Grd Flr 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 486 609) Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG listings

biG listings HIGHLANDS SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

BEE HIONG RESTAURANT CAFÉ

CLOUD-99

157G Jln Muhibbah, Lawas (6085 285 137)

Precinct 99 Jalan Song, Kuching (6016 866 2716)

BEEI JING RESTAURANT SDN BHD

CROWN DYNASTY RESTAURANT

SUSHI KIN Blk C 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 447 437)

157 Jln Kg Nyabor, Sibu (6084 330 955)

SUSHI TEI

BISMI RESTAURANT

DA MI XIANG GU TOU BAO RESTAURANT

Lot G-68 Grd Flr Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 485 595)

27 Jln Sommerville, Bintulu (6086 331 835)

Tabuan Hts Comm Centre, Kuching (6082 458 952)

313 Jln Padungan, Kuching (6082 336 313)

BITES BY THE BATIK

JUBILEE RESTAURANT

TOSCANI’S

38 Jln Pandungan, Kuching (6082 422 845)

DYNASTY CHINESE RESTAURANT

SUPUL KOREAN BBQ RESTAURANT Lot S-1-8 1st Flr City Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 448 844)

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

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)

Eat

(Sarawak) A ONE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT Lrg Chew Siik Hiong 1, Sibu (6084 215 803)

ABSOLUTE TRIBAL RESTAURANT

BOARDRIDERS CAFÉ Plaza Merdeka Jln Pearl, Kuching

BOULEVARD RESTAURANT 2228 Jln Saberkas, Lutong (6085 658 176)

BUENAS FILIPINO LECHON & RESTAURANT 329 Jln Tj Batu, Bintulu (6086 310 860)

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

Hills Shopping Mall, Kuching (6082 237 469)

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

ALFIAN RESTAURANT

CHUAN HONG RESTAURANT

52 Pekan Marudi, Marudi (6085 755 215)

ALL JOY CAFÉ 8-1 Jln Khoo Hun Yeang, Kuching (6082 243 535)

123 Jln Council SAman (6083 322 466)

Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Bintulu (6086 335 908)

Oil Town Comm Complex, Miri (6085 424 000)

EAST COURT CHICKEN RICE

298 Jln Tj Bt, Bintulu (6086 318 828)

HOCK CHU LEU RESTAURANT 28 Jln Tukang Besi, Sibu (6084 316 523)

IMPERIAL DUCK RESTAURANT

49G Jln India, Kuching (6082 245 626)

KHAN’S BILAL RESTAURANT

867 Jln Club SAman (6083 326 818)

229-G Jln Maju, Miri (6085 418 440)

EDEN EVERISE

KIM BAY RESTAURANT

Wisma Nation Horizon, Block C, Kuching (6082 256 022)

The Spring, Kuching (6082 239 308)

ESCOBAR

KOREANA RESTAURANT

SF3 Damai Cenral Pantai Damai Santubong, Kuching (6082 846 030)

10002 Jln Tun Jugah, Kuching (6082 575 072)

MEDAN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

SEA VIEW RESTAURANT

TEO CHIANG HAWE

56, Jln Mdn Setiaraja, Mukah (6084 874 145)

G Pusat Tmn SDagang, Bintulu (6086 334 929)

122 Jln TARahman, Kuching (6082 255 262)

MERRY RESTAURANT

SEVENTY2 RESTAURANT

TEO SEAFOOD

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

894 Jln Permaisuri, Miri (6085 418 272)

787 Jln Kg Buntal, Kuching (6082 846 532)

METRO CAFÉ

SHABU-KUN RESTAURANT

THE BANQUET

781 Jln Bangkita, Limbang (6085 215 488)

253 Jln Tj Bt, Bintulu (6086 317 311)

4560 Jln Datuk Tawi Sli, Kuching (6082 451 414)

MIN HUA (89) RESTAURANT

THE JUNK RESTAURANT

G 13 Jln Bintang Utara, Bintangor (6084 693 240)

80-G Lbh Wayang, Kuching (6082 259 450)

MOMOYAMA

TIAN XIAN RELISH RESTAURANT

Wisma Phoenix, Kuching (6082 420 561)

313 Jln Melaka Raya, MC (6016 288 1120)

NAM HOI RESTAURANT

TONG LOK RESTAURANT

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

1367 Jln Buangsiol, Limbang (6085 216 188)

ORION TROPICAL

TONG XIN COURT RESTAURANT

Jln Merpati, Miri (6085 418 417)

151 Lrg Datuk Abang Abd Rahim 5a, Kuching (6082 482 252)

PADUNGAN RESTAURANT

TRIBAL STOVE

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

FAC BRAVO RESTAURANT

KUCHING NOODLE PORRIDGE HOUSE

7778 Jln Sultan Iskandar, Bintulu (6086 316 920)

115-1 Wisma Saberkas, Kuching (6082 426 005)

FARLEY RESTAURANT

L.L. BANANA LEAF

1721 Jln Salim, Sibu (6084 228 819)

7G Lorong Rubber 1 Jln Rubber, Kuching (6082 239 404)

FISHERMAN RESTAURANT

LIM HOCK ANN

Bda Shahida Commercial Centre, Bintulu (6086 319 688)

4 Jln Chew Geok Lin, Sibu (6084 316 888)

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

PORTICO

FRATINI’S RESTAURANT

LOK THIAN RESTAURANT

2512 Jln Boulevard 3, Miri (6085 422 115)

317 Jln Padungan, Kuching (6082 3313 310)

FU LAI SIANG RESTAURANT

LU LAI VEGETARIAN

9 Jln Tun Abd Rahman Yaakub, Kuching (6082 425 525)

2415 Jln Boulevard 2, Miri (6085 414 282)

108 Jln Pekan Bt Niah, Bt Niah (6085 737 168)

3641, Lrg 2 Off Jln Rock, Kuching (6082 242 863)

REJANG RESTAURANT

GOLDEN CITY RESTAURANT

LUCKY RESTAURANT

6 Lrg Lanang 2 Sibu (6084 320 733)

SRI MENANTI COFFEE HOUSE RESTAURANT

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

65C G Pekan Marudi, Marudi (6085 755 562)

ROBATA YAKI

LYN’S THANDOORI RESTAURANT

Blk H Jln Borneo Taman Sri, Kuching (6082 234 873)

PIN PIN CAFÉ

WANG HIN RESTAURANT

18 Jln Krokong Bau (6082 763 486)

POPULAR CORNER SEAFOODS RESTAURANT

SHERATON RESTAURANT 37 Psn Brooke, Sibu (6084 336 341)

SIN LUNG SHENG FU TIAO QIANG RESTAURANT

17A Lorong Park Lane, Kuching (6019 819 8046)

10788 Jln Simpang Tiga, Kuching (6082 231 260)

POT & GRILL RESTAURANT

SIN SOON CHIN RESTAURANT

493 Jln Rambutan, Kuching (6082 235 372)

ROCK ROAD SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

15 Lrg Pahlawan 7b, Sibu (6084 218 196)

SURABAYA RESTAURANT 288 Jln Bendahara, Miri (6085 411 239)

APOLLO SEAFOOD CENTRE

7 Jln Song Thian Cheok, Kuching (6082 234 934)

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

MANGO TREE RESTAURANT

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

The Spring, Kuching (6082 245 355)

APPLE RESTAURANT

Kikyo Tei, Kuching (6082 235 353)

SAJIAN WARISAN RESTAURANT

SUSHI TIE-TTS

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

MAP RESTAURANT

Wisma Sanyan, Sibu (6084 342 875)

AROMA CAFÉ

Bang Terminal, Kuching (6082 459 087)

SALLEH’S CORNER CAFÉ

126 Jln Tabuan, Kuching (6082 417 163)

TEN-ICHI JAPANESE RESTAURANT

MARCO POLO RESTAURANT

ASIAN EXPRESS RESTAURANT

116A BDA Shahida, Bintulu (6086 332 458)

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)

SABAH AC BEAUTY LANE #2-10B Lvl 2 Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 487 242)

CHI, THE SPA Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa, Jln Aru, Kota Kinabalu (6088 327 882)

HAKOD OASIS DAY SPA Warisan Square, Kota Kinabalu (6088 487 700)

JARI JARI SPA Blk B 2nd Flr Plaza Tanjung Aru, Jln Mat Salleh, Kota Kinabalu (6088 272 606)

MANDARA SPA The Magellan Sutera, 1 Sutera Habour Boulevard, Kota Kinabalu (6088 318 888)

SOUTH SEA SANCTUARY SPA Jln Tugu Pusat Bandar, Kota Kinabalu (6088 248 221)

SARAWAK BORNEO ODYSSEY SPA Blk 13 Hilltop Wing, Damai Beach Resort, Santubong (6082 846 999)

DAMAIPURI RESORT & SPA Teluk Penyuk, Santubong (6082 846 900)

JUNGLE SPA Borneo Highlands Resort, Jln Borneo Heights, Kuching (6019 828 0790)

MIRAGE SPA Lot 151 Sect 28, KUCHING (6082 424 022)

PUTRI SEJINJANG SPA Rumah Kedai Mara, Heritage Jargen, Jln Rahman Yaakob, Kuching (6082 428 660)

SUSHI KIN

537 Jln Gartak, Miri (6085 422 911)

RPR Phase 2 Shoplot Jln Astana Petra Jaya, Kuching (6019 819 8046)

1 Soon Hup Comm Complex, Miri (6085 413 129)

INVIGORATE

317 Jln Padungan, Kuching (6082 331 310)

G40 The Spring, Kuching (6082 414 088)

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG essentials

BRUNEI useful Malay words

Image - David Kirkland 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. 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. Credit cards They are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and major shopping complexes. Most widely accepted cards are VISA and Mastercard. Some establishments accept American Express. Money changer This service is available at the airport, banks, hotels and some licensed money changers. To cash or exchange travelers cheques, visit major international banks in the capital. Money remittance / Transfer Transferring money overseas can be done at all major banks or remittance agencies in Brunei. Telecommunications Most public phones operate on calling cards such as Hello card, Netkad and Payless. These cards can be purchased at any store and comes in $5, $10, $20 and $50 denominations. Prepaid calling cards for the two mobile telephone operators, DST and Progresif Cellular, can be purchased from their respective authorised dealers in all major shopping areas.

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Lost/stolen Passports and Credit Cards If you ever do find your passport missing, go to the nearest Police Station to lodge a police report and inform your embassy to seek further assistance. If your credit cards get lost, make sure you call your bank to cancel the cards immediately. 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 even friendly muslim locals can help you determine a good time to visit. Smoking Smoking is prohibited in both airconditioned and non air-conditioned 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. Tourist Information Centre Located at 2 places around Brunei - the arrival hall of the Brunei International Airport (opening hours 9am - 5pm) and Kg. Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery (9am - 2pm). Visitors can obtain information about Brunei and related pamphlets and maps free from here. All centres are closed between 12 noon and 2pm on Fridays to observe the Friday prayer time for Muslims.

Buses There are six bus routes servicing the BSB area: the Central Line, Circle Line, Eastern Line, Southern Line, Western Line and Northern Line. Normal operating hours are from 6.30am - 6pm. Bus fares start from B$1.00. Buses heading to other towns in Brunei such as Tutong, Kuala Belait and Seria depart from the bus terminal located at the multistorey carpark on Jalan Cator in BSB. Taxis Taxis can be found at the airport, hotels, shopping centres, and the central bus station in Bandar Seri Begawan. There are no metered taxis in Brunei, therefore it is advisable to negotiate your fare before getting into one. For your convenience it is also recommended to take you preferred taxi driver’s number to organize prearranged trips. Water 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. The water taxi is an ideal way to view the water village up close. Fares are negotiable but usually a standard ride costs about B$1.00. Regular boat services to Temburong operate between 7.45am to 4pm daily and a round trip costs B$15.00. Ferry Services Passenger ferry services to the Malaysian island of Labuan operate from 7am to 4pm and departs from the Serasa Terminal in Muara town. The journey takes about 45 minutes to an hour.

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 Selamat petang Selamat malam Terima kasih Sama-sama Siapa nama awda? Nama saya … Maafkan saya Ya Tidak Berapa? Di mana tandas? Saya mahu pergi ke... Belok ke kanan Belok ke kiri

Go straight Airport Town Home Shops Eat Drink Walk Chicken Beef Seafood Vegetables Rice 1, 2, 3...

Jalan terus Lapangan Terbang Bandar Rumah Kedai Makan Minum Jalan-jalan Ayam Daging Makanan laut Sayur-sayuran Nasi Satu, Dua, Tiga...

NUMBERS TO NOTE

FOREIGN MISSIONS

EMERGENCY

Australia | 222 9436/426

Police : 993

Bangladesh | 223 8420

Fire : 995 Ambulance : 991 Directory enquiries : 113 Darussalam Hotline : 123 FLIGHT INFORMATION General : 2331747

Cambodia | 242 6450 Canada | 222 0043 China | 233 9609

Royal Brunei Airlines 2212222, 2240500 Air Asia 2333045 Malaysian Airlines 2224141/2, 2223074 Singapore Airlines 2244901/2/3/4 Cebu Pacific Air 2222666, 2227965, 2239888 MEDICAL SERVICES RIPAS Hospital 2242424 Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) 2611433 Gleneagles JPMC 2611212 Tutong Hospital 4221336 Ext 991

Tel: (673) 245 7700

France | 222 0969/961 Germany | 222 5574 India | 233 9685

AIRLINES

Unit 1.45B, First Floor The Mall, Abdul Razak Complex Gadong, Brunei, BE3519

Indonesia | 233 0180 Japan | 222 9265/6867

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

Korea | 233 0248 Laos | 238 4382 Malaysia | 238 1095/1097 Myanmar | 245 1960/1965

ADVERT SPACE

Kuala Belait Hospital 3332366 Ext 991 Temburong Hospital 5221526 Ext 127 Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG essentials

biG directory 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

Telecommunications

Taxis

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.

Taxis are available at both airport terminals and cost about RM30.00 to get to the city. The journey takes between 10-15 minutes. Within the city, taxi stations are located next to major shopping malls and hotels. Long distance taxi services can be found next to Padang Merdeka.

Buses 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.

Money Changer Licensed money changers can be found at the airport, shopping malls, hotels and major banks. Some money changers may not accept foreign currency in small denomination or notes with a date or serial number that they don’t approve of.

Telecommunications

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.

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Buses A free city-tram service is available for sightseeing around Kuching with pick up points at various designated hotels. A bus service between Kuching and the airport operates daily from 6am to 7pm and takes about 40 minutes. The main intercity bus terminal is at Penrissen Bus Terminal southeast of Kuching. Long distance buses to Pontianak (Kalimantan)

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.

Air Travel Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) is the second busiest airport in Malaysia and is the main terminal for Malaysia Airlines, MASWings, Firefly, Royal Brunei Airlines, Dragonair, Silkair and Asiana Airlines. Terminal 2 caters to low-cost carriers Air Asia, Cebu Pacific and Eastar Jet.

Sabah Tourism Board Jalan Gaya Tel: (6088) 212 121 Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sinsuran Complex Tel: (6088) 232 121 Tourism Malaysia (Sabah) ApiApi Centre Tel: (6088) 211 732 Visitors’ Information Centre Terminal 1 Tel: (6088) 413 359 Visitors’ Information Centre Terminal 2 Tel: (6088) 447 075

Taxis Taxi fare from Kuching airport to the city cost about 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!

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

Antara Travel & Tours T. 223 7935 E. antara@brunet.bn

Jasra Harrisons Sdn Bhd T. 224 3911 E. jasratvl@brunet.bn

S.FFNB Inbound Tours Sdn Bhd T. 887 5252 E. nadiah@sffnd-tour.com.bn

Anthony Tours & Travel Agencies Sdn Bhd T. 224 1198 / 222 7969 E. info@anthonytours.com

J.J. Tour Services (B) Sdn Bhd T. 245 3110 E. jjtbwn@brunet.bn

Southern Cross Travel Agencies Sdn Bhd T. 245 4719 E. southern@brunet.bn

Bonasia Holiday Management T. 223011 E. bonasia@brunet.bn

Jasra Harrisons Shipping & Agency Services Sdn Bhd T. 224 2362/ 224 3911 E. info@jasraharrisonstravel.com

Straits Central Agencies (B) Sdn Bhd T. 222 4054 E. straitscentral@hotmail.com

Bruvacation Sdn Bhd E. tvl_bruvacation@brunet.bn

Ken Travel & Trading Sdn Bhd T. 222 3127 E. kentrvl@brunet.bn

Sunshine Borneo Tours & Travel Sdn Bhd T. 244 6509 E. sunshine@exploreborneo.com

Century Travel Centre Sdn Bhd T. 222 1747 E. century@brunet.bn

Mas Sugara Travel Services Sdn Bhd T. 2423963 E. ticketing@massugara.com

Tenaga Travel Agency Sdn Bhd T. 222 3924 E. tenagatravel@yahoo.com

Continental Yachting Sdn Bhd T. 223 3200 E. continentaltour@brunet.bn

MegaBorneo Marketing Services T. 222 4026 E. megaborneo@brunet.bn

Titian Travel & Tours Branch Hajj & Umrah T. 245 3111 E. titiantravel@gmail.com

Darussalam Holdings Sdn Bhd T. 223 1964 E. haj_umrah@darussalamholdings.com

Naquina NQ Inbound Tours T. 887 3416 E. nqtours@hotmail.com

Trandie Marina Resorts Sdn Bhd T. 223 1570 E. trandiebrunei@gmail.com/admin@ trandiemarinaresorts.com

Freme Travel Services Sdn Bhd T. 333 5025 E. fremekub@brunet.bn

PGGMB Travel Service T. 222 3694/5 E. pts.inbounddept@gmail.com/pggmbtravel@yahoo.com

Travel Hub Tour & Travel Sdn Bhd T. 266 0688 / 872 0725 E. info@travelhub.com.bn

Pan Bright Travel Services T. 224 0980 E. travelbandar@panbright.com

Wing On Travel & Trading Sdn Bhd T. 222 0486 E. wot@brunet.bn

PJ Majestic Tours T. 244 6509 E. peter@exploreborneo.com

Zura Travel Service Sdn Bhd T. 245 6475 E. lizaborja@hotmail.com

Halim Tours and Travel Sdn Bhd T. 222 6699 E. halimtour@yahoo.com HASA Incentives Sdn Bhd T. 876 6796 Intrepid Tours T. 222 1685 E. tours@bruneibay.net

Japan | (6088) 254 169

Denmark | (6088) 483 888

and Brunei are also available from this terminal. Ask Tourism Information Centres for bus timetables; there is a new ‘green bus’ in the Kuching area that also goes to Santubong (SCV)

Brunei Darussalam Travel Agents And Operators

ferries to Brunei and onwards to Labuan island and Kota Kinabalu.

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.

Tourist Information Centre 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

Brunei Darussalam Accommodation Luxury Resort Accommodation

Parkview Hotel T. 2611998 F. 2610426 E. parkview.brunei@gmail.com

Youth Centre T. 222 3936/2900 F. 222 9423 E. jbsbelia@brunet.bn

Empire Hotel & Country Club T. 241 8888 F. 241 8999 E. sales@theempirehotel.com

Palm Garden Hotel T. 2233448 F. 2234448 E. palmgarden@brunet.bn

Outside Bandar Seri Begawan

Rainforest Resort Accommodation

Kiulap Plaza Hotel T. 2232251 F. 2232253 E. reservation@kiulap-plaza-hotel.com

Halim Plaza Hotel - Tutong T. 426 0688 F. 422 2668 E. halim_plaza_hotel@hotmail.com

Times Hotel T. 2337878 F. 2337879 E. reservation@timeshotelbrunei.com

Intrepid Guesthouse - Temburong T. 222 1685/6 F. 2221687 E. tours@bruneibay.net

Badi’ah Hotel T. 2222888 F. 2222889 E. reservation@badiahhotel.com

RoomZ Hotel - Seria T. 322 3223 F. 322 3225 E. reservations@roomz.com.bn

Hotel Apartments

Plaza Sutera Biru – Kuala Belait T. 334 7268 F. 334 7269 E. info@psb.com.bn

Abdul Razak Hotel Apartments T. 224 1536 F. 224 2301 E. info@abdulrazakhotelapts.com

Riviera Hotel - Kuala Belait T. 333 5252 F. 333 1052 E. riviera_htl@brunet.bn

Ulu-Ulu Resort, Ulu Temburong National Park T. 244 1791 F. 244 1790 E. sales@uluuluresort.com

Business & Tourist Accommodation Rizqun International Hotel T. 242 3000 F. 242 8000 E. info@rizquninternational.com Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam T. 224 4272 F. 222 1579 E. sales.brunei@radisson.com The Centrepoint Hotel T. 243 0430 F. 243 0200 E. info@thecentrepointhotel.com Orchid Garden Hotel T. 233 5544 F. 233 5444 E. inquiries@orchidgardenbrunei.com Riverview Hotel T. 223 8238 F. 223 7999 E. riverviewhtl@gmail.com The Brunei Hotel T. 224 4828 F. 222 6193 E. reservations@thebruneihotel.com Terrace Hotel T. 224 3554 E. 222 7302 E. terrahtl@brunet.bn Jubilee Hotel T. 222 8070 F. 222 8080 E. info@jubileehotelbrunei.com Grand City Hotel T. 245 2188 F. 245 2110 E. grandcity@brunet.bn Traders Inn T. 244 2828 E. 243 1188 E. traders@brunet.bn Star Lodge T. 2611618 F. 2611619 E. rooms@star-lodge.com

D’Anggerek Service Apartment T. 234 5222 F. 234 5333 E. sales@danggerek.com Kompleks Mohd. Yussof Service Apartment T. 223 5532 F. 223 5528 E. kmyhotelapartment@gmail.com LeGallery Suites Hotel T. 222 1228 F. 222 1132 E. rooms@legallerysuiteshotel.com Palazzo de Qaseh Service Apartments T. 245 9898 F. 247 9898 E. palazzodeqaseh@gmail.com The Capital Residence Suites T. 222 0067 F. 222 0069 E. reservations@capitalresidencesuites.com

Guest & Lodging Houses – Bandar Seri Begawan Intrepid Units T. 222 1686 F. 222 1687 E. tours@bruneibay.net Nazira Guesthouse T. 261 1666 F. 261 2201 E. hmarzuqi@brunet.bn KH Soon Services & Resthouse T. 222 2052 F. 233 7264 E. khsoon_resthouse_brunei@hotmail.com

The Swiss Hotel Apartment - Kuala Belait T. 333 1668 F. 333 1638 E. swisshotel@brunet.bn Sea View Hotel - Kuala Belait T. 333 2651 F. 334 2770 / 331950 E. seaviewhotel@brunet.bn Sentosa Hotel - Kuala Belait T. 333 1345 F. 333 1129 E. enquiry@bruneisentosahotel.com Hotel Koperasi Seria - Kuala Belait T. 322 7592 / 859 F. 322 7604 V Plaza – Kuala Belait T. 334 7868 F. 334 7866 E. info@v-plaza.com.bn Keoja Hotel – Kuala Belait T. 334 7733 F. 3347 668 E. keojahotel@gmail.com Tat Place – Kuala Belait T. 334 7277 F. 334 7288 E. tatplacekb@gmail.com Likut Intan Guesthouse - Temburong T. 522 1078 889 6162

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG navigator

Map 1 : Bandar Seri Begawan 6 A

ara ndah ey Ston Jalan

C3 Ministry of Defence D3 Government Buildings: Ministry of Education, Ministry of Development, Mail Processing Centre, Telekom Brunei, National Dental Centre, Department of Agriculture & Agrifood, Public Works Department, Public Services Department, Electrical Department, Fire and Rescue Services

k bo Su n la Ja

F1 Mata-Mata E1 Police Headquarters F1 Scout Headquarters Complex: Supasave, Millennium Restaurant, Patisserie, Traders Hotel E4 Mabohai Shopping Complex: Supasave, Royce Chocolates, Toys R Us F2 Jame’ Asr Mosque

D1 Batu Bersurat: Grand

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Jala n Be

Jalan Kebang saan Lama

ent iri

Jalan Ut am aM

ing

era

Jala nU tam aB Ja lan Dato Haj i Ah ma d

ji H as sa n

Lebuhraya Sult an H a

lan Estet Ga Ja Jalan G

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D4 Edinburgh Palace

D6 Jubilee Hotel E6 Kianggeh Markets E3 Taman Sir Omar Ali Saifuddien E4 Royal Brunei Airlines Plaza: Royal Brunei Airlines offices, Royal Skies, Abacus, Imprimis, Piper F4 Maya Puri Building: The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Western Union F4 HSBC Bank G4 Standard Chartered Bank F4 Bangunan Hj Laksamana: Malaysia Airlines,

F4 Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam E4 TAIB Bank G4 Waterfront Promenade: Break Water Cafe, Pines Restaurant, Kopi Bandar D3 Brunei History Centre D3 Secretariat Building D4 Lapau E4 Clock Tower at crossroads D4 Post Office D5 Pusat Belia (Youth Centre) B6 Chung Hwa School D2 Radio Televisyen Brunei E3 Dewan Bahasa (Library) C2 Syariah Courts A2 Tamu Selera (Hawker Stalls)

G5 Chop Jing Chew Bakery G5 Maybank G6 Kianggeh Open-Air Food Court G6 Kianggeh Jetty

F5 The Mall: The Mall Cinema, Utama Grand, Chang Ein Hong, Patchi, Secret Recipe, Beard Papa’s, Food Court, Iora, Bata Shoes, Pizza Hut, Best Eastern Bookstore, Fun Bread Bakery, AV Electronics (Authorized Apple Dealer), Swensen’s Restaurant, Dreamcones, Diamond & Platinum G5 Rizqun International Hotel E3 The Centrepoint Hotel: Kitaro Japanesse Restaurant, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Fratini’s Italian Restaurant, Coffeezone, Jollibee Fast Food, QQ Mobile Station, Euroclassic Gifts & Homewares, Zaza Hair Salon E3 Jaya Hypermart Centrepoint D4 Abdul Razak Shopping Complex Blocks

G5 Royal Customs House

B2 Guan Electrical

D5 Electrical Departmnet

B3 Oslam Restaurant, Clothesline Launderette

E5 Chinese Temple E5 PGGMB Building F5 Wisma Setia: Mekong Coffeeshop, Big Papa’s Restaurant, Food Court F3 Ayamku Fast Food F3 WZA Rice ‘N’ Grill Pakistani Restaurant

B3 Bright World Optics, C.A. Mohammad C3 Abdul Razak Shopping Complex Block D: Incomm, Sugar Bun and Ayamku

Jala

n Be

ribi

E4 Brunei Legislative Council Building

G3 Batu Satu: Le Gallery Suites, Charcoal Restaurant, Plaza Athirah, Utama Bowling, Rangmahal Indian Restaurant, YMRM Textile Mall

F4 Takaful IBB Building

G4 Darussalam Complex: Century Travel Agents, Citibank

• IGS College • THA Enterprise (Electrical Store) • BIBD

• Sugar & Spice

• Bangunan Seri Kiulap • Thien Thien

• Bangunan Lim • Bangunan Hau Eng Ming AV Electronics • Man Yong Virgo Boutique • • Bakerlyn Woodstock Furniture • Bangunan Cafe and Crimson Square • • Makrojaya • Bobhan Haji Abdul Rahman • Netzone • • Lof Bakery • Serikandi Countrypatch Cafe • Express Fastfood Restaurant • Universal Photo • Gripps Cafe Jala

• Lee Clinic

n Be

ribi

Lemongrass, Post Office

don g

Landmarks in Gadong Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Pan Bright Travel Agent and D’Royalle 24 Hour Cafe

C4 National Stadium

E4 Akrib Negara

C5 International Convention Centre

G3 Ministry of Law & Attorney General’s Chambers

Gadong Fish & Night Markets Pa sar

B6 Hua Ho Manggis Mall: Hua Ho Supermarket & Department Store, BIBD Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Emperor’s Court Restaurant, Mothercare, Bebeland, Best Eastern Bookstore, Guardian Pharmacy, Dairy Queen

D4 Audit Department / Petroleum Unit

G2 Yayasan Shopping Mall: Hua Ho Department Store, Nyonya Restaurant, Dairy Queen, The Body Shop, Yayasan Food Court, KFC Fast Food, Jollibee Fast Food, Lof Bakery, Guardian Pharmacy, Kam Florists, C A Mohammed, The Face Shop, Giordano, Fun Donuts, Chang Ein Hong, Bata Shoes, Euroclassic Gift Store, Foodzone

• Rizqun International Hotel

B4 Serusop & Delima: Hua Ho Supermarket & Department Store, HSBC Bank, Baiduri Bank, Fitness Zone, Firoz Jaya Textile Mall, Nazmi Textile Mall, Lee Loi Fatt, Secret Recipe, Mum’s Bakery, Lof Bakery

F3 RIPAS Hospital

H3 Fratini’s Portview Waterfront, Kaizen Sushi

B5 Science School

D4 Ministry of Religious Affairs

B4 Terrace Hotel

• Sawaddee Thai Restaurant, Thiam Hock Fish Head Curry Restaurant, Dim Sum Restaurant, T.T. Blues Cafe

B4 Serusop Mosque

G1 Car Showroom Area

A3 Radisson Hotel

Kampong Kiulap

B4 Berakas English School

E4 Customs & Excise Department

E5 The Brunei Hotel

• Wecan Restaurant

B4 Kg Jaya Setia: The Airport Mall, Times Square, Citis Square

F1 Warisan Mata-Mata Complex: Growing Star Home Decor, Haus Home Decor, Bajoo Boutique, Sweet & Savoury

E2 Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

• The Mall

Ja lan

Kampong Ayer

C3 The Royal Regalia Building

• Block J

• Block H

• Shakirin Complex

• Bangunan Suria • Kiulap Plaza Hotel • Bangunan Seri Anigma

• Aiko Restraurant

• Block I

• Chop Kim San

C3 Royal Brunei Golf Club

D4 Ministry of Industry & Primary Resources (Brunei Tourism Board)

• Seri Qlap Mall • Palm • Fitness Garden Zone Hotel

H5 Arts & Handicraft Centre, Tarindak D’Seni Restaurant

• Kianggeh Markets

D4 Ministry of Communications

tor

Jalan Ca

• Block A

• Jaya Hypermart Centrepoint

• Aquarium, The Mobile Shop, Hamberly Hills Restaurant, London Kebab Restaurant

Abdul Razak Shopping Complex

E4 Tasek Lama Park

• TAIB Bank • Royal Brunei Airines Plaza • HSBC mancha Jalan Pe • The Wisma Setia Brunei • Maya Puri Hotel Building

• The Centrepoint Hotel

• Bangunan Hj Tahir A

• Block F

• Block B

• Szechuan’s Dynasty

• Block C

• Block D

D5 Department of Immigration

F2 Kiarong: Baiduri Bank, Kaizen Sushi, Nur Wanita Thai Restaurant, Centre for British Teachers, Fleur-De-Lys Bakeshop

• Hua Ho, Buffalo Steak House

• Bangunan Hj Tahir A

• Bright World Optics, C.A. Mohammad

G4 Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery

• PGGMB Building

• Block E

• R&T Electronics, Singapore Chicken Rice • Mercedes Benz Showroom • Nazaaha Singaporean Restaurant

• Electrical Department • Chinese Temple

Gado

m Si

G4 Kampong Ayer

D5 Embassy Row and Yayasan School

• Oslam Restaurant, Clothesline Launderette

ng ado rG

G6 Malay Technology Museum

Landmarks in Bandar City Hotel, Guan Hock Lee Specialty Food Store, Taurean Too Cafe, Soon Lee Supermarket, Liyana Satay Restaurant

Jalan

a Pas an Jal

D5 Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sports

• Nyonya Restaurant, Million Goldsmith

• Jubilee Hotel

EH ANGG AI KI SUNG

D5 Ministry of Finance

G6 Brunei Museum

ggeh Kian

H2 Istana Nurul Iman

• Guan Electrical

ngai

• Pusat Belia (Youth Centre)

BR GAI

n Su Jala

• Chung Hwa School

Sulta

Ayamku Fastfood

Bangunan Hj Laksamana • Standard Chartered • Darussalam Complex • Yayasan • Maybank Shopping Takaful IBB Building Chop Jing Chew Kota Batu r thu • Royal Customs House r cA Waterfront Promenade nM a l Ja • Kaizen Kianggeh Sushi Open-Air • Fratini’s S U N G A I B R U N E I Food Kianggeh Portview WaJetty Court terfront

Landmarks in Bandar Seri Begawan

C5 Islamic Da’wa Centre

WZA Rice ‘N’ • Grill Pakistani

g ran Be

Kampu

angg ng Ki ampo Jalan K

n Jala

Jalan

• Post Office

• Taman Sir Omar Ali Saifuddien

Map 4 : Kiulap

Berita

• Clock Tower

Jalan Roberts

Arts & Handicraft Centre •

• Istana Nurul Iman

l Ja

Brunei Museum • Malay • Technology

• Lapau

Jalan Pemancha

es P earce

• Radio Televisyen

ltan

• Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

K an

n Su Jala

Batu eral’s Chambers Satu

• Brunei History n Jam Centre

Jalan Elizabeth Dua

• Kampong Ayer Culture • & Tourism Gallery

Ja la

Jalan Pretty

Tu lan Ministry of Law & Ja • Attorney Gen-

bu R aja

Jalan

• Secretariat Building • Dewan Bahasa (Library)

• Tasek Lama Park

Jalan

• The Royal Regalia Building

• Syariah Courts

See Bandar Map

• Terrace Hotel

• Radisson Hotel

Mabohai • Shopping Complex

ng to

• National Stadium

geh iang Jalan Residency Kg K

gi r

• Tamu Selera (Hawker Stalls)

• RIPAS Hospital

• Kiarong

Jalan Pen

• Car Showroom Area

See Kiulap Map

Jame • Asr’ Mosque

Jalan Perusahaan Beribi

Scout Headquarters Complex

Jalan G ado ng

Jalan Tutong

• International Convention Centre • Islamic Da’wa Centre Ministry • Ja • Edinburgh • Ministry of Culture, Youth lan Palace of Finance • Government Me & Sports nte • Ministry of Buildings ri B • Embassy Row & Yayasan esa Health r School Government Buildings Parliament Akrib Negara • Ministry of Defence

Jalan McArth

• Mata -Mata • Warisan Mata -Mata

Ja a la n Tasek Lam

See Gadong Map

ong ad

gsaan

Royal Brunei • lkiah Golf Clubl Bo

ng do

Police • Headquarters

Kg Jaya • Setia

Map 3 : Gadong

Batu Satu and RIPAS

• Hua Ho Manggis Mall

Keban

• Batu Bersurat

Science Serusop School Mosque • M uara • n la Ja • Berakas English School • Serusop & Delima

Jalan

ya Tungku ugra Leb

Brunei International Airport

mbil

Jala n Su

Istan a Daru ssala m

Jalan

ka s

Map 2 : Bandar

C4 Abdul Razak Shopping Complex Block E: Fun Bread Cafe, Cal’s Health & Beauty Studio C4 Abdul Razak Shopping Complex Block F: Mohan’s Carpet Palace C4 Abdul Razak Shopping Complex Block C: Excapade Sushi Restaurant, La Mee Restaurant B6 Bangunan Hj Tahir A, Little Bean C6 Bangunan Hj Tahir B: Sunraise Bakery D5 Aquarium, The Mobile Shop, Hamberly Hills Restaurant, London Kebab Restaurant D4 Abdul Razak Shopping Complex B: Cutting Crew Hairdressers, Ahan Thai Restaurant D5 Abdul Razak Shopping Complex A: Pondok Sari Wangi Indonesian Restaurant, Nazmi Textiles D6 Abdul Razak Shopping Complex J: Pizza Hut F5 Abdul Razak Shopping Complex I: Sin Kew Hin Department Store

G4 Sawaddee Thai

Landmarks in Kiulap Restaurant, Thiam Hock Fish Head Curry Restaurant, Dim Sum Restaurant, T.T. Blues Cafe E4 Abdul Razak Shopping Complex H: McDonalds, Pastamania, DeeJay Electronics D2 Hua Ho, Buffalo Steak House C2 Mercedes Benz Showroom D1 Nazaaha Singaporean Restaurant C1 R&T Electronics, Singapore Chicken Rice C1 Nyonya Restaurant, Million Goldsmith E6 Wecan Restaurant D3 Szechuan’s Dynasty

D3 Kiulap Plaza Hotel

C4 Chop Kim San Hardwares

C3 Seri Qlap Mall: Seri Qlap Cinema, Fleur-De-Lys, Au Lait

D4 Bangunan Suria: Insurans Islam TAIB, BICB Capital

E4 Bangunan Seri Kiulap: Thann Sanctuary, Innerspace E6 Bangunan Lim Eng Ming: Vintage Rose, Koryo Restaurant F4 Bangunan Hj Abd Rahman: Aminah Arif Restaurant, Country Patch C1 Palm Garden Hotel: Twelv Bistro C1 Fitness Zone D1 Aiko Restaurant E2 THA Enterprise (Electrical Store), Netcom, Guan Electrical, Kofom Textiles, Sh-himco Textiles, Nie Boutique, TAIB Bank, Darussalam Holdings (Travel Agent) and Hua Ho Department Store E3 IGS College E3 BIBD Bank C4 Shakirin Complex: Misato, Hong Kong Dim Sum, Mamih, Alley Framemaker, Hokko, Saffron Cafe, Ceri Cafe, Vincci, Bossini, Twinkles Jewellery, Big Pappa’s Restaurant, Amway, Mothercare, Bebeland, HSBC D5 Sugar & Spice Restaurant

D4 Bangunan Seri Anigma: Yappy Kopitiam, Sapphira Cake House E3 Thien Thien Restaurant, KFC, Nail Artz, Cakes R Us F3 Teo Poi Hoon Restaurant, Seri Balai Restaurant, Avon F5 Bangunan Hau Man Yong: C.A. Mohammad Restaurant, Dreamcones, Seri Damai Pakistani Restaurant F6 Winmark, Aneka Rasa Restaurant F6 Bobhan Jewellers, WyWy G6 BTC Shipping Co, QQ Station, UPS

Harvest Florist, Tomato Cafe F4 Netzone, Sweet Deli Bakery, Excapade Sushi, Lily’s Lingerie F4 Serikandi Restaurant, Petlink, Daan Forees Restaurant G4 Lemongrass, Post Office E1 Kampung Kiulap: Nasi Katok stalls, Topaz Cafe, Regent Square (Excapade Sushi, Sorisso Italian Restaurant, Kimchi Korean Restaurant, Skin Inc Skincare), Suria Kiulap (Court Furniture, BIBD Securities, Zen Spa)

G5 Gripps Cafe, Mum’s Bakery, Booker International

F4 Virgo Boutique, AV Electronics (Authorized Apple Dealer)

G5 Lee Clinic, Lemongrass Thai Restaurant, Farmbasket Restaurant

F3 Woodstock Furniture and Crimson Square

G4 Universal Photo Studio, C.F. King

F5 Makrojaya, Lof Bakery

F4 Guardian, Lauren Boutique, R&T Electronics, P’Fection Beauty Concept G3 Express Fast Food Restaurant F3 Countrypatch Cafe, Twelv Cafe F4 Bakerlyn Cafe, Spring

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

61 61

•Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa

at S all e h

Jalan

ab a kt

ang mp na

Orchid Garden

J a la

ak raw a S

Handicraft Bazaar

•Fish Market

Wisma Wisma Sabah, MerdekaAir Asia

a Ga y

Sarawak R iver

Tu a

ran

mbu lan

Sunday Market

Ha ji

Ja la

Market

Le bu h

Jln Bukit

la Ja

Sarakraf Pavilion

Tan

Kua Ning Temple

lan

Civic Centre

Jesselton Jesselton Point Ferry Waterfront Terminal

Sulug Sulug Island Island

Mamutik Island Island

ran

Jal

m Da

Police

Dorset Boutique Hotel

Crown Square

360 Hock Lee Hotel Centre

360 Urban Resort Hotel

Kota Kinabalu Kinabalu

South China a South ChinaSe Sea

Tu a

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park Park

Kota Kinabalu

Kampung Kampung Gersik Indian Street Pedestrian Kampung Surabaya New State Kampung Mall Panglima Legislative Boyan Square Tower Seman Taxi Assembly J alan Brooke Kampung Lama Sarawak Jalan GambierSarawak (DUN) Semarang Petra Fort Open Indian Tourism Tourism Jaya Margherita Air Mosque Tourism Federation Complex J Transport Market J alan Malaysia ala B roo Textile nM ke Office Grand Police Little Magherita ain Museum Divisional Centrepoint B Hotel Electra LebanonVisitors Mosque a Siang Ti za Kuch Khatulistiwa Shopping ar House PoliceInformation Temple ing Hu Centre Sarawak Centre Everybread nY Waterfront Souvenir Shops Mr. ean Berambih Plaza bdul Rahma g D’s Tun ku A n n Lodge Chinese u Kuching Jugah n T Riverside Museum Terminal Wisma ala Cozzi Matang J Majestic Medan One Crossway Ting Pek Cat General Padang Transport Sikh Dormani Hotel Kuching Pelita Hong Lounge King Statue Post Merdeka Wet Market Tua Pek Kong Temple Great Asia Star Office Sarawak J San Si al an Padungan Uta & Hawker Office a Top Spot Temple h ra Wall J Dewan Tourism Temple Cat Ta St. Thomas ala Food Court Centre Limerree n P Tun Abdul Board Malaysia adun Church Hotel State gan Razak SomersetAirlines Thiam Kim Bay Library Saramo Hostel St. Mary’s Museum Merdeka Palace Gateway Mian Ann Ming Pullman & Corus Wood Police School Hotel & Suites Hotel Zest DBKU Tom’sBing & Resort Islamic Arts SCR • s e St. Thomas’s Mata Kuching Secret at&a Home Museum thi Museum Chung School Ma Hopoh Ideas Sdn. Bhd n Recipe Hua a Old Sarawak Jal Shopping 360Xpress Frydays School ir Museum AbSolutely Red Centre rvo Kuching Radio Chicken Aquarium ese Crescent Beds Atak Kopitiam Bank High School Telang Usan n R Goodrich Television la Ja • Wisma Satok • SCR Bella’s Building ak Hotel Negara Syariah n Malaysia Sayang Heroes’ Court eta Cat Statue Aha nP Monument Hong Kong a l a Organic J Reservoir Islamic Pau Cafe Buhari Cafe Fire Station Park Garden Sri Shan Top Hill Kitchen Choon Hui Kopi O Corner Lodge 121 Batavia Cafe Hotel Grand Aroma Cafe Cafe RJ Ayam Telecom HinduContinental Penyet Kopitiam Malaysia St. Theresa’s Dewan Chung Hua MBKS Temple Chung Hua School Masyarakat No. 3 School Swimming Pool SCR Express Pasar Tamu No.1 School St. Joseph’s SCR School St. Joseph Jubilee Hockey Church Recreation Stadium Ground Park Lane Lodge Police St. Peter’s Church Samudra Court Hotel Contingent Kuching HQ South City Amphitheatre Council Sarawak (MBKS) Club SRB Chung Hua No.4 Land & Planetarium Intan Survey Divisional Home Stay Office

Astana

s ik

ji k

J ala n Kola m

er R iv

a al

• Tun Fuad Memorial Garden

Water Village

majuan

Sutera Harbour

J a la

a da ng

Waterfront Radius International Esplanade

as Nen

P kit Bu

all e

South China Sea

t n B uk

lan

at S

•Sutera Harbour Marina Golf and Country Club

B ur

int

n Pe

a ap

J ala n

Jalan Se

J ala

•Sunny Supermarket

o Har b

J a la

•North Borneo Railway Station

Kepa

yan

ng Aru

•Tanjung Aru Plaza

•The Sutera Harbour Marina & Yacht Club

a ter Su

•Magellan Sutera Hotel ul

J al

•Central •Gaya•Suria •Hyatt Centre •Market Sabah s Regency Ocean ad Stephen aman hotel KK Jalan Tun Fu •Le Meridien Haji S Borneo Seafood •Micasan Jalan Plaza •Warisan HeritageVillage Superstore • Square Sabah • •Promenade General •Gaya •Centre • Parks Bank Post Hotel Street Point Sunday •Pantai k Negara za •Signal Hill Observatory a Office •Wawasan • Tun R Market Inn (Bukit Bendera) •The Mall Bus Jalan Plaza • •Akinabalu •Atkinson (KK Times Terminal •Tang Dynasty Night Youth Clock Sabah •Hotel Square) s s Jalan Coastal a Hotel Market Hostel Tower Bendera Tourism yp Deleeton B •Asia Board KK it Ja City •Cititel •SEDCO •Harbour City Development lan uk la n •Double Six B Ja Mall ExpressComplex Monument • Hotel Merdeka Bandaran •All Saints Field •CentralCathedral Berjaya • Sabah Oriental Hotel • Ra hman Police Abdul Hotel Kota Kinabalu Station Tunku •Indonesia Shangrin Consulate La General •Istana Negeri – Residence of ma La Yang Di-Pertua Negeri n J a la n S e mbul a •The Palace Hotel Kota Tang Dynasty •Kuwasa •Karamunsing Kinabalu Park Hotel Complex, Complex • Royal Brunei Airlines l Rahman •Wisma du •State Mosque Ab Tun Fuad •Sacred nku u T n Stephens Heart J a la Cathedral Bunga Raya Raya Bunga •Art Gallery Island Island Sapi Island Sapi Island Resort •Science & Reso rt il c n Ka •• Technology ng Centre Sa Gaya Gaya Lr g •State Island Island Museum Manukan •• an Island Island Gayana Gayana ba jik n Ke Eco Eco J a la Reso rt Resort

•Pacific Sutera Hotel

Jala n 18

Map : Kuching

J alan Ka

•Kota Kinabalu International Airport (Terminal 2)

Jala

•Casuarina Hotel

•Kinabalu Golf Club

Tanjung Aru

•Kinabalu Yacht Club

Lrg

g an nT erb ga

Jalan Tanju

ntre Po

J al an

Jalan

ud ay a

J alan I s ta na

Map : Kota Kinabalu

Lrg Ce

aran

J al

J a la

La p

Jala n

Jalan

J. Band

a am

Chow 2

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide Ja lan 17

sr n A

n Foo

62 J a la

n ala

J ala

biG navigator biG biG navigator navigator

w1 Cho Foo

n Ta S ri D a tuk W illia m

de fyl am

reen Borneo.Insider’s.Guide Jalan G

63 63

biG screen

Movies to look out for this quarter

January

February

PADDINGTON

MORTDECAI

JUPITER ASCENDING

Adapted from the beloved book series by Michael Bond, this is the story of a young Peruvian bear who dreams of an exciting life in Britain. When an earthquake destroys his home, the bear travels to London to search for a better life – but instead finds himself lost and alone at Paddington Station, making him realise that city life is not all he had imagined it would be. Featuring the voice of Colin Firth and starring Sally Hawkins.

Unscrupulous art dealer and part-time rogue Charlie Mortdecai (Johnny Depp) travels the globe armed with his good looks and debonair charm in search of a stolen painting – while juggling the British Mi5, angry Russians, an international terrorist and his wife - that is reportedly linked to a lost bank account filled with Nazi gold. Based on the Mortdecai Trilogy book series by eccentric crime novelist Kyril Bonfiglioli. Also starring Ewan McGregor and Gwyneth Paltrow.

In this epic adventure in space, Jupiter Jones (Mila Kunis) was born under a night sky with signs predicting she was destined for great things. Now grown up, she dreams of the stars but wakes up to a job cleaning houses. When a genetically engineered hunter (Channing Tatum) arrives on Earth to track her down, Jupiter learns her fate: she is next in line for an extraordinary inheritance that could alter the balance of the cosmos. Also starring Eddie Redmayne and Sean Bean.

February March THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: CINDERELLA SPONGE OUT OF WATER 3D Spongebob Squarepants leaves his pineapple under the sea to go on a quest to find a recipe stolen by an evil pirate, taking him to our dimension for his most super-heroic adventure yet, with help from Patrick Star, Mr Krabs, Sandy Cheeks, Squidward and Plankton. This second feature film of the famous cartoon series stars Antonio Banderas as Burger-Beard the Pirate and features the original voices of Tom Kenny, Clancy Brown, Bill Fagerbakke and Rodger Bumpass.

Directed by Kenneth Branagh, Cinderella follows the story of Ella – a young girl left in the hands of her cruel stepmother after her father passes away. When an open invitation is sent to attend the palace ball, Ella’s hopes of going is dashed when her stepmother rips apart her dress, until a kindly beggar woman with a pumpkin and some mice steps forward to give a helping hand – and changes Ella’s life forever. Starring Cate Blanchett and Helena Bonham Carter.

March IN THE HEART OF THE SEA The real life maritime disaster that inspired Herman Melville’s Moby Dick, this film is based on the real life events of the New England whaling ship Essex that was attacked by a sperm whale in the winter of 1820. The surviving crew is stranded at sea and as the captain searches for a way home, the first mate seeks to bring the whale down. Starring Chris Hemsworth and Cillian Murphy. Directed by Ron Howard.

242 2455 www.themallcineplex.com SERI QLAP CINEPLEX @ LEVEL 2, SERI Q-LAP MALL, KIULAP 223 2277 www.sqcbrunei.com THE MALL CINEPLEX @ LEVEL 3, THE MALL, GADONG TIMES CINEPLEX@EMPIRE, EMPIRE HOTEL AND COUNTRY CLUB, JERUDONG 261 0001 www.timescineplex.com/empirePSBdualplex TIMES SQUARE CINEPLEX @ 4TH FLOOR, TIMES SQUARE SHOPPING CENTRE, BERAKAS 234 1122 www.timescineplex.com TUTONG TIMES CINEPLEX @ BERJAYA COMPLEX, TUTONG 422 0422 PSB DUALPLEX, SERIA @ F19, JALAN TENGAH, SERIA 322 1437 www.facebook.com/PSBdualplex

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide