BIG Oct-Dec 2016

Oct // Dec 2016

FROM

BOYS

TO MEN AVAILABLE ON INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS, AIRLINE OFFICES, HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & CAFES THROUGHOUT BORNEO

Editor’s Note @bigborneo

H

ere you go, just for you guys out there, a whole magazine dedicated to you. And what a fun issue we have this quarter. We want to help you rediscover your sense of adventure, help you prep for the year-end party mood and bring out your fun side, starting with our feature on Spiderman moves.

BIG: Borneo Insider’s Guide @bigborneo Publisher

Wall climbing is getting a boost in popularity in Brunei with the addition of a new indoor facility that is accessible to the public and caters to the little tots whose parents are hoping that climbing will tire them out! I tried it out too and the thought of it still gives me sweaty palms, but my introduction to the sport as a beginner was easier than I thought. Understandably, with all the assistance I was getting, climbing a wall meant for newbies, it wasn’t very hard. What’s hard would be to ride a bike for nearly 5,000 kilometres, on rough terrain, in the heat, through Sabah, Sarawak and Kalimantan for 11 days. That’s what a team of guys from the Silver Hawks riding club in Brunei did this year (read all about it in our BiG Feature).

We have been fascinated (more like scared stiff) with the heap of horror films that haunted the cinemas this year, starting with the spine-chilling Conjuring 2, so we added a must-watch list of movies that aim to scare spectacularly.

The end of the year brings much to look forward to. Festivities and school holidays may lead some of you to make plans for celebrations, vacations, or make time to explore your own hometown to see if any rare Pokémons are taunting you to catch them. Whatever you end up doing, we hope it will lead to a healthier, happier and rested you, and we look forward to catching up with you in the new year.

CHMP MEDIA Editor-At-Large

Wan Zainal Shazali Editor

Pauline Chan Assistant Editor

Intan Abu Daniel Designer

Novri Rinaldi Editorial

Pamela Fletcher Intern

Shaf Said Sales & Marketing

Bina Chauhan Brunei | biG

biG stands for Borneo Insider’s Guide. It is a quarterly magazine that aims to entertain and share with readers the best there is to offer on lifestyle and travel in enigmatic Borneo and beyond. It is distributed at travel fairs, international events and Brunei high commissions abroad. biG is available at the arrival hall of Brunei International Airport, Brunei Tourism offices, Royal Brunei Airlines business class, all hotels, popular food and beverage outlets and foreign missions in Brunei. biG has a distribution network in the neighbouring states through the Sabah and Sarawak Tourism Boards as well as via prominent hotels in the respective capitals. Besides being Brunei’s very own publication for bridging its residents with a myriad of commercial and cultural offerings within the country, each issue also serves as the world’s window into the rich tapestry of Borneo’s life and culture. www.borneoinsidersguide.com

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

events

Oct 30 -6 Nov

TO look

out FOR

26th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge

this quarter Oct 1 Borneo Bird Race

Brunei, Sabah, Sarawak

For many years, this 8-day off-road adventure covering about 1,000km brings competitors through extreme driving conditions and the most challenging terrains of Sabah, putting their driving skills and four-wheel drive vehicles to the test.

Oct 20-23 Bru.X.Fit 2016 Brunei

The race for the Borneo Bristlehead Cup is on again. The trophy will go to the team of birders who can spot the most recorded species of birds in Borneo. The race takes one to freshwater swamps, lowland forests, hills and mountain ranges of Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei.

This four-day expo brings players in the health and fitness industry to the Airport Mall Atrium in Bandar Seri Begawan for a one-stop showcase of all things relating to healthy living and sporting lifestyle. Entry to the event is free.

Nov 11-13

International Dragon Boat Regatta 2016 Sarawak

Oct 22-23 Tamu Besar Kota Belud

The Tamu Besar is the biggest traditional open-air market held in Sabah. Every year, vendors set up stalls in Kota Belud to sell a wide variety of goods from fresh produce to traditional handicrafts. Look out for the buffalo race, crowning of the Sarempak Queen and the colourful parade of Bajau horsemen on their horses.

Nearly 70 countries participate in this race with participants especially from Southeast Asia and China. Besides races, there will also be local food and handicraft exhibitions and side events such as a duck catching competition.

Dec 2-4 Sibu Big Bike Week 2016

Big Bike Week is getting bigger judging from the 2,000 bikers from around the world participating in its fourth edition last year.

Bikers come from as far as Holland, Germany and Abu Dhabi.

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

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Oct 21-23

2nd Sabah International Tattoo Convention Sabah It must have been good last year because it’s on again this October! The convention aims to be the biggest of its kind in Asia, expecting participation from 150 tattoo artists and exhibitors from around the world.

Contents biG dates Get out and about; let us show you what you can do around Borneo this quarter. biG scoop We scour around town and discover the newest and best products for you to love and desire this quarter. biG buzz We put our ears up and find out what is buzzing in town. biG feature Take a closer look at what the Borneo Islanders are up to.

made in Borneo We learn more about inspiring locals who have made their mark in Borneo. biG trail Follow our plucky writers as they bring you stories from around Borneo. biG getaway Expand your horizons. Pack your bags and explore beyond our shores. biG appetite We try the food so you can follow suit. Check out our food journeys.

biG listings We make a list of places to eat, drink and chill. biG essentials Here are some helpful tips for visitors just stepping onto our shores. biG navigator 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.

biG scoop

Jump for Joy French brand Parrot, best known for their Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and wireless headphones, released a range of app-controlled drones that jumps. Meet the Jumping Night Drone – it jumps up to 80cm and

no matter how the drone falls, it will always land on its wheels.

You can control the drone using your smartphone or tablet and receive photos and videos from its embedded camera. Retractable wheels give you a choice between

speed and agility and there’s also a programmable autopilot roaming mode. This is an interactive gadget that is fun for all ages.

Available at AV Electronics Retail price BND197 FB: AV Electronics IG: @av.electronics

Carry A Tune The BeoPlay A1 is a compact, macaronshaped portable Bluetooth speaker with a leather string, ready for you to tote it any where. The smooth, strong aluminium grill combined with the double-polymer base protects the electronic components inside that give you the B & O Signature Sound.

This compact and lightweight gadget packs a surprising sound dispersion no matter where you place it and it has a battery life of up to 24 hours so you can keep playing music till you nod off. Get this travelling companion in Natural or Moss Green colour.

Available from Bang & Olufsen Brunei Retail price BND399 FB: Bang & Olufsen Brunei

Pump Up The Volume

Scoot Away The MAD500 electric scooter by Velocifero is sweeping us off our feet.

It looks good and is very eco-friendly.

It’s also customisable – you can choose from five motor options between 500 and 1600 watts, and choose a lead-acid battery (takes you 30-40km) or a lithium-ion battery (runs up to 56km).

How fast can it go? The speed tops out at 45km/h on the 1300- and 1600-watt versions. Great for short distances in small urban areas and it’s easily folded to be packed into the boot of a car. When battery is low, just charge it using any normal household electrical socket. available from Cervellotres Borneo Retail price BND1600 FB: Cervellotres Borneo IG: cervellotres.borneo

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Share your favourite music generously with these colourful splash-proof JBL Charge 2+ Bluetooth speakers. Stream high-quality stereo sound for an incredible 12 hours indoors or outdoors - it is not afraid of rain and spills, just don’t submerge in water. If you get excited by the boom of the bass, the JBL’s passive radiators field enough bass for you to actually see them trembling from the outside. You can use it to charge your devices, answer your calls with its build-in microphone, and connect two of your friends’ music and take turns playing your music. Now that’s being sociable.

Available at AV Electronics Retail price BND197 FB: AV Electronics IG: @av.electronics

Super Power Ranger If you want to be power-ful in the great outdoors, you will need to get yourself a IP65 Rugged Power Bank with a 10050mAh lithiumion cell battery that can fully charge your iPhone 6 up to four times. It is encased in a heavy duty aluminium case that can withstand careless drops and falls. And you don’t have to worry about a little rain or dust because its IP65 ingress protection keeps your battery going even after exposure to water and dirt.

So, power up and charge!

Get your IP65 Rugged Power Bank at Techzania Brunei Retail price BND85 FB: Techzania Brunei IG: @techzania

biG scoop

VACATION READY End of the year is coming but don’t be all doom and gloom about it! There are festive holidays and year-end vacations to look forward to, so prep your way to looking your best. Here are a few essentials every style-savvy man must have.

Pauline Chan

Kiehl’s Age Defender Eye Repair A multi-action eye cream for men that helps to lift sagging skin around the eyes and reduce the appearance of dark circles, returning your eyes to a more youthful look. www.kiehls.com

Missha Deep Sea Energy Aqua Cream This milky emulsion containing rich minerals and liposomes supply moisture to the skin and activates skin cell regeneration.

Great for after shaving as it is absorbed quickly and soothes irritate skin.

Missha, Unit 1.45B, First Flr, The Mall, Gadong, Brunei

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Jack Black Oil -Free Sun Guard SPF 45 Vitamin enriched, oil-free, water- and sweat-resistant lotion that offers broadspectrum UVA/UVB protection.

Great for intense physical activity in and out of water.

Free from parabens, sulfates and phthalates, fragrance colourant and alcohol and cruelty-free. www.getjackblack.com

Lab Series Age Rescue + Water-Charged Gel Cream Give your skin a drink with this gel cream enriched with ginseng.

It saves skin from the effects of aging, stress and fatigue. It diminishes lines and increases firmness, instantly giving skin an even tone and texture while providing intense hydration. www.labseries.com

Clinique Post-Shave Soother A soothing after-shave treatment for all skin types that is comforting and encourages the healing of nicks and cuts. Formulated with aloe, it helps to calm razor burn, leaving the skin soft and hydrated. www.clinique.com

Anthony Wake Up Call Fight the tell-tale signs of late nights with Wake Up Call. Its unique formula soothes any irritation on the surface of the skin and helps reduce redness and puffiness from fatigue and stress. Great for tired skin dulled by travelling and long nights. www.anthony.com

The Body Shop Maca Root Shave Cream This cream contains Community Trade Brazil nut oil and Peruvian Maca Root which effectively reduces the appearance of dull skin and helps maintain skin firmness and vigour so your skin feels smoother and softer after a shave.

FB: The Body Shop Brunei

Chief Water Based Pomade For slick and well-behaved hair, take your cue from the Chief barbershop gentlemen from Jakarta and tame your hair with their very own water-based pomade that is easy to remove. Good hold and shine throughout the day with the added benefit of vitamin E and a fresh pear scent.

Chaps & Rebels, Kiulap, Brunei FB: Chaps & Rebels

biG feature

1

2

3

Going Downtown 5

4

Ramble along Jalan Pretty and Jalan Roberts in Bandar Seri Begawan and you can still find some old shops selling dried food, spices, vegetables and other sundry goods in oldfashioned baskets and gunny sacks.

These traditional provision shops soldier on for the residents living in the nearby Water Village. We ducked into an alley in between the two streets and found ourselves charmed by the antiquated surroundings and friendly shopkeepers.

1 Ray-Ban Eyeglasses from Bright World Optics #1.31 1st Flr The Mall Gadong, Brunei (673) 242 3685 2 B&O Beoplay H8 wireless headphones with lambskin ear pads from Bang & Olufsen Brunei (673) 2420166 3 Oblivious Magnificent (Oblimag) t-shirt available at Uneek Skate Shop The Souq Airport Mall Kg Jaya Setia, Brunei (673) 871 1214 4 Moshi messenger bag from Techzania Brunei #2.16A 2nd Flr The Mall Gadong, Brunei (673) 245 6436 5 Samsung Smart Watch from CityMobile Brunei #A2 Grd Flr Blk A Delima Jaya Complex Kg Delima Satu, Brunei (673) 242 8882 6 Adidas Superstars from Sole Central #18.1 The Souq Airport Mall Kg Jaya Setia, Brunei (673) 868 2815; Pants, model’s own 6

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG scoop

1

4 2

3

1 Ray-Ban Eyeglasses from Bright World Optics #1.31 1st Flr The Mall Gadong, Brunei (673) 242 3685 2 HUF t-shirt from Sole Central #18.1 The Souq Airport Mall Kg Jaya Setia, Brunei (673) 868 2815 3 Moshi messenger bag from Techzania Brunei #2.16A 2nd Flr The Mall Gadong, Brunei (673) 245 6436 4 Deathwish Skateboard hooded sweater from Uneek Skateshop The Souq Airport Mall Kg Jaya Setia, Brunei (673) 871 1214; Pants, model’s own

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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BiG buzz

A Joyous Royal Birthday Celebration Hanafi Salam

P

atriotism was on full display everywhere in Brunei this July. The Brunei flag could be seen from the top of buildings to the roof of cars, decorative arches and banners peppered the highways and the entire nation was busy preparing special events and performances for His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei’s 70th birthday celebrations.

Organised by the National Committee of His Majesty’s birthday celebrations and district celebration committees, the beloved monarch, along with members of the royal family, paid a visit to the four districts Tutong, Temburong, Kuala

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Belait and Brunei-Muara.

Following the theme ‘The Sovereignty of Brunei’s Sultans through the Ages’, each occasion featured performances and a variety of activities, with special gifts presented to His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei by representatives from each district and members of the public.

It was a great opportunity to meet and greet the benevolent ruler and members of the royal family. Citizens and residents swarmed the venues as His Majesty walked amongst his people, shaking hands, striking up conversations and smiling for photos for citizens, residents and tourists alike.

biG buzz

Spray It On Mujahid Johar

A Volkswagen Treat @marul69 50 lucky guests were invited to a one-of-a-kind Pop-Up Sungkai dinner during the Ramadan month in June at Maju Motors Volkswagen showroom.

The Volkswagen showroom was turned into a huge dining space decorated with fairy lights and white balloons. Guests were seated at long rustic tables adorned with fresh flowers, surrounded by

Volkswagen vehicles. The whole scene was created by the team from The Collective Art Events, who also brought in a vinyl record player to provide cool sounds for the night.

But let’s not forget the star of the pop-up dinner: the food! Volkswagen generously treated all 50 guests to a sumptuous three-course Germaninspired meal by The Energy Kitchen.

Köstlich!

The biggest ever Graffiti Art competition in Borneo “Write This” took place on 16-17 July. Twenty graffiti artists from around Borneo congregated at the Skate Park to create their best wall art that will be enjoyed by all skateboarders.

Along with the display of impressive talent from the competitors, spectators witnessed renowned graffiti artists Clog ’02, Katun, Tag ’01 and Tycal spray a graffiti art mural live over the weekend.

Although only a burgeoning art form in Brunei, graffiti art has made a huge leap in recent years from vandalism to acceptance.

The competition, aimed to educate the public on the beauty of spray

can art, gave the public a chance to see artwork developed on the spot and to meet international graffiti artists.

Local artist Nycer won first place, taking home a Huawei P9 Smartphone with a one-year free plan sponsored by Progresif Celullar Sdn Bhd as well as other merchandise.

Local artist Sketch01 won second place while Malaysian artist Mytho took third place.

Other corporate supporters of the event included Royal Brunei Airlines, Origin Films, RainFresh, Aewon, Visionary Project, Madsuki, JLN Artwear, Wardrobes Inc, Kraytionco, Falsafah Co, TWINS 12D Cinema and The Collective Art Events.

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

15

?

biG buzz

Stand And Be Heard

Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organisation that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of meeting locations. Since 1924, the organisation has been helping people to become more confident speaking in public. And the teaching continues when Brunei hosts the Semi-Annual District Conference 2016/2017 from 28-30 October this year.

Champion speaker Dananjaya Hettiarachchi, has been a competitive speaker for over 10 years but he finally snagged the big prize when he won the World Champion of Public Speaking 2014 by Toastmasters International, and he is the first Asian to do so.

Pauline Chan

H

e beat over 33,000 contestants from 120 countries around the world to get to the finals. His winning speech, an inspiring story of his journey to success, was sprinkled with humorous punch lines and delivered with impeccable timing, captivating both the audience and judges. A video of his speech posted on YouTube has gathered over a million views and was rated one of the most talked about speeches in 2014

by Fortune magazine, and it is a speech that has no doubt, been endorsed as ‘recommended watching’ for new members of Toastmasters clubs.

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Dananjaya now imparts his skills as a motivational speaker and communication coach, human resource development specialist, and as an advisor and thought leader in talent and adult competency development.

And now, he is going to bring his knowledge to Borneo when he speaks at the Semi-Annual District Conference 2016/2017 in Bandar Seri Begawan this October. Organising chair and local Toastmaster member from Brunei Speaker’s Club, Rano Iskandar, believes this conference will help spur interest among those in Brunei who wish to become effective communicators and leaders.

As a public speaking coach, Dananjaya has invaluable tips for a great speech. Here are three gems that he shared with the Business Insider Malaysia.

1

“Have a concise message that the audience can remember and recall.

You have to be able to write your message in less than 10 words.”

2

“Have an attention-grabbing opening – tell an interesting story, use an anecdote, ask a rhetorical question, or frame a problem you think is relevant to the audience in the first 45 seconds.”

3

“End it on a ‘high’, make a cold stop so you leave your audience wanting more.”

Brunei is part of District 87, which comprises 165 corporate and community clubs in Brunei, East Malaysia and Indonesia. The conference will be held at the Rizqun International Hotel in Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan. Winning speakers, Dananjaya and Willie Jones, certified trainer/consultant Stuart Lee, and past International President of Toastmasters International, Mohammed Murad, will be here to speak and share their expertise on communication and leadership. The conference is extended to the public so if you want to pick up the art of speaking effectively and confidently in front of an audience, start your research here: www. d87bruneiconference.com.

biG buzz

Gotta catch ‘em all!

T

he release of the smartphone game Pokémon Go in Brunei has gotten many, even hardened couch potatoes, to leave their houses to explore their surroundings. Do you check your phone to see if a Zubat is flying around? Or pause in the vegetable aisle to throw a Pokéball at a Pidgey or an Eevee? Then congratulations, you are a Pokémon trainer.

This half-scavenger hunt, half-RPG game that uses GPS is engaging and simple: players use their mobile phone to hunt and capture Pokémons (Pocket Monsters). But you have to physically get off your chair, go out of the house and walk around parks and streets to find these virtual creatures, using a map that shows you which direction to go and how far. The game has become a global phenomenon and it might just be the motivation to tackle an overweight problem.

Pokémon Go has gotten people out and about on a national scale: there are more people walking in the streets, once-vacant parks are more populated than ever, even Fitbit wearers have noticed a huge spike in their daily step counts. Some businesses have become Pokéstops (a virtual station to refuel with Pokéballs used for catching Pokémons) or set up Pokélures to attract Pokémons so that players will stop by their establishments.

Pokémon Go is like any other game with cute little characters except that you have to walk around to play it, which is a great activity for the whole family. We can certainly benefit from the physical and social aspects of Pokémon Go, just exercise a little common sense and thought for safe play, and remember, trespassing is annoying.

There are 151 different Pokémons on the loose and it’s going to take some time to find them. So let’s go get ‘em folks!

biG buzz

Get Your

Mo-Jo On

Grow hair for a good cause? Back in 2003, two guys in Australia, Travis Garone and Luke Slattery, thought it would be a good idea to manifest a moustache, lovingly groom it for a month and raise some money for a cause they cared a lot about. They found 30 guys willing to take up the challenge and today, their Movember foundation is a global charity making a difference in men’s health, and they made the moustache fashionable again.

S

ince 2003, millions have joined the movement, raised $662 million and helped fund over 1,000 projects focusing on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, poor mental health and physical inactivity. By 2015, official campaigns were held in 21 countries across five continents. Every November, which they have renamed Movember, they challenge men, and women, to support the moustache movement or make a commitment to get active and move.

Men in moustache and action are called Mo Bros. It is their advertising campaign to get people talking about the cause behind the movement.

Moustaches will also appear

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Here’s what you can do: 1

You can sign up at Movember.com and choose to Grow, Give or Move.

2

Men start Movember 1st clean-shaven and grow a moustache for 30 days.

3

Men and women can commit to move everyday during Movember.

4

After signing up, get friends, family or colleagues to donate to your efforts.

5

Check out your local Mo campaigns and join in.

around the world - painted on planes, trains and automobiles, billboards, murals, artworks and even the women who are helping their men raise funds sport a fake moustache just for the fun of it. Well lads, here’s your chance to put your moustache to work in November!

biG feature

Types of Moustache THE WISP

THE UNDERCOVER BROTHER

THE BUSINESS MAN

THE abrakadabra

THE TRUCKER

THE BOX CAR

THE AFTER EIGHT

THE rock star

THE REGENT

Want a head-turning moustache?

Make it slick at these barber shops in town: Stay Traditional Barber & Shop 3, Spg 21, Gadong Central, Menglait/ Lot EG05, Giant Hypermarket Tasik Rimba, Kg Rimba, Brunei 673 878 0299 Chaps & Rebels 27, 1st Flr, Blk D, Bangunan Lim Eng Ming, Kiulap, BSB, Brunei

THE CONNOISSEUR

Beard And Cutter D5, 1st Flr, Setia Kenangan 2, Kiulap, BSB, Brunei 673 828 2345 Holmes Barber Shop F3, Grd Flr, Setia Kenangan 2, Kiulap, BSB, Brunei 673 888 0022 Any traditional Indian barbers, and for a little extra, get a head and shoulder massage too

Know your Mo!

Some definitions for the uninitiated: Mo moustache Mo Bro men who grow a moustache for Movember Mo Sista women who love the Mo and actively support Movember Mo Mentor men who have shown longterm commitment to Mo style and inspire others in the hairy challenge

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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The RH Logic has been and continues to be the benchmark of high performing ergonomic seating. Its flexibility and outstanding durability sets this chair apart from others.

This is a product that has been specifically created for use in any environment where ergonomic excellence and people performance are key to success.

PERFORMANCE The RH chair improved the complete working situation:

70%

Improved working technique:

75%

HEALTH Decreased physical strain in the neck and shoulders after a few weeks of work in the chair:

50%

Decreased load in the lower back:

33%

Sejalin Enterprises Sdn. Bhd. Office: +673 242 0166 Shop No. 1, Ground Floor Lot no. 47322 SPG 41-1-12, Kg Kiarong Negara Brunei Darussalam Instagram: sejalin.living Facebook: @SejalinLiving

biG feature

BiG

feature

Dale and Darren are literally driving people up the wall, for fun. Dale Koh and Darren Chai, owners of the UP Climbing Centre in Menglait had visions of great heights when they got together to build walls for leisure climbing.

Pauline Chan

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

D

ale and Darren believe anyone can learn to climb so they set out to create a safe environment for climbers of all ages and abilities. Their facility caters to beginners and expert climbers who are looking for gravity-defying thrills and they want to create a big climbing community in the country.

Dale started climbing 12 years ago, his passion for climbing led to a desire for his own wall.

Friends introduced him to Darren, who owns the fitness gym next door. Although Darren is a fitness instructor and athlete, he had not climbed before, but he was keen to try something new and the

new friends struck up a deal.

The centre offers leisure climbing for walk-in customers as well as Level One and Two courses for people who want to be a certified proficient climber.

Level One allows a climber to do cord roping, where a rope is secured to the harness around the climber’s waist and a belayer holds on to the rope below, providing support and security to the climber. For advance climbers, there’s a Level Two lead climbing course where climbers bring the rope up as they climb and secure it at strategic positions on the wall themselves to prevent from slipping to the ground.

Certificates given are certified by the Southeast Asia Climbing Federation and it’s affiliated to the International Climbing Body.

Armed with these certificates, one should be able to walk into any Southeast Asian climbing centre and use the facilities.

UP is a great after work hang out venue as it opens from 4pm to 10pm and what better way to shake up the sleepy muscles after a long day at the desk than to haul yourself up a two-storey wall? Climbing is an activity that engages every muscle in your body and a lot of core strength is required. It improves your movement and flexibility, tones your muscles and even strengthens your fingers.

Dale tells us that since they opened the centre at the end of May, they have attracted little children who have fallen in love with the sport, boosting their confidence. He said it has helped these kids overcome their fear of heights. They even have over-50s who come in and scale the walls for fun. Once you have learnt the techniques, you will be able to do it, just like Spiderman.

The place can accommodate 30-35 people at any one time, so here’s a rocking idea: have your birthday party or do your corporate team-building day out at UP and get high while toning your muscles.

Adults pay B$15 for a whole day access to the centre and student rates are B$12. Kids under 11 pay $10 for one and half hours and B$15 for full day access with supervision. Shoes, harness, chalk bag (to keep hands dry), carabiners and other gear rentals are charged separately. Do note that a onetime insurance waiver fee of B$15 is payable before you start.

UP Climbing Centre One Menglait Industrial Park Jln Menglait, Gadong, BSB, Brunei Tel: (673) 881 6885

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biG feature

The Ride

ime t ife L A Of

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Three years ago, when Chua Peng Chai established the Brunei Chapter of the Silver Hawks motorcycle club, a riding group founded in Indonesia, he had dreams of exploring the roads less traveled. He recently led 18 men on an adventure through parts of Kalimantan, Sabah and Sarawak, weathering high heat and rough conditions for 11 gruelling days to carry out the club’s mission - to take their bikes and discover new unexplored terrains on their bikes.

Pauline Chan

Courtesy of the Silver Hawk Brunei team

biG feature

A

fter three months of planning, 18 guys, seven big bikes, four 4WD vehicles and enough provisions for an 11-day road trip, traveled almost 5,000km from Brunei to a series of remote villages, towns, cities and eventually back to Brunei, for a much needed rest.

Out of the 18 men, only seven were riders while the others were part of the support team consisting of photographers and mechanics who could repair any vehicle breakdowns. Why make such an arduous journey? Peng Chai explained, “Nobody has done this route before, usually people go via Kuching, Pontianak and back, clockwise on the map.

They usually ferry their bikes and 4WDs to Tawau, pick up their bikes and ride from there.

This is the first time we’ve done this counter-clockwise way and as a Brunei club, the participants are all either Bruneians or residents in Brunei. We had no guide to lead us so we worked out the routes ourselves, plotting them using satellite pictures and GPS navigators and making best guesses. With some good luck and helpful hands, we got over the obstacles that beleaguered us.”

They started off riding from Brunei to Tawau on April 17, which was a 608km journey.

The next day they set off for

Nunukan island and right away met their nemesis – a 120km of rocky dirt path to Melinau.

Imagine creeping at a hellishly slow 15km/h on this stretch of unpaved, dusty, bumpy road for eight hours under the hot sun, you’ll be tired just thinking of it.

The scorching heat, that nasty devil, caused some riders to fall like drowsy flies from their bikes from heat exhaustion and fatigue. The heat taunted them to give up, and in one case, even instigated hallucinations.

On the other hand, if it had rained, it would have been worse because the routes would be muddy and troublesome and they would have had more delays.

When they reached Melinau after passing Sg Ular and Semanggaris, it was nightfall.

Exhausted, they still carried on for another three hours to Tg Selur, and finally arriving at Sanggata at 4am.

While the riders’ weary bodies and minds begged for more sleep, they awoke at 7am and rode to Balikpapan, 236 km away, passing Samarinda, both big cities with the usual trappings of traffic jams. From Balikpapan, they continued in a similar pattern to Banjarmasin (483km), onward to Pangkalanbun (450km), Pontianak (690km), Sibu, passing Entikong, Perbatasan (865km) and finally to Miri and back to Brunei (414km), completing their journey on April 27.

A ride into more developed territories was not without its dangers. They had to look out for huge trucks, free-range cattle and goats, wandering children and other bikes making sudden U-turns, which happened quite often. Riding at night presented other problems such as poor visibility.

They rode everyday, all day, most nights, always looking forward to arrive at their destination for the day. They needed a lot of discipline and regular short breaks - the longer they stopped, the harder it was for them to move off again. It was an eye-opening experience for the riders to see the inhabitants in the small towns going about their daily lives when they passed by on their bikes.

Drained, aching bodies, sleepless nights for about one week, these were some of the effects from the trip. Will they do it again? Absolutely. In fact, the maps are out to plan a longer trip around the Indonesian islands. They will have more stories to tell their children and grandchildren over a round of drinks and peanuts.

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made in biG buzz Borneo

Rapper Man Intan Abu Daniel

Poet, lyricist, hip-hop artiste, husband and father, Zed Peace makes music that is both meaningful and catchy.

On stage, he raps with a smooth intensity that leaves the audience in no doubt of his talent as a hip-hop solo artiste. Off stage, the hardrapping stage persona is softened by his love for his adorable two-year daughter whom he had just picked up from daycare on his way to our meeting. He attributes his experience with his band Micbandits – a band who had a big following back in 2010 as a source of inspiration for him to pursue a solo career.

These days it is his family that plays a big part in shaping the things he does and the music he talks about.

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ollowing the release of his collection of self-penned rap songs, Ramadan Flow III, and with a new album set for release sometime this year, Zed Peace is about to reacquaint the public with the hip-hop scene in Brunei.

My days in Micbandits and being under Kartel Records has certainly helped my solo career. I learnt what songs are marketable and how to market a particular song or project.

As for writing lyrics, like any craft, the more you practice, the better you get.

Even as a group, we felt that it was important to express our individuality and personal style.

Rap to me is about spreading feel-good vibes and story-telling, and these are the elements I want to get across with my songs. I want

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the audience to get a sense that Bruneians can be just as poetic, witty and lyrical as others from the region or internationally.

I focus on developing my brand and music locally, although the plan is to eventually go international. Brunei’s market is still small but the potential for shows and music tours around the country remains an unexplored segment. I want to open up the door to this possibility, but it’s important to establish your own brand first and one way to do that is by continually promoting yourself on social media and to have a central online presence, and in my case is a website I recently launched: www.zedpeace.com.

Eventually I hope to represent Brunei around the world through music and creative entertainment. The only way this can be done is if more talents and musicians get enough exposure and be developed within Brunei and the region, this will spur an industry than can be exported outside the country.

That would be the ultimate aim, and whether I can achieve anything close to that, only time and effort will tell.

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Brunei: the perfect educational destination Using the environment to educate and challenge students is becoming an important and popular trend within Schools worldwide. The unique environment of Brunei offers a particularly rich source of locations with which to engage, challenge and stimulate students from the very youngest to those who are lifelong learners.

Forest Discovery Centre in a School!

Jerudong International School (JIS) lies on a 300 acre campus on the northern Bruneian coast.

Whilst much of the campus houses the School’s outstanding educational facilities, an extensive area has recently been set aside to be developed into a Forest Discovery Centre. Located behind the new Sports Centre and close to the purpose built Boarding community, senior students have surveyed it discovering pitcher plants and a small, mini waterfall and stream - perfect for pond dipping! The national flower (Bunga Simpur) on the branches of the Simpur tree, in full bloom, quietly bringing its beauty to this previously neglected spot. A wetland area with nutrient rich soil has brilliant red and blue dragonflies darting from plant to plant. The students have begun to clear away some of the invasive Acacia trees, and have planted other trees indigenous to Brunei.

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The aim is that eventually, a succession of these plants will become established.

This Forest Discovery Centre is cross curricular with different subject faculties participating, allowing the Arts, Humanities and Sciences wide scope. Part of the land will be cultivated with medicinal plants, tropical herbs, vegetables and fruit.

Future suggestions include night cameras be fitted to investigate what animals and birds are present. The Forest Discovery Centre will have something for all ages; from Nursery children escorted along carefully mapped jungle walks, to Middle Years students having outdoor education camp outs, to. Upper Years students - Biologists, Geographers and Environmental Systems and Societies students carrying out independent coursework to Artists and Design and Technology students creating sculptures or eco friendly

sustainable buildings.

Education beyond the Campus It is not only the campus which is used within the curriculum.

Students of all ages visit places such as Kampung Ayer (the Water Village) and the recreational parks at Tasek Lama and Bukit Shahbandar (adjacent to the School). Students of all ages participate in beach clean ups. Junior School students visit the Solar Farm and Oil and Gas Discovery Centre. Tasek Merimbun and it’s Butterfly Park, a world heritage site in Tutong district, was a popular trip for Year 6 students.

Year 7 students held a residential Science Camp at the beach in Berakas Recreational Park; an adventure and a time to perform a range of Science experiments.

Temburong is the biologist and geographer’s dream - the pristine, primary rainforest just a short

45 minute boat ride from the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan perfect for IGCSE, A Level and IB field trips. Brunei offers other wonderful places to explore such as Senkurong forest reserve and the mangroves at Selirong Island forest reserve in Brunei Bay (where dolphins and dugongs can be seen swimming in the early morning). The Biodiversity Centre at Meragang has greatly assisted students and teachers wishing to learn about their turtle breeding and coral programmes too.

Environmental Education after School JIS offers an extensive CoCurricular programme with almost 300 activities available each academic term depending on age and year level. EcoJIS is a whole school, student led society. EcoJIS is keenly involved with the Forest Discovery Centre as well as initiating a number of other eco projects within the School. JIS has achieved the

internationally recognised Eco Schools Silver Award status and the EcoJIS students are now hoping to work towards the final level - the prestigious Green Flag award - no mean task for a school of 1700 students and almost 200 teaching staff!

The School’s well developed International Award programme (Duke of Edinburgh) uses a range of locations in Brunei for the Adventurous Journey component of the Bronze, Silver and Gold Award programmes enabling almost 300 students, ages 14-18 years to complete different levels.

Heading offshore, students aged 11 years and above can learn to dive (PADI) in the JIS Diving Club and assist with the coral propagation project seeking to protect the sea environment in the South China Sea.

is actively involved with the wider community. There are a number of environmentally oriented NGOs in Brunei such as Beach Bunch, Green Brunei, BruWild, the Brunei Nature Society and 1 Stop Brunei, as well as the Society for Community Outreach and Training (SCOT) who, as well as generously sharing their valuable time, skills and expertise also organise a range of activities such as recycling drives, beach cleans and fundraising runs.

Connecting with such groups and also government institutions in Brunei has facilitated educational trips within Brunei for students of all ages.

Brunei is so rich in natural resources and places to stimulate, challenge and educate young minds. It’s clean, safe environment is a superb place to educate students - away from the excesses of the modern world.

Education alongside the Community JIS doesn’t work in isolation but Useful Contacts Jerudong International School - www.jis.edu.bn Brunei Tourism - www.bruneitourism.travel Beach Bunch - www.beachbunch.net 1StopBrunei Wildlife - www.1stopbrunei.com BruWILD - www.bruwild.org Green Brunei - green-brunei.com SCOT Brunei - fightpovertywithus.org Oil & Gas Discovery Centre - www.ogdcbrunei.com Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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The bird watching booklet is part of the continuous efforts of the Nature Unit at the Tourism Development Department in collaboration with local tourism industry stakeholders such as the Brunei Birders Group, Sakam Enterprise, Ulu-Ulu Resort, BIG Magazine and associated government departments. The booklet is an important tool in the Tourism Development Department’s promotional strategy to make Brunei Darussalam an exciting new birding destination in Southeast Asia. The first printing of this 92-page booklet will be available to birders who sign up for birding packages as well as bird watching societies and clubs in the region.

Finding Feathered Friends While the world is searching for virtual Pokémons, visitors to Brunei’s pristine rainforests can look forward to the thrill of spotting real life rare birds, some unique only to the boundaries of the Sultanate.

Courtesy of Brunei Tourism

D

uring the 2nd Asia-Pacific Rainforest Summit 2016 held in Brunei from 3-5 August, the Honourable Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) Yang Berhormat

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Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, officially launched the ‘Bird Watching in Brunei Darussalam 2016: A guide to the birds of Brunei Darussalam’ booklet at the International Convention Centre.

The pocket-sized booklet is a must-have guide book for any bird enthusiast. In this second edition, there is an additional 191 birds that can be found in Brunei, catalogued by the Brunei Wildlife Photography Club (BWPC) and the Brunei Birders Group spearheaded

by Mohd Vol Hj Momin, and verified by renowned authority on birds, Dr Quentin Phillipps.

To facilitate birders who come to Brunei for bird watching, local licensed tour operator specialising in nature tourism, Sakam Enterprise, has developed bird watching packages that were introduced during the book launch of the guide book. Tourists can choose trips that last half day or more to Ulu Temburong National Park for a unique birding experience.

The annual Borneo Bird Race brings birders to the jungles of Brunei, Sabah and Sarawak. In Brunei, 76% of the country’s land area is still under forest cover and 58% has been declared as conserved land for the Heart of Borneo initiative. The best of the rainforest in Brunei is easily accessible from the city of Bandar Seri Begawan as it takes only about two hours from the city centre to the majestic views from the canopy walkway in the Ulu Temburong National Park. For more information about the rainforests and the Borneo Bird Race, visit: www.facebook.com/ BruneiTourism.Travel

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The Wild Side of Nanamun River No visit to Sabah is complete without going on one of the many wildlife tours that highlight its truly amazing collection of rare and endemic species. One of the most bizarre is the proboscis monkey, famed for its long protruding nose, pot belly and boisterous acrobatics through the tree tops as they settle down for the day along mangrove lined river banks.

Pamela Fletcher

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W

hile larger proboscis monkey populations are concentrated on the east coast, there are several places in the west coast close enough to Kota Kinabalu city where you can go for a day tour in search of these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat.

The Nanamun River in Kota Belud district is located about two hours drive north of Kota Kinabalu. My trip there was organised by TYH Tours & Travel, whose chatty tour guide

named Jomo, gave an excellent commentary on the background of the area’s wildlife, people and culture as we journeyed through the picturesque countryside.

Paddy fields and villages pass by our window with the occasional water buffalo and cattle making an appearance along the route.

Tours usually start at 2pm to get you there in time for the evening river cruise. The mangrove forest at Nanamun River is a relatively new destination for wildlife tours but a

number of jetties have sprung up to cater to its growing popularity.

Sighting of the shy and skittish proboscis monkey is not guaranteed but there are other wildlife to look out for such as the long-tailed macaque, river otter, and birds to make the journey well worth the effort.

The river cruise lasts for about an hour, and after a break, dinner is served at sunset by the beach. A herd of cattle was spotted taking a leisurely stroll on the beach, enjoying the

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Other highlights

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Nanamun River is about 20km from Kota Belud town and is one of the cultural hubs of Sabah. An essential highlight to the farming and fishing communities here is the weekly market where people gather to trade, strike up meaningful conversations over a strong cup of coffee or just to catch up on the latest gossip. It is a tradition that has carried on for more than a hundred years and continues to play an integral part in maintaining a close and harmonious relationship among all the different ethnic peoples here.

1. Cruising down the Nanamun River 2. A proboscis monkey 3. Cattle taking a sunset stroll 4. Buffalo racing in Kota Belud 5. A Bajau horseman 3

1&3 TYH Tours & Travel; 2,4&5 Sabah Tourism Board

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sunset like humans, certainly not something you see every day. This addition to the tour gives you the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty that Kota Belud is known for. After dinner, we go on another river cruise to see thousands of fireflies light up the mangrove trees like Christmas lights against the dark night sky. This spectacular view unfolds slowly as you cruise in darkness and has a magical quality to it that is absolutely breathtaking.

The combination of river cruising, wildlife spotting, fireflies and dinner at sunset makes this one of the more popular wildlife and nature tours for tourists who don’t have time to fit in a longer trip to the more popular wildlife destinations on the east coast.

For more details, check out TYH Borneo Tours & Travel Sdn Bhd at tyhborneotours.com

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Kota Belud Market Kota Belud is a melting pot of cultures in Sabah and a major tribe here is the Bajaus who were once nomadic seafarers known as sea gypsies. Leaving their wandering past behind, the Bajaus settled in fishing villages along the coast while those who ventured further inland turned to farming and horse rearing.

Horses were an important means of transportation in the old days and the horse riding skills perfected by the Bajau horsemen are still evident today, and remains an important part of their cultural heritage.

The famous Tamu Kota Belud is a weekly Sunday market where traders gather to sell their fresh produce, fish, delicious local cakes, woven baskets and colourful food covers, parang (machete), local musical instruments and even live buffaloes.

Once a year, Kota Belud hosts the Tamu Besar where people from all over the state flock to participate in the local festivities. Tamu Besar is literally the biggest tamu or open air market in Sabah and vendors come out in full force to sell their best goods which represent the finest of their individual culture and traditions.

One of the highlights during this annual event is the parade of the Bajau horsemen or Cowboys of the East.

Apart from displaying their unrivaled horse-riding skills, the Bajau horsemen would also dress their horses and ponies in resplendent costumes to match their own. Traditional sports such as buffalo racing delight the crowds and add more fun to the event.

Check out the event on www.sabahtourism.com for details.

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BiG snapshot Children playfully leaping into Tahai Lake in Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan Maruli Ferdinand

BiG getaway

Refreshed and Ritzy Wan Zainal Shazali

The Ritz-Carlton KL

The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur by the YTL group reopened in June this year to unveil a complete refurbishment of all its 364 guestrooms and suites, restaurants, spa and public spaces.

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ocated on the corner of Jalan Imbi, the exquisite Ritz-Carlton has welcomed guests from royalty and heads of states to personalities from the art and showbiz world since it opened in 1988. Post renovation, the hotel is back to its former glory, an iconic beacon of style and luxury in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Bukit Bintang, just minutes from the famed shopping attractions like Starhill Gallery and the Pavilion.

Having visited the property before the renovations, I was awed by the transformation. From the impressive porte cochere to the grand hotel lobby, I was transported to a new realm of luxury. The gleaming marble flooring with dark wood paneling accented with contrasting metal details cleverly combine contemporary design with a touch of classicism, while elegant furniture in sophisticated hues and designer light fittings complete the look.

Apart from the physical transformation, the refreshed Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur also offers a series of indulgent new

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1. The Pattiserie 2. The Suite Wing

living room 3. Afternoon tea in the Lobby Lounge 4. A chef-on-call in suite 5. The Cobalt Room culinary theatre

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imbibing and dining experiences within its exceptionally refined surroundings. Breakfast is served in the Cobalt Room where culinary theatrics take centre stage every morning at the open kitchens. You can lunch at the Pattiserie and take the popular afternoon tea in the Lobby Lounge. What used to be the breakfast room is now The Library, where there is a nightly menu du jour to tantalise the most fickle gourmand. The different dining venues give hotel guests different signature-dining experiences throughout the day and these places are extremely popular with the locals too.

The suite that I was assigned to, located on the 13th floor, has large windows running the length of the bedroom and living room, offering magnificent views of downtown Kuala Lumpur. Furnished with sumptuous fabrics and soothing colour tones by renowned New York- based design studio Champalimaud, the room provided a calm respite from the maddening tourist crowds in Bukit Bintang. A stay at the Ritz-Carlton also gives the added benefit of a round-theclock butler, who will expertly pack your suitcases while you lounge by the pool for one final drink.

And of course, no stay at this property would be complete

without a visit to the Spa Village located in the hotel annex. The Spa Village is known for its holistic, Asianthemed treatments that are guaranteed to impress even the most jaded spa-goer.

During checkout, I met a longtime friend who was visiting from Brunei too, and we both agreed that what makes RitzCarlton Kuala Lumpur so special is its location – it offers easy access to all the shopping and dining destinations in the area but at the same time, gives you the privacy that you yearn for, and with a service that is unmistakably Ritz-Carlton.

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Ridwan W. Horas

Ridwan W. Horas

Family Entertainment and Food At Jerudong Park Jerudong Park

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hat comes to your mind when you hear the name ‘Jerudong Park’? You are probably thinking of Brunei’s only outdoor amusement park. But did you know that Jerudong Park is not only Brunei’s ultimate family fun park, it has the largest open Food Court in the country? The Jerudong Park Food Court has three areas with a total of 48 food vendors. A clean, spacious and well-landscaped area, the Food Court offers a wide selection of cuisine ranging from Thai food, Indonesian food, local delicacies as well as Western fare.

The Food Court has become one of the main food destinations in Brunei and it is sure to satisfy all taste buds. Many people now hang out there with their families and friends.

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Jerudong Park Food Court is famous for its selection of affordable food and its convenient location with ample parking spaces. This has not only attracted the locals but also tourists from all around the world who appreciate different cuisines.

Try the famous “tongking”, BBQ Chicken Korea and many other specialties the Food Court has to offer. Jerudong Park Food Court now plays host to two major restaurants. One of it is the seafood-themed branch of the famous Indonesian eatery Pondok Sari Wangi. The restaurant offers unique and delicious seafood dishes such as steamed sea bass with crispy soybeans and crab dish.

Other than that, their most popular “ayam penyet” can also be found in the menu alongside a variety of

other food choices. Pondok Sari Wangi also boasts an elegant interior decor to complement the fine dining atmosphere.

If you’re a coffee lover, you can also try the coffee artistry at Foto Kopi within this Indonesian eatery.

It is the first of its kind in Brunei Darussalam serving coffee with exciting and unique 3D coffee foam that will put a smile on even the grumpiest person.

McDonald’s has finally opened its second branch after 24 years in Brunei. With their first drive-thru, the McDonald’s branch at Jerudong Park Food Court can comfortably seat 200 diners at one go.

A mainstay in Bruneian nightlife, Jerudong Park Food Court represents a landmark for all food lovers, whether you’re

there for Sotong King, Korean Gimbap or Churros. Now all there is left to do is to just sit back, relax and enjoy your meal after long hours of work. We are pretty sure we all have been there. So, what better way to enjoy your leisure time than to dine at Brunei’s largest open food court? All the local delicacies, Asian cuisine and many more are waiting to feed your hungry tummy.

If you’re looking for something exciting or a family day-out activity to put a smile on your loved ones, Jerudong Park also has its amusement park. This will surely ensure your kids remain entertained within the safe compound. For more information and updates on the playground, check out @JerudongPark on Instagram or visit www.jerudongparkplayground.com

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Take 5 4, Ground Flr, Spg 68, Jln Batu Bersurat, Gadong, BSB, Brunei Tel: (673) 727 7233 Open: 11.30am – 9pm, closed Sunday to Tuesday

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urger, sandwiches and lots of wings, Take 5 gives you casual dining food you can pick

Pelicana Chicken C7, Blk C, Grd Flr, Setia Kenangan II Spg 150-5-13-18, BSB, Brunei Tel: (673) 223 9933 Open: Daily 10am – 9pm

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orean fried chicken fans have been queueing daily and patiently at Pelicana Chicken since they opened in July, and they can’t get enough of the chicken brand from Korea that has been around for 27 years and has over 3,000 outlets in Korea and around the world.

You can choose to have your chicken in six flavours, or have them in burgers, with rice or noodles Korean style, or in a salad. Besides the run-of-the-mill

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fries, they have unique side dishes like seaweed salad, seasoned radish and carrot chips. Look out for their Hot O’ Meter chili symbols – one chili is mild, two means quite hot and three is super hot, but that may still be ‘so-so’ for some of you chili terrors. Pelicana has a long list of drinks but if you like a taste of Korea, try their barley tea and honey citron tea, or get a cold pressed fresh fruit juice.

Rafia’s VK Café G13, Citi Square, BSB, Brunei Tel: (673) 890 6990 Open: Mon-Sat 11am – 9pm, Friday 3pm – 9pm, Sunday 11am – 8pm, closed every first Monday of the month

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t Rafia’s VK café, there’s more than just macarons and desserts now. Their savoury

up with your hands for a fingerlicking-good finale. Their MVB – Most Valuable Burger - caught our eye.

Two pieces of deepfried chicken chop in crispy batter bathed in your choice of garlic mayo mushroom sauce or garlic mayo cheese sauce, topped with some beef bacon and a slice of cheese, and sandwiched between a bun and lettuce. This towering creation comes with fries and we think it is good for two to share, but a really hungry soul might disagree.

Their chicken wings – plain or coated with a choice of original, mustard or honey BBQ sauce – makes a good snack for one. For sweets, they have ‘freak-‘ or ‘monster-size’ shakes that are choc full of sweet components that can also double up as a dessert.

menu presents a handful of snack dishes: tortilla wraps with slow cooked beef shreds, lasagna and meatballs. You can have the meatballs in 2 ways, in a sandwich or over French fries, and choose a sauce to go with them - Delhi (curry sauce with a drizzle of coconut milk), Stockholm (Swedish style with pickled salad and tomato sauce) or Anatolia (tomato sauce mix with garlicky yogurt sauce).

When you’re done with the savoury snack, have a go at the pretty desserts, which have always been the star attractions here. Their sticky date pudding served with butterscotch sauce, cinnamon rolls, white chocolate coconut cake and signature chocolate cake are just a few of the treats to sweeten the palate after a round of meaty goodness.

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Eat, Drink Sabah Bak Kut Teh and various pork-parts dishes

of rice is good for one person but don’t stop there, order a variety of other dishes such as pork meatballs, a full range of organs and pig ears (yes, for the more adventurous ones reading this), tofu and yu cha kueh to share with your friends. Don’t forget the dipping sauce, just help yourself to the sweet and light soya sauces, cut chili and chopped garlic on the table at the entrance.

Insider tip Laden with herbs, Bak Kut Teh is a comfort food for the Chinese. A steaming bowl of pork spare ribs cooked in a herbal soup and a bowl

Location 74, Jalan Gaya, 88000 Kota Kinabalu

NON HALAL

Yu Kee Bak Kut Teh cavinteo.blogspot.com What

Sri Latha HALAL Curry House Pamela Fletcher What Banana leaf Indian food Insider tip This is a favourite with both locals and tourists who come here for good value biryani rice and curries served on banana leaf. Besides the usual chicken, lamb and beef, you can also have squid, prawns, mackerel and fish head curry. But the specialties that customers rave deliriously about are their aromatic fried fish eggs and crispy fried quail. It seems nothing compares and those who have eaten them can only utter superlatives. Other things on the menu to try with curries are their roti canai, thosai, idli and chapattis. Expect fast service and good food at reasonable prices.

Location No. 28, Jalan Berjaya, Bandar Berjaya, 88000 Kota Kinabalu

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Borenos Fried ChickenHALAL Courtesy of Borenos What Sabah brand crispy fried chicken Insider tip Borenos first opened on March 9 last year and it is Sabah’s first local fast food brand. Set up like a fast food chain but unlike the other fast food outlets, they use ingredients fresh from the farm to the plate. They use fresh (no overnight), locally and ethically sourced non-GMO farmed chicken and their coleslaw is made fresh daily from vegetables from Kundasang.

Besides the usual chicken parts, they also have whole or half spring chicken cooked the same way – with an even coating

of golden crispiness on the outside and juicy, flavourful meat. If you order the items individually, you can choose their popular Potato Platter and coleslaw, or go local and have rice or chicken porridge.

Location Lot G23, Star City North Complex, Jalan Asia City, 88000 Kota Kinabalu/ Centre Point Shopping Complex, Lot L9 – B1 & B2, Basement, Centre Point Sabah, 88000 Kota Kinabalu

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Eat, Drink Kuching

Bla Bla Bla Thanis Lim

Madeleine Café & Patisserie What Bakery and café Insider tip If you’re on a diet and walk in here, then say goodbye to your diet because Madeleine’s alluring pastries and cakes will destroy any willpower to resist. Inside, the smell of freshly baked, buttery croissants and brewed espressos from locally roasted Arabica beans perfume the bright and sunny contemporary Frenchsetting. Open for only less than a year, Madeleine is very popular with the locals who go there for the top-quality European breads, pastries and cakes, especially their signature Symphony Cake and almond croissants. Located inside the Spring Shopping Mall, it is the ideal place for hi-tea after a strenuous bout of shopping.

Location Ground Floor, The Spring Shopping Mall, Kuching Madeleine Cafe & Patisserie

What Asian fusion Insider tip Not only will you get a feast for the belly but the décor here is a feast for the eyes as well. The setting is unique with a Japanese koi pond, a Buddha head, candlelit courtyard and lush plants all around. Try their famed dishes such as midin with sliced chilis, lime, onions and parmesan cheese, a creative twist on a jungle fern; crispy mango duck and grilled salmon with a side of crispy fried cangkok manis leaves. They also serve exotic meats like ostrich and venison cooked with a touch of local or western flavours. Dishes are beautifully presented and portions tend to be large so order to share.

Location 27, Jalan Tabuan, 93000 Kuching

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Black Bean Coffee & Tea Company Thanis Lim What Brewed coffee and coffee beans Insider tip A truly original coffee shop nestled in a historic part of Kuching that’s loved by both the locals and tourists who read about them on social media. It’s a small, rustic shop with bushels of old world charm. The main draw is the gourmet coffee using freshly roasted Sarawak coffee

beans, and they hand pick only the good ones for roasting.

Coffee is brewed using modern machines so you can choose to have a western-style Cappucino using their local brew. And if tea is your thing, they have that too. A unique place that is always full, that’s because they only have three tables, so be ready to order coffee to go.

Location 87, Ewe Hai Street, 93000 Kuching

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reputation as one of the best in town so be prepared to queue.

They sell them in two sizes for RM5 and RM6, the latter comes with bigger prawns.

Chong Choon Café Lot 121, Jalan Abell Section 3, Kuching 93100 Tel: (6012) 857 1811 Open: 7am – noon (closed on Tuesday)

What’s in a Kuching Laksa broth?

Head to the Stalls Thanis Lim

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hen in Kuching, try out the local hangouts and see what they’re all about. Kuching dwellers will gladly point out the best food from small stalls within old unadorned coffee shops for your benefit but have no fear, the taste and quality of the food will obliterate any doubts cast by the less-thanglamorous premises. And when in Kuching, one mustn’t miss the Kuching laksa, also known as Sarawak Laksa as it is a treasure of the whole state. The earthy, spicy broth embracing the meehoon, prawns, shredded chicken, egg strips and bean sprouts, can only be made better by an additional scoop of sambal belachan and a squeeze of lime. Here are some halal and non-halal laksa joints that come highly recommended by the residents in Cat Town.

halal Teresa’s Sarawak Laksa This place behind Tune Hotel Kuching opens at night till late so if you can crawl there in the dead of the night you’ll be rewarded with Auntie Teresa’s laksa. Get the small for RM4 or ‘Special’ for RM6.

Galangal • Lemongrass • Fresh red and dried chilies Shallots and garlic • Belachan (shrimp paste) • Ground spices – cumin seeds, coriander seeds, star anise, cloves, nutmegs, cardamoms • Candlenuts • Chicken & prawn head/shell stock • Coconut milk halal

Golden Arch Laksa Teresa’s Laksa Also known as the Big Jalan Bukit Mata, Kuching 93100 Prawn Laksa, for obvious halal reasons. Order the medium and Mom’s Laksa Kopitiam you’ll get the medium prawns, Mom’s Laksa has several order the large and you’ll get the branches around Kuching. The jumbo crustaceans. difference is their clean and cosy Garden Café & Restaurant environment which is great for Golden Arch Shopping Mall enjoying their laksa that has a rich, Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce thick gravy. Their regular is RM6 Kuching 93200 and special is RM7, the latter is Tel: (6082) 336 884 superbly generous for the price.

Open: 4.30am – 1.30pm Mom’s Laksa Sublot No.2, Lot 2145, Section 65, Jalan Astana, Petra Jaya, Kuching 93050 Tel: (6019) 812 8587 Open: Tue - Sun: 6:30am - 4:30pm (closed on Monday)

Poh Lam Laksa Located inside the Chong Choon café where there are two other stalls selling noodles and kolo mee, it has a solid

Choon Hui Café Tested (twice!) by Anthony Bourdain who tweeted his approval to the world in 2015 so you will have to suffer its fame with long queues. Be patient, it will be worth the wait, you can then order the regular for RM6, the big one for RM8 and the special for RM10 with extra large prawns.

Choon Hui Cafe 34, Ban Hock Road Kuching, 93100 Auntie Angela’s Delicious Sarawak Laksa Flavourful and thick broth with big springy prawns makes this place very popular with the locals. The regular sells for RM6 and the large for RM10.

Level 1, Green Height Mall Food Court Kuching Tel: (6016) 888 6931 Open daily 8.30 am – 3pm Liew’s Laksa at Bormill Food Centre Rich red broth with a can’tbuy-it-anywhere sambal made from belachan specially crafted by the owner’s wife’s family in Bintulu. Portions come in ‘small’, ‘large’, and the colossal ‘ridiculous’ which has 5 prawns and more of everything else!

Liew’s Laksa 249, Jalan Padungan Teck Guan Building Kuching 93100

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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biG appetite

A Guy and His Pizza P

izza, it’s unpretentious, it tells no lies. You can see every ingredient plainly laid out on top of the crust, it’s open and honest, nothing hidden. It’s not only for mutant ninja turtles, many guys say the pizza is their best friend too. They say it’s the one that accompanies them when they’re watching a football match on TV with their buddies; it’s also there when they’re all alone in

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their apartment. The pizza is by their side when they are valiantly fighting ghouls and villains on their computers and they can’t abandon their station. When they’re hungry, they make one call and a pizza will be delivered to their front door, putting a smile on their faces. How many first dates were etched to memory over a pizza? Too many. We give you six pizza partners who will be there for you, through thick crust or thin.

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf 36 & 37, Maya Puri Building, Jln Sultan Tel: 222 0589

Caffé Verve 6A, Spg 68, Jln Batu Bersurat Tel: 875 7382

#1-16A, 1st Flr, The Mall, Gadong Tel: 245 7450 (call for other branches)

Tasconi’s Pizza C5, Grd Flr, Lot 10102, Spg 145, Kg Berakas Tel: 233 5222 (call for other branches)

Spaghettini Restaurant Level 6, Main Atrium Bldg The Empire Hotel and Country Club Tel: 241 8888 ext 77368 Margherita Pizzeria 5, Block A, Scout Complex, Jln Gadong Tel: 868 8884

Pastamania G8A-G10A, Times Square Shopping Centre Spg 13-29, Kg Jaya Setia, Jln Berakas Tel: 233 8061 (call for other branches)

biG appetite

TABLES OF ABUNDANCE Radisson Hotel has buffets galore. Their famous Sunday brunch buffet is a package of smoking BBQ and a cool dip in the pool. Check out their other delightful spreads from breakfast to dinner.

(For reservations call 224 4272 ext 8872) Breakfast Buffet B$18 net Mon-Sun 6.30am – 10.30am International Buffet Lunch B$19 net Mon-Sat Noon – 2.30pm

The Tasek Experience

Sunday BBQ Brunch B$24 net Sun 11.30am – 3pm

Since the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group took over the management of the hotel in May 2010 with one of their brands, Radisson, well-known for their Yes I Can! philosophy, the hotel has undergone a series of refurbishments in stages and the Tasek Brasserie finally got its turn for a facelift this year. It took three months to complete the works and the end result was unveiled at the hotel’s fourth anniversary celebrations in June. The idea was to modernise the restaurant while keeping it family-friendly for informal dining and redesigning the space to better present their international and Asian cuisine.

T

he new look was conceptualised by Saifullah Amin from SAMO Furniture, who brightens the dining area with a trio of light blue, lime and beige coloured chair fabrics and a line of clearglass light fittings that hang by the window looking out to the pool. The wooden-floored dining area and monochrometiled buffet section are distinctly separated. At the buffet area, diners can now scoop up hot meals from a long counter on the far side of the restaurant, pick up entrees from standalone square stations in the middle of the floor

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and pluck desserts from the lightwood shelves in the corner.

The buffet setup is focused on visibility and freshness of the dishes. Hot food is served in colourful shallow iron pans which instantly directs the diner’s attention to them and the smaller quantities in each ensures that the food is frequently replenished fresh from the kitchen.

A fresh look requires a fresh menu and the Radisson’s newly appointed Executive Chef Devesh Dabral is eager to thrill the palates of Bruneians with his culinary ideas. Chef Devesh brings with him a decade of

knowledge from his hometown in India having worked in a string of illustrious hotels such as The Shangri-La, ITC Hotel The Kakatiya Luxury Collection, Taj Falaknuma Palace and more.

While he is truly comfortable in creating North West Frontier cuisine, classical French, modern French and Italian, and molecular gastronomy for his diners, his own taste buds tend to prefer the humble flavours made by his mother in her kitchen.

Since Chef Devesh began heading the kitchen at Radisson

International Buffet Dinner B$27 net Sun-Thurs 6.30pm – 10pm Salad & Dessert Buffet B$15 net Sun–Thurs 6.30pm – 10pm

Brunei, he has been on a drive to utilise the abundant fresh local produce to develop new ideas. He introduced a new a la carte menu for Tasek Brasserie to complement the brand new look of the restaurant. For the last quarter of the year, Radisson will be introducing exciting food promotions for the year-end festive celebrations which without doubt, will feature a spellbinding assortment of cuisines that will delight the senses. It’s time for a colourful dining experience at the new Tasek Brasserie.

biG listings 8 Blk B Regent Square, Kiulap (673 223 4918)

Brunei

Guidelines: The restaurants and eateries listed are arranged by food types, and not in order of our preference. Reviews are written from a typical diner’s perspective and written based on actual visits to the establishments listed, without the prior knowledge of the restaurants. Information given on menus, hours or prices may change and should be checked. In Brunei, all restaurants are closed between 12 noon and 2 pm on Fridays.

Beanery & Co There’s coffee a-brewin’ down in Kuala Belait!

Opened in June 2016, Beanery & Co is a quaint little café that has successfully married the tricky combination of serving good coffee in equally good surroundings. And there are plenty of the usual suspects to choose from: lattes, cappuccinos, espressos and Americanos, and a few inventive lattes to stir things up: green tea, taro, chai and red velvet. A variety of meals can be found in their menu for the peckish, and a selection of delicious desserts.

So if you ever find yourself in KB town wondering where you can go for a good cup of coffee and a slice of cake, this is the place to go. #81 A/1 Grd Flr Jln Bunga Rambai, Kuala Belait Tel: (673) 334 7772

Our Picks Ranging from quick & easy meals to lobster & caviar, these are our favourite haunts around town!

Amulya This North Indian restaurant serves our favourite briyani in town. #3&4 Grd Flr Jln Setia Square Berakas, Kg Jaya Setia (673 233 9230) Chop Jing Chew Freshly made Roti Kahwin perfectly paired with a teh tarik 10 Spg 5 Jln Gadong, Kg Menglait (673 242 4132) Gwad Basha Arabian Restaurant Arabic cuisine at its finest #1A&1B Heng Thai Property Centre Spg 22 Jln Dato Ratna, Kiarong (673 245 0009) – call for other branches Restoran Makan & Soto Rosmini Our favourite soto hang-out 1 Spg 15, Jln Gadong (673 871 9946)

Mei Kong Coffee Shop A trip to Brunei isn’t complete without sampling their famous kolo mee 108 Jln Pemancha, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 224 0688) Kaizen Sushi served fresh on your table plus a variety of other Japanese cuisine Yayasan Complex Waterfront Side, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 222 6336) – call for other branches Pondok Sari Wangi Restaurant Serving the best of Indonesian cuisine 12-13 1st Flr Blk A Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 244 5043) – call for other branches Thien Thien Restaurant Purveyors of arguably the best Nasi Ayam in town 10 Grd Flr Mas Panchawarna Complex (673 222 2435) – call for other branches Ximply Chriz Café Divine desserts, great coffee and scrumptious meals

Taste of Asia Vietnamese pho, Thai tom yam, Japanese sushi, Korean kimchi and Bruneian ambuyat – this list covers most of our favourite Asian delights Ahan Thai 10 Blk B Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 245 2852) All Seasons Restaurant 17 1st Flr Times Square Shopping Centre, Kg Jaya Setia (673 233 8068) Aminah Arif 2 & 3 Blk B Grd Flr Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kiulap (673 223 6198) – Call for other branches Aneka Rasa Blk A #17 & 16 Grd & 1st Flr Bgn Begawan Pehin Dato Hj Mohd Yussof, Kg Kiulap (673 223 1728) Anjung Layar Luncur (Nur Wanita Serasa Branch) Simpang 287, Pantai Serasa (673 277 1879) Ar Ruhma Restaurant 329 Blk D Bgn Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 242 7847) Axtivo Restaurant Spg 13 Hj Uthman Complex, Berakas (673 233 5642) Babu’s Kitchen C44 Blk C Grd Flr Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 245 7868) Bali Pit-Stop 15 &16, Spg 150 Grd Floor, Block A Bangunan Habza, Kiulap (673 720 9992)

ADVERTISERS

GALLERY Bello Café

‘Bello’, which is Italian for ‘beautiful’, is certainly the right name for this elegantly designed café with their beautifully-styled food. Offering a tasty range of snacks, desserts, western and local main dishes, they are famed for their Swiss Burger and Chocolate Lava Pudding.

OPEN DAILY Mon-Fri 7.30am-10pm, Sat 7.30am11pm, Sun 8am-10pm; L1/12 Seri Kiulap Mall, KIULAP (673 223 3989) Casbah London Kebab

Pick lamb, chicken, beef or fish and have it dressed and wrapped your way – tikka, kebab, doner or shawarma style! A quick and deliciously meaty meal for hungry diners on the go.

OPEN DAILY; #G2a Grd Flr Times Square Complex, KG JAYA SETIA (673 234 3001) (Times Square Branch) or #204 Spg 210 Kg Lambak, JLN BERAKAS (673 880 3183) – Call for other branches 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 brewing their specialty coffee for the masses, including their ever-popular IceBlended coffee drinks.

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 Deals

This modern, refreshing and contemporary restaurant offers set menu for dinner for a gastronomic experience.

OPEN 7pm onwards (Mon-Sat), closed on Sundays and public holidays; Radisson Hotel Jln Tasek, BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (673 224 4272)

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biG listings

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Times Square Shopping Complex Coffee is taken seriously at Kg Jaya Setia, what with the indie and franchised coffee shops in the area. Upping their game is Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf located at the Times Square Shopping Centre, which had closed down for renovations and re-opened in July a lighter, cooler and fresher version of the café. Along with their signature blends of coffee, they now feature an expanded pasta and artisan pizza menu before only available in their Kg Mata-Mata branch. So if you’re looking for the BiG team at lunch time, you’ll probably find us munching away on their pizzas here. #G26 Grd Flr Times Square Shopping Centre Jln Jaya Setia, Berakas Tel: (673) 233 7358

Chatterbox Kopitiam 2 Grd Flr Bgn Hasbullah 2, Gadong (673 820 1212) G S Seafood Restaurant Sri Aman Complex, Tutong (673 422 1882) Golden Leaf Coffee House Blk 1 Grd Flr PAP Hjh Norain Building, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 222 0422) Gratitude Café Grd Flr Serusop Complex, Kg Delima Satu (673 234 1123) Impian Rasa Restaurant #5 Bgn Pg Hjh Rafiah Spg 607 Jln Jangsak, Gadong (673 265 3858) – Call for other branches Kaka Restaurant 2 & 3 Spg 100 Jln Jerudong (673 267 2333) – Call for other branches La Mee #1B & 1c Grd Flr Spg 41-112, Jln Kiarong (673 243 0113) Lee Loi Fatt Blk A #7 Grd Flr Serusop Complex, Kg Delima Satu (673 234 2384) – Call for other branches

Mangrove Paradise Resort Spg 912 Kg Sungai Belukut, Jln Kota Batu (278 6868) MY Favoureat Restaurant 9 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Munchit & Hjh Rapiah, Kg Jaya Setia (673 233 9410) MyTown Eating House Grd Flr The Crown Princess Complex, Jalan Tutong (673 224 1880) Nyonya 3 Grd Flr Bgn Hasbollah, Gadong (673 244 7090) Old Time Kopitiam G2 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Ibrahim, Kg Menglait (673 244 8282) PappaRich Blk G Grd Flr Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 243 2333) Pho Hoa Restaurant #6 Grd Flr Blk B Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kg Kiulap (673 223 6218) Pho Real 1st Flr Times Square Food Court, Kg Jaya Setia Rice Bowl 72 T.C.Y Building, Batu Bersurat (673 863 0665)

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biG listings

ADVERTISERS

GALLERY Ideal Café and Grill

Homegrown fast-food brand Ideal Café & Grill has been serving Brunei its signature grilled rotisserie chicken since 1996, when it first started off selling its homemade grilled chicken in a modest stall. The restaurant chain remains strong as ever today, serving customers their farm-fresh, freshly grilled rotisserie chicken in restaurants in five different locations, and remains a local favourite.

OPEN DAILY 9am-10pm; Goodwood Building Kg Menglait, GADONG (673 245 5595) – Call for other branches Tasek Brasserie

Ran’s Coffee Brunei has been experiencing a glut of quality coffeehouses but we have always been potty for the evermoving Ran’s Coffee, a barista service that only shows up with their signature yellow cups at pop-up events.

Thankfully, you can now buy yourself a cup of Ran’s Coffee without having to hunt down every pop-up event in Brunei, as they have now opened a cozy little yellow outlet selling their unique blends of coffee. Tea, non-coffee selections, desserts and snacks are also available here, but if you’re a caffeine lover, order up a no-frills black Americano for a good ol’ caffeinated buzz.

1st Flr The Centrepoint Hotel Abdul Razak Complex Terminal One T1-05, Gadong Tel: (673) 869 7700

Sapphira Cake House 3 Grd Flr Seri Anigma, Kiulap (673 223 2021) Seasons Restaurant Lvl 2 The Centrepoint, Gadong (673 242 2291) Seafood Palace #1, 2 & 3 Blk B An-Nuha Building, Kg Tanjung Bunut (673 267 1299) Seaworld Neptune 8 Spg 791, Jerudong (673 261 2613) Shikai 1 & 2 Blk E Grd Flr Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat Taty’s Café A9 Grd Flr Muara Centre, Muara Town Spicy Curry & Wraps From Arabic to Indian cuisine, check out these restaurants if you like a spicy kick to your meals

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Amsarra Shawarma & Espresso Grd Flr Airport Mall, Kg Jaya Setia

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

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

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

C’Fu Curry House Restaurant Spg 103 #5 & 6 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Md Salleh, Gadong (673 245 7000) Delhi Darbar Restaurant & Catering Spg 38 Jln Jerudong (673 267 2826) Le Taj 2-3 2nd Flr Seri Kiulap Complex, Kiulap (673 223 8996) Lotus Family Restaurant 27B Grd Flr Delima Jaya Complex, Berakas (673 234 2049)

Western Food Italian pizzas, American steaks and burgers, British cottage pies – we list down the restaurants that serve the best from the west

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) TeaBox

Ya Nur Restaurant #7 1st Flr Bgn Hj Tahir 2, Kg Menglait (673 871 9986)

Charcoal BBQ & Grill Restaurant Grd Flr Le Gallery Suites Hotel, Jln Tutong (673 222 1171) – Call for other branches

Selling specialised teas since they first opened in 2006, this is a One-Stop Drink Kiosk that offers a variety of flavoured teas and other types of drinks for customers on the go. Aside from beverages, they also offer healthy snacks such as tortillas and sandwiches, and a variety of desserts such as puddings, cheesecakes and cookies. We highly recommend the Malacca Frappe and Pearl Milk Tea – delicious! Available in three outlets: Giant Tasek Rimba, The Mall Gadong and Jaya Centrepoint Foodcourt.

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

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

OPEN DAILY 10am-10pm; Grd Flr Jaya Centrepoint Foodcourt, GADONG (673 245 0436) – Call for other branches

Sameer Restaurant & Catering G1 Grd Flr Sg Akar Sentral, Berakas (673 233 6613)

Bistro Chez Fio 13 Grd Flr Blk A Q-Lap Complex, Kg Kiulap (673 223 4933)

Spices Retaurant #1 Grd Flr Blk A Aman Complex, Jln Muara (673 233 0081)

Buccaneer Steak House 92-93 (B) 94 Grd Flr Jln McKerron, Kuala Belait (673 333 0406)

The Wrap #2 Jerudong Park Food Court, Jerudong

biG listings

The Bung’eo & Snack Bar For those of you uneducated in Korean ice-cream culture, Bungeoppang is the Korean name of a fishshaped waffle pastry similar to the Japanese taiyaki. At Bung’eo – which shares the same location as Chatime in Citis Square, these waffles are stuffed with your choice of filling (red bean, custard or Nutella), topped with premium ice-cream, which is then sprinkled with your choice of toppings. The end result is an ice-cream treat that is super cute to look at and even tastier to eat! #28 Grd Flr Citis Square Kg Jaya Setia, Berakas Tel: (673) 718 3883

Countrypatch Café 3 Grd Flr Blk D Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kiulap (673 223 2368) – Call for other branches De’ Olde Cottage 2 Grd Flr Blk C Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 242 6982) – Call for other branches Deli-Bites Royal Brunei Recreation Club (Poolside Terrace) Jln Terunjing Lama, Berakas (673 877 928) Element Fusion #8&9 Blk A 1st Flr Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 717 2992) Flapjack House #6 Bagn Majid Mohamad Jln Pasar Baharu, Kg Kiarong (673 245 0987) Fish & Co 18 & 19 Grd Flr Citis Square, Kg Jaya Setia (673 239 2555) Fleur-de-lys L1/1 Seri Q-Lap Mall, Kiulap (673 223 1777) – Call for other branches Fratini’s Restaurant #1 Grd Flr The Centrepoint Hotel, Gadong

(673 245 1200) – Call for other branches Home Kitchen

by Tree-Bit Café D8 & D9 Lot 11620 Grd Flr Jln Gadong, Kg Mata-Mata (673 242 9366) Kitchen of Jasmine by Aranda Café #17, Blk E, Atiya Complex, Spg 100, Jln Jerudong (673 899 7333) Magherita Pizzeria #5 Blk A Scout Complex Jln Gadong, Kg Mata-Mata (673 868 8884) Paddington House of Pancakes 3&4 Spg 58, Berakas (673 233 1668) Pastamania #9 Grd Flr Blk H Abdul Razak Complex, Gadong (673 245 7441) – Call for other branches Pepper Lunch Brunei C9/10 Grd Flr Setia Kenangan II, Kg Kiulap (673 225 3000) Qasehmaisara Café House #206-209 2nd Flr Plaza Athirah, Jln Kubah Makam DiRaja (673 278 9898)

RMS Diner A5 Lot 308 Bgn Maju Jln Bunga Raya, Kuala Belait (673 334 7455) RMS Portview Seafood Restaurant #44 Jln Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien, BSB (673 223 1466) Rovansil Restaurant #36-38 1st Flr Citis Square, Kg Jaya Setia (673 233 7129) Red Canopy Café #5 Blk C Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 245 3878) Sorriso Restaurant & Pizzeria 14 Blk B Grd Flr Regent Square, Kiulap (673 223 3030) Swensen’s 2.34-2.36 2nd Flr The Mall, Gadong (673 245 1864) Wing-It #16 Grd Flr Citis Square, Kg Jaya Setia (673 722 4999)

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

53

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

Another Café #2 Grd Flr Blk A Bgn Hj Abd Rahman & Hjh Siti Ajar, Kiulap (673 223 3593) Baristas by Modesto Grd Flr Foor Areana Seri Q-Lap Mall, Kg Kiulap (673 720 3777/223 7771) BELLUNO Café #2 Blk C Kiarong Complex, Kg Kiarong (673 242 9010) Brew Café & Bakery #47 Grd Flr Blk C Gadong Central, Menglait (673 242 7554) Caffé Verve #6A Spg 68, Jln Batu Bersurat (673 875 7382) Countrypatch Café 3 Grd Flr Blk D Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kiulap (673 223 2368) – call for other branches Fleur-de-lys L1/1 Seri Q-Lap Mall, Kiulap (673 223 1777) – call for other branches Games & Lattes Café #E9 Grd Flr Blk E Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap (673 223 5200) Gloria Jean’s Coffee G17 Citis Square, Berakas (673 233 8452) High Frequency Lifestyle Café 1st Flr Unit 5 Blk B Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 242 8262) It’s a Grind Coffeehouse 1, Grd Floor, Bgn AlWarasah, Muara Town (673 277 2424) – call for other branches Kapra Coffee #26 Grd Flr Blk C Spg 440, Jln Muara (673 234 5656) Kitchen of Jasmine by Aranda Café #17, Blk E, Atiya Complex, Spg 100, Jln Jerudong (673 899 7333) Ner Dee Café #F11 1st Flr Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap (673 721 4977)

Rack & Brew #9 Blk H 1st & 2nd Flr Abdul Razak Complex, Gadong (673 729 9668)

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

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

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

Rafia’s VK Café G13 Citis Square, Kg Jaya Setia (673 890 6990)

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

Quick Eats Fast and delicious meals for those on the go

Pan & Wok #28A Grd Flr Airport Mall, Kg Jaya Setia (673 234 2836)

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

Non-Halal Options

The Frenz Café Grd Flr #13 Blk A Q-lap Complex, Kg Kiulap (673 279 1374) The Krema Coffee #D31 Lim Eng Ming Complex Blk D, Kg Kiulap (673 897 3600) The Library Café #6 Blk C Bangunan Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap Divine Dining Exquisite meals in beautiful settings – perfect for special occasions Atrium Café The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 241 8888) Dynasty Restaurant Grd Flr The Centrepoint Hotel, Gadong (673 243 0185) Fratini’s Restaurant Blk H Yayasan Complex Waterfront Side, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 223 1466) – Call for other branches

Peppermint Café 14, Blk A, Grd Floor, Spg 493, Beribi (673 8221888)

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

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

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

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Savy’s Brasserie 204 Lvl 2 Mabohai Shopping Complex, Mabohai (673 224 0829) Senja Restaurant 8&9 Grd Flr Seri Kiulap Complex, Kiulap (673 223 5313) Spaghettini The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 241 8888) Tarindak d’Polo Royal Brunei Polo & Riding Club, Jerudong (673 261 2500) Tarindak D’Seni Brunei Arts & Handicrafts Centre, Kota Batu (673 224 0422) Go Green Healthy and vegetarian friendly options Mituo Vegetarian Restaurant Grd Flr Pg Anak Puteri Norain Complex, Batu Satu (673 222 2821) Pureland Vegetarian Restaurant #15 Blk B Grd Flr Bgn Hj Awg Ahmad bin Hassan & Anakanak, Kiulap (673 223 6503) The Energy Kitchen Grd Flr Fitness Zone Kiulap (673 223 3323)

Danes Café #102, Bgn Batu Bersurat,

Jln Batu Bersurat (673 242 8914) Phongmun Restaurant 2nd Flr Teck Guan Plaza Jln Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 222 9561) Sui Heng Restaurant Grd Flr Hj Munchit & Hjh Rapiah Complex, Kg Jaya Setia (673 233 8321)

biG listings

Sabah & Sarawak

Nam Chai Restaurant Bah Kut Teh 10 Blk D Bdr Nam Tung, Sandakan (6089 612 603)

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.

Nan Yang Chic Kut Teh Grd Flr Lot 47 Jln Pantai, Kota Kinabalu (6016 833 5722)

Credit Cards : AE | American Express MC | MasterCard V | Visa

Eat (Sabah) Bar Tzar Bistro Lot 12 The Waterfront Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 260 211)

Hut Steak House & Restaurant 29 Blk E Damai Plaza, Kota Kinabalu (6088 238 558)

Mai Yai Thai Orchid Restaurant Lot 13 KK Waterfront, Kota Kinabalu (6088 234 841)

Bella Italia 69 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 313 366)

Jothy’s Fish head Curry & Banana Leaf Blk 1 Lot G9 Api Api Centre, Kota Kinabalu (6088 261 595)

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

K. Sanba’s Curry Specials Blk F Lorong Plaza Utama 1 Alamesra, Kota Kinabalu (6016 833 2308)

Mr Ho’s Fine Foods L-72-G Grd Flr Blk L KK Times Square Phase 1, Kota Kinabalu (6088 222 623)

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

Kampung Nelayan Taman Tun Fuad Bukit Padan, Kota Kinabalu (6088 256 001)

Cabo Lot 32-0, Lorong Lintas Plaza 3, Kota Kinabalu Tel: (6088) 252 182 - Mexican cuisine

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

Nagasaki Japanese Restaurant No 19 Grd Flr Bangunan Harrison Jln Hj Saman, Kota Kinabalu (6088 216 623)

Café De Vie Lot D-0-6 Lorong Metro Town 3, Kota Kinabalu (6088 393 863) Circle Restaurant Le Meridien Hotel, Kota Kinabalu (6088 322 222) Emperor’s Delight Lot 6 Grd Flr Jln Pantai, Kota Kinabalu (6088 288 686) Fong Ip Café Lot 100 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 213 618) Full House G7&1-10 Suria Sabah Jln Tun Fuad Stephens (014 559 9306) Gam Tong Hong Kong Recipe Lot G-823 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 488 833) Grand Port View Sea View Restaurant 16 Jln Tun Fuad Stephen, Kota Kinabalu (6088 538 178) Hana Japanese Restaurant Lot S21&S22 Blk E City Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 538 178) Hot Rod Sausage House No 1-G-02 Blk A Warisan Square, Kota Kinabalu (6016 804 3999)

Mdm Ing Fish Noodle Lot 21 Towering Koidupan Perdana Jln Tambunan, Penampang (6016 831 8726)

Natural Kitchen Lot No B10 & B11, Suria Sabah Shoppin Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 487 180) Nishiki Japanese Restaurant Shop 4 Grd Flr 63 Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu (6088 230 582) October Coffee House Blk B The Peak Vista Lorong Puncak 1 Tjg Lipat, Kota Kinabalu (6010 346 954) Open Kitchen Grd Flr, Unit 8, Blk 1, Metro Town, 88300 Kota Kinabalu Tel: (6088) 254 161 - Asian food incorporating health conscious ingredients Pancake House Concourse Flr 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 448 110)

Lot G94-94A Karamunsing Complex, Kota Kinabalu (6088 319 168) Party Play 117 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 311 210) Pasta Pasta 108 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6014 371 4665) Peppermint Vietnamese Cuisine No. 85 Grd Flr Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6012 802 4582) Port View Seafood Village Lot 18 The Waterfront Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 221 753)

Sailors Lot 36 1st Flr Grand Millennium Plaza, Penampang (6088 731 960) Sakura Japanese Restaurant G-23A & G-25, Oceanus Waterfront Mall Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, 88000 Kota Kinabalu Tel: (6088) 273 604 - Japanese cuisine Santola Café Lot 14 Blk B Damai Point, Kota Kinabalu (6088 260 188) Seng Hing Restaurant Ruang Sinsugan 2, Kota Kinabalu (6088 211 594)

Restaurant Baba & Nyonya Recipe Blk E Grd Flr Grand Millennium Plaza, Penampang (6016 810 8206)

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

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

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

Kohinoor North Indian Restaurant Lot 4 The Waterfront Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 235 160) Korean Club Restaurant 4 Jln Aru, Kota Kinabalu (6088 232 213) Kudos Bistro 69 Gaya Street (inside Jesselton Hotel), Kota Kinabalu (6088 313 366) La Fuente G-816 Grd Flr 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 488 000) La Safran Grd Flr, The Peak Vista, Blk B, Lorong Puncak 1, Tg Lipat, 88400 Kota Kinabalu Tel: (6088) 266 489 - non-halal French cuisine Little Italy Grd Flr Hotel Capital Jln Hj Saman, Kota Kinabalu (6088 232 231) Mad Ben Café Lot 121, Jalan Gaya, 88000 Kota Kinabalu Tel: (6088) 255 073 - classic western food

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

55

biG listings

Supul Korean BBQ Restaurant Lot S-1-8 1st Flr City Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 448 844)

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

Beei Jing Restaurant Sdn Bhd 157 Jln Kg Nyabor, Sibu (6084 330 955)

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

Bismi Restaurant 27 Jln Sommerville, Bintulu Absolute Tribal Restaurant (6086 331 835) Hills Shopping Mall, Kuching (6082 237 468) Bites by the Batik 38 Jln Pandungan, Kuching Alfian Restaurant (6082 422 845) 52 Pekan Marudi, Marudi (6085 755 215) Bla Bla Bla 27, Jln Tabuan, 93000 All Joy Café Kuching Tel: (6082) 233 944 8-1 Jln Khoo Hun Yeang, - Chinese-inspired fusion Kuching (6082 243 535) dishes

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

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

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

Apple Restaurant 78 Jln Tun Ahmad Zaidi, Bintulu (6086 333 377) Boardriders Café Plaza Merdeka Jln Pearl, Aroma Café Kuching (6082 237 526) 126 Jln Tabuan, Kuching (6082 417 163) Boulevard Restaurant 2228 Jln Saberkas, Lutong Asian Express Restaurant (6085 653 175) G40 The Spring, Kuching (6082 414 088) Buenas Filipino Lechon & Restaurant Bee Hiong Restaurant Café 329 Jln Tj Batu, Bintulu 157G Jln Muhibbah, Lawas (6086 310 860) (6085 285 137)

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

Yoshimi Japanese Restaurant Warisan Square, Kota Kinabalu (6088 488 388) Yu Kee Bak Kut Teh 74, Jln Gaya, 88000, Kota Kinabalu Tel: (6088) 221 192 - All pork dishes served in herbal soup

Black Bean Coffe & Tea 87, Ewe Hai Street, 93000 Kuching (6082) 420 290 - Most aromatic shop in town with the finest brews

Café Café at Original Carwash Lot 211-214, Section 9, KTLD, Rubber Rd, Kuching Tel: (6082) 256 396 - Asian and western fare including Nyonya and Foochow cuisine Café Min Xin Lot 1126-27 Riam Comm Centre, Miri (6085 628 839) Capital Restaurant 86 Jln Keppel, Bintulu (6086 331 160) Carvery Restaurant Jln Abell, Kuching (6082 239 449) Casabella Mediterranean Restaurant Crown Square, Kuching (6082 346 612) Chef at Home Lorong Green 1 Blk 10, Kuching (6016 858 5159) Chuan Hong Restaurant 123 Jln Council SAman (6083 322 466)

Crown Dynasty Restaurant Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Bintulu (6086 335 908) Cuppa-Kap Coffee Jln Song, Kuching (6019 8869636) Da Mi Xiang Gu Tou Bao Restaurant Tabuan Hts Comm Centre, Kuching (6082 458 952) Dynasty Chinese Restaurant Oil Town Comm Complex, Miri (6085 424 000) Earthlings Coffee Workshop Coffee shop, roaster, academy Lot 45, Grd Flr, No.1, CityONE Megamall, Jln Song East Court Chicken Rice 867 Jln Club SAman (6083 326 818) Eden Everise Wisma Nation Horizon, Block C, Kuching (6016 888 4522) Escobar SF3 Damai Cenral Pantai Damai Santubong, Kuching (6014 288 1160) Fac Bravo Restaurant 7778 Jln Sultan Iskandar, Bintulu (6086 316 920) Farley Restaurant 1721 Jln Salim, Sibu (6019 816 3052)

Khan’s Bilal Restaurant 229-G Jln Maju, Miri (6085 418 440) Kim Bay HK Macau Restaurant Boulevard Shopping Mall Jln Datuk Tawi, Kuching (6082 239 308) Koreana Restaurant 10002 Jln Tun Jugah, Kuching (6082 575 072) Kuching Noodle Porridge House 115-1 Wisma Saberkas, Kuching (6082 426 005) L.L. Banana Leaf 7G Lorong Rubber 1 Jln Rubber, Kuching (6082 239 404) Li Garden Restaurant Hock Lee Centre, Kuching (6082 340 785) Lim Hock Ann 96 1 Jln Kg Kuntal, Kuching (6082 846 533) Lok Thian Restaurant 317 Jln Padungan, Kuching (6082 3313 310) Lu Lai Vegetarian 3641, Lrg 2 Off Jln Rock, Kuching (6082 242 863)

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

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

Fratini’s Restaurant 2512 Jln Boulevard 3, Miri (6085 431 115)

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

Golden City Restaurant 87, Jln Ong Chu Seng, Saratok (6083 436 139) Highlands Seafood Restaurant 298 Jln Tj Bt, Bintulu (6086 318 828) Hock Chu Leu Restaurant 28 Jln Tukang Besi, Sibu (6084 316 524) Imperial Duck Restaurant 313 Jln Padungan, Kuching (6082 336 313)

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Jubilee Restaurant 49G Jln India, Kuching (6082 245 626)

Feast & Furious Café 244, Jln Tunku Abdul Rahman (6016 2620916)

Fu Lai Siang Restaurant 108 Jln Pekan Bt Niah, Bt Niah (6085 737 168)

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James Brooke Bistro & Café Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 93100 Kuching Tel: (6082) 412 210 - Western and signature local cuisine by the waterfront

Mango Tree Restaurant Jalan Crookshank, Kuching (6082 235 353) Map Restaurant Bang Terminal, Kuching (6082 459 087) Marco Polo Restaurant 116A BDA Shahida, Bintulu (6086 332 458) Medan Seafood Restaurant 56, Jln Mdn Setiaraja, Mukah (6084 874 145) Merry Restaurant 187 Jln Song Thian Cheok, Kuching (6082 240 118)

biG listings

Metro Café 781 Jln Bangkita, Limbang (6085 215 488) Min Hua (89) Restaurant G 13 Jln Bintang Utara, Bintangor (6084 693 240) Momoyama Wisma Phoenix, Kuching (6082 420 561)

Pinang Nyonya 18, Grd Flr, 2nd Precinct, Jln Setia Raja 93450 Kuching Tel: (6082) 459 162 - non-halal nyonya cuisine Popular Corner Seafoods Restaurant Bda Shahida Commercial Centre, Bintulu (6086 319 688)

My Little Kitchen 56, Upper China Street, D’tea Pavilion, Friendship Park Jln Song, Kuching Tel: (6016) 858 6669 - Home cooked style Scandinavian food inspired by the owner’s grandma’s recipes

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

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

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

Orion Tropical Jln Merpati, Miri (6085 417 417)

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

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

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

Patz Dayak Home Cook Special New Fulll 3 Foodcourt, Stutong (next to Giant Hypermart, Tabuan Jaya) (6016 864 4763) Pin Pin Café 18 Jln Krokong Bau (6082 763 486)

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

Sajian Warisan Restaurant 537 Jln Gartak, Miri (6085 429 911) Salleh’s Corner Café RPR Phase 2 Shoplot Jln Astana Petra Jaya, Kuching (6012 807 8033)

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

Teo Seafood 787 Jln Kg Buntal, Kuching (6082 846 532)

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

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

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

Warung Nasi Kuning Jln Tun Jugah, Kuching (6016 809 1286)

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

The Dyak Restaurant Sublot 29, Grd Flr, Panovel Commercial Complex, Jln Simpang Tiga, 93300, Kuching Tel: (6016) 868 0071 - indigenous Dayak cuisine

Wei Thian Restaurant Golden Square, Siburan (6082 862 968)

Sheraton Restaurant 37 Psn Brooke, Sibu (6084 336 341) Sin Lung Sheng Fu Tiao Qiang Restaurant 10788 Jln Simpang Tiga, Kuching (6082 231 260) Sin Soon Chin Restaurant 2415 Jln Boulevard 2, Miri (6012 808 5456) Sri Menanti Coffee House Restaurant 15 Lrg Pahlawan 7b, Sibu (6084 218 196) Surabaya Restaurant 288 Jln Bendahara, Miri (6085 411 239) Sushi Kin The Spring, Kuching (6082 245 355)

The Junk 80, Jln Wayang, 93000 Kuching (6082) 259 450 - Western fare Tian Xian Relish Restaurant 313 Jln Melaka Raya, MC (606 288 1120) Tong Lok Restaurant 1367 Jln Buangsiol, Limbang (6085 216 188) Tong Xin Court Restaurant 151 Lrg Datuk Abang Abd Rahim 5a, Kuching (6082 482 252)

Sushi Tie-tts Wisma Sanyan, Sibu (6084 342 875)

Topspot Bukit Mata Seafood Centre Jln Padungan, Bukit Mata, Kuching Tel: (6019) 889 9838 - Halal seafood centre with seafood fresh off the boats

Ten-Ichi Japanese Restaurant 317 Jln Padungan, Kuching (6082 331 310)

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

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)

Xin Tsui Siang Kitchen Wisma Nation Horizon Blk D, Kuching (6082 414 616)

South Sea Sanctuary Spa Jln Tugu Pusat Bandar, Kota Kinabalu (6088 248 221)

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

SARAWAK

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

Borneo Odyssey Spa Blk 13 Hilltop Wing, Damai Beach Resort, Santubong (6082 846 999)

INVIGORATE

Damaipuri Resort & Spa Teluk Penyuk, Santubong (6082 846 900)

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)

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)

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

57

biG essentials

BRUNEI Banks Banks in Brunei Darussalam are usually open Mondays to Fridays, 9am - 4pm and on Saturdays, 9am 11am. Some banks have branches with later closing times. Islamic banks follow the same operation hours except on Fridays when they are closed for prayers between 11am - 2.30pm.

Cash withdrawals and deposits can be made from Automated Teller Machines (ATM) that can be found in various shopping complexes and bank branches all over the country. ATM cards affiliated with the international Plus or Cirrus systems are accepted at most ATMs.

Credit cards VISA and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards in hotels, restaurants and major shopping complexes.

Some establishments accept American Express.

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58

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

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Telecommunications Friday Prayer Time All retail, food and beverage outlets and business offices are closed between 12 noon and 2pm on Fridays to observe the Friday prayer time for Muslims.

Islamic Etiquette Although Islam is the state religion of Brunei Darussalam, it is also a country that prides itself on the diversity of its people – including their religions. Visitors are welcome to mosques, provided some etiquette is followed. In general, proper attire is required; women are required to cover their head, shoulders, and knees.

Some mosques will provide simple robes and shawls to meet these standards. Shoes are to be removed before entering a mosque. Please do not pass in front of people in prayer, and do not touch the Al-Quran. Please ask for permission before taking photographs – particularly inside!

Mosques are usually closed on Thursday and Friday, and during prayer times – your hotel, tour guide, or Muslim locals can help you determine a good time to visit.

Most public phones operate on calling cards such as Hello card, Netkad and Payless. These cards can be purchased at any store and comes in $5, $10, $20 and $50 denominations. Prepaid calling cards for the two mobile telephone operators, DST and Progresif Cellular, can be purchased from their respective authorised dealers in major shopping areas.

Taxis

Tourist Information

Centre

Located at the Kg. Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery (9am - 2pm). Visitors can obtain information about Brunei and related pamphlets and maps free from here.

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.

Water

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

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 your preferred taxi driver’s number to organize prearranged trips.

Taxis Unique to Brunei, the water taxi is the most common means of transportation in Kampong Ayer.

You can hail a water taxi from the numerous jetties along the banks of Brunei River. Fares are negotiable but usually a standard ride costs about B$1.00. Regular boat services to Temburong operate between 7.45am to 4pm daily and a round trip costs B$15.00.

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

USEFUL local Malay words Good morning Good afternoon Goodnight Thank you You’re welcome What is your name?

My name is …

Excuse me Yes No How much?

Where is the toilet?

I want to go to …

Turn right Turn left

Selamat pagi

Jalan terus

Selamat petang

Lapangan Terbang

Go straight Airport Selamat malam Town Terima kasih Home Sama-sama Shops Siapa nama awda? Eat Nama saya …

Drink Maafkan saya Walk Ya Chicken Tidak Beef Berapa?

Seafood Di mana tandas?

Vegetables Saya mahu pergi ke... Rice Belok ke kanan 1, 2, 3...

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

Belok ke kiri

NUMBERS TO NOTE

FOREIGN MISSIONS

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

Australia 222 9436/426

FLIGHT INFORMATION General 2331747

Bangladesh 223 8420 Cambodia 242 6450 Canada 222 0043 China 233 9609 France 222 0969/961

AIRLINES 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

Germany 222 5574

MEDICAL SERVICES RIPAS Hospital 2242424 Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) 2611433 Gleneagles JPMC 2611212 Tutong Hospital 4221336 Ext 991 Kuala Belait Hospital 3332366 Ext 991 Temburong Hospital 5221526 Ext 127

Pakistan 242 4600

India 233 9685

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

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

Indonesia 233 0180 Japan 222 9265/6867 Korea 233 0248 Laos 238 4382 Malaysia 238 1095/1097 Myanmar 245 1960/1965

Philippines 224 1465/1466 Russia 261 2142 Saudi Arabia 279 2822/2823 Singapore 226 2714/2742 Thailand 265 3108 United Kingdom 222 2231 USA 238 4616 Vietnam 265 1580/1587

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

59

biG essentials

Tourist Information Centre

SABAH Banks

Banks open from 9am to 4pm from Mondays to Fridays and are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. ATM machines are available 24 hours. Major shopping malls also have ATM machines and are available during operating hours.

Credit Cards Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards at hotels, restaurants and major shopping malls. Some establishments do accept American Express.

$

Money Changer

Licensed money changers can be found at the airport, shopping malls, hotels and major banks.

SARAWAK Banks

Banks open from 9.30am to 3pm from Mondays to Fridays and are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

ATM machines are available 24 hours. Major shopping malls also have ATM machines and are available during operating hours.

Credit Cards Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards at hotels, restaurants and major shopping malls. Some establishments do accept American Express.

Telecommunications

Buses

There are three main bus terminals that operate regular services. The terminal along Jalan Tun Razak provides services within the city and its outskirts. For destinations south of the city (Papar, Beaufort, Tenom, Tambunan, Keningau), use the terminal near Padang Merdeka.

For any other destinations north of the city and all the way to the east coast towns of Sandakan, Tawau, Lahad Datu and Semporna, you have to take a bus to the Kota Kinabalu North Bus Terminal in Inanam and from there proceed to your destination of choice. Kinabalu Park is located en route from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan.

Air Travel

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

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A free city-tram service is available for sightseeing around Kuching with pick up points at designated hotels. A daily bus service between Kuching and the airport operates from 6am-7pm and takes 40 minutes. The main intercity bus terminal is at Penrissen Bus Terminal southeast of Kuching. Ask Tourism Information Centres for bus timetables; a ‘green bus’ in the Kuching area goes to Santubong (SCV).

Air Travel

Kuching International Airport services airlines to destinations within Malaysia and overseas via Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia, Firefly, Tiger Airways, Royal Brunei, Silk Air and Batavia Air (Pontianak, Kalimantan).

A network of services using smaller aircrafts provides access to remote destinations within Sarawak such as Bario, Mulu and Ba Kelalan.

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

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Taxis

Taxis are available at both airport terminals and cost about RM30.00 to get to the city.

The journey takes between 10-15 minutes. Within the city, taxi stations are located next to major shopping malls and hotels. Long distance taxi services can be found next to Padang Merdeka.

Buses

Money Changer

$

It is possible to make IDD phone calls at payphones using coins or call cards. Prepaid calling cards are also widely available by authorized dealers at shopping malls. Most major hotels have WIFI facility either in their guest rooms or public areas. An increasing number of restaurants now have WIFI zones too.

Cybercafés offer very affordable rates for internet services.

Telecommunications

It is possible to make IDD phone calls at payphones using coins or call cards.

Prepaid calling cards are also widely available by authorized dealers at shopping malls.

Most major hotels have WIFI facility either in their guest rooms or public areas.

An increasing number of restaurants now have WIFI zones too. Cybercafés offer very affordable rates for internet services.

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

Ferry Services Jesselton Point is the main terminal for boats to the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park islands and to Labuan Island. If you wish to drive to Labuan, use the ferry terminal at Menumbok south of the city where car ferries are available.

Express Boats and Ferry Services A boat service locally known as tambang is available for the short trip across Kuching River to the riverside villages on the other side and along the river for sightseeing. Fast and comfortable express boats connect coastal towns (Kuching, Sibu, Kapit) and villages on the major rivers in Sarawak.

The Express Ferry Terminal in Kuching offers trips to Sibu and onwards to Kapit for upriver journeys. Take a bus from Sibu to Miri for ferries to Brunei and onwards to Labuan island and Kota Kinabalu.

Taxis

Taxi fare from Kuching Tourist airport to the city cost about Information Centre RM22.00 per way. Taxies are easily found at large hotels, or at taxi stands in all the major towns in Sarawak. Taxis don’t use meters so always negotiate the fare before getting into a cab!

Kuching Visitors’ Information Centre Tel: (6082) 410 944/2 Miri Visitors’ Information Centre Tel: (6085) 434 181 Sibu Visitors’ Information Centre Tel: (6084) 340 980

biG navigator Brunei Museum Jal a

Embassy Row

International Convention Centre

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D'Anggerek

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National Stadium

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Kg Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery

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Bank/ ATM/ Money Changer

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Prime Minister Office Building

SEE BANDAR MAP

uto nT

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Brunei International Airport

Shop

Perd an

Mabohai Shopping Complex

Brunei Arts & Handicraft Centre Kampong Ayer

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Royal Brunei Airlines Golf Club

Public Transport

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Edinburgh Palace Times Square Hotel

ianggeh

Tasek Lama Recreational Park

Orchid Garden Hotel

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Serusop & Delima

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Jalan Kebangsaan Lama

MAP

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Hua Ho Manggis Mall

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SERI BEGAWAN

Mentiri Utama Jalan

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Jame Asr’ Mosque

Kiarong

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Restaurant uR

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Gadong

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Trader's Inn

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Police Headquarters

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Batu Bersurat

Grand City Hotel

J al a n Pe n g i r

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Place of Interest

aja

SEE GADONG MAP

Tungku hraya Lebu

Hotel

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Kianggeh Jetty

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Secretariat Building Pearce

Kampong Ayer

Takaful IBB Building

Jalan Roberts

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Jalan Pretty

Jala

The Royal Regalia Building

Taman Sir Omar Ali Saifuddien

Jalan Pemancha

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SUNGAI BRUNEI

Bus Terminal

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EH

KIANGG

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Brunei History Centre Jala n

Chinese Temple

Jalan Elizabeth Dua

Jalan B

Brunei Hotel

PGGMB Building

Kianggeh Open-Air Food Court

Dermaga Diraja Bandar Seri Begawan

Post Office

yal The Rnoial Hall o Cerem

Radisson Hotel

Terrace Hotel

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SUNGAI

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Kianggeh Markets

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K Jalan ampung Beranga n

elia Pusat CBentre) (Youth

n James

erita Jalan B

p Jalan Kam

Capital Residence Suites

MAP

Kota Batu

ung Kian

ggeh

BANDAR

WALKING

Jubilee Hotel

r

Jalan Tutong

Tamu Selera (Hawker Stalls)

Jalan

Batu Satu and RIPAS Hospital Jalan Ista

62

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Jalan S toney

Syariah Courts

na Daru

ssalam

Sumb i

ling

Dewan Bahasa (Library)

Yayasan SHHB Complex

Jalan McArthur

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

Post Office

Public Transport

Shop

Restaurant

Place of Interest

Water Taxi

Bank/ ATM/ Money Changer

Hotel

biG navigator

Bangunan H Tahir A

GADONG WALKING

Bangunan H Tahir A

Gadong Fish & Night Markets

Block J Hj Tahir Complex 2

MAP

Rizqun International Hotel

Sim pa

ng

37

Block G

Block A

Block F Block B

Block C

LEX

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YONG SIONG HAI COMPLEX

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37

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Block H

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Block D

The Centrepoint Hotel

Public Transport

Jaya Hypermart Centrepoint don g

dong Jalan Ga

AB

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DU

Block E

The Mall, Gadong

37

Restaurant

NG I ME

Jala n Pa

BAN HALIMGUNAN SAADIAATUL H

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Guan Electrical

Sim pa

Bank/ ATM/ Money Changer

sar Ga

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Shop

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SUN Hua Ho

Mercedes Benz Showroom HASBULLAH COMPLEX 2

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Hotel HASBULLAH COMPLEX

Bangunan Begawan Pehin Dato Hj Mohd Yusof

KIULAP

Bangunan Lim Eng Ming

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AN DAY E K AI

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Lee Clinic

HSBC

SUN Seri Qlap Mall

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Setia Kena

BIBD Bank

Public Transport

IGS College

Shop Bank/ ATM/ Money Changer

Palm Garden Hotel

Restaurant Hotel Kampung Kiulap

Berib i

Wisma Pengiran Hj Apong Fitness Zone

Post Office

Jalan

IT GLA

MEN

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Tian & Chuan Building

Kiulap Plaza Hotel

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Post Office

Baiduri Bank

Jalan

lex

Shakirin Comp

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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biG screen

Something wicked this way comes. In this case, it’s a spooky movie list! The past decade has proven to be a truly exciting time for horror fans, with new filmmakers from around the world thinking up new bloodcurdling ways to make the audience scream. With Halloween almost upon us, we decided to put together a list of spooky movies that you can look forward to or take cover under the blanket.

Intan Abu Daniel

31 It Ouija: Origin of Evil October 2016 A prequel to Ouija 2 and the third feature film of the horror movie franchise, Ouija: Origin of Evil takes place in 1965 in Los Angeles, where a widowed mother and two daughters running a séance scam business inadvertently invites a terrible evil into their home that possesses the youngest daughter. To save her, the small family bands together to face unspeakable terrors to force the evil spirit back to the other side.

September 2017

Rings October 2016 A horror film in 3D? Count us in! In this third installment of the popular American version of the Japanese cult classic Ring, a high school student named Julia is visiting her college boyfriend Holt, where she finds out that he is a part of a club of students who are passing Samara’s cursed tape between each other. The clock is ticking on Holt, who watched the deadly haunted tape six days before, as Julie struggles to find a way to reverse the tape’s curse before Holt’s untimely end.

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter January 2017 In the final instalment of the popular movie franchise Resident Evil, Alice Abernathy returns to where it all began - in the dark mansion in Raccoon City where the Umbrella Corporation gathers its forces for a final battle against the survivors of the apocalypse. Joining forces with old friends and new allies, this will be Alice’s last – and most difficult – battle yet, as she leads humanity’s final stand against the undead hordes and mutant monsters.

Split January 2017 In the latest film by M Night Shyamalan, Kevin (James McAvoy) is a man with 23 different personalities, as evidenced by his psychiatrist Dr Fletcher.

Compelled to abduct three teenage girls, Kevin holds them captive in his basement as the twenty-fourth, and final, personality begins to materialize: a homicidal, deranged personality known as “The Beast”.

Based on the terrifying novel of the same name by the master of horror Stephen King, the movie is set in a small town in Maine in 1958. Seven children find themselves confronting a terrifying monster called It - the reason for a series of grisly murders in 1958.

The cycle of murders begin again in 1985, and now adults, the seven come back to their hometown to defeat the monster once and for all.

October 2016 Musican, actor and director extraordinaire, Rob Zombie brings his latest horror movie to the big screen. Five carnival workers are kidnapped the night before Halloween and held hostage in a large, abandoned compound. For the next 12 hours they are forced to play a violent game called 31, where they must fight for their lives against a group of homicidal clowns.

Fun Facts James Wan, who directed The Conjuring and Insidious, was born in Sarawak.

Sheri Moon Zombie, wife of Rob Zombie, quit smoking in the middle of filming ‘31’, which she claimed added to the misery of her character.

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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Movies to look out for this quarter NOV

NOV

Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them

DEC Trolls The creators that brought us Shrek take us to a colourful and wondrous world populated by the overly optimistic Trolls and the comically pessimistic Bergens, who are only happy when they have trolls in their stomach! Featuring the voices of Justin Timberlake, Anna Kendrick, James Corden and Zooey Deschanel.

OCT

Magizoologist and writer Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) has to find an array of magical and dangerous creatures in 1926 New York, seventy years before Harry Potter reads his book in school. Also starring Ezra Miller and Colin Ferrell.

OCT

Moana Young Moana uses her seafaring skills on an epic adventure to a fabled island. Joining her in this Disney animated movie is her hero and demi-god Maui, played

by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.

DEC

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story NOV

Inferno

Girl on the Train

Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) wakes up in a hospital in Italy with amnesia. Dr Sienna Brooks Felicity Jones) helps him rediscover his memories to stop a madman who plans to unleash a global virus that would wipe out half of the world’s population.

Rachel Watson (Emily Blunt) is a post-divorce alcoholic who takes the same train to and from London for work. Every day the train slows down at a specific station where she looks over to a house and sees a couple interacting. One day, she sees the woman kissing someone who is not her husband and she goes missing the next day.

DEC 66

Doctor Strange Dr Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) is a brilliant but conceited surgeon. After an accident ruined his career, he meets a sorcerer (Tilda Swinton) who teaches him the secrets of a hidden world of mysticism and alternate dimensions. Also starring Rachel McAdams and Mads Mikkelsen.

Assassins Creed When Callum Lynch explores the memories of his ancestor Aguilar and gains the skills of a Master Assassin, he discovers he is a descendant of the secret Assassins society. Starring Michael Fassbender, Jeremy Irons, Marion Cotillard.

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones), a Rebellion soldier and criminal, is about to face her biggest challenge yet when Mon Mothma sends her out on a mission to steal the plans for the Death Star.

Also starring Donnie Yen and Mads Mikkelsen.

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