BIG Oct-Dec 2018

Oct // Dec 2018

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

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

www.borneoinsidersguide.com

Discover Brunei’s Premier School Jerudong International School ( JIS) is an academically selective, fully accredited, thriving school with 1650 day and boarding students aged 2 -18 years from 55 countries. Nestled close to the coast, JIS boasts well-qualified academic staff in state-of-the-art facilities on its 120 acre campus. It is a leading British international School in South-East Asia preparing students for I/GCSEs, A-Levels and the IB Diploma. Contact us!

Why choose JIS for your children?

 A beautiful, safe and secure campus in a clean, wholesome environment  An academically challenging yet holistic education which seeks to develop the whole child  A caring, comprehensive pastoral support system  Full or weekly boarding for up to 220 children aged 11-18 years in “outstanding” facilities  British international curriculum – recognised the world over  Recent graduate destinations include: UK - Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial College, LSE. USA - Cornell, University of California, Los Angeles, University of New York. Australia - Melbourne, Australia National University, UWA. Canada - UBC, McGill.  120 acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities  Highly qualified and experienced teachers

Apply now for August 2019! www.jis.edu.bn

/JISBruneiDarussalam

JIS Brunei

JISBrunei

JISBrunei

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

Achieving Excellence

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

JISBrunei

Editor’s Note W

e love travelling. The beauty of culture is an addictive beast – it broadens your perspective and changes you, even a little bit, when you learn about the cultures of the people who share the same planet as you. And once you have experienced the culture in one foreign country, you find yourself eager to experience a different culture in another.

But just as we were all calculating our budgets for our end-ofyear trips, we realised that for all the culture that we’ve absorbed in our travels, have we ever troubled ourselves to learn a little bit about our own? Are we talking the talk and not walking the walk?

So in this issue, we’re focusing on travelling – in our own country.

The idea of a staycation has its own appeal: it’s safer, no less fun, definitely less stressful and certainly cheaper than packing up yourself and your loved ones off overseas for a quick holiday.

We’re checking out unique places to visit in Brunei, setting our sights on a holiday with nature in Sabah, and visiting a list of places to bring the kids in Sarawak. We offer up a list of places to visit in Brunei for the eco-friendly traveler, and focus on a few events coming up in the Brunei December Festival that sounds like a whole lot of fun.

Travel topics aside, in this issue we had a lovely conversation over coffee with one of our favourite local social media personalities, Kai Anwar aka Babu Si Nur. And our intrepid Assistant Editor, Sheyenne, gets all up in our grill about going zero waste.

And here we reach the end of another year, and like last year, we’re sitting here wondering, where did 2018 go? And like the end of every year, lets pray that all the changes that 2018 inflicted upon us – both good and bad – will be all for the better.

So good-bye 2018, and bring on 2019!

@b.i.g.magazine BIG: Borneo Insider’s Guide @bigborneo Publisher

CHMP MEDIA Editor-At-Large

Wan Zainal Shazali Editor

Intan Abu Daniel Assistant Editor

Sheyenne Siah Designer

Novri Rinaldi Assistant Designer

Aqilah Hj Abu Bakar Editorial

Pamela Fletcher Iris Tan Dayang Durrah Zainal 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 4

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

contact@borneoinsidersguide.com T: (673) 2331031 F: (673) 2231031 Unit 49, Second Floor Haji Munchit & Hajah Dayang Rapiah Complex Kg Jaya Setia, Berakas, BB2713 Brunei Darussalam The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various writers in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of biG Magazine.

events TO look

out FOR

this quarter

Oct 13

Nov 23-24 Borneo Bird Festival Sabah There is no shortage of exotic birds in Borneo and the Borneo Bird Festival celebrates our magnificent winged creatures with two days’ worth of interesting bird-related activities such as bird races, photography contests, workshops and exhibitions. Whether you’re a professional birder or just an admirer of nature, the event, jointly organised by the Sabah Forestry Department and Sandakan Borneo Bird Club, is sure to be an illuminating one!

Oct 28-Nov 4

The Sarawak Adventure Challenge Sarawak Tread the thrilling trail of “The Sacred Mountain” with the second Sarawak Adventure Challenge – a full-day multi-sport adventure race that takes place across some of the best natural landmarks of the state. The challenge will have participating teams crossing through a magnificent 52km trail of breathtaking rivers and rainforests with a passing dose of culture from surrounding tribal villages.

28th Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge

Nov 6 Deepavali

Brunei, Sabah, Sarawak

Sabah The ultimate offroad challenge on the weather-beaten Sabah terrain, this 8-day event will test your limits and your survival skills!

Deepavali, also known as Diwali or the “Festival of Lights”, is a five-day festive celebration that sees Hindus, Jains and Sikhs the world over celebrating all that is good and light. Coinciding with the Hindu New Year, it also signifies new beginnings, which is celebrated with prayers, the lighting of lamps and candles, and fireworks.

Oct 28-29

Matunggong Gong Festival

Sabah

Nov 20 Maulud Nabi Brunei, Sabah, Sarawak In Brunei, on the morning of the anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) birth, thousands of people fill the streets of the capital dressed in traditional Malay clothing, forming a colourful congregation on this special day as His Majesty the Sultan leads his people in a march around the capital.

A core musical instrument used widely by the Kadazan-Dusun, Murut and Bajau people, the craft of gong-making has been passed down from generation to generation by the good people at Matunggong, Kudat. Come and witness all the fun activities at the annual Gong Festival including music and gong-making competitions, beauty pageants, cultural performances and more!

Contents

Dec 25

biG feature Stories so unique it can only be from Borneo

Christmas Day

Brunei, Sabah, Sarawak Festive cheer knows no boundaries during the most wonderful time of the year for Christians all over the globe. Celebrated over the course of 12 days, the season of good cheer is filled with bright decorations, baubleladen trees, feasts and the traditional exchanging of gifts with loved ones.

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

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG scoop Presenting our scoop on things to love and desire

biG trail Follow our trails and discover what is on the island biG focus See who and what we’re pointing our cameras at

biG talk We chat with personalities and discover their specialities biG buzz We put our ears up and find out what’s buzzing in town biG getaway Near or far, we go on holiday for your benefit biG appetite We try the food so you can follow suit

biG listings Where to eat, drink and chill?

Come with us and see biG essentials Helpful tips for visitors arriving on our shores biG navigator Find your bearings with our walking maps biG screen See what’s playing in the cinemas around town

BEACH ESSENTIAL

TI MO

TRUNKS

CAMO BLUE

Avail ab l e a t Unit #2, Crims o n S qu are, Empire A rc a d e, T h e Empire H ot e l & Co unt r y Club, J e r u d o n g BG3122, B r un ei

BiG scoop

10th BIMPNTEAGA FRIENDSHIP GAMES 2018

Spooky Tales Dr Aammton Alias is a Borneo-based family physician known to have a supernatural story or two up his sleeve.

Needing an outlet for all the ghostly tales that have been shared with him by family, friends and former patients, earlier this year he finally decided to put pen to paper and recount his stories to all the ghost

fiends with a fascination for spine-chilling tales. With more than 30 encounters told the Real Ghost Stories of Borneo promise exactly just that; true encounters which give an authentic insight into what makes the darker hours in Borneo tick. •• To get your own printed copy, email now@b1percent.com.

The BIMPNT-EAGA Friendship Games returns this December 2018 and this year, Brunei has the honour of hosting the biennial event. This friendly competition between contingents of the five member countries (Brunei, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia) promises to be a great display of sports and sportsmanship from the five nations.

There will be eight sporting events, namely Aquatics, Athletics, Karate, Lawn Bowl, Pencak Silat, Sepak Takraw, Taekwondo and Wushu.

The 10th BIMPNT-EAGA Friendship Games 2018 will be held from 7-9 December with the opening ceremony kicking off the event on 7 December 2018.

SIMPLY DELIGHTFUL

Off to Kensington We all have our favourite specialty grocery stores where we can get goods from the UK, Korea, even Germany! But as of 2018, a new player has come into the capital bringing with them shelves of beloved UK-based brands. Kensington is located in Sungai Tilong and offers a variety of food and household products all the way from the UK, compiled from a list of recommendations from friends and family, and is already a hit with both expats and locals in the district. Along with the ease of picking up a bar of Toffee Crisp, they also offer pre-orders for Dunkin Donuts and Krispy Kreme once a month for each. •• #20, 440 Jln Muara, Sungai Tilong, BSB Tel: 673-2332846 FB: Kensington_bn IG: @kensington_bn

RELAX WHILE

YOU ARE HERE Radisson Hotel features 142 well-appointed guest rooms and suites. Enjoy both dining and recreational activities in the hotel. We offer two restaurants, an outdoor pool, a fully equipped fitness center and Cantik Spa where whe you can rejuvenate.

We offer complimentary access to high speed internet.

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

T +673 2244272 F +673 2221579 E SALES.BRUNEI@RADISSON.COM RADISSON.COM/BRUNEI

biG scoop

A Dose of Nostalgia at The Granary Kitchen A grain warehouse in the early 1900s, The Granary Kitchen is a refurbished eatery that exudes an old-school rustic charm, perfect for nostalgic souls who crave a dining experience set during an earlier, simpler time.

While the space is also a favourite setting for private events of all kinds including photo shoots and weddings, it is also a popular spot for casual diners to enjoy the vintage space which still maintains some of its original structural features. Drop by during weekend brunch for a taste of their much raved about 3-Egg Omelette or treat yourself and a loved one to an atmospheric dinner over some delicious pasta and tender steak (non-halal).

•• 23 Wayang Street, Kuching 93000, Sarawak, Malaysia Tel: 6011-25089321 FB: @granaryKCH IG: @thegranary_kch

At the Coco Cabana Event spaces are all the rage now and we believe that it’s the sheer potential of it that wins over the hearts of those that flock to it for occasions worth remembering. The Coco Cabana is no exception as the latest bad boy in town, the ideal setting for unique events from family reunions to wedding receptions to fun festivals and pop-up markets. With its breathtaking location by the beach and its beautiful heritageinspired event hall, the Coco Cabana comes with its own lighthouse, cafe, gift shop and art gallery, making it the perfect weekend refresher.

•• Lot 2260, Jalan Bandaraya Miri, Marina Bay Tel: 6016-8782880 FB: @cococabana.miri IG: @cococabana.miri

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG scoop

A Heritage Lodge Located just beside The Granary, The Marian is the older sophisticated sister of the eatery dating back to more than a century ago. What began as a 3-storey mansion of a wealthy businessman pinning down his roots and then an all-girls Boarding House in the 1930s, the Marian today is Kuching’s first Heritage Boutique Lodging House. With amenities such as a scenic poolside, evergreen gardens as well as the surrounding bustle of modern city life, the historical structure is worth every minute of a relaxing stay.

•• 25 & 27 Wayang Street, Kuching 93000, Sarawak, Malaysia Tel: 6082-252777 FB: @TheMarianBoutiqueLodgingHouse IG: marian_sarawak

biG scoop

Nayan Co Giving in to his long held fascination with watches, photographer Fahad Nasir set up Nayan Co with friend Fadzyinie Dullie to design timepieces inspired by watches that took his fancy all those years ago. Combining luxury and simplicity, fun and affordability is what Nayan Co is all about. Locally

inspired designs are matched with materials sourced internationally to maintain a high level of quality in every timepiece. An original Nayan Co watch that was gifted to The Flash actor Grant Gustin when he was in Kota Kinabalu in 2017 hit the news in mid2018 when he was spotted wearing it at a public event in

the USA, giving Nayan Co some much needed street cred. The designers are now looking forward to expanding its product range to include higher end watches and other fashion accessories to complement its current collection.

•• Shopee: shopee.com.my/nayanco FB: @nayan.co IG: @nayan_co

Changgih Elegance Changgih Designs is the result of two passionate moms who wanted to capture elements of Bornean culture and blend them into present day fashion designs. Its culturallyinspired collections of handbags, wallets, accessories, scarves and apparel are made by artisans in villages all over Sabah who have shared their unique textile heritage with Changgih designers to create stylish, practical and durable pieces.

Working with local artisans is part of Changgih’s aspiration to help moms, just like them, support their families with a home-based business. They are paid fair wages for their work and provided job training courses keep them up-to-date with the latest fashion trends and skills.

•• Changgih Designs collection can be found at the AVIIMO Home & Living Concept Store, 2nd Floor, Suria Sabah Shopping Mall.

Tel: 6012-6915368 FB: @changgihdesigns

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Beauty by Chokolate With the cheeky tagline ‘happiness on your skin’, former college lecturerturned-entrepreneur, Nancy Liew founded Chokolate Bah! with the aim of delivering a range of skincare products that is all-natural, safe and affordable. Sabah cocoa and coffee are the main ingredients in this range of delicious-smelling body scrubs, facial scrubs, lip scrubs and lip balms that is fast becoming a favourite amongst local celebrities and makeup artists. For this spunky mother of two, who is one of the many ‘momtrepreneurs’ on the rise in Sabah, the best beauty products are the ones you can eat, which also means having to constantly remind her customers not to eat their lip scrub!

•• Chokolate Bah! products can be found at the AVIIMO Home & Living Concept Store, 2nd Floor, Suria Sabah Shopping Mall.

Tel: 6019-5894930 (Nancy) FB: @chokolateskincare

biG feature scoop

Challenge the Best at BES+

Last year’s inaugural launch of the Brunei E-Sports Tournament (or BES+) marked the biggest ever gaming tournament to be held in Brunei, with 500 players competing and over 1000 visitors in attendance.

The idea of gamers sitting down fixated in front of a screen might be a head-scratcher to some but for professional and casual gamers alike, it’s a gathering of nimble-fingered and like-minded individuals ready to battle it out on the virtual field. This is true the world over: today, gaming is one of the largest players in the entertainment market, and the launch of the eSports industry has garnered more global attention, more fans, and has created commercial opportunities for gaming companies. Don’t believe us? Last August, the world’s largest eSports tournament took place in Canada, with a record prize pool of USD24.8 million.

Local eSports event management company, Game On, is on a mission to bring gamers together and the world of eSports into the Sultanate, and by doing so, establish Brunei as an eSports HUB in ASEAN in the future.

Founded by three gamers, Game On organised the PS4 FIFA 17 Tournament and a series of other eSports tournaments in Brunei, including last year’s Brunei E-Sports Tournament.

This year, as one of the events under the Brunei December Festival 2018, BES+ will be calling all local and international gamers to battle it out once again in five games: FIFA 19 (PS4),

Tekken 7 (PS4), Super Smash Bro (Nintendo), GT Sports (PS4) and CS:GO (PC).

But this year it won’t just be about the participating players.

The public will be able to join in the fun too at the free-to-play booth and casual gaming corner, where visitors can bring their own consoles and handheld, and plug and play without any charges.

The event will be held from 8-9 December 2018 at the Royal Brunei Recreation Club.

Entrance will be free for all visitors, however participants will have to pay a registration fee to join the tournament. The tournament is open for players of all ages.

Itching to battle it out at BES+ 2018? Contact Game On for more details: • IG: @gameon.bn FB: @gameonBMS YT: @gameonbn TV • Tel: 673-8849050 E-mail: gameonbns@gmail.com

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

13

biG scoop

Keeping Pace with Event Spaces

Event planners tend to think outside the box these days. If by ‘box’, you mean ‘hotel’. We applaud all hotel efforts in meeting with an event’s decorative, logistical, technological and culinary needs – but there’s a newer form of commercial space in town that’s all the rage. Instead of a conference room, more and more people have started to look toward unique venues for their personal and corporate events – and who can blame them? These spaces offer personalised service, great food options and a special decorative touch that really leaves a long-lasting impression on event goers.

With that in mind, we point out three event spaces in Brunei that made their mark in the past year.

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG scoop

The Kitchen Table

Hooked A newcomer to the scene but ready to take on the events industry in waves is Hooked. Actually a showroom and retail outfit owned by Golden Corporation and located in Tutong, the point of Hooked is to get you, well, hooked on the their local and premium imported seafood, including their popular ‘Blue Shrimp’.

Hooked showcases these seafood products from raw to amazingly luxurious, exceedingly high-end meals that are as delicious in looks as in taste. And that’s just the food – the venue can accommodate in-house events in a space that you would have trouble believing is in Brunei, much less Tutong, and if the distance is off-putting, we can assure you now that the trip will be well worth it. If you’re looking to elevate a social gathering to a high-end event good enough for any character off of Crazy Rich Asians, then this is definitely the place to do it.

Want to know more? Contact Gary Wu at: Tel: 673-4260405 (Hooked) / 673-7261969 (Gary)

A humble room with big ideas, The Kitchen Table is located in Kiulap and has a dining room with a large table seating 30 people connected to a fully-equipped kitchen.

While this makes it perfectly ideal for private dinner events that require cooking at the venue itself, the open plan concept of the space allows for different varieties of events.

The Kitchen Table is certainly practical and absolutely suitable for most event needs, but you’ll be hard pressed to find an event space with a table surface as beautifully laid out as theirs. And if you wanted to forgo decorations (though why would you?), the space itself is rustic chic paired with a gleaming modern kitchen, and the design is trendy enough to make a lasting impression for any kind of event.

Food can be catered upon request along with table decoration services. The Kitchen Table also has conference equipment rental available for corporate events.

Interested? Contact The Kitchen Table at the below details: Blk C, Hau Man Yong Complex, Spg 88, Kg Kiulap, Brunei (located above Peppermint Café) FB: @kitchentablebn IG: @kitchentablebn Tel: 673-8609996

Avenue 41 The result of a collaboration between Luxe Development, The Creative Core and Hoco Agency, Avenue 41 is the modern studio space to unleash boundless creative ideas. Avenue 41 is inspired by the freedom of an open canvas, and the result is a spacious and modern room that can be transformed to meet any event requirements. How do they do this? Their savvy designs include space-efficient furniture that can be stored or tucked away easily

– which includes a floating table.

Meaning you can set up tables and chairs for a dinner gathering, and then stash them away quickly and easily when it’s time to party.

Exhibit, host and gather – and cook a dinner for your guests while you’re at it, because the space comes with a fully equipped kitchen for your culinary needs. Avenue 41 also provides a plethora of deluxe facilities, which includes high-end audiovisuals courtesy of Samson and Bang & Olufsen.

Intrigued? Contact Avenue 41 at the below details: #1-1, 1st Flr, Bangunan Suasa, Spg 41-1-12, Kg Kiarong, Brunei FB: @Avenue41BN IG: @avenue.41 Tel: 673-7246463

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

15

BiG

feature

a staycation

vacation In these days of economical flights and accommodation, travelling has never been easier.

But an increasingly popular vacation idea doesn’t require you to book an air flight at all. December is approaching and family fun times have to start getting planned – but instead of packing yourself up and away to a different destination, how about exploring the wonders and delights of our little sultanate? All you would need are fresh eyes, an open mind, and a willingness to try something new or revisit something old – and maybe you’ll find yourself creating new wonderful memories in your own home country.

Intan Abu Daniel

16

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Get on your bike

Spend a weekend in Kampong Ayer You’d be surprised to learn how many citizens have never actually visited Kampong Ayer, and it’s a pity!

This historic settlement is home to over 13,000 people and has been in continuous occupation for at least 400 years, and there is much to see and learn here. Stay at Kunyit 7 Lodge, whose patio has one of the best seats in the nation to view a spectacular Bruneian sunset, or engage in cultural activities at the Water Village Malay Modern House.

•• Kunyit 7 Lodge Jetty 2 Kg Bakut Berumput, BSB IG: @kunyit7lodge_bn FB: Kunyit 7 Lodge Tel: 8713714 •• Water Village Malay Modern House #2 B1 Skim Perumahan Kg Ayer Jbt Laila Menchanai, Lurong Sikuna FB: Water Village Malay Modern House Tel: 8816873

This is a truly fantastic way of experiencing Brunei like never before.

Take a bike tour through jungles and beaches with a view of Brunei’s breathtaking natural landscapes. There are bike trails all around the sultanate for you to journey on, but we would suggest taking a cycling tour for the full experience. Kingdom Rides and Adventures offers cycling tours through adventure trails for any level of cyclist.

•• Kingdom Rides and Adventures IG: @kingdomrides FB: Kingdom Rides + Adventures Tel: 2340009

Go for a dive

Have some fun!

Get in touch with your inner child and let loose! Get on the rides at Jerudong Park Playground, gear up for a paintball battle, or have some fun in the water at Serasa Beach!

•• Jerudong Park Playground IG: @jerudongpark FB: Jerudong Park Playground Tel: 2611777 •• Paintball IG: @paintballarenajerudong FB: Paintball Arena at Jerudong Tel: 2611777 / 7259222 •• Poni Divers IG: @ponidivers FB: Poni Divers

Stand up and paddle Take a trip down to Lugu Lake near Tutong and learn how to Stand Up Paddle from the SUP Surfari School, and when you’re proficient enough, you can advance to paddling at sea. This sport is growing in popularity in Brunei, and gives you a wonderfully fresh viewpoint of the country you live in.

•• FB: @sup.surfari www.sup-surfari.com

Watch some birds Borneo is home to over 673 species of birds, 53 endemic to Borneo. Visit the Ulu Temburong National Park, a bird-watcher’s paradise, and spot our feathery neighbours nestling in the trees or soaring in the skies.

•• Sakam Enterprise Tel: 8722347

Get under water and visit shipwrecks teeming with sea life, and take a closer look at the vast coral reefs and colourful marine life off the coast. Local dive operators offer packages for both experienced and new divers.

•• Oceanic Quest Company IG: @oceanicquest FB: Oceanic Quest Sdn Bhd Tel: 2771190 •• Poni Divers IG: @ponidivers FB: Poni Divers Tel: 2771778

Go glamping Brunei’s rich and verdant rainforest is a nature lover’s paradise. Spend a weekend by going ‘glamping’ in Temburong for an exceptional experience with nature.

•• Sumbiling Eco Village W: www.borneoguide. com/ecovillage IG: @borneoguide FB: Sumbiling Eco Village Tel: 2426923

Get in touch with nature at Tasek Merimbun ASEAN Heritage Park On the list of ASEAN Heritage Parks and Reserves, this park is a favourite for nature lovers. It stretches over 2,500 hectares of wetlands, and in its center is a freshwater lake that supports a variety of fish and fauna, and an island in the middle connected to the shores by elevated wooden walkways.

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

17

biG feature

A Staycation

with Nature

Holidays with the whole brood or a loved one are not cheap. Kids eat a lot and romance can come with a hefty price tag but fear not – getting away from it all has never been easier or cheaper with a staycation. Both +JuJu Cabin and Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa are less than two hours from Kota Kinabalu and are perfect for a short city escape.

Pamela Fletcher

1

Hilltop Cabin Secluded but not isolated, +JuJu Cabin is located on a 10-acre private property in Tamparuli which is less than an hour’s drive north of the city. Managed by Borneo Orchard House, the property has a durian orchard, pineapple crops, a Big Guesthouse and owners’ residence to welcome visitors of different interests

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

but the cabin is strictly for adults only.

Perched on top of a hill, +JuJu Cabin has its own driveway and facilities for exclusive use immersed with outdoor living; perfect for those who appreciate a detached, independent selfcatering cabin surrounded by secondary jungle. The highlight is the awesome 270° panoramic vista of lush mountain views and glimpses of the South

China Sea. Guest facilities feature a handcrafted wooden cool tub in the patio to take off the afternoon heat, an openair dining and simple kitchen complete with cooking utensils, medium sized refrigerator and pantry stocked with essentials.

For a break from solitude, visitors can travel down the 6km winding road to Tamparuli town, well-known for its suspension bridge that inspired the much

loved song ‘Jambatan Tamparuli’, dig into its signature fried noodle dish or visit the very colourful weekly fresh market on Wednesdays where farmers from all over the district gather to sell their produce and catch up on the latest news in town.

The beginnings of +JuJu Cabin is pretty interesting if you’re into local folklore.

When the owners, Tina and

biG feature

Brian, first bought the land, this part of the property was covered with undergrowth between matured rubber trees and a number of mysterious shallow circular holes scattered before an old Strangler Fig. One day, they discovered a freshly dug two metre wide empty hole with green coconuts, rolled up kirai (local cigarettes), nasi lemak, peanuts, black coffee and sorts neatly placed on the outer rim with incense sticks. On the fig tree hung pieces of red paper with Chinese writings and red wax from prayer candles.

A sound theory by a local

kampung friend is that back in the day when there were less shrub, one could see the steamships sailing pass from the fig tree’s vantage point, and that spot is where pirates bury their loot; those believers must have dug holes and prayed for fortune. That’s when the owners decided to name the spot +JuJu Hill (using a plus sign for positive juju).

A few years ago during a long drought, a small bushfire cleared the land, creating just enough space for a tiny holiday house. During the construction of +JuJu Cabin, two old shovels

and a fist sized Pyrite Crystal, known as Fool’s Gold were uncovered and then promptly buried again for good juju. The Strangler Fig now stands guard over the cabin allowing its “chi” to flow through and the gold tinted windows to hint that +JuJu Cabin is indeed the real hidden treasure.

•• W: www.borneoorchardhouse.com FB: JuJu Cabin IG: @borneo_orchard_house Book your private cabin through AirBNB. For children-friendly family stays, it is recommended to stay at the Big Guesthouse which can accommodate 12 persons

3

1. Shangri-La

Rasa Ria Resort 2. JuJu Cabin’s

cosy living-room 3. A handcrafted wooden cool tub on the patio at JuJu Cabin 4. Rasa Ria Resort Ocean Wing Premier Room 5. JuJu Cabin loft bedroom 6. 6. OA Sailing at the Rasa Ria Resort 2

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6

5

Rainforest Discovery Sun, sea and surf – you certainly can’t beat that combination for a great family getaway but throw in some jungle exploration and you’ve got a winner by a mile.

The Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa in Tuaran is a luxurious beach resort with an amazing stretch of white sand beach and clear blue waters lapping its shore. It takes about an hour from the city to get to this sprawling resort of 400 acres that boasts its own nature reserve where some of Sabah’s most endearing, and endangered, animals can be seen.

The resort has revamped its 64-acre Rasa Ria Reserve that once used to shelter and care for orphaned orangutans to create an exciting network of trails for rainforest exploration and discovery. Existing habitats have been revitalised and new experiences added to enhance guests’ experiences with the natural jungle and Sabah traditions.

There are six walking trails that individually showcase a different side to the tropical jungle including entomology, herbs, native lifestyle, adventure, wildlife and canopy themes offering up to two hours per walk of exploration, learning and fun. A day out with a ranger will allow the kids to be a nature warrior for a few hours as they explore and learn about forest plants and animals, and how to preserve nature for future kids to enjoy. If they are still bouncing off the walls, there is the new Adventure Point playground by the beach with themed activities and loads of space to run around.

If Mum and Dad want to have some alone time, they can get a babysitter to watch over the kids and go on an early morning trail to the Rasa Ria Lookout where they can enjoy a gorgeous sunrise at breakfast. It’s a win-win situation for all which makes Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort one of the best resort staycations in Sabah.

•• For more information on family friendly activities and bookings at Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort, go to www.shangri-la.com/ kotakinabalu/rasariaresort

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Great Kid-Friendly Trails in Sarawak Take your kids on a natural and cultural adventure in the Land of the Hornbill!

Iris Tan

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Sarawak Tourism Board

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Matang Wildlife Centre at the Kubah National Park Take your kids out for a picnic at the Matang Wildlife Centre, which has rock pools and waterfalls, nature trails and a swimming spot.

This is also the place to see orangutans up close in a natural habitat, and little ones will enjoy the feeling of holding a baby orangutan in their arms!

Sarawak Cultural Village (Damai) This is the ‘Living Museum’ – a village that recreates houses and lifestyles of the major ethnic groups in Sarawak: longhouses of the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu, a Melanau tall-house and a Chinese farm house, among many others. Each house has different demonstrations that kids would enjoy; they can learn wood and bamboo carving, reed weaving, crushing sugar cane, and learn how to spin a top or shoot a blow gun. Guesthouses are available for visitors.

Sarawak Museum This museum has a natural history collection of local animals, ethnic arts and crafts and an archaeological reconstruction of the Niah caves. There is also an Aquarium where children can watch a collection of brilliantly coloured tropical fish.

Similajau National Park The jewel of this national park is its golden sandy beaches which are lined with dense green forests.

Green turtles frequently come ashore to lay their eggs here, and you can take an easy trek along the trail of Similajau to its excellent beaches: the two turtle beaches set within the bays and the Golden Beach, where green turtles frequently come ashore to lay their eggs. Keep an eye out for dolphins, swimming in small groups close to shore.

Bako National Park A park with beautiful beaches and jungle hikes, Bako National Park has a lot of unusual animals for your kids to spot like the monitor lizard, longtail macaques, mouse deer and proboscis monkeys. There are also long, white sandy beaches in the park so be sure to bring your swimsuits!

Niah Caves National Park These are the largest limestone caverns in the world and 40,000 years ago, people lived in these caves! One cave was painted with red figures that cover the walls, believed to have been done a thousand years ago. Today, people use the caves for swifts to build their nests for bird’s nest soup – a medicinal concoction believed to aid digestion and strengthen the immune system. Kids will enjoy the boat ride down the Niah River from Batu Niah and the sight of birds and butterflies along the boardwalk through the forest on the way to the caves.

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ECO ADVENTURES

Switch off the computer, put away that tablet, and switch off your phone – the outdoors are calling!

One of the great things to think about when considering a ‘staycation’ is the fact that not only will you be saving yourself some money, you’ll also be spending time learning about the hidden treasures in our peaceful sultanate – an education no citizen should miss out on. And while we’re in Brunei – the land of green treasures – maybe this is the vacation where you’ll consider going ‘green’.

FREME RAINFOREST LODGE W: www.freme.com/bruneitours/ temburong-tours Tel: 5250004 MPK KATIMAHAR AGRI PARK IG: @katimaharagripark FB: MPK Katimahar Agri Park Tel: 8720750

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here are plenty of wonderful eco-friendly places to visit here if you’re interested in getting up close and personal with our natural wonders. From hikes through nature parks to glamping under the stars, here is a list of destinations for the ecotourist to explore – some of them practically in your backyard!

AZ RAINFOREST NATURE CAMP IG: @azbacktonaturetourservice FB: Discover Brunei Tel: 22240529 BERAKAS FOREST RESERVE Jln. Penghubung Berakas BUKIT SHAHBANDAR FOREST RECREATION PARK Tutong-Muara Highway ECO PONIES GARDEN W: www.ecoponiesgarden.com FB: Ecoponiesgarden Tel: 8913811

MPK KIUDANG FB: Majlis Perundingan Kampong Kiudang Mungkom SUMBILING ECO VILLAGE W: www.borneoguide.com/ ecovillage IG: @borneoguide FB: Sumbiling Eco Village Tel: 2426923 TASEK LAMA RECREATIONAL PARK Jln Tasek Lama, BSB TASEK MERIMBUN HERITAGE PARK Mukim Rambai, Tutong TRANDIE MARINA RESORTS W: trandiemarinaresorts.com/ adventure-activities IG: @trandiebrunei FB: Trandie Marina Resorts Tel: 2231570 ULU-ULU RESORT, ULU TEMBURONG NATIONAL PARK W: www.uluuluresort.com IG: @ulu_uluresort FB: Ulu Ulu Resort Tel: 2446812/3 Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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Perfect Weekends in December Fresh off the success of last year’s Brunei December Festival, the upcoming month of December will be playing host to another fantastic variety of events and activities for locals and visitors to enjoy. Here’s where you can spend a few perfect weekends this December.

2 December The Big Bake Sale Located at the Kontena Park, the event will include activities such as live baking and icecream making classes and demonstration.

7-8 December 2nd Hotwheels Bike & Car Show An opportunity for car and bike enthusiasts to showcase their vehicles.

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8-9 December Brunei E-Sport Tournament Take part in the largest e-sporting event in Brunei!

15 December RGC Floral Festival Taking place at Rimba Garden Central, this event will bring a colourful display of breathtaking floral designs.

15 December Drone Race Get your drones ready to race!

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16 December Brunei Mountain Bike Challenge – Temburong Chapter For all mountain biking enthusiasts, this challenge takes place in the natural landscape of Temburong.

23 December Paintball Battle Game Tournament Get yourself geared up and your paintball guns ready for this tournament that will take place at the RBTS Paintball Arena in Jerudong.

28-30 December Film Blitz The 2nd Film Blitz since its event last December, this event showcases talents from the local film industry and will feature screenings of shortlisted films.

Head on over to www.brunei.events or www.bruneitourism.travel to see what other events and activities are taking place in the month of December.

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BiG focus

WastE

Not, Want Not: A Guide to Going Zero Waste Sheyenne Siah

We know what you’re thinking. Zero waste? But what about my keropok wrappers? My bubble tea cups? And my snotty tissues when I have the flu?

Calm down. A zero waste journey is exactly what it sounds like: a journey.

While it may sound near impossible to fit six months’ worth of trash into a mason jar on the get-go, the small changes that we can adopt into our lifestyle along the way can result in significant environmental impacts which will benefit future generations to come. Reducing waste in landfills also lowers the chances of stray plastic bags or bottles finding their way into the ocean and suffocating marine life who often mistake them as food.

Sound good? Here’s how you can get started!

B.Y.O.B.

Contain your

Did you know that plastic bags take roughly up to 1000 years to break down (cue Screaming Face emoji)? According to a report by the World Economic Forum and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, plastic in the ocean will outweigh fish by 2050! So stay woke and remember to bring your reusable shopping bags with you into the grocery store.

We like to keep a few foldable cotton shopping bags close by in our handbags and cars but at the end of the day, the best reusable bag is one that you already have.

Repurposing an old tote bag, backpack or even using previously owned plastic bags are still a leap forward for the environment.

Get creative!

Stop Sucking The simple movement of rejecting the careless use of plastic straws has been gaining traction and personally, we love it. In comparison to the centuries-long amount of time it takes for a straw to decompose, the mere minutes that we use them for leaves us with a bad taste in our mouths. Feel better by opting for friendlier alternatives on the market such as stainless steel, bamboo or Pyrex straws which come with their own cleaners.

Need more motivation?

Dermatologists say that repetitive sucking on straws may lead to more wrinkles around the mouth in later years. Beating wrinkles and pollution? That sounds like more than enough reason to #SayNoToStraws.

If you don’t like the way something is done, change it. When there’s a will, there’s a way. With the internet ripe with environmentally-driven D.I.Y. projects (and motivational quotes!), it’s time to roll up our sleeves and come up with new alternatives to things. From deodorants and sunscreen to learning how to manage your own zero-waste wardrobe and making your own compost, the key to jumpstarting a more renewable lifestyle is only a search bar away.

self!

As we’ve mentioned, reusable shopping bags are the bomb. But let’s take it up a notch and start thinking of all the single-use plastic packaging that we go through on a day-today basis as a throw-away society.

We’re talking about Styrofoam takeaway containers, unnecessary protective packaging and the flimsy wrapping that usually comes with disposable chopsticks and bubble tea straws which we discard on the spot without a second thought. Again, the World Economic Forum and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation tells us that 52% of discarded plastic globally is made from packaging alone. Environmental bloggers swear by bringing along their own jars and containers and forgoing plastic bags and trays completely when shopping.

Pro tip: Did you know that some restaurants actually charge up to 20 cents for takeaway containers? If, like us, you are anti-waste and concerned for the earth’s wellbeing, but you also really enjoy eating meals at home that you don’t have to cook yourself, bring your own containers to reap the full benefits of this two-birds-onestone situation.

Reuse reuse, but better yet, refuse

Time and time again we hear that prevention is better than cure. In this case, while finding ways to prolong the lifespan and functionality of our pre-loved items significantly reduces our carbon footprints, refusing single-use plastic in the first place is a way better option as it also reduces demand for suppliers and distributors while making a clear statement. A simple but polite “no, thank you” will do wonders for the earth!

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BiG t a l k

The Evolution of Kai Anwar aka Babu Si Nur

Getting to know the person behind a character as strong, flamboyant and witty as Babu Si Nur is an eye-opening experience. Babu Si Nur is a hybrid of two parents rolled into one towel donning bearded man in an apron who swats away dilemmas with a sassy snap of the fingers, whereas Kai Anwar is a world-weary man who, frankly, is a little bit on the shy side. The two do share a social responsibility to their country, but while Babu Si Nur provides a platform to promote the Brunei way of life and local businesses, Kai uses that same platform to promote his fellow local creative talents – with varying degrees of success.

Intan Abu Daniel

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t the time we meet Kai Anwar, he’s taking a break from Babu Si Nur and social media. He’s annoyed.

He has a few bones to pick with some people, but he’s graceful enough not to name any names.

He is tired though: tired of social media politics, tired of being a local artist struggling to make a living, and tired of being Babu Si Nur. But that’s not to say that he has given up on his day job… yet.

“I’m investing in creativity,” Kai says. “I’m a post-graduate student. I’ve applied for work and I plan to continue my studies. But at the same time, as a Bruneian youth, I need to do something other than wait at home and do nothing. So why not invest in creativity? This is why Babu Si Nur was created, back then.”

While the larger than life Babu Si Nur has given Kai a lot of stress and pressure since its inception three years ago, it was the pressure of unemployment that first spurred him to create the character. “I didn’t have anything to do so I might as well do something. And from creating Babu Si Nur, I evolved, and once I did that, Alhamdulillah, I met amazing people. My early clients helped me a lot with their suggestions, and my social media platform evolved into entrepreneurship. I graduated back in 2014, and now it’s 2018 and I’m my own boss. So I’m thankful. But until when? That’s what I ask people: you want me to be Babu Si Nur, but until when?”

His journey of embodying a local character that was both beloved and criticised by the masses has been conflicting, to say the least. The experience for him was both eye-opening and soul-damaging. “People brand me as Babu Si Nur, but no one cares about the guy behind the character. When I stop, people ask me where’s Babu Si Nur. They don’t ask, are you okay?

Feeling underappreciated? Babu Si Nur isn’t underappreciated, but the guy behind it is. This is my own struggle – I’m the one who needs to fights against my own demons.”

That feeling of being underappreciated brings Kai to where he is today – on an

indefinite break from Babu Si Nur. “I use my platform to promote creativity. People see the results of your social media posts or videos, but I think we’re missing the concept of educating the masses, or maybe they just need to understand the breakdown of creativity. We don’t just make a video, post it up and become somebody.

There’s a journey to making one creative piece, and people shouldn’t skip that process and just look at the final product and disregard the struggle that we go through.”

It is Kai’s efforts in stepping away from his character that cemented this realisation.

Recently occupying one of the lead roles in Origin Artistic Management’s latest film, Hari Minggu Yang Ke-Empat, Kai was exposed to life in the film industry. “I spent 18-20 hours a day working within 15 days, and I started to realise many things from there. Just one movie, and there were so many

people involved and a lot of hard work. And I wondered, can we convince people to appreciate the time and effort creative people put into their work? I want our future generation to grow up watching Brunei-made movies, so they can be like, if they can do it, why can’t we?”

“I’m actually grateful to live in an era where people can make an income from being creative.

It’s a great start, but what we need is more support and open up more job opportunities.

We can’t do this without the cinematographer, videographers and make-up artists. It’s amazing how these days if you check social media you’ll find these Bruneian youths doing a lot of things, and I’m so impressed by the level of cinematography and videography growing in Brunei.

But it goes back to the same thing: how are they going to survive in this industry without the support? And I think it’s our job to help them get a bigger platform.”

“It’s amazing to see local youths doing a lot of things on social media, and I’m so impressed by the level of cinematography and videography growing here.

But how will they survive in this industry without support?”

The conundrum, as Kai sees it, is that people won’t hire a creative person without an impressive portfolio, but a portfolio can’t be made without money. And herein lies Kai’s newest motivation: a project that will help people in the creative industry broaden their portfolio and in turn, hopefully get more jobs. The project will involve assembling artists from various sections of the industry to work together with local companies – at little to no cost. The project is as yet unnamed (the name ‘Projek Berkarih’ has been thrown around), and will, Kai predicts, make zero money.

“Once in a while it’s good for people to do something without expecting money back,” Kai says.

“There’s nothing comparable to when someone says thank you. The people who survive in this industry are those who are passionate. You’re not going to survive if you focus only on profits. Of course, the profits are important, but it’s the passion that will keep you going on strong.”

It’s a risky move, but Kai has been taking risks since he started Babu Si Nur, and has no intention of slowing down now.

“Before I started, I was actually very shy. I didn’t have any platform. But at the end of the day, I was forced to push myself to survive. So I want people to learn that: to start taking risks and understand the consequences and learn how to actually empower yourself.”

But at the end of the day, just like it was in the beginning, everything stems from Kai’s unequivocal love for his country.

Babu Si Nur began as a Bruneispeaking single parent from Kampong Ayer out of Kai’s love for his country, and his evolution from social media darling to real life protagonist hasn’t changed his love for his nation. It just gave him a different perspective, and a new mission to create awareness for his fellow local talents. And maybe, just maybe, garner a little appreciation and a little support for them too.

Follow Kai Anwar’s Babu Si Nur on Instagram (@babusinur)

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BiG b u z z

Innovators Unite at the 242nd U.S. Independence Day Celebration

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nnovation was at the forefront of the evening’s festivities when guests gathered together at the Royal Berkshire Hall at the Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club to celebrate the 242nd Independence Day of the United States on July 3rd, 2018.

Themed “American Innovation” and hosted by then U.S. Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Craig Allen, the reception was a lively evening attended by Brunei government officials, members of the diplomatic community, business executives, media representatives, invited guests,

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and costumed superheroes and villains.

In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Craig Allen touched on the creativity and progress of innovation in the U.S. from the Declaration of Independence in 1776 to the present day. “From its inception on this day 242 years ago, the United States has been a vibrant democracy. It is diverse.

And innovation is the twin sister of diversity. America – as a whole – is relentlessly dedicated to a constant, never-ending cycle of creativity, innovation, and improvement.”

Referencing the long treaty relationship between Brunei and the United States, Ambassador Allen continued, “Innovation has been present in our bilateral relationship throughout the past 173 years as we’ve sought paths to greater and stronger collaboration.”

Ambassador Allen also touched on the importance of ingenuity in His Majesty’s Vision for 2035, and the constant support the US Embassy of Brunei Darussalam has given in association with the ASEAN Young South East Asian Leaders Initiative, citing local innovators such as Keeran Janin, SMARTER, The Collective,

Kunyit7 Lodge and Ulu-Ulu Lodge, Abdul Zainidi, and other Brunei NGOs as a few of those whom they have been proud to work with.

In continuing the theme of the creativity of American innovation, Fanboys Infinite, members of the 501st Legion Brunei Outpost and other local cosplayers appeared in costumes depicting characters from popular science fiction movies and comic books.

These costumed superheroes and villains mingled with guests throughout the night, while other special guests did their part to liven up the evening. Talented and young Zoe Chan beautifully sang the national anthems of Brunei Darussalam and the United States of America, while local band Letters to the Editor wooed the crowd with jazzy versions of popular hits.

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Progresif Boosts Diversity During Annual Cultural Night

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lorious diversity shone brightly at the annual Progresif Cultural Night held at the Jerudong Park Amphitheatre last 28 July.

Drawing in crowds from all over the globe, a sense of unity permeated the air as event-goers basked in the entertainment and festivities of the evening. The fourth of its kind, the Progresif Cultural Night is held annually in conjunction with the nationwide

birthday celebrations of His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei.

With free entry for the public, the event was a success, and a few lucky members of the audience were rewarded for their tenacity during an interactive round of quizzes.

And when the audience weren’t busy competing to win the many exclusive prizes from Progresif, they were treated to traditional performances from

various cultural communities in Brunei. Along with exhilarating performances from Chinese, Indonesian, Thai, Malaysian, Indian, Filipino, Pakistani and New Zealander communities, the British community took to the stage for a Scottish bagpipe recital – a first for this event. The finale, entitled “Innovation (Animation) Dance”, had over 120 performers on stage to perform this visually

expressive piece that exhibited the intermingling of technology with arts and culture.

Present as Guest of Honour for the event was Progresif Board member Yang Mulia Edzwan Zukri bin POKJPDSS Haji Adanan, and was joined by Progresif CEO Mr Paul Taylor, members of the Diplomatic Corps, strategic partners and representatives from the high commissions and embassies.

Collaborating with local event management firm Big BWN, 20 local food vendors also set up stalls on the night as a show of Progresif’s solidarity in support of local entrepreneurship. Devin Edwards, Chief Marketing Officer of Progresif, highlighted that the Cultural Night is a testimony to the company’s commitment and dedication to the arts and culture available within Brunei. Progresif’s Cultural Night is also one that ambitiously paves the way for other beneficial events to create a similar positive impact on the Bruneian community.

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Art Vision 2018 Shines a Light on Local Artists

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spotlight was shone on local artists earlier this year at Art Vision – an art fair cum exhibition that was held at the Seni Gallery in the Dermaga Diraja at the Waterfront from 31 June to 30 July 2018.

The aim of the event was to introduce local contemporary art and affordable art to the Bruneian market, and comprised two categories: ‘Point of View’, a contemporary art exhibition, and ‘Brunei Art Bargain’, an art fair

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offering artworks for sale. Both featured art made exclusively by local artists.

There were also art-related activities featured in the Art Bargain, which includes forums, workshops and art demonstrations.

The local art scene has seen plenty of support from fellow artists in Brunei, with the opening of a few local art galleries to showcase the nation’s creative geniuses. Art Vision sees the biggest local endeavour in this shared vision

in the local art community, with all the local art galleries, studios and individual artists participating and showcasing their artworks. With the largest number of participants, Art Vision proved to be an important milestone for the Brunei art scene in recent years.

This is the first of what hopes to be an annual showing of Art Vision, with the aim of providing a platform for art and the art community to showcase to the general public. Their goals

include a planned sustainable development of a vibrant art scene in the future by creating diverse job opportunities in the creative industry sector.

The collaboration with the local art community was made with the intention of fostering and developing a culture of art understanding, appreciation and collection. It was also a celebration of our local artistic talents, and a reminder that it’s time for the public to step up and show them some support.

The art fair is organised by the Brunei Art Forum and the Department of Museums Brunei, with the support of strategic partners: Creative Space Art Gallery & Studio, Kaleidoscope Studio, Stain, Rainforest Art Gallery, Jo’s Art Gallery and Décor, Mizaty Gallery, The Birdhouse Studio and Arttralia.

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Abdul Zainidi’s Hometown Fairytale

M Brunei’s First Duty Free Shop Launched at the Brunei International Airport

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runei Darussalam saw the opening of its first duty free shop on 30 June 2018, at an event held at the Satellite Area of the Brunei International Airport. The event was officiated by Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Ali bin Apong, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism; Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Paduka Dr Awg Hj Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, the Minister of Finance II; and Yang Berhormat Awg Abdul Mutalib bin POKSSDP Hj Mohammad Yusof, the Minister of Communications.

Last year, the Brunei International Airport recorded an arrival of 244,278 transit passengers and the launching of the duty free shop was based on the need to boost the shopping experience for airline and transit passengers. The opening of the SBC Duty Free Shop with its

myriad options will hopefully prove to be a significant contribution in enhancing passengers’ positive experience of Brunei.

The SBC Duty Free Shop is a part of the Shinwoo Group that also operates business under the areas of construction, trading, and logistics. This Korean-based company invested in opening the duty free shop in Brunei as it finds the sultanate to be an attractive country to invest in, due to its economic strength, political stability, geographic location, and clean and safe environment.

Mr Choi Sangkwon, President of the Shinwoo Group, expressed hopes that the opening of the duty free shop will be the first step in the development of other businesses in Brunei.

“SBC Sdn Bhd is proud to be part of Brunei International Airport’s first Duty Free Shop operating in Brunei, and it will

pave the way for our next phase of developing other businesses in Brunei,” Mr Choi Sangkwon said in his speech. “We hope that this first establishment will help to promote other Korean companies to also have an interest in investing in Brunei Darussalam and will link them to any business opportunities and partnership whenever necessary.”

The event was officiated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and then a quick tour of the four SBC Duty Free Shop outlets in the airport, which sells a collection of premium brand products such as watches, sunglasses, electronics, and other designer collections.

The SBC Duty Free Shop operates from 7am to 12.30am daily.

aybe Brunei hasn’t had its global blockbuster yet – not for the lack of some truly solid attempts – but if anyone thinks that the art of cinema is lacking in the sultanate, then we’re happy to inform you that you’re mistaken. There are films that are made for a big, general, action-happy audience, and then there are films that speak to your inner subconscious, that dares to you to look, reflect, and think on what you had just seen. And when it comes to the latter, no one films it better than our own Abdul Zainidi.

Currently under scholarship at the Busan Asian Film School, Abdul Zainidi has already made his mark. He joined forces with Korean producer Jungwoo Lee to collaborate on ‘Worm and the Widow’, and the project was given the honour to take part in B.I.G’s IT Project market at BIFAN 2018, which saw Abdul Zainidi pitching his idea and meeting with top industry experts from esteemed organisations such as Astro, Hong Kong Film Festival and Sitges Film Festival. The duo went on to win the coveted Bucheon Award, which includes a cash prize to turn his project into a reality.

‘Worm and the Widow’ is a fairytale set in Tutong about a handicapped boy and his encounter with a widow, nicknamed The Witch. The film is set to be made in Brunei and will have the cast speaking in the Tutong dialect.

Coming from Tutong himself, Abdul Zainidi’s international exposure to the world of filmmaking hasn’t made him forget his home.

“As a filmmaker we are fortunate enough to express our thoughts and views of art through the language of film. For me, I use film to show others my view on Brunei.

Ultimately it’s important to never forget your roots and where you came from.”

Read more of our conversation with Abdul Zainidi on www.borneoinsidersguide.com.

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B i G getaway

A WELCOME RESPITE AT

SAMA-SAMA HOTEL Wan Zainal Abidin

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Those seeking a convenient location near the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) will find that the Sama-Sama Hotel more than fits the typical needs of an overnight stopover or long layover between flights.

It makes a perfect base for early morning departures, or for those who, yikes, as I have done once myself, unfortunately missed a flight!

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popular option for transient travelers through KLIA, Sama-Sama Hotel is connected to the main terminal by Sky Bridge and was an integral part of the KLIA development.

Designed to be an urban oasis in line with the concept of

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KLIA, the 422-room hotel has traditional Malay culture reflected in its interior design, décor, and abundant greenery.

Guests who make the smart decision to book the Airport FastTrack@KLIA service are greeted at the arrival gate by

hotel hosts and immediately transported on a buggy through fast-track security, immigration, and customs lane.

Upon exit from the arrival gate, a buggy awaits at the end of the terminal to transport guests comfortably to the hotel lobby to check-in. For guests journeying to Kuala Lumpur, the VIP Access service includes a limousine service for locations within a 70km radius of KLIA. I was assigned to the 78sqm Executive King Suite, a space designed with a separate

living room, spacious work desk and kitchen furnished in a calming neutral palate of browns accented with vermilion cushions and decorative pieces.

The suite comes with access to the Premier Lounge, which includes buffet breakfast and pre-dinner cocktails at Premier Club Lounge for two, free WiFi and late check-out at 3pm (subject to availability).

There are plenty of dining options available at the hotel, and with three dining venues to choose from, you’ll have no

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trouble finding the right meal to suit your palate. Kick start the day the Malaysian way by dining on Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai or Mee Rebus at the Degrees Restaurant that also serves breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet, a la carte choices as well as Sunday brunch. Have a cuppa at the Palmz Lounge and enjoy the Travellers’ Bar and Grill for dinner, which also offers live entertainment and dart games. It would be remiss of me not to add that their MacAllister Fried Kway Teow – a char kway teow dish made famous by the Sisters Char Kway Teow stall located at Jalan MacAllister in Penang – is among the best I’ve had in Kuala Lumpur, and whenever I have a few hours to kill at KLIA, I usually make a pit stop at the hotel lounge to indulge in my cravings! For those with more than a few hours’ layover, the usual gym, spa, swimming pool and even a tennis court are available to combat the jet lag.

Upon check-out the next morning to catch my onward flight to Singapore, I was greeted by my host and transported via buggy to the Lounge in the Departure Hall. If you haven’t tried the Airport FastTrack@ KLIA option yet, it is highly recommended: it provides a seamless end-to-end service for guests, allowing me to breeze through a swift checkout process through fast-track security, immigration, and customs lane, and flight check-in facilitated by the airline staff.

With an ideal location right next to the airport, the SamaSama Hotel is perfect for layovers or very early departing flights. If you’re looking to explore the city, it’s a quick and easy trip to Kuala Lumpur using the KLIA express (the airport to city express line). Otherwise, there’s plenty to do at the hotel itself to keep you entertained while you wait for your next flight!

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1. Travellers’ Bar & Grill 2. Pool Terrace Café 3. Deluxe King Room 4. The lobby at Sama4

Sama Hotel

5. Mee Rebus

at Degrees Restaurant

Sama-Sama Hotel KL International Airport Jalan CTA4, 64000 KLIA Sepang, SELANGOR www.samasamahotels.com

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B i G t e n

Orangutans are Bornean natives, and female orangutans only give birth once every eight years, during which they form a close bond with their offspring.

Borneo is the third largest island in the world as well as the third highest island thanks to the 4,095m high Mount Kinabalu.

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The traditional art of shadow puppetry known as “Wayang Kulit” directly translates as “theatre” and “skin” which stands for the animal hide that the the puppets are created from.

Facts About

Borneo

You

Never Knew!

There are over 200 different ethnic groups in Borneo, of which more than 50 have distinct languages.

6

Speaking of flowers, the Rafflesia flower – the largest flower in the world that can weigh up to 22 pounds - can be found in Borneo and is said to smell like rotting corpses.

The renowned English writer Anthony Burgess taught history at Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin College in Bandar Seri Begawan during the 1950s.

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With 15,000 different plant species, Borneo is said to have the highest diversity of plants in the world.

At roughly 130 million years old, Borneo’s rainforests are considered to be the oldest in the world.

9

The Sarawak Chamber— the largest underground cave chamber in the world— is 600 meters long, 435 meters wide and, in some places, can go up to 115 meters high.

10

In 1970, 75% of Borneo was rainforest. But due to extensive logging, oil palm plantations and forest fires, only 45% remains, meaning that Borneo is losing its forests twice as fast as other tropical jungles around the world.

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eat , drink Brunei Pamela Fletcher All restaurants in Brunei are closed for prayers between noon and 2pm on Fridays.

Noice You expect a nice time to be had at Noice, and you wouldn’t be disappointed. Walk through that nice red door and you’ll find yourself in a nice spacious interior with a counter occupying a corner where they take your order. There were talks about doing more with the interior, but we liked the no-fuss aspect of it.

At the time we visited Noice the sandwich list was short but packed a punch. Three categories were offered (a soup selection and other choices have been added since), namely: Sammies, Cold Sammies and Smaller Bites. We went for The AYAMS (which stands for Absolutely Yummy and Mouth-watering Sandwich) which lives up to its name and then some, and the Trifecta Grilled Cheese sandwich, essentially, a four-cheese sandwich with a topping of cheesy jalapeno sauce that is spicy and rich, and just writing about it makes me want another one! We topped that off with white coffee and a Noice Chai and left Noice very nicely contented people.

So Noice was pretty nice, though we do need to point out one discrepancy in their outfit: when you name a sandwich joint ‘noice’ you’re expecting a delivery of some noice sandwiches, but the sammies here are far from just ‘noice’, they’re downright delicious.

•• #29 Blk D, Bangunan Lim Eng Ming, Kg Kiulap Open daily: 7am-6.30pm Tel: 2230825 FB: @noicebn IG: @noicebn

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We walked into Food Messenger with very limited knowledge on Taiwanese cuisine, but thankfully help came in the form of an informative waitress who was happy to go through each item on the menu for us. It resulted in a fantastic meal – who knew Taiwanese food tasted this good?

Obviously others did because we had been hearing about Food Messenger long before we stepped through its doors. The stylish pink restaurant is already a choice venue for many an Instagram post despite the fact that it’s located in a lesser known part of Gadong. In fact, everything in this restaurant is IG-worthy including its food.

Which is delicious. Fried Mushrooms with Salted Egg brought the salted egg trend to a new level. The Seafood Omelette and Dan Bing

Marilyn Kopitiam After serving the good people in Kuala Belait their amazing food and desserts for the past 30 years, the owners of Marilyn Café finally decided to do us Brunei-Muara residents a solid and opened a branch in Gadong. And as frequent visitors to its KB sister, Marilyn Kopitiam was high on our list of eateries to check out.

Its spacious and airy unit is located on the first floor, with a classy, well decorated but effortless interior. A children’s corner filled with toys is dedicated to keeping kids at bay, and private rooms are available upon request.

But we came to eat, and eat we did, choosing from an extensive menu that also featured a breakfast menu, sandwich choices, sides, salads, and categories of meal choices. We paired off Marilyn’s Golden Curry (an absolute winner) and American Burger with Chips (meaty and moist) along with some Nachos in a chunky pool of Guacamole and a dish of Poutine drenched in gravy. Expectations were high, but met: everything was delicious, and we’re going to be having some fun coming back to try out the rest of the menu.

If you’re thinking of skipping dessert, we urge you to reconsider, because Marilyn Kopitiam serves some fantastic treats. We gobbled down the Salted Caramel Tart, Lemon Loaf, Portugese Egg Tart, Red Velvet Cupcake and Chocolate Mud Cake with embarrassing ease, and topped it off with a Meowth Shake – a delicious apple and vanilla milkshake.

Coffee and tea choices are also available.

•• Blk C 1st Flr Lot 1626, Gadong Central, Kg Gadong, Menglait Open daily: 10am-10pm / 8am-12pm, 2pm-10pm (Fridays) FB: @marilyncafekb IG: @marilyncafe_marilynkopitiam

Food Messenger are delectable, and portions are plentiful with the Four Seasons Rice with Chicken. The drinks are quirky: we had a Guns n’ Roses, Sad! Winter and classic pink lemonade – all thirst-quenchers on a hot day. An extensive breakfast menu assures us that we will be returning in the morning next time. And if you’re feeling less adventurous, they also have a list of local favourites.

It was a lovely outing to a stylish pink restaurant serving up quality Taiwanese cuisine at reasonable prices. Two pink thumbs up from us.

•• #A-117, 98 Residences, Lot 08511 Spg 98, Kg Pengkalan Gadong, BSB Open daily: 8.30am–10.30pm Tel: 673-2424886 FB: @foodmessengerbn IG: @foodmessengerbn

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eat , drink

Wonderboom The first time you step into this establishment, you can’t help but feel positive vibes as the smiling staff usher you to your seat.

This is one of the best venues to bring that special someone out for a treat or the whole family to celebrate! Wonderboom is a familyfriendly restaurant that offers a fusion-style brunch menu with both Asian and Western influences. This stylish restaurant also has a children’s menu and a children’s corner stocked with plush toys, pillows and books.

The brunch menus are fresh, healthy and colourful. Among the ‘must try’ selections during brunch are Selamat Pagi - their iconic nasi lemak crepe, Buenos Dias - a traditional Mexican breakfast and The Highlander - their own version of scotch eggs with creamy mushroom sauce.

Smoothie bowls are a must too.

In the evenings, they serve their iconic Wonderbowls – chunky and satisfying toppings on a bed of rice or noodles. They also have unique products on sale like books, The Penan Women Project Baskets & Totes, Bamboo straws, Tea drop tea and ground coffee. So sit down, relax, enjoy your meal, and don’t forget to grab a few souvenirs before you head out or catch the next flight.

•• Green Heights Mall, Morning Lapangan Terbang 2, 93250 Kuching Open daily: 9.30am–11pm Tel: 6082-571396 FB: @mywonderboom IG: @wonderboomkch (Serves no pork, Muslim friendly)

Sarawak Dayang Durrah Zainal Abang Azfar Zainuddin

Madam Tang’s The strong aroma of Sarawak Laksa lingers as you sit down to order your food. Most customers automatically order a bowl of the classic Laksa Sarawak for their breakfast to kickstart the day, and weekends are packed with frequent customers coming in as early as 7.30am.

The owners of Madam Tang’s are passionate about local Sarawakian food and try to relive the good old days where breakfast was made from scratch and were simple yet delicious.

Among the dishes that one must try are the Classic Sarawak Laksa, the Beef Noodles, Chicken Kolok Mee and also the Mee Jawa. If you’re looking to splurge, go for the Sarawak Laksa Lobster!

Those who do not fancy a heavy meal can opt for a lighter choice such as the Rojak Buah, Banana Fritters with grated cheese, the half-boiled eggs set or the Kaya, Butter and Toast set.

As for their thirst quenchers, do try their White Lady and Lychee Lime Crush. It’s a hit among customers young and old.

•• Madam Tang’s Cafe @ Petanak, Submit 15, Grd Floor, Wisma Nation Horizon, Blk B, Jln Petanak, 93100 Kuching Open daily: 7.30am–2.30pm Tel: 6016-8860598 (Serves no pork, Muslim friendly establishment) 42

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Serapi Garden Café In the concrete jungle of Satok and amidst the hustle and bustle of the city lies a hidden gem of a café.

Serapi Garden Café is strategically located in the heart of Kuching town. A house from the 70’s refurbished into a retro-

styled café, like its namesake Serapi Garden is surrounded by a beautiful garden landscape that would make one forget they are in the middle of a busy town.

Their menus vary extensively from Modern Nusantara Food

to Western and Fusion. Popular rice-based dishes like the Itik Tim Penyet, Nasi Kerabu Ayam Perchik and Claypot Assam Pedas Tenggiri is a must try and definitely worth coming for. Beverages range from a variety of mocktails, smoothies, home-brewed and premium teas, juices, soft drinks and Segafredo Coffees. In the evenings, the café serves ala carte dishes and their hot dishes: Masakan Panas Ala Utara.

Great food, quality service and assistance to customers – we would highly recommend Serapi Garden Café. And word to the wise: come with an empty stomach as I assure you their food will not disappoint.

•• Lot 209, 171A, Lorong 11, Jalan Satok, 93400 Kuching Open daily: 10.30am-10.30pm Tel: 6082-2333534 Facebook: @serapigardencafe (Muslim-friendly establishment)

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eat , drink S a b a h Pamela Fletcher

Favola

NON HALAL

Favola at Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu has consistently been on the top of the list for authentic Italian food in Kota Kinabalu with outstanding steaks, pastas, seafood and an extensive wine list to complement every meal. The restaurant recently refreshed its already excellent menu to introduce a fusion of new flavours and twists to traditional Italian classics. For starters, there’s a whole lot of pumpkin in its Tom Yam Pumpkin Chowder with roasted pumpkin ball and pumpkin ravioli. Full of flavour and spice, it’s sure to fire up your taste buds. Cool them down with a citrus homemade sorbet before indulging in a cut of Black Angus steak served with truffle potato and baby vegetables, and a wonderfully sweet and fragrant smoked onion sauce made by roasting onions over an apple woodchip fire. For something a little lighter on the palate, the Baked Cod with sautéed spinach, leek fondue and green sauce is the perfect balance of freshness and delicate flavours. Updating the traditional tiramisu, Favola has added freeze dried raspberry, coffee crumble and Kahlua sauce for an absolutely decadent dessert.

The new inclusions in Favola’s menu is certainly a culinary adventure that will impress you with its creativity and perhaps even puzzle you with its unique flavour combinations but that is what makes Favola such a gem. While its signature dishes continue to be fan favourites, trying out the new flavours would certainly make for an adventurous experience for the taste buds.

•• Jalan Tun Fuad Stephen, Sinsuran Kompleks, 88000 Kota Kinabalu Open daily: 6.30pm–10.30pm Tel: 6088-322222 FB & IG: @lemeridienkotakinabalu

Riding on the trendiest food fad that is livening up clean eating is Biru Biru Café’s very colourful ‘In a Bowl’ series of custom-made poke bowls. Poke means ‘to slice or cut’ in Hawaiian and refers to chunks of raw, marinated fish - usually yellowfin tuna or salmon - tossed over rice and topped with vegetables and sauces. ‘In a Bowl’ allows you to customise your bowl with a choice of brown rice, sushi rice, baby lettuce or soba noodles as a base then top up with vegetables of your choice. Then add seaweed flakes, fried shallots, ebiko, furikake or wasabi for a bit of flavour. The choice of sauces is limited to ponzu lime for a bit of zing, spicy kimchi and sriracha aioli for a bit of heat, mango aioli for a bit of sweet, and teriyaki and house shoyu for a bit of savoury.

With its wide choice of sides and toppings, you can play around with

Biru Biru Café any number of combinations to make each meal a new experience. They also have smoothie bowls and other food options on their western and local cuisine inspired menu.

Biru Biru Café has a wonderfully nostalgic old-school kopitiam ambience and decor, and although it’s non-air conditioned, it’s airy enough to tolerate in the mid-afternoon heat. Located in the old part of the city away from

Tables Located at the popular foodie centre of Lido Plaza, Tables is a signature dish restaurant serving everyone’s favourite breakfast: fish noodle soup.

The high-ceilinged restaurant is simply laid out with tables and chairs reminiscent of a

typical coffee shop but with the comfort of air-conditioning for a pleasant and relaxing dining atmosphere. The only thing on the menu is fish noodle soup where you have a choice of fresh or fried sliced fish or fish head, in a milky soup base that is nicely balanced

NON HALAL

the inner city traffic, it’s a comfortable hang-out for lunch, dinner and drinks. They also occasionally host performances and screenings to support local artists so it’s worth giving them a call before dropping by to find out what’s on for the evening.

•• 24, Lorong Dewan, 88000 Kota Kinabalu Open daily: 11am–1am Tel: 6012-2727116 FB: @birubirucafe

to enhance the freshness of the fish. Also available are tender fish cakes and prawn balls to add extra flavour to the soup. For some heat, help yourself to the sliced bird’s eye chilli, calamansi and soya sauce from the condiment counter to give your noodle soup a bit of a kick. The overall flavour profile is light and not overly seasoned which is what you’d want for a healthier breakfast or lunch choice.

The local coffee here is how it should be – strong and sweet – which is an absolute necessity when a coffee shop’s reputation can be made or broken based on the strength of its coffee. There’s tea, chocolate and cereal drinks as well to round up a limited but adequate beverage list to complement your satisfyingly delicious bowl of fish noodle soup.

••

20, Lorong Lido Plaza 3, Kota Kinabalu Open: 8am–3.30pm (closed Thursdays) FB: @tablesresto

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Brunei

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

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

Chop Jing Chew Freshly made Roti Kahwin perfectly paired with a teh tarik 10 Spg 5 Jln Gadong, Kg Menglait (673 2424132)

Restoran Makan & Soto Rosmini Our favourite soto hang-out 1 Spg 15, Jln Gadong (673 8719946)

Amulya This North Indian restaurant serves our favourite briyani in town.

Grd Flr Jln Setia Square Berakas, Kg Jaya Setia (673 2339230)

Gwad Basha Arabian Restaurant Arabic cuisine at its finest #1A&1B Heng Thai Property Centre Spg 22 Jln Dato Ratna, Kiarong (673 2450009) – call for other branches

Mei Kong Coffee Shop A trip to Brunei isn’t complete without sampling their famous kolo mee 108 Jln Pemancha, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 2240688)

CHIPS & DIPS There is no dish as internationally renowned and comforting as a plate of chips. Salted, with vinegar, crinkle-cut, shoestring style, chunky wedges, doused in chilli sauce or ketchup, or paired off with a flavour-perfect dip – the things you can do with a simple potato are endless, and simple in its deliciousness. Enter Chips & Dips, a chips-and-dips only shop located at The Mall in Gadong where you can get your chips your style – and with dip too! From a sourcream Signature Dip to an all-time favourite cheese to a more adventurous Wasabi Mayo, there’s a nice selection of dips to go with your chips, which you can have three ways (Straight cut, Shoestring or Wedges).

A perfect mid-shopping chip stop!

G34, The Mall (ATM area), Gadong Tel: 673-8921877 FB: Chips & Dips IG: @chipsndips.bn

Kaizen Sushi served fresh on your table plus a variety of other Japanese cuisine Yayasan Complex Waterfront Side, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 2226336) – call for other branches Pondok Sari Wangi Restaurant Serving the best of Indonesian cuisine 12-13 1st Flr Blk A Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 2445043) – call for other branches Thien Thien Restaurant Purveyors of arguably the best Nasi Ayam in town 10 Grd Flr Mas Panchawarna Complex (673 2222435) – call for other branches Ximply Chriz Café Divine desserts, great coffee and scrumptious meals 8 Blk A Regent Square, Kiulap (673 2234918)

ADVERTISERS

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

OPEN DAILY; #G2a Grd Flr Times Square Complex, KG JAYA SETIA (673 2343001) (Times Square Branch) or #204 Spg 210 Kg Lambak, JLN BERAKAS (673 8803183) – Call for other branches

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Despite new coffee shops popping up around town, the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf undoubtedly remains the most popular purveyor of caffeine in Brunei with 12 branches throughout the country. This global coffee chain continues to brew their specialty coffee and their ever-popular Ice-Blended coffee drinks for the masses.

OPEN DAILY 8am-11pm; G26 Grd Flr Times Square Shopping Centre, Jln Kaya Setia, BERAKAS (673 2337358) – 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 2244272)

Tasek Brasserie A perfect spot to dine with family and friends in the heart of the city, Tasek Brasserie provides casual dining in a relaxed atmosphere. Customers can enjoy light snacks and a cool mocktail while lounging at the outdoor pool, or dine on the variety of cuisine from their ala carte menu or sumptuous buffets.

OPEN DAILY 6am-6pm; Radisson Hotel Jln Tasek, BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (673 2244272)

The Curry Puff Factory The bright orange storefront of local favourite The Currypuff Factory signifies two things: first, that this is the place that has a buffet with a large selection of delicious local cuisine at affordable prices, and two, there’s some delicious curry puffs to try 44

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG listings

ADVERTISERS

GALLERY here too! Come here to eat, but stay for the savoury desserts: their curry puffs are larger than your average puffs because they’re packed with generous helpings of curry potatoes and chicken with a creamy and buttery filling ensconced in a puff pastry that will melt in your mouth.

OPEN DAILY 6.30am-9.30pm; #109, Bangunan Kumbang Pasang (Gadong Properties), GADONG (673 8686466) – call for other branches The Empire Hotel & Country Club

Atrium Café The Atrium Café is located on level 3 of the main Atrium building, nestled amidst The Empire’s signature grand marble columns and offering a spectacular view of the sea. Buffet breakfast and á la carte lunch are available from Monday to Friday,

LITTLE BELLO Bello Café has opened its little sister, Little Bello, at The Mall in Gadong – an ideal spot for coffee sipping, a side of cake, and a sandwich if you’re hungry, amid what is unmistakably Bello’s signature effortlessly chic aesthetic. Located on the first floor, the area is decorated with quirky pieces, gorgeous lamps and chandeliers, elegant furniture and plump seating, and makes for a perfectly elegant mid-shop or pre/post-movie stop.

And that’s just how it looks. Little Bello also offers some of Bello’s popular dishes, which includes their famed Swiss Burger (and its little brother, the Baby Swiss Burger). Finish off your meal with one of the beautiful desserts on display for absolute bliss.

1st Flr, The Mall, Gadong FB: @bellocafe

BEAN THERE DONE THAT thecoffeebeanbrunei coffeebean_brunei

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biG listings

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 2452852) All Seasons Restaurant 17 1st Flr Times Square Shopping Centre, Kg Jaya Setia (673 2338068) Aminah Arif 2 & 3 Blk B Grd Flr Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kiulap (673 2236198) – Call for other branches

Aneka Rasa Blk A #16 & 17 Grd & 1st Flr Bgn Begawan Pehin Dato Hj Mohd Yussof, Kg Kiulap (673 2231728) Anjung Layar Luncur (Nur Wanita Serasa Branch) Simpang 287, Pantai Serasa (673 2771879) Ar Ruhma Restaurant 329 Blk D Bgn Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 2427847) Axtivo Restaurant Spg 13 Hj Uthman Complex, Berakas (673 2335642)

DON CHURROS The past decade has seen Brunei on an international cuisine kick, with plenty of international food offerings available around the Sultanate. Those who have taken a liking to traditional Spanish churros (i.e. everybody) can flamenco their way over to the Freshco Food Court at Times Square, where the good folks over at Don Churros are busy frying up this dough pastry to brown perfection for you to nom on. The set-up is simple: you have an option of five or ten churros and an option of either a dark chocolate, milk chocolate or caramel dip.

Crunchy, sweet, steaming – we started with five, and are not ashamed to admit we came back for ten.

Grd Flr, Freshco Food Cour, Times Square Shopping Complex, Kg Jaya Setia, Berakas FB & IG: @donchurrosbrunei

Babu’s Kitchen C44 Blk C Grd Flr Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 2457868) Bali Pit-Stop 15 &16, Spg 150 Grd Floor, Block A Bangunan Habza, Kiulap (673 7209992) Chatterbox Kopitiam 2 Grd Flr Bgn Hasbullah 2, Gadong (673 8201212) Eco Dermaga Kafé 2 Building, Waterfront, Jln McArthur, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 7295999) Farmbasket Snack Bar A1, Grd Flr Blk A, Urairah

Complex, Spg 88, Kiulap (673 2234666) – Call for other branches Gurkha Palace 47 Jalan Bunga Melor, Seria Town (673 3221474) Gratitude Café Grd Flr Serusop Complex, Kg Delima Satu (673 2341123)

ADVERTISERS

GALLERY

Great Taste Restaurant Grd Flr Setia Kenangan II, Kg Kiulap (673 2233913) Happy Dean Restaurant No 3, Grd Flr, Zainuddin Complex, Spg 11, Anggerek Desa, Berakas A (673 2340885) – Call for other branches

offering a variety of international and local cuisine.

OPEN 6.30am-10.30am (buffet breakfast) / 11.30am-3pm (à la carte lunch) / 2pm-4pm (à la carte lunch – on Fridays only)

Lobby Lounge The perfect place for casual or formal get-togethers or just to enjoy a cup of tea – the Lobby Lounge offers a selection of refreshments throughout the day and their popular traditional English High Tea in the afternoons.

OPEN DAILY 8am-10pm / 2pm-6pm (Daily Afternoon Tea)

Pantai Restaurant Offering semi buffet meals combined with daily specials, the elegant Pantai Restaurant offers a Daily Asian buffet dinner from 6pm to 9pm with a wide variety of tantalising options to choose from, or enjoy a midday meal with the family at their popular Weekend Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

OPEN 6.30pm-10pm (closed Thursdays) / 11am3pm (Weekend Brunch)

Pool Deck Located at the Beachfront on Level 1, enjoy the breeze from the beachside while you sip on cool beverages and enjoy light snacks in view of the swimming pool.

OPEN DAILY 7am-9pm

Spaghettini Fine dining at its best, this restaurant offers authentic Italian and contemporary Medi terranean cuisine in divine settings, with a Daily Mediterranean à la carte dinner from 6pm to 10pm. A private room is available upon request for special occasions.

OPEN DAILY 6am-6pm

Zen Pavilion Located just beyond Pantai Restaurant on Level 1, Zen Pavilion offers customers an exclusive dining experience, watching chefs 46

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biG listings

WAGYUBOX Just when you think that Brunei has exhausted all ideas for Instagram food businesses, along comes Wagyubox, an IG-based business that focuses on, you guessed it, wagyu beef. We’re not talking about chunks of raw wagyu beef here, we’re talking about a prime slab of wagyu meat grilled to perfection, boxed up and served with their garlic butter soy sauce. Ordering is simple: DM them on Instagram to check for availabilities, pick a doneness, how you’d like it boxed, pay via bank transfer, and pick up!

Customers have a choice between Wagyu and Not-Quite-Wagyu, and other grades and cuts of meat might be available in the future. But be warned: available slots are very limited, so if you want that hunk of grilled meat (and trust us, you do), DM them quickly! It is, absolutely, diving dining, IG-style.

IG: @wagyubox

Impian Rasa Restaurant #5 Bgn Pg Hjh Rafiah Spg 607 Jln Jangsak, Gadong (673 2653858) – Call for other branches Kaka Restaurant 2 & 3 Spg 100 Jln Jerudong (673 2672333) – Call for other branches La Mee #1B & 1c Grd Flr Spg 41-112, Jln Kiarong (673 2430113) Lee Loi Fatt Blk A #7 Grd Flr Serusop Complex, Kg Delima Satu (673 2342384) – Call for other branches Mangrove Paradise Resort Spg 912 Kg Sungai Belukut, Jln Kota Batu (673 2786868) MY Favoureat Restaurant 9 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Munchit & Hjh Rapiah, Kg Jaya Setia (673 2232828) MyTown Eating House Grd Flr The Crown Princess Complex, Jalan Tutong (673 2241880)

Nyonya 3 Grd Flr Bgn Hasbollah, Gadong (673 2447090) Old Time Kopitiam G2 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Ibrahim, Kg Menglait (673 244 282)

Sate House Unit B9, Block B, Setia Kenangan II, Spg.150, Kiulap, Bandar Seri Begawan

Spicy Curry & Wraps from Arabic to Indian cuisine, check out these PappaRich restaurants if you like a Blk G Grd Flr Abd Razak Complex, spicy kick to your meals.

Gadong (673 2432333) Sugar ‘n’ Spice Pho Hoa Restaurant Grd Flr Blk B, Spg 150-5#6 Grd Flr Blk B Bgn Hj Abd 13-18, Bgn Setia Kenangan Rahman, Kg Kiulap II, Kiulap, Brunei BE1518 (673 2236218) Amsarra Shawarma & Rice Bowl Espresso 72 T.C.Y Building, Batu Bersurat Grd Flr Airport Mall, (673 8630665) Kg Jaya Setia Sapphira Cake House 3 Grd Flr Seri Anigma, Kiulap (673 2232021) Seasons Restaurant Lvl 2 The Centrepoint, Gadong (673 2422291) Seafood Palace #1, 2 & 3 Blk B An-Nuha Building, Kg Tanjung Bunut (673 2671299) Seaworld Neptune 8 Spg 791, Jerudong (673 2612613)

Bombay Palace Restaurant #9 Grd & 1st Flr Blk B Bgn Pg Mainuddin & Anak2, Batu Bersurat (673 2427313) C’Fu Curry House Restaurant Spg 103 #5 & 6 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Md Salleh, Gadong (673 2457000) Delhi Darbar Restaurant & Catering Spg 38 Jln Jerudong (673 2672826)

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biG listings

PROJECT ICE CREAM With intriguing flavours such as “Honey The Boo”, “Salted Caramel n’ Cracks” and “Berry Watir”, it’s safe to say that Project Ice Cream isn’t just your run-ofthe-mill dairy churner.

Established purely on social media since 2017, the artisanal bunch that prides themselves on their handmade methods has already garnered a steady online following—and for good reason! Standing by their slogan of “It’s Never Just Ice Cream”, Project Ice Cream is big on its impeccable quality and service that will undoubtedly keep their loyal current and future customer base screaming for ice cream.

Tel: 673-8826833 IG: @projecticecream.bn FB: @projecticecream.bn

ADVERTISERS

GALLERY prepare excellent dishes on the teppanyaki grill with flare and offering some of the most authentic Japanese cuisine. Daily à la carte dinner is available.

OPEN 6pm-9pm (closed Thursdays) – advance booking is required

Zest A stylish café located at the Atrium on Level 5, enjoy a hot beverage with a selection of pastries, cakes, savoury treats, confectionary and chocolates, made fresh daily with the finest quality ingredients.

OPEN DAILY 24 hours (midnight-6am for Empire Hotel residents only)

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG listings Le Taj 2-3 2nd Flr Seri Kiulap Complex, Kiulap (673 2238996) Lotus Family Restaurant 27B Grd Flr Delima Jaya Complex, Berakas (673 2342049) Rajah’s Restaurant 3 Grd Flr Blk A Bangunan PAP Umi Kalthum, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 2240379) Saffron Restaurant 8 Blk C Shakirin Complex, Kiulap (673 2235888) Sameer Restaurant & Catering G1 Grd Flr Sg Akar Sentral, Berakas (673 2336613) Spices Restaurant #1 Grd Flr Blk A Aman Complex, Jln Muara (673 2330081) Sweet Buttons Café & Catering Unit 4, Grd Flr, Spg 98, Kpg Delima Satu, Berakas A (673 8285235) Ya Nur Restaurant #7 1st Flr Bgn Hj Tahir 2, Kg Menglait (673 8719986) Zaika Restaurant A4 Lot 308 Bgn Maju Jln Bunga Raya, Kuala Belait (673 3347430) Gwad Basha Arabian Restaurant 1A & 1B Heng Thai Property Centre, Spg 22, Jalan Dato Ratna, Kiarong (673 2450009) Western Food Italian pizzas, American steaks and burgers, British cottage pies – we list down the restaurants that serve the best from the west.

Bello Café L1/12 Seri Kiulap Mall, Kiulap (673 2233989) – Call for other branches Buccaneer Steak House 92-93 (B) 94 Grd Flr Jln McKerron, Kuala Belait (673 33 0406) Charcoal BBQ & Grill Restaurant Grd Flr Le Gallery Suites Hotel, Jln Tutong (673 2221171) – Call for other branches Cheezbox Café External Café, Ramp A, The Mall, Gadong (673 2425506) Countrypatch Café 3 Grd Flr Blk D Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kiulap (673 2232368) – Call for other branches

De’ Olde Cottage 2 Grd Flr Blk C Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 2426982) – Call for other branches Deli-Bites Royal Brunei Recreation Club (Poolside Terrace), Jln Terunjing Lama, Berakas (673 877928)

Red Canopy Café #5 Blk C Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 2453878) Ricardo’s #19 Jerudong Park Food Court Phase 2, Kg Jerudong (673 7276455) – WA only

Full Haus Coffee Grd Flr Riverview Medical Complex, Jln Gadong, Kg Kumbang Pasang (673 2240456) Games & Lattes Café #E9 Grd Flr Blk E Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap (673 2235200)

Flapjack House #6 Bgn Majid Mohamad Jln Pasar Baharu, Kg Kiarong (673 2450987)

Sorriso Restaurant & Pizzeria #14 Blk B Grd Flr Regent Square, Kiulap (673 2233030)

Magnum Café 18 & 19 Grd Flr Citis Square, Kg Jaya Setia (673 2392555)

Swensen’s #2.34-2.36 2nd Flr The Mall, Gadong (673 2451864)

Fleur-de-lys L1/1 Seri Q-Lap Mall, Kiulap (673 223 1777) – Call for other branches

Wing-It #16 Grd Flr Citis Square, Kg Jaya Setia (673 7224999)

High Frequency Lifestyle Café 1st Flr Unit 5 Blk B Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 2428262)

Fratini’s Restaurant #1 Grd Flr The Centrepoint Hotel, Gadong (673 2451200) – Call for other branches

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

It’s a Grind Coffeehouse 1, Grd Floor, Bgn Al-Warasah, Muara Town (673 2772424) – call for other branches

Another Café #2 Grd Flr Blk A Bgn Hj Abd Rahman & Hjh Siti Ajar, Kiulap (673 2233593)

Kapra Coffee #26 Grd Flr Blk C Spg 440, Jln Muara (673 2345656)

Home Kitchen by Tree-Bit Café D8 & D9 Lot 11620 Grd Flr Jln Gadong, Kg Mata-Mata (673 2429366) Kitchen of Jasmine

by Aranda Café #17, Blk E, Atiya Complex, Spg 100, Jln Jerudong (673 8997333) Magherita Pizzeria #5 Blk A Scout Complex Jln Gadong, Kg Mata-Mata (673 8688884) Paddington House of Pancakes 3&4 Blk C Spg 58, Jln Berakas, Kg Serusop (673 2331668) Pastamania #9 Grd Flr Blk H Abdul Razak Complex, Gadong (673 2457441) – Call for other branches Pepper Lunch Brunei C9/10 Grd Flr Setia Kenangan II, Kg Kiulap (673 2253000) Qasehmaisara Café House #206-209 2nd Flr Plaza Athirah, Jln Kubah Makam DiRaja (673 2789898) RMS Diner A5 Lot 308 Bgn Maju Jln Bunga Raya, Kuala Belait (673 3347455) RBC Lifestyle Cafe Waterfront, Jln McArthur, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 2220815) Rovansil Restaurant #36-38 1st Flr Citis Square, Kg Jaya Setia (673 2337129)

Baristas by Modesto Grd Flr Food Arena Seri Q-Lap Mall, Kg Kiulap (673 2237771) Beanery & Co #81 A/1 Grd Flr, Jln Bunga Rambai, Kuala Belait (673 3347772) BELLUNO Café #2 Blk C Kiarong Complex, Kg Kiarong (673 2429010) Brew Café & Bakery #47 Grd Flr Blk C Gadong Central, Menglait (673 2427554) Caffé Verve #6A Spg 68, Jln Batu Bersurat (673 8757382) The Collective Wildflower Café Grd Flr Royal Brunei Recreational Club (RBRC), BSB Countrypatch Café 3 Grd Flr Blk D Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kiulap (673 2232368) E.A.T. Bakery Grd Flr Blk B, Little Soho, Spg 73-5-8, Jln Batu Bersurat, Kg Pengkalan Gadong (673 8664608) Fleur-de-lys L1/1 Seri Q-Lap Mall, Kiulap (673 2231777) – call for other branches

Geo Eats No. 13, Spg 381, Kg Jerudong (673 8271381) Gloria Jean’s Coffee G17 Citis Square, Berakas (673 2338452)

Ner Dee Café #F11 1st Flr Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap (673 7214977)

Atrium Café The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 2418888) Dynasty Restaurant Grd Flr Centrepoint Hotel, Gadong (673 2430185) The Horizons Seafood Restaurant Waterfront, Jln McArthur, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 2233400) I-Lotus 20 Spg 12-26 Perumahan Rakyat Jati, Kg Rimba (673 2422466) Lobby Lounge The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 2418888) Pantai Restaurant The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 2418888) Savy’s Brasserie 204 Lvl 2 Mabohai Shopping Complex, Mabohai (673 2240829) Senja Restaurant 8&9 Grd Flr Seri Kiulap Complex, Kiulap (673 2235313)

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

Spaghettini The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 2418888)

Piccolo Café #11 Jln McArthur, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 2241558)

Tarindak d’Polo Royal Brunei Polo & Riding Club, Jerudong (673 2612500)

Pulp Lvl 1 An’najat Complex, Kg Mata-Mata, Gadong

Tarindak D’Seni Brunei Arts & Handicrafts Centre, Kota Batu (673 2240422)

Rack & Brew #9 Blk H 1st & 2nd Flr Abdul Razak Complex, Gadong (673 7299668) Ran’s Coffee 1st Flr the Centrepoint Hotel Abdul Razak Complex Terminal 1 T1-05, Gadong (673 8697700) The Krema Coffee #D31 Lim Eng Ming Complex Blk D, Kg Kiulap (673 8973600) The Library Café #6 Blk C, Bangunan Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap Sweet As Sara Unit 7A, Ground Floor, Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap (673 8889169) Divine Dining Exquisite meals in beautiful settings – perfect for special occasions

Go Green Healthy and vegetarian friendly options Brunei Detox Bar 9 Grd Flr, Abdul Razak Complex, BE3519 Mituo Vegetarian Restaurant Grd Flr Pg Anak Puteri Norain Complex, Batu Satu (673 2222821) The Energy Kitchen Grd Flr, Fitness Zone Kiulap, Palm Garden Hotel, Kg Kiulap BE1518 (673 2233323) TCVH Vegetarian House B3, Grd Flr, Blk B, Spg 150-5-13-18, Bgn Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap (673 8665952)

Pureland Vegetarian Restaurant #15 Blk B Grd Flr Bgn Hj Awg Ahmad bin Hassan & Anak-anak, Kiulap (673 2236503) The Healthy Habit Blk A, Setia Kenangan II, Kg Kiulap BE1518 (673 2231030) TienSing Vegetarian & Catering Restaurant 21-22 Bangunan Hj Hassan II, Jln Gadong, Kg Menglait (673 2454988) Quick Eats Fast and delicious meals for those on the go Bento Brothers #B19 Blk B Bgn Habza Spg 150, Kg Kiulap (673 2236800) Burgers & Grills F20, Jln Tengah Bangunan, Bowling Alley Seria, Kpg Pekan Seria (673 3221434) Nasi Katok Mama Express 3 Blk A Grd Flr Kompleks Madang, Madang (673 8641681) Pan & Wok #28A Grd Flr Airport Mall, Kg Jaya Setia (673 2342836) Pelicana Chicken Unit C7, Blk C, Setia Kenangan ll, Kiulap (673 2239933) RBC Express Fast Food #1 Grd Flr Blk A, Bangunan Hj Matussin, Kg Kiulap (673 2237253) Non-Halal Options Danes Café #102, Bgn Batu Bersurat, Jln Batu Bersurat (673 2428914) Golden Leaf Coffee House Blk 1 Grd Flr PAP Hjh Norain Building, Jln Batu Satu (673 2220422) – Call for other branches Phongmun Restaurant 2nd Flr Teck Guan Plaza Jln Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 2229561) Sui Heng Restaurant Grd Flr Hj Munchit & Hjh Rapiah Complex, Kg Jaya Setia (673 2338321) Hua Hua Restaurant Grd Flr, Blk B, Bangunan Urairah, Kiulap Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

49

biG listings

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

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

Eat (Sabah) Borneo Wild Treasure Lot 27-0 Blk C Lrg Bundusan Square1D, Kota Kinabalu (6088 732 222) Brass Monkey Lot 1-0 Lorong Lintas Plaza 4, Kota Kinabalu (6088 61 543) Café De Vie Lot D-0-6 Lorong Metro Town 3, Kota Kinabalu (6088 393 863) Café Haru 7, Lorong Gunung Juo, Taman Far East Kota Kinabalu (6010 935 1233) – Korean café, serves all-day brunch Circle Restaurant Le Meridien Hotel, Kota Kinabalu (6088 322 222) Emperor’s Delight Lot 6 Grd Flr Jln Pantai, Kota Kinabalu (6088 288 686)

Grandchamps Cave & Shop Unit S3A, Ground Floor, Block B, The Peak Vista, Kota Kinabalu (6088 261 886) – Gourmet French restaurant with an extensive selection of cheeses and wines, a wine bar and delicatessen (non-halal) Hana Japanese Restaurant Lot S21&S22 Blk E City Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 538 178) Hut Steak House & Restaurant 29 Blk E Damai Plaza, Kota Kinabalu (6088 238 558) Jothy’s Fish head Curry & Banana Leaf Blk 1 Lot G9 Api Api Centre, Kota Kinabalu (6088 261 595) Kirishima Japanese Restaurant Cititel Express No 1 Jln Singgah Mata 1 Asia City, Kota Kinabalu (6088 217 868)

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

Kohinoor North Indian Restaurant Lot 4 The Waterfront Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 235 160)

Gam Tong Hong Kong Recipe Lot G-823 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 488 833)

Korean Club Restaurant 4 Jln Aru, Kota Kinabalu (6088 232 213)

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Little Italy Grd Flr Hotel Capital Jln Hj Saman, Kota Kinabalu (6088 232 231) Mad Ben Café Lot 121, Jalan Gaya, 88000, Kota Kinabalu (6088 255 073) – classic western food Mai Yai Thai Orchid Restaurant Lot 13 KK Waterfront, Kota Kinabalu (6088 234 841) Mdm Ing Fish Noodle Lot 21 Towering Koidupan Perdana Jln Tambunan, Penampang (6016 831 8726) Mr Ho’s Fine Foods L-72-G Grd Flr Blk L KK Times Square Phase 1, Kota Kinabalu (6088 222 623) Nagasaki Japanese Restaurant No 19 Grd Flr Bangunan Harrison Jln Hj Saman, Kota Kinabalu (6088 216 623) Nam Chai Restaurant Bah Kut Teh 10 Blk D Bdr Nam Tung, Sandakan (6089 612 603) Nan Yang Chic Kut Teh Grd Flr Lot 47 Jln Pantai, Kota Kinabalu (6016 833 5722)

Natural Kitchen Lot No B10 & B11, Suria Sabah Shoppin Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 487 180)

Restaurant Baba & Nyonya Recipe Blk E Grd Flr Grand Millennium Plaza, Penampang Nishiki Japanese Restaurant (6016 810 8206) Shop 4 Grd Flr 63 Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu (6088 230 582) Restoran Makanan Sedap No 1-0-1 Blk B Jln Kolam October Coffee House Centre Phase 2 Jln Lintas, Blk B The Peak Vista Lorong Kota Kinabalu Puncak 1 Tjg Lipat, Kota (6088 247 459) Kinabalu (6010 346 954) Open Kitchen Grd Flr, Unit 8, Blk 1, Metro Town, 88300, Kota Kinabalu (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)

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

The B.E.A.N Café Lot 8-1, Lido Plaza, Jalan Nosoob, Penampang (6088 703 884) Café with a sofa lounge serving coffee and drinks, sandwiches, toasts, waffles, and desserts The B Side Lot 21, Ground Floor, Lido Plaza, Jalan Nosoob Penampang (6088 715 453) – Hipster café offering all-day dining and specialty coffees

Vino Vino Bistro Unit J-57, 1st Flr, KK Times Square, 88100, Kota Kinabalu 486 363) Sakura Japanese Restaurant (6088 – non-halal European fare with G-23A & G-25, Oceanus extensive wine collection Waterfront Mall, Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, 88000 Kota Kinabalu Wah San Restaurant (6088 273 604) D2-G Blk 17 Jln Pryer, Sandakan – Japanese cuisine (6089 212 626) Santola Café Lot 14 Blk B Damai Point, Kota Kinabalu (6088 260 188)

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

Seng Hing Restaurant Ruang Sinsugan 2, Kota Kinabalu (6088 211 594)

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

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

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

Port View Seafood Village Lot 18 The Waterfront Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 221 753)

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

Pusas the Smokehouse Ground Floor, S6, Jalan Signal Hill The Peak Vista, Kota Kinabalu (6088 299 199) – Serves burgers, hotdogs and sandwiches with locally produced premium bacon and sausages (non-halal)

Supul Korean BBQ Restaurant Lot S-1-8 1st Flr City Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 448 844) Toscani’s Lot 14 The Waterfront Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 242 879)

Regiustea

Tempurung Ice Cream

Although tea sipping purists might beg – very hard – to differ, combining your cup of tea with cheese has become the latest hipster craze to hit Kota Kinabalu and the response has been overwhelming.

Regiustea at Plaza 333 is one of the most popular cheese tea cafés in the city serving a combination of cold-brewed fruit teas and green teas with a generous topping of cream cheese mixed with condensed milk and other ingredients for a slightly sweet aftertaste. Other cheesy options include chocolate and coffee to add another twist to this gooey drink that is, surprisingly, rather pleasant.

Tempurung Ice Cream is a small café located just off Gaya Street in downtown Kota Kinabalu that specialises in all things coconut. Its home-made coconut ice cream is thick and creamy and comes with a variety of toppings but the absolute best has to be its gula Melaka, coconut milk, chendol and crushed peanut topping combo.

Your ice cream is served in an authentic coconut shell which somehow makes the ice cream taste just that much better!

Other ice cream flavours, coconut smoothies, cakes and snacks are also available at this quaint little hot spot to cool down and take a break in the city.

Lot 1, Ground Floor, Block A Lorong Plaza 333-1 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Tel: 6013-8680096 FB: @regiusteaplaza333

83a, Jalan Gaya (behind the Jesselton Hotel) Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Tel: +60-16 842 3887 FB: @tempurungicecream

Eat (Sarawak) A One Seafood Restaurant Lrg Chew Siik Hiong 1, Sibu (6084 215 803) Absolute Tribal Restaurant Hills Shopping Mall, Kuching (6082 237 468) Alfian Restaurant 52 Pekan Marudi, Marudi (6085 755 215)

biG listings All Joy Café 8-1 Jln Khoo Hun Yeang, Kuching (6082 243 535)

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

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

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

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

Crown Dynasty Restaurant Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Bintulu (6086 335 908)

Aroma Café 126 Jln Tabuan, Kuching (6082 417 163) Asian Express Restaurant G40 The Spring, Kuching (6082 414 088) Bee Hiong Restaurant Café 157G Jln Muhibbah, Lawas (6085 285 137) Beei Jing Restaurant Sdn Bhd 157 Jln Kg Nyabor, Sibu (6084 330 955) Bismi Restaurant 27 Jln Sommerville, Bintulu (6086 331 835) Bites by the Batik 38 Jln Pandungan, Kuching (6082 422 845) Bla Bla Bla 27, Jln Tabuan, 93000, Kuching (6082 2330944) – Chinese-inspired fusion dishes Black Bean Coffe & Tea 87, Ewe Hai Street, 93000 Kuching (6082 420 290) – Most aromatic shop in town with the finest brews

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

Chooks Rapidly garnering a reputation as the “chicken experts”, Chooks is situated in Miri’s freshly developed Marina Square II and reels in excited customers with its glorious tag line–“It’s all about the chicken”. And all about the chicken it is! We’ve heard only good things about their Korean Chicken Wings and their famed nasi lemak along with the rest of their chicken-based dishes, so it’s safe to say that chicken lovers will very much find themselves in poultry paradise at Chooks.

Lot 1911, Ground Floor, Marina Square II, Marina ParkCity, Miri, Sarawak 98000 Tel: 085-320 208 FB: @Chooks.Miri.Sarawak

East Court Chicken Rice 867 Jln Club SAman (6083 326 818)

Imperial Duck Restaurant 313 Jln Padungan, Kuching (6082 336 313)

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

Eden Everise Wisma Nation Horizon, Block C, Kuching (6016 888 4522)

James Brooke Bistro & Café Western and signature local cuisine by the waterfront Jln Tunku Abdul Rahman 93100 Kuching (6082 412 210)

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

Escobar SF3 Damai Cenral Pantai Damai Santubong, Kuching (6014 288 1160)

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

Fac Bravo Restaurant 7778 Jln Sultan Iskandar, Bintulu (6086 316 920)

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

Farley Restaurant 1721 Jln Salim, Sibu (6019 816 3052)

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

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

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

Lyn’s Thandoori Restaurant 7 Jln Song Thian Cheok, Kuching (6082 234 934) Mango Tree Restaurant Jalan Crookshank, Kuching (6082 235 353)

Carvery Restaurant Jln Abell, Kuching (6082 239 449)

Highlands Seafood Restaurant 298 Jln Tj Bt, Bintulu (6086 318 828)

Map Restaurant Kim Bay HK Macau Restaurant Bang Terminal, Kuching (6082 459 087) Boulevard Shopping Mall Jln Datuk Tawi, Kuching Marco Polo Restaurant (6082 239 308) 116A BDA Shahida, Bintulu (6086 332 458) Koreana Restaurant 10002 Jln Tun Jugah, Kuching Medan Seafood (6082 575 072) Restaurant 56, Jln Mdn Setiaraja, Mukah Kuching Noodle (6084 874 145) Porridge House 115-1 Wisma Saberkas, Kuching Merry Restaurant (6082 426 005) 187 Jln Song Thian Cheok, Kuching (6082 240 118) L.L. Banana Leaf 7G Lorong Rubber 1 Metro Café Jln Rubber, Kuching 781 Jln Bangkita, Limbang (6082 239 404) (6085 215 488) Li Garden Restaurant Min Hua (89) Restaurant Hock Lee Centre, Kuching G 13 Jln Bintang Utara, Bintangor (6082 340 785) (6084 693 240) Lim Hock Ann Momoyama 96 1 Jln Kg Kuntal, Kuching Wisma Phoenix, Kuching (6082 846 533) (6082 420 561)

Casabella Mediterranean Restaurant Crown Square, Kuching (6082 346 612)

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

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

Café Café at Original Carwash Low 211-214, Section 9, KTLD, Rubber Rd, Kuching (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)

Fisherman Restaurant 4 Jln Chew Geok Lin, Sibu (6084 316 888) Fratini’s Restaurant 2512 Jln Boulevard 3, Miri (6085 431 115) Fu Lai Siang Restaurant 108 Jln Pekan Bt Niah, Bt Niah (6085 737 168) Golden City Restaurant 87, Jln Ong Chu Seng, Saratok (6083 436 139)

My Little Kitchen Home cooked style Scandinavian food inspired by the owner’s grandma’s recipes

56, Upper China Street, D’tea Pavilion, Friendship Park, Jln Song, Kuching (6016 858 6669) Nam Hoi Restaurant 110 Jln Penrissen Bt 7, Kuching (6082 612 379) Orion Tropical Jln Merpati, Miri (6085 417 417)

Rejang Restaurant 6 Lrg Lanang 2 Sibu (6016 860 2636) Robata Yaki 493 Jln Rambutan, Kuching (6082 235 372) Rock Road Seafood Restaurant 1230 Jln Rock Bt 2½ , Kuching (6082 241 575)

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

Sajian Warisan Restaurant 537 Jln Gartak, Miri (6085 429 911)

Patz Dayak Home Cook Special New Full 3 Foodcourt, Stutong (next to Giant Hypermart, Tabuan Jaya) (6016 864 4763)

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

Pin Pin Café 18 Jln Krokong Bau (6082 763 486) Pinang Nyonya Non-halal nyonya cuisine 18, Grd Flr, 2nd Precinct, Jln Setia Raja 93450, Kuching (6082 459 162) Popular Corner Seafoods Restaurant Bda Shahida Commercial Centre, Bintulu (6086 319 688)

Sea View Restaurant G Pusat Tmn SDagang, Bintulu (6086 334 929) Seventy2 Restaurant 894 Jln Permaisuri, Miri (6085 366 318) Shabu-kun Restaurant 253 Jln Tj Bt, Bintulu (6086 317 311) Sheraton Restaurant 37 Psn Brooke, Sibu (6084 336 341)

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

Sin Lung Sheng Fu Tiao Qiang Restaurant 10788 Jln Simpang Tiga, Kuching (6082 231 260)

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

Sin Soon Chin Restaurant 2415 Jln Boulevard 2, Chicken Clinic Miri (6012 808 5456) Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

51

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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52

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

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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

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

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

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

Most public phones operate on prepaid calling cards which can be obtained in all major shopping areas and retail stores.

Mobile prepaid SIM cards are also available for purchase at DST Communications Sdn Bhd (DST Com) and Progresif Cellular Sdn Bhd (PCSB) service counters as well as the respective authorised vendors’ stores.

Taxis Information

Centre

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

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

Water

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

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

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

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

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

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

My name is …

Excuse me Yes No How much?

Where is the toilet?

I want to go to …

Turn right Turn left

Selamat pagi

Jalan terus

Selamat petang

Lapangan Terbang

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

Drink Maafkan saya Walk Ya Chicken Tidak Beef Berapa?

Seafood Di mana tandas?

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

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

Belok ke kiri

NUMBERS TO NOTE EMERGENCY Police 993 Fire 995 Ambulance 991 Directory enquiries 113 Darussalam Hotline 123 FLIGHT INFORMATION General 2331747 AIRLINES Royal Brunei Airlines 2212222, 2240500 Air Asia 2333045 Singapore Airlines 2244901/2/3/4 Cebu Pacific Air 2222666, 2227965, 2239888

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MEDICAL SERVICES RIPAS Hospital 2242424 Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) 2611433 Gleneagles JPMC 2611212 Tutong Hospital 4221336 Ext 991 Kuala Belait Hospital 3332366 Ext 991 Temburong Hospital 5221526 Ext 127 Unit1.45B, First Floor, The Mall, Abdul Razak Complex, Gadong, Brunei Darussalam BE3519

Tel: +673 245 7700 www.missha.net

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.

54

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

Hua Ho Manggis Mall

Jala

n Pe

Le b

erd ana Me

Jal an Kg K

Ja Tasek Lam a l an

Kg Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery

RIPAS Hospital

n te ri

Batu Satu

uhr aya S

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Hotel

Haji Hass ana

SEE KIULAP MAP

l Bolkiah

Badiah Hotel

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Brunei International Airport

anan

Prime Minister Office Building

SEE BANDAR MAP

uto nT

Royal Brunei Airlines Golf Club

Jala nP

rtah

Mabohai Shopping Complex

Brunei Arts & Handicraft Centre Kampong Ayer

a Jal

Bank/ ATM/ Money Changer Restaurant

National Stadium

Kg Jaya Setia

Men teri Besa r

Edinburgh Palace Times Square Hotel

ianggeh

Tasek Lama Recreational Park

Orchid Garden Hotel

D'Anggerek

g sa a n

Jala n

Jalan Mu

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Serusop & Delima

Airport Shop

u Bat

Ber aka s

b an

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tam a

Jala

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Embassy Row

International Convention Centre

saan Kebang

Jalan

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Jalan Kebangsaan Lama

MAP Jala

Jal a

an Jal

SERI BEGAWAN

Mentiri Utama Jalan

BANDAR

Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque

Darul Ifta

Kiarong

Istana Nurul Iman

Place of Interest

Jalan B

Terrace Hotel

Jala n

Ston ey

Tamu Selera (Hawker Stalls)

Jalan

Jalan Ista

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

na Dar

10 mins salam 1 Former Royal Customs & Excise Building / Art Gallery 11 Tamu Kianggeh

rce

Dewan Bahasa (Library)

Taman Sir Omar Ali Saifuddien

Jalan Roberts

us

2 1968 Coronation Arch

Yayasan SHHB Complex

10

3 Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque

9 Timepiece Stone Monument 5 mins

Jal

2

Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

5 mins

SUNGAI BRUNEI

Jalan Pretty

S um b iling

Raja Ayang Mausoleum 10 mins

56

Jalan St oney

4

Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery

Takaful IBB Building

10 mins

4 Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien

8 Dewan Majlis and Lapau 5 mins

an

j Mas

n die fud Sai

1968 Coronation Arch

5 mins

7 The Royal Regalia 10 mins

id

A li ar ‘ Om

5 The Secretariat Building 6 Lapau Lama Building

5 mins

5 mins

Public Transport

5

3 Jalan Tutong

Bank/ ATM/ Money Changer

Police Station

Historye Centr

Syariah Courts

1

Raja Ayang Mausoleum Time Piece Stone Monument

ddien li Saifu mar A

Secretariat Building

6 Lapau Lagm/ Buildin

The Royal Regalia Building

Tourist Information Centre

Hotel

ltan O Jalan Su

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Public Toilet

Bus Terminal

10

8 enda h

7

Water Taxi

Chinese Temple

9

Restaurant

Place of Interest

General Post Office Bandar Seri Begawan & Brunei Stamp Gallery

Jala n James Pea

er Jalan B

Radisson Hotel

Brunei Hotel

PGGMB Building

Majlis DewanLapau and

ita

Shop

nggeh

Jalan McArthur

Post Office

11 Tamu Kianggeh

EH

KIANGG

tor Jalan Ca

Jala

SUNGAI

Jalan Pemancha

K Jalan ampung Berang an

MAP

gai Kia n Sun

Kianggeh Jetty

Kota Batu

Dermaga Diraja Bandar Seri Begawan

iang pung K

WALKING

ab

Trader's Inn

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Jubilee Hotel

Jalan Kam

elia Pusat CBentre) (Youth

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Police Headquarters

Capital Residence Suites

BANDAR

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MataMata

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eribi J a l a n P er a h a a n B us

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Batu Bersurat

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Grand City Hotel

Jalan Pe ngir

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Public Transport

a ja

SEE GADONG MAP

Tungku hraya Lebu

Jalan Elizabeth Dua

Tourist Information Centre

biG navigator

GADONG

MAP Bangunan H Tahir A

Gadong Night Market (Pasar Pelbagai Barangan Gadong)

SUNGAI MENG

Bangunan H Tahir A

Simpang 37

LAIT

Rizqun International Hotel

Block J

Fish Market (Gadong Wet Market)

SUNGAI MENGLAIT

Hj Tahir Complex 2

S im pa

ng

37

Block G

Block A

Block F Block B

Block C

K ZA

G PIN

M CO

Restaurant

OP

SH

Block H

Jal a

nD aya n

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Ha mi

YONG SIONG HAI COMPLEX

Hotel

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LAIT

37 ng

g

DA HJ

Block D

Sim pa

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PL

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C UD

AB

LEX

P

A

LR

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Block E

The Mall, Gadong

Shop Bank/ ATM/ Money Changer

The Centrepoint Jaya Hotel Hypermart

Clinic

NG I ME

Police Station

GA

SUN

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Centrepoint

don

Public Transport

BAN HALIMGUNAN SAADIAATUL H

Jala n

Pas ar G a Sim pa

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37

Guan Electrical

Hua Ho

SUN

GAI

KIULAP

MAP

GAI N AYA KED

wg an A

d

hma

Hj A

gun

Ban

Qlap Complex Bangunan Awg Hj Matussin Jalan

Berib

i

n Ko

Bangunan Haji Abdul Rahman

Berib i

Clinic Public Transport

SUN

Jalan

Bangunan Lim Eng Ming

Jala

Police Station

Baiduri Bank

Tian & Chuan Building

g Yon lap Man x Kiu Hau Comple mersial

BIBD Bank

Hotel

Seri Kiulap Complex

ing

Kampung Kiulap

ngan Build

IGS College

Setia Kena

Bank/ ATM/ Money Changer

mplex

Kiulap Plaza Hotel

Wisma Pengiran Hj Apong

Shop

Restaurant

Seri Qlap Mall

Yong Clinic

lap

Regent Square

IT

ng Gado

Shakirin Co

Post Office

Fitness Zone

r Pasa Jalan

GLA

mersial Kiu n Ko Jala

Setia Kenangan 2 Complex

Palm Garden Hotel

MEN

Bangunan Begawan Pehin Dato Hj Mohd Yusof

Urairah Complex Post Office

Lee Clinic

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

57

biG screen

Movies to look out for this quarter DEC Bohemian Rhapsody –• Dec 25

NOV

DEC

Starring Rami Malek, Joseph Mazzello and Tom Hollander

Celebrate the life of rock legends Queen and their larger than life lead singer Freddie Mercury, in this film tracing the meteoric rise of the band through their revolutionary and iconic songs. The movie culminates in their performance at Live Aid – considered today to be one of the greatest performances in the history of rock music.

OCT

OCT

Dr Seuss’ The Grinch –• Nov 9 •–

Voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch

Based on the beloved children’s book

by Dr Seuss, Benedict Cumberbatch voices the Grinch, a hateful green character with a heart a few sizes too small. Christmas is coming and as the residents of Whoville plan their annual festive celebration, the Grinch, who hates Christmas, hatches a scheme to ruin the beloved holiday.

Aquaman –• Dec 21

Starring Jason Momoa, Amber Heard and Nicole Kidman

Born to the Queen of Atlantis and a human father, Arthur Curry aka Aquaman learns he is heir to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis and must take his rightful place as king to overthrow his half-brother, who is planning a revolt.

DEC NOV

Robin Hood Venom –• Oct 5

Starring Tom Hardy, Riz Ahmed, Michelle Williams and Jenny Slate

A movie centering around one of Marvel’s most complex and badass characters, Academy Award nominated actor Tom Hardy takes on the role of reporter Eddie Brock, who becomes host to an alien parasite and develops superpowers.

58

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

–• Oct 21

Starring Taron Egerton, Jamie Foxx, Ben Mendelsohn and Jamie Dornan

Yet another take on this classic tale about the thief with a heart of gold who’s mighty good with a bow and arrow, this thrilling actionadventure sees Taron Egerton taking on the titular role as a Crusader who returns home with his Moorish commander (Jamie Foxx) to find his beloved country in shackles over a corrupted ruler. The two form a revolt, leading to a series of action-packed battles, fights, and of course, a timeless romance.

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

Bumblebee –• Dec 21

–• Nov 16

Starring Hailee Steinfeld, John Cena, Gracie Dzienny and Peter Cullen

This highly anticipated sequel set in the Harry Potter universe sees Newt Scamander joining forces with a young Albus Dumbledore to take down Grindelwald, who has escaped his arrest.

An origin movie about everyone’s favourite Autobot, this film is centered around Bumblebee in the year 1987, on the run and seeking refuge in a junkyard in a small town in California. He is discovered by 18-year old Charlie (Hailee Steinfeld), who learns that he is more than an ordinary yellow Volkswagen.

Starring Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law and Johnny Depp