BIG Oct-Dec 2015

October | December 2015

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

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biG dates

Events to look out for this quarter through the rainforests of Sabah, covering 1,000km of challenging off-road terrains.

Editor’s Note

CHMP MEDIA EDITOR-AT-LARGE

A walk to learn about historical landmarks may not spring to mind when looking for things to do with your child but the Heritage Trail in Sandakan is a great way to discover the city’s past and present, and get a good workout while you’re at it. Back in Brunei, we check out the culture of two art forms – the classic art culture of Bruneian artist Huifong Ng and the dynamic skateboarding culture of the youths.

Wan Zainal Shazali EDITOR

Pauline Chan ASSISTANT EDITOR

Intan Abu Daniel

As time whizzes towards the end of another year, we get cracking on a brand new issue of BiG for 2016, that’s when we look forward to our tenth year of publication.

Yes, BiG is going to be ten years old and we thank all our readers for staying with us all these years and making us your favourite magazine to turn to for an insight into beautiful Borneo. We can’t wait to embark on another decade of BiG and we’ll see you again in the new year!

DESIGNER

Novri Rinaldi EditoriaL

Pamela Fletcher Iris Tan Thanis Lim Azim Zainal SALES & MARKETING

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

Cover photo was taken at Jerudong Park Playground

expressed by the various writers in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of biG Magazine.

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 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

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Sabah

Participants will run up the plantations of Sabah Tea through hills, valleys, streams and unbeaten paths with Mount Kinabalu for a backdrop. There are two categories - 21km or 10km – for both men and women participants.

OCT

9-11

December 5-6

XC2 – XTREME COURSE CHALLENGE

BORNEO INTERNATIONAL BEADS CONFERENCE 2015 Sarawak

Promising to be more vibrant than before, this is an exciting event for beads and craft lovers alike.

The 4th International Bead Conference will be held at the Waterfront Hotel, Kuching.

Sabah

Held on the outskirts of Kota Kinabalu, this 18km obstacle course will challenge your resourcefulness, resilience, attitude and courage. Bring your fighting spirit, get down and dirty, and live dangerously!

December 25

CHRISTMAS DAY

Brunei, Sabah, Sarawak October 14

FIRST DAY OF HIJRAH Brunei, Sabah, Sarawak

1 Muharram (the first day of Hijrah) marks the first day of the Islamic calendar, which began with the migration of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 610AD.

It’s holiday cheer at this special time of the year for Christians around the world.

Decorated trees, exchange of presents and a night of feasting with families and friends will mark this joyful occasion for the celebrants.

TEMBURONG BISAI FESTIVAL Brunei

This annual three-week long event brings people from all over the country to the Temburong district.

Competitions and activities such as cultural performances, traditional Iban dances, fishing challenges and tugs of war are held during the event.

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

PROPHET MUHAMMAD’S BIRTHDAY

25th BORNEO SAFARI INTERNATIONAL OFF ROAD CHALLENGE Sabah

Southeast Asia’s biggest extreme off-roading event is back with an Eight-Day 4WD expedition

Brunei, Sabah, Sarawak

In Brunei, on the morning of the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) birthday, thousands congregate at the city’s capital as His Majesty the Sultan leads his people in a march around the capital.

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Photography by Shahruzz Adnan

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.

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints

XTRAIL – RANAUTHLON 15

October 25 – November 1

Cover photo:

30 DEC 20

November 1

If you take away the iPad the smartphone, the computer, the TV and video games from a child with boundless energy, what are you left with? A bored kid and flustered parents. As long as there is sunshine outside, we say there’s no need to tear your hair out. There are plenty of options here to entertain the little tech-deprived bundles of energy and save the parents’ sanity. Our Big Feature highlights some of the best kid-happy places in Brunei, Sabah and Sarawak that you can bring your children to during the year-end school holidays for hours of creative fun or just to tire them out.

Publisher

NOV

Contents biG dates

biG trail

biG listings

biG scoop

biG focus

biG essentials

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

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

biG feature

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

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

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

biG appetite

We try the food so you can follow suit.

Check out our food journeys.

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

Here are some helpful tips for visitors just stepping onto our shores.

biG directory

biG navigator

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

biG screen

See what’s playing in the movies around town.

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

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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biG scoop

A Brand with a Plan Not just a brand to make you look good, Empat is also involved in the development of extreme sports in Brunei. Their main aim is to help create a platform for the adrenaline junkies around the country and hopefully, throughout Borneo by sponsoring local skaters, surfers, and doing video recordings for the athletes they sponsor.

Skate competitions are also in the works, but until that day rolls around, satisfy yourself with their cool t-shirt designs and show your support for local extreme sports by donning one of their shirts, which you can wear even if you don’t surf, skim board, long board, ride BMX bikes or skate.

They’re good for any occasion.

Check Empat out on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Empat.bn

Give New Life to Your Skin It’s all about seeds in the latest product from The Body Shop – Oils of Life is an intensely revitalizing skincare range that visibly reduces signs of aging. Seed oil is one of the most concentrated sources of essential nutrients and the three sustainably sourced seeds that go into Oils of Life - Black Cumin Seed Oil, Camellia Seed Oil and Rosehip Seed Oil – are known for their supreme revitalizing and repairing properties on skin. The combination of the potent properties of these three power seeds is a triple win: skin feels revitalised, nourished and radiant. Available at all The Body Shop outlets in Brunei.

The Body Shop Grd Flr, The Mall, Gadong Bandar Seri Begawan Tel: (673) 245 0339 www.thebodyshop.com

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Tantalizing Transparency Deriving inspiration from their name, Diaphanous by Mumzie is a local brand that specialises in transparent handbags and clutches with unique designs.

Designed by Mumzie, who believes that an element of transparency combines confidence and femininity with modern chic, this local brand is aiming to create a modern aesthetic value to appeal to all kinds of people, regardless of age, gender or background.

Whatever the case may be, whoever thought that being transparent would look this good?

For more information on Diphanous by Mumzie, follow her on Instagram @diaphanousbymumzie

From One Parent’s Love The Kumon Method, the world’s largest after-school enrichment programme for mathematics and English is now available at The Kumon Diligent Learning Centre in Bandar Seri Begawan. Kumon currently operates in 48 different countries and regions and has continued to spread globally for over 50 years with operations now in Brunei.

There are over 4 million children currently enrolled in Kumon centres worldwide.

Why is the Kumon Method so popular?

Here’s a little backstory: Kumon was developed in 1954 by Toru Kumon in Japan, a high school mathematics teacher who wanted to help his 8-year old son, Takeshi, improve his mathematics proficiency. With the worksheets that Toru Kumon created for Takeshi and a self-learning method that he developed, Takeshi studied by himself for 30 minutes every day. He started with “Addition”, and three and half years later when he became a Grade 6 student, he was studying “Calculus” independently.

Based on his finding of the effectiveness of this learning method, in 1958 Toru Kumon decided to establish the “Kumon Institute of Education” to help other children and contribute to the community.

The Kumon Method of learning aims to help children attain academic abilities by enabling them to study beyond their school grade through self-learning. At

the Kumon centre, the instructor carefully observes each and every child and identifies their current skills and attitude while assessing the required skill set that needs to be developed, so as to discover the child’s potential and maximise their abilities through the Kumon Method of learning.

The Kumon worksheets are designed to allow students to self-study by enabling them to progress in small steps.

Self-studying beyond school grades not only benefits students academically but it also helps them to develop essential life skills such as confidence, independence, a challenging spirit to the unknown world, a sense of achievement by self-learning and so on.

Kumon supports all children around the world to achieve their goals and dreams regardless of their nationalities and age by enriching them socially and academically through their own efforts.

Go to kao.kumonglobal.com and read the many happy tales by Kumon students worldwide.

Brunei’s Kumon Diligent Learning Centre is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9am to 6pm.

GLOBAL in knowledge UNIQUE in education TRUSTED by parents

How to apply?

To get a copy of the application form, kindly send an email with your full name, contact number and address to brunei_enquiries@kumon.com.sg

Kumon Diligent Learning Centre Unit 31, Ground Floor, BT Complex, Kg Jaya Setia, Bandar Seri Begawan Tel: (673) 719 3231 Facebook page: Kumon Diligent Brunei

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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biG scoop

Dragon Pearls of Kinabalu The legend of Mt Kinabalu where a ferocious dragon stood guard over a precious pearl is the inspiration for this exclusive Dragon Pearls collection by Heritage Pearl Borneo. It was so precious that it caught the attention of the Emperor of China who sent his sons to seize it from the dragon. Through battle and trickery, the pearl was finally secured and brought back to China.

Tribal Chic Fashionistas take note: traditional is the new chic. Deriving inspiration from the Kumang, a traditional dress for Iban women, Kumang & Co gives you a range of elegant womenswear that incorporates tribal culture in their designs. Their ethnic-print clothes made from exquisite fabrics such as pua kumbu, tenun, batik, songket and silk are modern and captivating, and when paired with their collection of rare jewellery of Borneo, they would make a proud fashion statement for any occasion.

For more information on Kumang & Co., follow them on Instagram @kumangandco

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

South Sea Pearls remains among the most coveted pearls in the world for its exquisite sheen and luster. They are cultured in areas throughout the Indian and Pacific oceans and they need extremely clean water filled with plankton for their survival. Borneo’s natural and clean water environment allows it to produce top quality South Sea Pearls and they are now part of this range of timeless pearl jewellery an ideal souvenir from Borneo with a little piece of legend.

Heritage Pearls Borneo Lot 1-26, First Floor, Suria Sabah Shopping Mall Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Tel: (6088) 447 105

December is coming round again which means one thing where kids are concerned - school holidays! In this issue of BiG, we’ve got some kid-friendly suggestions on how to keep your little tykes occupied for the holidays. We go on nature and cultural adventures in Sarawak, check out family vacation ideas in Sabah and travel around Brunei to visit places that will surely keep your child busy and happy.

So put aside that leftover piece of chicken nugget and go paint the town red with your kids before bedtime.

s ’ e n O This e h T r Fo n e r d l i Ch

biG feature

Best y p ppy p a H Kid-aces Pl

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1. The Marine Biodiversity Centre at Meragang 2. The colourful entrance to Jerudong Park Playground 3. Watching sea turtles at the Marine Biodiversity Centre 4. Jetskiing at the Serasa Beach 5. Baking classes at Fun Bee Park

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Best Place for Your Budding Chef If you feel that your kid has all the makings of a chef, Fun Bee Park offers excellent baking classes for the little ones. This hands-on learning experience helps build their confidence around the kitchen and soon enough they’ll be on their way towards becoming the next Junior Masterchef (of your kitchen, at least). The baking program starts at B$20 per person.

Fun Bee Park doesn’t stop there – there are plenty of other activities for kids to enjoy.

Check out their website and see what other fun things they have in store.

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Will grown-ups enjoy it? Absolutely.

Be assured that your child is in capable hands and go have a coffee at a nearby café or go shopping. The world is your oyster!

Best Place for Your Little Einstein

How to get there: Fun Bee Park A6 & A7, Grd Floor, Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat, BSB BE3719 Tel: (673) 245 7729 Website: www.funbeepark.com

Enrich your child’s mind and make them better aware of the importance of conserving Brunei’s environment and marine life. The Marine Biodiversity Centre at Meragang is filled with aquariums, exhibits and informative displays on the country’s seas and the creatures that inhabit them. Added plus?

Touching reptilian sea life that rates high on the ick-factor. That means any kid will love it!

Other places you might want to check out: Pastamania and Fratini’s offer kids pizzamaking sessions at selected branches.

Will grown-ups enjoy it? The centre is educational for both kids and parents alike.

And who doesn’t want to touch a sea turtle?

Images: Novri Rinaldi; Shahruzz Adnan; Poni Divers; Fun Bee Park

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How to get there: Marine Biodiversity Centre Jalan Pantai Meragang Muara, JerudongMuara Highway, BSB Tel: (673) 223 8822 ext 2036 Open: 8.30am-11.30am/2pm-4pm (closed Fridays and Sundays) Other places you might want to check out: Take a drive down to Seria and check out the Oil & Gas Discovery Centre (OGDC), the interactive science center that aims to create awareness of the petroleum industry. A colourful and enjoyable place for kids and adults alike!

Watersports Complex where you can take up parasailing, waterboarding, jet skiing, banana boat rides and a new activity called rollerball. If that’s not your cup of tea, there are stalls selling food and local products, or you could just dig your toes in the sand and watch a spectacular Brunei sunset.

Will grown-ups enjoy it? Sun and sea? What’s not to enjoy?

Best Place for Some Sun and Sea

How to get there: Serasa Beach is located in Muara Town, which is a 15-minute drive from the city centre. For more information on water sports activities there, contact Poni Divers Clubhouse at (673) 277 1778.

The beach is much loved by both adults and kids and Serasa Beach took that beach love a few steps further with a makeover last year. To ensure you have more fun in the sun, they built the Serasa

Other places you might want to check out: Tungku Beach, Muara Beach and Pantai Seri Kenangan at the Tutong district offers the same gorgeous sunsets as Serasa.

Best Place for Some Plain Ol’ Fun The Ferris Wheel, Junior Roller Coaster, Double-Decker Carousel and Water Park – all the recipes required for a fun time. Jerudong Park Playground has re-emerged with new vitality last year, offering both new rides and old rides with pizzazz - grown-ups get a jab of nostalgia about the Jerudong Park of old while kids get a buzz of excitement about all the colourful rides they get to go on.

Entrance fees apply. For more information, contact: Tel: (673) 261 1777 Website: www.jpcc.com.bn Will grown-ups enjoy it? There is no way you won’t! There’s even a 21-hole mini golf course if any parent is missing time away from the greens.

How to get there: Jerudong Park Playground is located in Kg Jerudong, along the MuaraTutong Highway heading towards Tutong.

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biG feature together, whether it’s walking through the orchard, lazing on the verandah or having a go at a traditional board game which can be found stored in an old wooden chest.

Best

For more entertainment, adventure tours such as white water rafting and off-road cycling are located close by.

Y A D I LIDA L O H Y AMIL FAMIL

BEST INDOOR HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE Go to the Sabah State Museum for an introduction to Sabah’s indigenous cultures and environment. The museum is located just five minutes by car from the city and has a main building featuring indigenous and historical artifacts including ceramics, traditional costumes and accessories, baskets, and an exhibit on the history of head-hunting in Sabah.

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In the surrounding gardens is the Heritage Village where you can wander through examples of traditional houses such as the Kadazan bamboo house, the Rungus and Murut longhouses, the Bajau fisherman house and a Chinese farmhouse. An interpretative label on exhibits in each house, which highlights the traditional

lifestyle of the community, is a wonderful way for children to learn different cultures.

a welcome drink and welcome pack consisting of a colouring book, crayons and juice.

Not far from the museum is the Sabah Art Gallery which houses the artwork of local and foreign artists, many of whom took inspiration from Sabah’s cultural and environmental diversity to showcase their creativity.

Art exhibits and music events are regularly held at the gallery to create an avenue for the public to appreciate art in its various forms.

While you indulge in some welldeserved holiday pampering of your own by the pool, spa or golf course, your children can get busy at the Cool Zone Kids’ Club with activities for children between 4 and 12 years old.

There’s a computer and television room, a separate section for toddlers and a host of activities that include arts and crafts, and scavenger hunts.

The Shangri-la resorts in Kota Kinabalu boast an impressive list of children-friendly activities making them the best resort stays for families in the city.

An hour and a half’s drive from the city and set against the backdrop of the Crocker Range hills, Utan Paradise Jungle Camp is a rustic back-to-basics jungle camp with outdoor and indoor sleeping areas, cooking facilities and nature trails. At 750m above sea level, the weather at campsite is pleasantly cool throughout the day.

The nature trails vary from adventurous treks to easy trails to learn about jungle survival, traditional medicines and natural food sources.

The Borneo Orchard House in Tamparuli located about 40 minutes from the city is a rental holiday home that can sleep 10 people in bunk beds and a foldout sofa, with

a fully-equipped kitchen and an outdoor wood-fired pizza oven. Surrounding the house is a matured fruit orchard where durian, pineapple, guava, mangosteen and lots more are grown to provide fresh fruit for the table.

The holiday home offers exclusive privacy for your family to enjoy quality time

Located about 40 minutes north of the city is Shangri-la’s Rasa Ria Resort with its beautiful stretch of white sand beach and luxurious resort setting.

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If spectacular views of the sea and Mount Kinabalu aren’t enough to make your stay at this resort perfect, there’s horseback riding, golf at Dalit Bay Golf and Country Club, cruises to the nearby islands, windsurfing and hiking on a trail through the secondary forest of its very own Nature Reserve.

An orang utan rehabilitation programme at the 64-acre Nature Reserve offers the opportunity to see these adorable animals just a few minutes’ walk from the reserve’s centre. It’s also a nature interpretation centre where you can introduce your kids to tropical animals such as deer, pheasants, porcupines, squirrels, the huge-eyed slow loris, birds and bats, as well as endemic flora like rare Borneo orchids and pitcher plants.

Images: Shangri-la; Bertille Boyou; Sabah Tourism Board

BEST OUTDOOR HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE

complete with bubbly Jacuzzi beds adds to the hours of fun in the sun.

As far as locations go, it’s hard to beat Shangri-la’s Tanjung Aru Resort, located just 15 minutes from the city centre. Watch tired frowns turn into smiles with the resort’s special greeting for children that includes

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The resort’s brand new water play area with three colourful theme park quality water slides, a giant tipping bucket, and a Water Wars section for water balloons fights offer endless hours of play. Its latest addition of a 2,000 m2 infinity pool

BEST HOTEL STAYS FOR FAMILIES

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1. Water play area at Tanjung Aru Resort 2. Cool Zone Kids’ Club 3. Nature trails at the Utan Paradise Jungle Camp 4. An orang utan at the Rasa Ria Resort’s Nature Reserve 5. Traditional houses at the Heritage Village

Let your children run wild down the three-kilometre-long beach, slide into the free-form pool or zip down on a flying fox or enjoy quieter moments at the Cool Zone Kids’ club where children are safely entertained by the resort’s caring staff.

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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biG feature

Great y l d n e i r F KidTrails

biG feature

k ak a w a r a S in and cultural on a natural Take your kids Land of the Hornbill! the adventure in Text: Iris Tan

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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!

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Niah Caves National Park

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.

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

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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.

boardwalk through the forest on the way to the caves.

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

Images: Sarawak Tourism Board

Sarawak Cultural Village (Damai)

Sarawak Museum

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1. An Iban family at a traditional Iban longhouse 2. Orangutans at the Matang Wildlife Centre 3. A reconstruction of Niah cave walls at the Sarawak Museum 4. Beautiful views at the beaches of Bako National Park Nature Reserve

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, long-tail macaques, mouse deer and proboscis monkeys. There are also long, white sandy beaches in the park so be sure to bring your swimsuits!

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biG trail The path to the right from the Colonnade takes you to the pedal boats where you can cruise around the lagoon encircling the double-decker carousel, and to other rides such as the Skydiver, Junior Bumper Cars, Junior Pirate Ship and the Miniature Golf Course, where you can easily lose an hour of your life aiming for holes on the manicured green. I had to tear my kids away from a third round on the Junior Pirate Ship and Junior Bumper Cars, and took a 15-minute breather at JP Town where kids can run amok on the playground while their parents take a break on the benches.

L L A s ' T I

FUN

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When you are ready to explore the rest of the playground, head on to the adult bumper cars, the ridiculously fun Spin Zone, the Go-Karts, the Laser Q Tag (which would make Barney Stinson from the TV show ‘How I Met Your Mother’ proud) and the pièce de résistance of Jerudong Park – the Water Park. Brace yourself, because once your kids go in, be prepared to be badgered every weekend into bringing them back here.

Adnan l; Images: Shahruzz Text: Intan Abu Danie

This is the largest water park in Brunei, capable of accommodating 400 visitors at a time, and it is a sight to behold with its bright multi-coloured pipes and slides, water mill, waterfall jets and guns and tipping buckets. It’s a fun park for all ages.

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bout fifteen years ago, you couldn’t hope to find a parking spot in Jerudong Park on weekends. Entrance and rides were free. Queues were long – particularly at the once-iconic rides like the Pirate Ship and ‘Pusing Lagi’. The Log Ride was a splashing fun time and only the bravest went on the ‘Drop-Off’, which involved a slow ascent up a tower before plunging to the ground. And if you didn’t have the patience (or the stomach) for those rides, you could always just hop on the colourful Merry-Go-Round and take pictures.

of fireworks. More rides and attractions were added in the upcoming months, and today, Jerudong Park Playground is better than ever.

The park went into a lull for a long time, but on the evening of May 18, 2014, the first phase of the new and improved Jerudong Park Playground opened to the public with an eruption

Past the colourful Colonnade and your eyes are immediately drawn towards the double-decker carousel. This beautiful oldfashioned, French-styled merry-go-round with flying horses,

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I brought my family to Jerudong Park one weekend, and found a queue to enter the park. Unlike before, you now need to pay an admission fee – a new introduction that has for awhile caused some grumbling, but it’s a fair amount to pay for a few solid hours of fun.

For food and beverage within the park, there’s only Charcoal Café offering burgers and light snacks, but just outside the fence past the iconic crystal-topped water fountain is a food court with a dizzying array of choices. As for public conveniences, there are ample toilets, nursing rooms, prayer rooms, first aid stations and a souvenir shop too.

giraffes and other animals rotates to the tune of whimsical music. Adorned with red and blue drapes that amplify the retro vibe, it is a gorgeous spectacle that attracts both children and adults alike, and in this age of instant-photo-sharing, it is an extremely Instagram-friendly sight.

From the Colonnade, you can either go left or right. The left brings you to the Junior Rollercoaster which is a favourite with the kids, and not far from here, there is a new addition to the park - a 25-metre high Ferris Wheel from where you can get a bird’s eye view of the rest of the playground.

At Jerudong Park Playground, both kids and adults can have a grand time, just as we did. Come over with your kids, your family or your friends and be prepared to have some fun!

For more information on Jerudong Park Playground, contact: Tel: (673) 261 1777 Website: www.jpcc.com.bn

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biG trail

biG trail

Let’s Have an Adventure!

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B

Abidin Din

runei is known as the Abode of Peace and this is a country that fiercely protects the pristine condition of its rainforest and marine habitats. There is much to see in this land that is full of opportunities for exploration and excitement.

Here are some ways to go on an adventure trail in Brunei:

Diving It’s a little known fact that Brunei is a diver’s paradise with vast coral reefs and colourful marine life in the waters off the Sultanate’s coast. Ship wrecks scattered between Brunei and the Malaysian island of Labuan are teeming with sea life such as barracudas, peacock groupers and red snappers.

Ridhwan Kamarulzaman

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1. The Probocis Monkey 2. White Eye birds 3. Bird-watching in Temburong

Up Close with Brunei’s Wildlife

film. This endangered species native to Borneo can sometimes be seen chilling in the mangrove trees.

Sports Fishing

Here are a few popular ways to get up close with our furry, feathery and coldblooded ‘natives’:

Bird-Watching Borneo is home to over 622 species of birds, 49 of them are endemic to Borneo, and if there’s any spot on this big island where a bird-watcher can hope to spot a ‘lifer’ (a first-ever sighting of a bird species

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by the observer), then it will likely be in the rich, virtually untouched rainforest at the Ulu Temburong National Park. Start by cruising down the river in between the mangroves and keep your binoculars trained on the trees, and if you’re able and willing, climb 800 steps up a hill and another 200 steps up a steel ladder to the very top of our famous canopy bridge for the best bird-watching location in the park.

40 meters above ground with a 360 degree view of the national park and beyond, this is the favourite spot for birders and nonbirders alike.

Local travel and tour operators have packages that provide boats to take you out to sea. Fishing gear specialist, Captain Fred Fishing, also offers different packages to suit the experienced fisherman.

Proboscis Monkey Tour Get on a boat and cruise down the mangrove-lined waterways. Many species of birds and animals can be spotted on this trip but if you keep your eyes peeled and your cameras focused, you can probably capture the elusive Proboscis Monkey on

E-mail: sales@fredfishing.com or call (673) 222 895.

For a list of local travel and tour operators to get you up close with Brunei’s Wildlife go to page 59.

Dive Tribe Borneo Tel: (673) 873 7317

If you’re looking for excitement above water rather than under, there are plenty of familyfriendly water adventures to be had in Brunei! Water sports enthusiasts flock to Serasa Beach on the weekends where the Poni Divers Club at the Serasa Watersports Complex has all kinds of fun activities from waterboarding to banana boat rides.

For more information, the Poni Divers Club can be contacted at (673) 277 1778.

ATV Tours If you’re seeking a thrill for the senses, the Brunei ATV Tours may just be the thing for you. The tours, starting at Tungku Beach, take you on a scenic journey through secluded beaches along pristine coastlines, and ends at the emerald woodlands of the Berakas Forest Reserve. Safety equipment will be provided by the tour company.

For more information, contact Izzi at (673) 864 7047.

Ulu Temburong National Park This is the crown jewel of Brunei’s prized green spaces. This sprawling 50,000-hectare expanse of undisturbed primary rainforest stretches over most of southern Temburong. Considered one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, the park encompasses a range of habitats, from lowland forests to jungle and mountain forests and they are home to many unique species.

For ecological and practical reasons it’s best to visit as a part of an organised tour.

Local travel and tour operators offer many packages for trips to the park.

For a list of local travel and tour operators, go to page 59.

For more information, contact (673) 887 6363.

Surfing Poni Divers Tel: (673) 277 1778 Oceanic Quest Company Tel: (673) 277 1190

Unbeknownst to some, there is a surfing community in Brunei – you just need to know where to surf, and

Images: Poni Divers; Izzi Adi; David Kirkland

W

ith our verdant rainforest, it’s only natural to expect loads of animals living in our midst.

In support of conserving this blessed abundance of wildlife, travel and tour operators in Brunei offer packages for safe ways to visit our shy jungle inhabitants, but don’t expect a zoo filled with animals. Come dressed for warm weather and don’t forget the mosquito repellants, because you’ll be observing them in their natural habitat.

Local dive operators have packages for the experienced and new divers. For more information, contact:

Brunei’s rich marine biodiversity and coral reefs means healthy schools of fishes in Brunei waters. The calm waters of the Brunei Bay and its surrounding islands give fishing enthusiasts serene conditions to indulge in this sport. So whether you’re simply interested to try your hand at fishing or if you’re an expert in pursuit of a more challenging catch, put on a cap and hop into a boat with all your fishing gear.

Watersports

when! Beaches like Tungku Beach, Berakas Beach, Meragang Beach and Taman Batu all are suitable for most levels of surfing – just make sure you come at the right time. The best time to surf in Brunei is during the Monsoon season (mid-November to February) when the waves have a consistent swell.

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2.

MV Sentosa

3.

Tarindak D’Seni 1. Calm views at the Bintudoh Greenspring Resort 2. Aboard the MV Sentosa 3. The multi-purpose room at Tarindak D’Seni

Novri Rinaldi

1.

A Good Place to Meet

N

o alcohol? No problem. In Brunei, we offer plenty of other ways to enhance your MICE event. Brunei’s serene, peaceful and relaxing surroundings have proved conducive for productive meetings and conventions, and the natural green charms of the country offer endless incentives. Host an event with a view at the Tarindak D’Seni, meet and greet aboard a private yacht while sailing gently through Brunei waters, or get back to nature with your team at Bintudoh Greenspring Resort.

Tarindak D’Seni The newly-renovated restaurant located

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

at the Brunei Arts and Handicraft Centre in the capital offers two multi-purpose function rooms that can seat 800 people combined. It is outfitted with the latest in AV electronic equipment and conference facilities. Event participants can sample an array of local cuisine while enjoying the panoramic view of the iconic Kampong Ayer, Brunei’s famous water village.

For more information on booking events at Tarindak D’Seni, contact (673) 224 0422.

provides chartered cruises for private events. The yacht has fully enclosed airconditioned decks with AV equipment for various facilities, a pantry and bar area for serving food and drinks. Take a break from your corporate powwow, step outside onto the deck, take a seat and enjoy the view.

For more information on booking a private chartered cruise with MV Sentosa, contact (673) 860 1099 or check out www.shazanmarine.com, their Facebook page: Brunei River Cruise or their Instagram @bruneirivercruise.

R

ecuperate in a serene and relaxing environment - if that is what the doctor ordered, then there is no need to look beyond Brunei. We have some of the best medical facilities in Borneo and our peaceful surroundings are perfect for a speedy recovery.

Bintudoh Greenspring Resort This eco-resort, just off Jalan Tasek in Tutong, is the place to get back to nature.

You can partake in activities such as jungle trekking, bird watching, fishing, camping, flying fox and fruit-picking here. They have an open-air multi-purpose hall for gatherings. Food here is made fresh, with fish, fruit and vegetables harvested from their farm and the surrounding jungle area.

A perfect place to get back to your roots, rediscover yourself, and simply relax.

MV Sentosa The refurbished MV Sentosa takes passengers on a cruise down the calm waters of the Brunei River and also

Get Well Soon

For more information on Bintudoh Greenspring Resort, contact (673) 891 3811, 874 1648 or 233 1177.

of medical services: General Outpatient and Laboratory services, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive Medicine, Orthopaedics, Paediatrics, Dental, Neurology, Cancer, Cardiology, Rehabilitation services and state-of-the-art Diagnostic Imaging Services. They also have a well-equipped gym and pool facilities.

Jerudong Park BG 3122 Brunei Darussalam Tel: (673) 261 1433 Emergency Ambulance Tel: (673) 261 2612 The Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) is Brunei Darussalam’s only private specialist hospital set along the shores of the South China Sea in Jerudong Park. They have a wide range

Gleneagles JPMC Jerudong Park, BG 3122 Brunei Darussalam Tel: (673) 261 1883/ 888 0111

The Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) has been awarded the Prestigious Joint Commission International (JCI) Accreditation for delivering the highest standards in health care quality and patient safety in March 2014 - the only private hospital in Brunei Darussalam with this prestigious accreditation.

Gleneagles JPMC, which is just beside JPMC, is a tertiary medical centre specialising in the treatment of cardiac diseases. The centre provides screening and diagnostic services as well as interventional cardiology and heart surgery. The centre employs experienced cardiologists, surgeons, anaesthetists, para-clinical staff and nurses who specialise in the field of cardiology and cardiac surgery.

For more information, go to: www.jpmc.com.bn.

Facebook / Instagram: JPMC Brunei

For more information, go to: www.gleneaglesjpmc.com.bn.

Jerudong Park Medical Centre Image: Jerudong Park Medical Centre

1.

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biG trail Other homestays around Brunei : Brunei-Muara District Seri Tanjung Homestay Jeti 7, Jambatan 15, No 69 A, Tanjung Kindana Kampong Sungai Bunga, Pulau Berambang, Mukim Kota Batu Tel: (673) 891 2289/278 7616

Reliving the Past

The 120-acre Kota Batu Archaeological Park, built at the cost of BND2 million, opened on August 11. Kota Batu means ‘stone fort’ in English and the park features the excavation sites of the archaeological explorations and the remaining structures of stones which once served as a fortress wall.

The stone construct of the walls is indicative that Brunei was an advanced civilization in the 14th century. Over 700 years ago, Kota Batu was the capital of Brunei. It Is believed that the area was an open trading port during the reign of the first Sultan of Brunei, and by the 14th century, a castle and a mosque of stones were erected during the reign of Sultan Sharif Ali. When Kota Batu was

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the capital, it experienced many important historical moments such as the Castille War and the civil war.

Sungai Matan Homestay Image: David Kirkland

The mission of this park is simple: to help the present generation and visiting tourists learn about the history of the sultanate by walking through these excavation sites and viewing the various historical objects displayed around the park.

There are several facilities inside the park including an Information Centre that provides a history of Kota Batu and the archaeological work at the park since the 1950s till today. There is also a display of the discovered artefacts including ceramics, tombstones, local wares and Chinese coins in the centre.

Visitors can take a self-guided stroll along a 2.9km walkway built around the park with helpful signs along the way with information on the sites.

The Kota Batu Archaeological Park is located next to the Brunei Museum on Kota Batu Road, just five kilometers from the city centre. The park is open daily from 9am to 5pm.

Living the Local Life

I

n a homestay, a traveller is able to discover people, not just places.

Homestay accommodation connects visitors with the hosts who open their homes to the world. And here in Brunei, homestay hosts have transformed their whole village into a cultural experience, converted the time spent with visitors into lifelong memories, and best of all, turned strangers into friends.

Sungai Matan Homestay

Image: Novri Rinaldi

E

very place has a past, and every past is important. Archaeology plays an essential role in history and in our museums - shelves of unearthed relics would be nothing more than cabinets of curiosities if archaeology did not help us widen our understanding of humans and their interactions with these objects and pieces of architecture.

Lurung Sikuna Homestay No 2, B1 Skim Perintis, Jambatan Lela Menchanai, Kampong Lurong Sikuna Tel: (673) 881 6873/ 220 1194

Located in a fishing village in Jalan Kota Batu, Sungai Matan Homestay is one of the most popular homestays in Brunei.

With a stunning view of the Brunei River and Kampong Ayer (Brunei’s iconic water village), and activities such as fishing, river cruises, making handicrafts and cultural performances, visitors can truly experience the life of a local living in the water village. If you can imagine yourself waking up to the sounds of water lapping beneath your floorboards, smelling the fish you caught being cooked for your dinner, and being greeted by everyone in the

village like you’ve lived there all your life, then this might just be the place for you.

No 702, Spg 702, Kg Sungai Matan, Jln Kota Batu BD1917, Bandar Seri Begawan Tel: (673) 889 3061/ 882 5677

Baitul Wajihah Homestay The hosts of Baitul Wajihah in Limau Manis will never treat you like a stranger.

Hj Muslin, his wife and family of three are the very definition of Brunei-Malay hospitality, and apart from taking you on excursions around Brunei, giving you lessons on the traditions and culture of Brunei, playing traditional games, and feeding you local delights, they will also treat you like a member of the family.

After a lovely day spent in the village, dinner at Hj Muslim’s family table will feel just like home. And that’s exactly how they want you to feel.

No 16, Spg 165, Kg Wasan, Limau Manis, Brunei Muara Tel: (673) 268 3761/ 876 5913 www.baitulwajihah.com

Villagestay Kampong Bebuloh (MPK Bebuloh) Kampung Bebuloh, Mukim Pengkalan Batu Tel: (673) 423 0673/887 7435/ 884 4837 Tutong District Telamba Homestay No. 15, Simpang 36, Kampong Telamba Telisai, Tutong TC1545 Tel: (673) 424 4400/880 4877/ 899 4972 Telamba Bay No.13, Simpang 36, Jalan Kampong Telamba, Telisai, Tutong TC 1545 Tel: (673) 223 4688/872 2347 Eco Tourism Forest Hill Kukub & Nak Pulau Homestay (Inap Desa Eko Pelancongan Hutan Bukit Kukub dan Nak Pulau) No 23, Kampong Bukit Udal, Tutong Tel: (673) 424 2414/ 813 4580 Kuala Belait Mendaram Besar Longhouse Kg Labi2, Mukim Labi, Kg Mendaram Besar, Kuala Belait Tel: (673) 866 2553 / 323 3200 Temburong Lubok Batu Mas Homestay Majlis Perundingan Kampong Sibut, No 1111, Kampung Sibut, Mukim Amo, Temburong Tel: (673) 525 0046/893 5629/ 522 1110

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ASEAN for ASEAN

aseantourism.travel

4.

Vietnam Tourism

1.

1. The Sa Pa rice field in the Lao Cai Province in Vietnam 2. A longhouse at the Mendaram Besar homestay in Kampong Labi, Brunei 3. A scenic waterfall in the Chiang Mai Province in Thailand 4. Local villagers from the Abatan River Community Life in Bohol, Philippines

of these homestays, visit www.homestayunion.com.

Thailand

Tourism Malaysia xxxxxxxxxx Brunei Tourism

2.

3.

aseantourism.travel

Away But At Home Community-based tourism is one of the most unique ways for visitors to experience the village life. Homestays in these regions offer tourists accommodation and activities. It is a truly authentic experience unlike any other so visitors can have a taste of the local lifestyle.

Brunei Mendaram Besar Homestay, Kampung Labi, Surrounded by thick tropical forest, steep hills and exotic wildlife, the Mendaram Besar homestay is the place to be if one wishes to experience the lifestyle of the Iban people in Brunei. Accommodation is in a longhouse and the villagers hold cultural shows, handicraft demonstrations and tours around the village.

Visit www.bruneitourism.org for more information on homestays and tour packages.

Philippines Abatan River Community Life Tour, Bohol Only 10 minutes from the city of

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Tagbilaran is a world rich in the culture and tradition of the Abatan River fisher folk and farmers. Take a leisurely stroll around the Visitor Centre, board a traditional bandong and head up river while the guide delights you with stories and folklore. Other activities include kayaking, arts and crafts, cultural lessons and much more.

Mae Kampong Village, Chiang Mai Province Mae Kampong is a beautiful mountain village at 1300 metres high which means temperatures are pleasantly cool all year round. The village is right in the midst of a largely untouched forest with a sparkling stream, and it is the base for the “Flight of the Gibbon”, the first zip line in Chiang Mai province. Activities include village sightseeing, cultural shows and homestay programmes.

Visit www.tourismthailand.org for more information on homestays and tour packages.

Vietnam

Singapore

Sa Pa, Lao Cai Province The first thing you’ll notice when approaching Sa Pa are the detached wooden mansions perched on hills surrounded by thick pine tree forests and the fresh cool air. Amidst the rows of green pomu trees are red-roofed villas that make Sa Pa seem like a European town. Sa Pa’s high altitude cool weather makes it ideal for growing flowers, vegetables and fruits, so each year, many related festivals are held in this beautiful village.

While Singapore does not have any community-based stays for tourists, they do have homestays in the city. For a list

Visit www.vietnamtourism.com for more information on homestays and tour packages.

Visit www.tourism.gov.ph for more information on homestays and tour packages.

biG trail

A Weekend of Song and Dance Text: Iris Tan Images: Sarawak Tourism

I

f you had travelled all the way to the Sarawak Cultural Village in Damai and hope to dance to raw, stripped-down music by some of the most talented international and Malaysian performers right in the middle of a tropical rainforest, then you would have boogied all night long.

Festival-goers take annual pilgrimages to Sarawak to attend the multi-awardwinning Rainforest World Music Festival, now in its 18th edition. Considered by many to be among the best music festivals in the world, it certainly is one of the most unique. This year’s festival, held from August 7-9 within the grounds of the Sarawak Cultural Village was a magical weekend of distinctive music from many countries.

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The venue itself provided an educational experience with its replicas of heritage buildings of the major ethnic groups of Sarawak including the Iban longhouse, Bidayuh baruk, Melanau tall-house and Chinese farm. During the three-day festival, spectators could attend musical workshops, sample an array of gastronomic delights and buy handicrafts and souvenirs at the Food and Village Mart.

But people came mainly for the music and over the weekend, they were treated to some rocking performances and haunting sounds from exotic instruments such as the oud, played by Driss El Maloumi, the Moroccan oud maestro; the Moorin Hoor (horsefiddle) by Mongolian musican and singer Enkh Jargal Dandarvaanchig; and the

Kora harp by Ndima from Congo Brazzaville who showcased the pygmy culture from Kombola village.

The Balinese group Kobagi Kecak performed a creative set of ‘body percussion’ and Le Blanc Bros Cajun Band from New Zealand and Australia shared their Cajun songs and dance in Creole. Mah Meri, from the Orang Asli community in Malaysia, ramped up the energy outdoors with a full cast of performers on bamboo percussion instruments while Harubee from the Maldives kept the beat going with a trance-like drum and dance set and drove the audience wild. High-energy folk band Basque group Korrontzi from Spain and sixpiece band Lindigo from the Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean also kept the crowd on their feet and singing along.

The grand finale saw all the artistes from the festival perform together on stage, which brought the audience to their feet cheering loudly as they took a bow.

Attend the next Rainforest World Music Festival and keep tabs on their website: www.rwmf.net

biG trail

2.

1. St Michael’s and All Angels church 2. Sam Sing Kung Temple 3. A monument to William B. Pryor, the city’s founder

3.

1.

Take A Walk On The Sandakan Heritage Trail Text by Pamela Fletcher

Images: Murphy Ng; Lim Sheng Haw; Sabah Tourism Board

S

andakan is well-known as the gateway to Sabah’s wildlife destinations but the city also has a fascinating history and the best way to get a glimpse of its past – and present – is through its Heritage Trail.

Not far away are two other monuments, the WW II Memorial and the Sandakan Liberation Monument, built in remembrance of those who died on the Sandakan-Ranau death marches near the end of the war.

The city was founded on June 21, 1897 by an Englishman named William B. Pryer who turned the small trading outpost into a thriving commercial and administrative centre.

Close by is Wisma Warisan, which used to be the main government building during the colonial era. In those days, the first floor was the Residency office and part of the ground floor was used as the Sandakan General Post Office. Today it houses the Sandakan Heritage Museum with a section displaying the exploits of an American couple Martin and Osa Johnson who travelled to Sandakan to record the lives of the local people and wildlife.

Masjid Jamek is the starting point of the Heritage Trail. This town mosque, built more than a century ago, is still used today. From here the trail continues to the administrative building where two monuments dedicated to the city’s founder, William B. Pryer, and the Chartered Company officers killed in service in Borneo, are located.

From here, the Heritage Trail continues up into the hills via the Stairs with 100 Steps, believed to have been used by the early

Chinese communities who bring their farm produce to the town centre. The colonial administration built several government buildings here with beautiful panoramic views of Sandakan Bay. One of the most prominent houses here today is the Agnes Keith’s House, rebuilt to the design of the original colonial house once inhabited by Agnes Keith, the renowned American author who penned the book ‘Land Below the Wind’.

Go down the hill, you will come across the next few historical buildings on the trail: the Goddess of Mercy Chinese Temple built in the late 1880s, the stone church of St Michael’s and All Angels, and two of the oldest schools in Sandakan built in 1887 (St Mary’s) and 1887 (St Michael’s).

On your return journey, you will pass by the oldest temple, Sam Sing Kung Temple, completed in 1887. The temple is a treasure trove of information on the early days of Sandakan with artifacts and plaques documenting events during this time.

Sandakan has transformed into a modern city but its historical charm is evident in many nooks and crannies. You just need to take a little walk to discover and appreciate them.

For more information, go to www.sabahtourism.com/destination/sandakanheritage-trail

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A collection of Huifong’s favourite paintings

1 Little Vendor During a trip to Cambodia, we stopped in a village on the way from Phnom Penh to Siam Reap when a little vendor came to me. I held my camera up to capture her smile, and she proudly held up her packet of fruits and flashed a V sign. This was when I asked myself, “When was the first time you were proud of yourself?” and later on pondered, “When was the last time you were proud of yourself?” The answer is: “Make it today.”

2.

2

3.

My New Winter Cloak This is an intuitive painting. I saw a very happy girl in her favorite red cloak. But, rather than being effusive in joy, she was quietly beaming with gratitude. When we shine brightly from within, we appear bigger. We don’t need words sometimes, only a grateful heart.

1.

3 4.

H

uifong Ng has no preconceptions when she works on her paintings or sketches. What eventually develops on the blank canvas depends on her mood and emotion at the time of creation. With a brush or pencil in hand, she connects with the canvas and stroke by stroke, she slowly brings a subject to life.

An Emotional

Painting 36

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Images: Huifong Ng

Approach to

Huifong’s love for art came at an early age but she only seriously took up painting when a personal tragedy hit, leaving her in a state of depression for a few years. When she chanced upon some old sketches done during her days in school, it kick-started her desire to paint, and after a few years abroad learning and perfecting her art, she held a solo exhibition in Singapore where she showed a portrait that she painted of the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew and has gained real recognition ever since.

Huifong’s choice to step away from her negative state and rebuild her

life through art therapy has been an important turning point for her, and her journey to the brighter side is reflected in her paintings and sketches. Huifong’s paintings are passionate displays of colours while in her sketches, she romanticises the most illuminating aspects of her subjects - haunting eyes, small gestures, a toothy grin or a pursed mouth. These drawings and paintings create a certain intimacy between the viewer and the subject, which is indicative of the artist’s ability to tell a story through her art, transforming the mundane into the extraordinary and casting a spell on the viewer.

Huifong’s art is all about the simplicity and beauty that you can find in every day life, and she creates them from an intuition that is, much like her talent, extraordinary.

Check out Huifong’s other works of art on her website: www.huifongng.com

Joy The first day I arrived in Paris, I saw a group of laughing children chasing bubbles. I wanted to paint that moment but couldn’t - I needed to first experience their joy, but it’s difficult for any adult to remember a child’s joy. So one early morning, I walked alone up to a hilltop in Montmiral (Southern France). I was amazed by the wondrous nature. I felt the children’s joy. Why did we chase bubbles when we were young? Because we could see the world in them.

4 The Classroom, 1969 and 2014 The girl is my mother. The boy is my nephew. I imagined two children 45 years apart chatting together before a classroom window. Someone interrupts., and they look to that person (which is you ). What if we were all children, not divided by race, age, sex, or anything? Just innocence and purity. What would we have shared? What would your grandmother have told you?

Maybe she would talk about school, or would she telll you about her crush?

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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biG focus

biG focus

A RISING DAWN for the

SKATEDIUM T

he origins of the skateboard is

concrete space features skater-friendly

support system to the nervous youths at

vague. It was probably back in

graffiti-painted blocks, ledges and ramps,

the Skatedium trying out their skateboards

the 1950’s, when some surfers in

and it has rarely seen a dull moment since

for the first time.

California needed something to do during

its opening.

the days when waves were low, they came

No longer is skateboarding linked to

up with the skateboard to ‘surf’ the streets.

Buoyed by this public-friendly space to

images of aimless youths in too-loose

Skateboarding became a land hobby not

meet, greet, train and skate with others,

jeans and greasy hair tucked under caps.

just for surfers, it gained popularity with

skaters are now pushing themselves to

Skateboarding is all about personal

rebellious surly youths who took to the

higher limits. Self-sponsored skaters

discovery, determination, building

streets with their boards and made public

have travelled around the world to

confidence and aiming higher, and that is

spaces their playground, leaving an anti-

participate in skateboarding competitions.

something our skaters know about.

establishment vibe in the community.

Skateboarding means big business too.

The popularity of skateboarding rose and

Local designers have made the skating

dipped over the decades but in the 90s,

scene more vibrant with their creations

it became a edgy sport that spawned

for a skating lifestyle and they are in

serious international competitions showing

turn supported thoroughly by local

entertaining maneuvers and garnered

skaters who sport these brands when

acceptance of skaters.

competing overseas. Many of the skaters at the Skatedium can be seen wearing

Brunei’s skateboarding community,

sportswear by local brands such as

educated by ESPN’s Xtreme Games and

Oblimag, Empat and Uneek, and wearing

Tony Hawk’s Playstation video games,

Nine7Six Footwear sneakers, proudly

took to street-skating too in the 90s and

designed by Uneek Skateshop.

congregated at the courtyard of the Lapau to skate but they hit some road bumps

There are still things that can be done

when authorities put up joy-killing vases

to make the Skatedium and the skating

and other prohibitions to prevent them

lifestyle better. Skaters feel that there

from grinding on the steps and jumping in

should be more skateparks in different

other public places.

districts and the maintenance of the current

Image: Novri Rinaldi

skateparks could be better. But despite all of

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

But thankfully, that’s not the end of the

the shortfalls of existing skating premises,

skateboarding story on our side of the

skateboarding is here to stay. The obvious

world. Skaters never stopped fighting for

benefits of skateboarding are clear: youths

their right to skate and eventually reached

are doing something healthy, affordable

a joyful conclusion when the Ministry of

and accessible, and with skateboarding

Culture, Youth and Sports worked together

now a mainstream sport, it is recognised

with the Brunei Skateboard Assocation

as a stepping stone to positive qualities

(BSA) and built a skate park, also known

such as creativity, resilience, confidence

as ‘Skatedium’ in late 2012. Located at the

and independence. The skateboarding

Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, this

community has provided a big brother

Skate Parks around Brunei: The Skatedium Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, BSB Muara Beach Skate Park Muara Beach Visit these skateshops: Uneek Skateshop 17.6, 1st Flr ‘The Souq’, The Airport Mall, Kg Jaya Setia, BSB Tel: (673) 863 3976 Smell the Street Skateshop Lot 71, #5B, Grd Flr, Jln McKerron Kuala Belait Tel: (673) 860 2558 Check out the local brands on their Instagram/Facebook page: Oblimag - @oblimag Uneek - @unksk8 Empat - www.facebook.com/Empat.bn

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41

made in brunei

The Little Shop

with Big Dreams H ave you heard? Domestic fashion

about our own brands. Just because

“We want to expand this industry,

is on the rise here in Brunei.

LokalGround has eight brands doesn’t

compete with the bigger household brand

Youths in Brunei are flicking

mean we don’t want to involve everyone

names like H&M and Uniqlo and all – and

through their Instagram accounts to see

else. We should all support each other.

make Bruneians proud. Why shouldn’t we

what our local designers have in store.

That’s one of the reasons why we’re

be proud? We’ve got our own T-shirts. And

Inspired by local culture and trends,

planning on holding events where

they look great.”

Bruneian designers have created their own

we invite local brands to display their

line of clothing and are paving the way for

products. It started that way in Malaysia:

homegrown brands to find their way into

they had little festivals and then other

every youth’s closet in Brunei.

people started having their own festivals

LokalGround

until it became this huge movement.”

Recognizing the need for a brick and mortar outfit to display local brands,

“As a team of eight, we push ourselves

LokalGround stepped up to the challenge.

to do something different with our

LokalGround opened on 28 August this

designs. We’ll create themes, come up

year to a crowd of fans who wasted no

with different designs and step out of our

time snapping up the fashion items by

comfort zones.”

seven Brunei-based designers and one Malaysian brand.

“At some stage it would be great to promote our brands not just locally but

Here are 5 quotes from Zul Fadly, one of the

regionally. We need to learn the ropes,

dynamic owners of LokalGround who was

build a network and come up with ideas.

still reeling from the unexpected success of

Just challenge ourselves.”

their store launch when we spoke.

“Five years from now, we envision “We have a lot of plans on how to

LokalGround in a bigger store, with more

further this awareness of local brands

than one branch, and more than eight local

to the public – and we’re not just talking

brands. And we hope to stay together.”

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

1st Flr, The Souq, Airport Mall, Kg Jaya Setia, BSB Open: 11am-9pm (Tues-Sun), 2.30pm-9pm (Fri), closed Mondays Check out LokalGround and their brands on their Instagram pages: LokalGround (@lokalground), Khalifahood (@khalifahood), Roast and Roll Streetwear (@roastandroll.st), Villiebeast (@villiebeast), FWDs84 (@fwds84), Bruland Clothing (@brulandclothing), The Apparel Corner (@theapparelcorner.bn), Rule Clothing (@ruleclothingco), Benua.BWN (@benua.bwn)

biG appetite

Tea Time!

T

he story of the afternoon tea ritual began in the early 1800s with a Duchess from England who scheduled time every afternoon to take tea and a snack.

When people in her society knew about her habit, they followed suit and soon the art of taking afternoon tea became a fashionable practice.

Brunei has its own version of afternoon tea, typically with a large mug of teh tarik and a plate of fried snacks or noodles, but if you’re looking to step away from the local kedai kopi concept of tea time, then there are plenty of places in Brunei where you can do the English tea ritual and sip your tea in a fine bone china teacup while enjoying an array of scones, cakes and finger sandwiches (sometimes with cucur pisang and local kueh thrown in the mix for a fusion experience). All you need is a fancy sunhat, lovely surroundings, pleasing company and you’re good to go.

Season’s Restaurant

Rizqun Coffee House

Lobby Lounge

Cilantro’s Gourmet Patisserie Departure Hall, Brunei International Airport Jln Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa, BSB Tel: 233 9207

2nd Flr, Gadong Centrepoint Jln Gadong, BSB Tel: 242 2291 / 242 2292

Grd Flr, The Rizqun International Hotel Abdul Razak Complex, Gadong, BSB Tel: 242 3000

English High-Tea set at Lobby Lounge is B$17++ per person and is available from 3pm6pm daily.

Afternoon Tea Time Set is B$13.90nett per person and is available from 2.30pm-5pm, Mondays to Thursdays.

Hi-Tea Buffet is B$15nett per person (B$10nett per child) and is available from 2.30pm-5pm, Fridays to Sundays.

‘Lajutah Minum Petang’ hi-tea set is B$6nett per person and is available from 2pm-5pm, Mondays to Fridays.

The Empire Hotel & Country Club Jerudong BG3122, Brunei Darussalam Tel: 241 8888 ext 75008

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

47

biG appetite

biG appetite

Gwad Basha Arabian Restaurant

Home.Kitchen by Tree-Bit Café

Café Café at Original Carwash

Mad Ben Café

# 1A&1B, Heng Thai Property Centre Spg 22, Jln Dato Ratna, Kg Kiarong BE1318 BSB Tel: (673) 245 0009, Open Daily: 7am-11pm Text: Intan Abu Daniel; Image: Novri Rinaldi

D8 & D9, Lot 11620, Grd Flr Jln Gadong, Kg Mata-Mata, BSB, Tel: (673) 242 9366 Open Daily: 8.30am-10pm Text: Intan Abu Daniel; Image: Novri Rinaldi

Lot 211-214, Section 9, KTLD, Rubber Road, Kuching, Sarawak Tel: (6082) 256 396 Opening Hours: 8.30am-6.30pm (closed Tuesdays) Text & Image by Thanis Lim

Lot 121, Jalan Gaya, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Tel: (6088) 255 073 Open Daily: 11am-12am (Mon-Thurs), 5pm-12am(Sat-Sun) Text & Image by Pamela Fletcher

First Impressions When we heard friends gushing about the food at Gwad Basha, we knew that this was the next place for us to review. It’s a brightly-lit restaurant that can accommodate large groups of people, the setting is not too ‘Arabian Nights’ as you would expect but the ornate furniture and decorations give it a touch of the Middle East.

Food Whether or not this is the best authentic Arabian restaurant in Brunei, as stated on its menu, we don’t know yet but I can confirm that the food is authentic and delicious. We ordered a small plate of Mix Appetizers – a platter of hummus, baba ghanog, tabouleh, a salad and yoghurt dips to go with vegetables and bread, and a plate of Grape Leaves – a non-grilled version of pulut panggang – which has grape leaves wrapped around fragrant rice. We also had a small mixed grill set which had a stick of grilled chicken and lamb each, rice and bread. A plate of lamb akdah (which was utterly delicious) and

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kabsa rice completed our meal.

For bigger groups, we would recommend the filling Family Sets which are combinations of different types of rice, salads, meats and Arabian tea. The food came with side dishes: yoghurt, potato sambal and a tangy dip of blended shallots, tomatoes, chilli and parsley.

Drinks Try their Middle-Eastern delights - Turkish coffees and Arabian teas.

Service We received a few blank looks from the staff when we asked about some dishes on the menu, but other than that, they were friendly and very helpful.

Price Reasonable in view of the generous proportions and quality of the food.

Verdict Authentic? Sure. The best? The jury is still out on that. But it’s a new restaurant with great food and it still has plenty of time to prove its worth. I’ll toast my cup of Arabian tea to that.

First Impressions The owners of Home.

Kitchen obviously started out with the question: why not make this restaurant look like a home? It’s designed like a studio apartment, so you can dine at different sections of the ‘home’: the dining table, the bar counter, the island counters in the ‘kitchen’, or the ‘living room’ complete with leather sofa and fashionable armchairs.

Food Home.Kitchen serves ‘casual gourmet’. We weren’t sure what that was but it was time to try it out. We started with a dish from the breakfast menu called The Taj Mahal - a roulade of prata stuffed with chicken salad and served with curry. From the main dishes menu we ordered the Roller-Roaster: a delicious crispy oven roasted whole chicken leg with divine mashed potatoes topped with cheese and mushroom sauce. Our favourite was the Nelayan Pasta - stir-fry seafood spaghetti with crispy salted fish flakes - a clever fusion of Italian and Asian.

We ordered the home-made bread pudding for dessert, which was as good as any that we’ve tasted. Aside from the menu options, a cucur promotion is on from 1.30pm to 5.30pm daily and they have a lunch specials menu that changes every few months.

Drinks Aside from the usual beverages, they have milkshakes, smoothies, coffees and cold press juices.

Their Italian sodas were most refreshing.

Service Young, smiley staff who are at your side the moment you beckon.

Price We paid around B$60 for our choices, which seemed reasonable for the amount of food we had.

Verdict Although situated in a busy hub where other F&B outlets reside, Home.Kitchen stands out with its unique environment, well-presented food and good service.

First Impressions Café Café at Original Carwash has an interesting dual-service concept – when you wash or polish your car at their place, they serve you food as well, hence the rather quirky name. Café Café’s interior is chic and spacious, not something you would expect from a carwash company. Despite a name that hints at coffee, Café Café is more of a restaurant than a coffee joint.

Food Café Café has quite an extensive menu with Asian cuisine as well as Western grilled meats, sandwiches, salads and desserts. I would highly recommend most of the Asian dishes especially the Nyonya and Fuchow cuisine.

Their Chou Chai Big Mee Hoon soup - a traditional pickled vegetables rice vermicelli soup - is a must-try! I am also very fond of their Nyonya dishes such as the Ayam Ponteh, Beef Rendang and Ayam Kapitan, all served with a

side of pickled vegetables, fritters and crackers. You will be surprised at the huge portions of their Asian dishes so I would suggest ordering them to share.

Drinks The beverage menu is standard: soft drinks, hot or iced coffee or tea, smoothies and freshly squeezed juices.

Service The staff is generally young and friendly.

However, service might be slow especially when the restaurant is packed.

Price The prices are very good value for money and you can get a discount if you have your car washed or polished at their place.

Verdict Dining on delicious Nyonya and Fuchow comfort food in a trendy ambience while your car gets washed –it doesn’t get better than this! I’ll definitely be back again for my next car wash.

First Impression Its modern glass window façade and hip minimalist interior is a welcomed contrast to the typical coffee shops on Gaya Street. The place gets busy in the evenings so if loud crowds are not your cup of tea, drop by during off peak hours.

Food Mad Ben Café has been the talk of the town for months now and it doesn’t disappoint. The menu is a typical spread of classic western dishes. There was a truffle promotion during our visit and we couldn’t resist an order of bruschetta with truffle butter followed by a crisp watermelon and feta cheese salad, pot roast beef with mashed potato, and vegetarian aglio olio pasta with roasted vegetables. To sweeten the palate, we had warm apple crumble with homemade vanilla custard, and an affogato to end the meal. The pasta had the right amount of garlic and olive oil, but the roast beef fell short with its stringy

texture. The gravy made up for it and it was great to mop up with the bruschetta.

Drinks A pretty standard offering of soft drinks, juices, coffee and tea. Their premium coffees itself is worth a pit stop for a mid-morning or afternoon pick-me-up.

Service Fast and efficient! If you want to order a full course meal, ask the service staff to bring your food out gradually.

Our mains came before we finished the starters and got cold quickly.

Price For the portion size, fresh ingredients and great flavor, the price was very reasonable with our bill coming in at just under RM100.

Verdict Whether it’s for a quick bite, coffee or a full course meal, Mad Ben is the quintessential go-to café on busy Gaya Street for its relaxed ambience, good food and efficient service.

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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biG listings

advertisers gallery

BRUNEI LISTINGS

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.

| OPEN DAILY 6am-6pm; Radisson Hotel Jln Tasek, BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (673 224 4272)

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

Casbah London Kebab

Despite new coffee shops popping up around town, the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf undoubtedly remains the most popular purveyor of caffeine in Brunei with over five branches throughout the country. This global coffee chain continues brewing their specialty coffee for the masses, including their ever-popular IceBlended coffee drinks. | OPEN DAILY

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.

8am-11pm; 36 & 37 Maya Puri Building, JLN SULTAN (673 222 0589) or #1-16A 1st Flr The Mall, GADONG (673 245 7460) – Call for other branches Bello Café ‘Bello’, which is Italian for ‘beautiful’, is certainly the right name for this elegantly designed café with their beautifully-styled food. Offering a tasty range of snacks, desserts, western and local main dishes, they are famed for their Swiss Burger and Chocolate Lava Pudding.

| OPEN DAILY Mon-Fri 7.30am-10pm, Sat 7.30am-11pm, Sun 8am-10pm; L1/12 Seri Kiulap Mall, KIULAP (673 223 3989)

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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

| OPEN 7pm onwards (Mon-Sat), closed on Sundays and public holidays; Radisson Hotel Jln Tasek, BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (673 224 4272) Tasek Brasserie A perfect spot to dine with family

Flr Orchid Garden Hotel, KG ANGGEREK DESA (673 233 5544) Vanda Chinese Restaurant Vanda’s popular Sunday dim sum brunch buffet brings families over every week, dining on hot dim sum while children take a dip in the swimming pool on the same floor.

The restaurant is similarly packed on other days, as Vanda proves its reputation as one of the premier Chinese restaurants in town with the array of delectable cuisine from their ala carte menu. | OPEN

DAILY; 1st Flr Orchid Garden Hotel, KG ANGGEREK DESA (673 233 5544) Pizza Hut An introduction hardly needs to be made here – this international franchise has been delivering pizzas to our homes since 1993, and it’s still going on strong today. With weekly promotions and a new ala

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

Big Mama’s Restaurant (BMR) 26 Q-Lap Complex, Kiulap (673 223 6699)

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

FRESH FLAVOURS

NEW RESTAURANTS AROUND TOWN

carte menu, there’s no wonder that Pizza Hut remains at the top of the pizza chain in Brunei. Visit any of its 16 restaurants and delivery outlets around Brunei or simply pick up the phone and order up a hot and fresh pizza right to your doorstep.

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

Goldiana Café & Lounge Open 24 hours a day, the Goldiana Café & Lounge is widely popular for its monthly themed buffets.

Customers have a choice of dining on the wide selection offered at the buffet or ordering from the ala carte menu which offers a variety of Western, Malay and Chinese cuisine. For dessert, there is a mouth-watering selection of cakes at their lounge area. | OPEN DAILY; 1st

Impian Rasa Restaurant

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

Ceri Café

Anjung Layar Luncur (Nur Wanita Serasa Branch) 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.

Berry Wan Hot Pot

Dairy Queen (DQ) Creator of the delicious Blizzard, this international franchise serves up some of the delicious ice-cream dishes in Brunei, not to mention a variety of ice-cream cakes for any occasion. They also offer a variety of delicious hot dogs, like the hugely popular and satisfying Chili Cheese Dog. Go to any of their 10 stores across Brunei for an Oreo Blizzard Treat served to you upside down!

Simpang 287, Pantai Serasa (673 277 1879)

Brew Café & Bakery #47 Grd Flr Blk C Gadong Central, Menglait (673 242 7554)

Genki Teppanyaki & Restaurant Unit No 38 Ground Floor Citis Square, Berakas (673 233 2118)

HOME-GROWN TALENT

Restoran Makan & Soto Rosmini 1 Spg 15, Jln Gadong (673 871 9946)

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

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

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

Selera Alam Kitani Restaurant & Catering

Amanah Harith

24 & 25 Grd Flr Blk D Kg Delima Satu, Berakas (673 233 3733)

683 Spg 681, Jln Jerudong (673 261 2140)

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

Babu’s Kitchen

SCR EXPRESS CITIS SQUARE

Chop Jing Chew

| OPEN DAILY 7.30am-10pm; #20&21, 1st Flr, Citis Square, KG JAYA SETIA (673 718 0315/233 9391) – call for other branches

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

FAVOURITE HOME BRANDS

| OPEN DAILY 10am-10pm; #G35 Grd Flr The Mall, GADONG (673 222 6111) – call for other branches

The latest avatar of one of the oldest food franchises in Brunei, this outlet can accommodate over a hundred patrons in three seating areas: the main dining area, the outdoor balcony and the lobby.

The ala carte menu caters to the gastronomic delights of patrons looking for great food at great prices coupled with good service, with over a hundred different types of dishes to choose from.

The restaurant is currently holding a promotion: offering delicious cakes free of charge for any private function held at the lobby area.

MY Favoureat Restaurant

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

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

Fayze Jaya Restaurant and Café 38, 39 & 40 BT Complex, Kg Jaya Setia (673 242 4385)

Jessamine Restaurant & Café

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

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

ASIAN DELIGHTS DELICIOUS ASIAN FARE

Anjung Saujana & Cilantro’s Gourmet Patisserie Departure Hall, Lvl One, Brunei International Airport (673 233 1853)

Bali Pit-Stop

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

15 &16, Spg 150 Grd Floor, Block A Bangunan Habza, Kuilap (673 720 9992)

Kaka Restaurant

Ayam Penyet AP

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

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

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

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

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

Dim Sum Restaurant

Jade Crystal Kopitiam & Café 25 Grd Flr & 1st Flr Blk D Madang Complex, Berakas (673 233 6238)

LaMee Restaurant 10 Grd Flr Blk C Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 243 0113)

Laguna Dua Restaurant & Lounge 31 Grd Flr Airport Mall, Kg Jaya Setia (673 233 6219)

Lee Loi Fatt

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

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

Farmbasket Snack Bar

Little Hotpot Restaurant

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

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

Filio Restaurant & Catering

Lucky Restaurant

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

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

Fun Toast Kopitiam

Mangrove Z’yan Restaurant

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

Mangrove Paradise Resort, Kota Batu (673 278 6868)

Fun Wok Hong Kong Restaurant

Mariscos

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

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

G S Seafood Restaurant

Millennium Restaurant

Sri Aman Complex, Tutong (673 422 1882)

Blk C Scouts Centre, Kg Mata-Mata (673 242 4168)

Golden Leaf Coffee House

My Place Cafe

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

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

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

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

Hadfa Seafood Restaurant

Nyonya

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

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

Hamberly Hills Café

Old Time Kopitiam

Sumbangsih Corner Sumbangsih Mulia, Beribi (673 245 7126)

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

Hot Point Café & Restaurant

Pho Real

101 1st Flr The Mall, Gadong (673 242 6719)

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

Hot Pot King Steamboat Restaurant

Pondok Sari Wangi Restaurant

A12 & 13 Grd Flr Blk A Bgn Habza, Kiarong (673 223 4548)

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

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

51

biG listings

biG listings Restoran Ummi Salomeh

Trio Hotpot Restaurant

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

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

Seasons Restaurant

WYWY Restaurant

Lvl 2 The Centrepoint, Gadong (673 242 2291)

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

Seaworld Neptune 8 Spg 791, Jerudong (673 261 2613)

Waroeng Penyet

Seri Kamayan

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

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

You Me Restaurant Shikai

13 & 14 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Hassan 1 & 2 Blk E Grd Flr Sempurna Complex, Abdullah, Kg Menglait (673 245 3940) Batu Bersurat (673 245 6222)

Sing U Me Restaurant B14 Warisan Mata-Mata Complex, Gadong (673 242 1860)

FINE CHINA

CHINESE CUISINE AT ITS FINEST

All Seasons Restaurant Singapore Table 10 Grd Flr Bgn Hasbullah 3, Gadong (673 245 0099)

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

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

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

Thiam Hock Restaurant 5 Yong Siong Building, Kg Menglait (673 244 1679)

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

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

THE SPICE ROUTE

Kafe Kausar Grd Flr Shakirin Complex, Kiulap (673 882 9495)

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

SPICY DISHES FROM AROUND THE REGION

Lemongrass Restaurant

Ahan Thai

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

10 Blk B Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 245 2852)

Lotus Family Restaurant

Aqil Shafiee

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

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

MOD Thasanan Thai Food 1 Blk A Bgn Habza, Kiarong (673 223 4139)

Nur Wanita

Dynasty Restaurant

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

Bann Nucha Restaurant

Popular Restaurant

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

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

Bombay Palace

Rajah’s Restaurant

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

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

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

3rd Flr Hua Ho Manggis Mall, Berakas (673 233 2880)

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

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

Li Gong

C’ Fu Curry House

Rangmahal Restaurant

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

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

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

Phongmun Restaurant Thien Thien Restaurant

Vanda Chinese Restaurant

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

Awais’s Rice N Grill Pakistani Restaurant

I-Lotus Tai Ka Luk Restaurant

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

KTM Thai Special Seafood Restaurant

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

Emperor’s Court Sweet N Savoury Café

Shinobu Restaurant

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

Haleem’s Authentic Indian Cuisine 14 Grd Flr Citis Square, Kg Jaya Setia (673 234 1231)

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

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

Sameer Restaurant & Catering G1 Grd Flr Sg Akar Sentral, Berakas (673 872 8172)

Sawaddee House 6 Grd Flr Yong Siong Hai Jln Pasar Gadong, Gadong (673 242 6619)

Seri Damai Restaurant & Catering 10A Grd Flr Bgn Hau Man Yong, Kg Kiulap (673 223 0356)

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

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Pronto Brunei

The Ghurka Palace

Ideal Café & Grill

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

7 Blk H Abd Razak Complex, Gadong Shabu Restaurant (673 242 0596) – Call for other branches 2 1st Flr Spg 181-22, Kg Kiarong (673 242 8100)

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

7 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Tahir 2, Gadong (673 245 2186)

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

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

Zaika Restaurant

Modesto Bistro & Grill

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

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

Ya-Nur Restaurant

WESTERN STAR

Gohan Sushi and Shabu-

Mama Wong

New Cottage Grills

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

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

Ristorante Buon Gusto

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

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

ENJOY THE BEST FROM THE WEST

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

Aranda @ D’Anggerek

Paddington House of Pancakes

D’Anggerek Service Apartment, Berakas (673 234 5222)

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

Korean House Restaurant

THE BEST OF CAFÉ FARE

Pancake House International

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

Kimchi Restaurant

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

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

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

Rizqun Coffee House Bite 1, Ground & First Floor, Blk A, Spg 150, Bgn Habza, Kiarong (673 7170 327)

Rizqun International Hotel, Gadong (673 242 3000)

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

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

Savy’s Brasserie Buffalo Steakhouse 1 & 2 Grd Flr Halimatul Saadiah, Gadong (673 242 6769)

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

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

Secret Recipe

Cheezbox Café

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

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

Senja Restaurant

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

8,9 Grd Flr Seri Kiulap Complex, Kiulap (673 2235313) – Call for other branches

Swensen’s De’ Olde Cottage 2 Grd Flr Blk C Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 242 6982)

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

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

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

Home Kitchen by Tree-Bit Café D8 & D9 Lot 11620 Grd Flr Jln Gadong, Kg Mata-Mata (673 242 9366)

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

Ko-ryo Restaurant B16 Bgn Lim Eng Ming, Kiulap (673 223 9837)

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

Misato Japanese Restaurant 5 Grd Flr Blk D Shakirin Complex, Kiulap (673 223 9159) – Call for other branches

CAFÉ CULTURE Another Café

Mr Baker’s Cafeteria C47 Blk C Grd Flr Gadong Central, Menglait (673 242 7554)

Bakerlyn Café

Shabulicious Restaurant

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

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

BELLUNO Café

Sushi Tei

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

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

BlackBall Brunei

Yam Yam Sarang Korean Restaurant

#9 Yong Siong Hai Building, Gadong (673 242 9231)

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

Bunker Bistro

Yugo BBQ and Shabu Shabu Restaurant

Café Au lait

B23 Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 878 5398)

EUROPEAN LEAGUE ITALIAN AND SPANISH CUISINE

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

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

Chill-V Café 1 Grd Flr The Mall, Gadong (673 242 0430)

Countrypatch Café

Traders Inn Café

Capers Cafe & Restaurant

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

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

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

De Margarita Restaurant

D’April’s Café

ORIENTAL DELIGHTS

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

3 Blk D Grd Flr Shakirin Complex, Kiulap (673 223 3929)

Aiko Sushi

Din’s Bistro

Danes Café

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

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

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

Excapade

Pastamania

De Royalle Café

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

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

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

LOOK EAST

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

53

biG listings

biG listings Delifrance

Peppermint Cafe

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

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

Depot VLO Café

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

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

FA Sports Café 6 Grd Flr Blk K Batu Bersurat Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 245 0427) – Call for other branches

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

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

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

Piccolo Café

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

Riviera Café Riviera Hotel, Kuala Belait (673 333 5252)

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

Taurean Cafe @ The Arch 229 Grd Flr Bgn The Arch, Gadong (673 245 6389)

The Coffee Zone

Gloria Jean’s Coffee

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

G17 Citis Square, Berakas (673 233 8452)

Tomato Café

High Frequency Lifestyle Café

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

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

Hippo & Bees Grd Flr Food Arena Seri Q-Lap Mall, Kg Kiulap (673 223 7771)

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

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

Le Stadium Spg 8, Kg Rimba (673 245 6755)

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

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

Ximply Chriz Café 8 Blk B Regent Square, Kiulap (673 223 4918)

Zest Cafe The Empire Hotel & Country Club, wJERUDONG (673) 241 8888

WHAT A VIEW

MEALS WITH A STUNNING VIEW

Matadoe

Atrium Café

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

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

Mawar Coffee Garden

Fratini’s Restaurant

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

N.M Desa Café

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

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

Palm Café Palm Garden Hotel, Kiulap (673 223 3323)

54

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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

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

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

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

Tarindak D’Seni Brunei Arts & Handicrafts Centre, Kota Batu (673 224 0422)

GO GREEN

Vegetarian-friendly options

Mituo Vegetarian Restaurant Grd Flr Pg Anak Puteri Norain Complex, Batu Satu (673 222 2821)

Pureland Vegetarian Restaurant #15 Blk B Grd Flr Bgn Hj Awg Ahmad bin Hassan & Anak-anak, Kiulap (673 223 6503)

Shiang Ping Health Cuisine Shop #21, Grd Flr, Block E, Complex Hj Daud, Jln Gadong (673 244 3078)

The Energy Kitchen Grd Flr Fitness Zone Kiulap (673 223 3323)

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

QUICK PICKS QUICK AND EASY MEALS

Big Papa’s Restaurant A8 & A9 Grd Flr Shakirin Complex, Kiulap (673 223 3333)

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

Mei Kong Coffee Shop 108 Jln Permancha, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 224 0688)

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

Tasconi’s Pizza C5 Spg 145 Grd Flr Blk C, Serusop (673 233 5222)

INVIGORATE The Spa at the Empire Hotel & Country Club The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 241 8222)

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

Thann Sanctuary 8/9 1st Flr Bgn Seri Kiulap, Kiulap (673 233 5599)

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

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

Palm Spa Palm Garden Hotel, Kiulap (673 223 2211)

Eat

(Sabah) Bar Tzar Bistro Lot 12 The Waterfront Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 260 211) Bella Italia 69 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 313 366) Borneo Wild Treasure Lot 27-0 Blk C Lrg Bundusan Square1D, Kota Kinabalu (6088 732 222) Brass Monkey Lot 1-0 Lorong Lintas Plaza 4, Kota Kinabalu (6088 261 543) Café De Vie Lot D-0-6 Lorong Metro Town 3, Kota Kinabalu (6088 393 863) Circle Restaurant Hotel JW Marriott, Kota Kinabalu (6088 322 222) Emperor’s Delight Lot 6 Grd Flr Jln Pantai, Kota Kinabalu (6088 288 686) Fong Ip Café Lot 100 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 213 618)

SABAH 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.

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

Natural Kitchen Lot No B10 & B11, Suria Sabah Shoppin Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 489 180) Nishiki Japanese Restaurant Shop 4 Grd Flr 63 Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu (6088 230 582) October Coffee House Blk B The Peak Vista Lorong Puncak 1 Tjg Lipat, Kota Kinabalu (6010 947 8921)

Grand Port View Sea View Restaurant 16 Jln Tun Fuad Stephen, Kota Kinabalu (6088 538 179)

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

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

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

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

Party Play 117 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 311 210)

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

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

K. Sanba’s Curry Specials Blk F Lorong Plaza Utama 1 Alamesra, Kota Kinabalu (6016 860 5827)

Gam Tong Hong Kong Recipe Lot G-823 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 485 454)

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

Korean Club Restaurant 4 Jln Aru, Kota Kinabalu (6088 233 213)

Pasta Pasta 108 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 280 790)

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

Peppermint Vietnamese Cuisine No. 85 Grd Flr Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6012 802 4582)

La Fuente G-816 Grd Flr 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 486 609)

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

Little Italy Grd Flr Hotel Capital Jln Hj Saman, Kota Kinabalu (6088 232 231) Man 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 827 9296) Mr Ho’s Fine Foods L-72-G Grd Flr Blk L KK Times Square Phase 1, Kota Kinabalu (6088 222 623)

Restaurant Baba & Nyonya Recipe Blk E Grd Flr Grand Millennium Plaza, Penampang (6088 733 993) Restoran Makanan Sedap No 1-0-1 Blk B Jln Kolam Centre Phase 2 Jln Lintas, Kota Kinabalu (6088 247 459) Sailors Lot 36 1st Flr Grand Millennium Plaza, Penampang (6088 731 960) Santola Café Lot 14 Blk B Damai Point, Kota Kinabalu (6088 260 188)

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

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

Kaizen

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

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

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

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

Suang Tain Seafood Restaurant Lot 12 Blk A Grd Flr SEDCO Complex, Kota Kinabalu (6088 223 080) Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

55

biG listings

biG listings Sugarbun Café Lot 48 Jln Pantai, Kota Kinabalu (6088 218 326)

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

Marco Polo Restaurant 116A BDA Shahida, Bintulu (6086 332 458)

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

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

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

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

Medan Seafood Restaurant 56, Jln Mdn Setiaraja, Mukah (6084 874 145)

Seventy2 Restaurant 894 Jln Permaisuri, Miri (6085 418 272)

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

Sushi Kin Blk C 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 447 437)

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

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

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

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

Sushi Tei Lot G-68 Grd Flr Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 485 595) Toscani’s Lot 14 The Waterfront Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 242 879) Wah San Restaurant D2-G Blk 17 Jln Pryer, Sandakan (6089 212 626) Yamagoya Ramen Lot 109 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 253 701) Yoshimi Japanese Restaurant Warisan Square, Kota Kinabalu (6088 488 388)

Eat (Sarawak) A One Seafood Restaurant Lrg Chew Siik Hiong 1, Sibu (6084 215 803) Absolute Tribal Restaurant Hills Shopping Mall, Kuching (082 237 469) Alfian Restaurant 52 Pekan Marudi, Marudi (6085 755 215)

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

Metro Café 781 Jln Bangkita, Limbang (6085 215 488)

Boardriders Café Plaza Merdeka Jln Pearl, Kuching

Min Hua (89) Restaurant G 13 Jln Bintang Utara, Bintangor (6084 693 240)

Boulevard Restaurant 2228 Jln Saberkas, Lutong (6085 658 176) Buenas Filipino Lechon & Restaurant 329 Jln Tj Batu, Bintulu (6086 310 860) Café Min Xin Lot 1126-27 Riam Comm Centre, Miri (6085 628 839) Capital Restaurant 86 Jln Keppel, Bintulu (6086 331 160) Carvery Restaurant Jln Abell, Kuching (6082 239 449) Casabella Mediterranean Restaurant Crown Square, Kuching (6082 346 612) Chef at Home Lorong Green 1 Blk 10, Kuching (6016 858 5159) Chuan Hong Restaurant 123 Jln Council SAman (6083 322 466)

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

Cloud-99 Precinct 99 Jalan Song, Kuching (6016 866 2716)

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

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

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

Da Mi Xiang Gu Tou Bao Restaurant Tabuan Hts Comm Centre, Kuching (6082 458 952)

Aroma Café 126 Jln Tabuan, Kuching (6082 417 163) Asian Express Restaurant G40 The Spring, Kuching (6082 414 088)

56

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Dynasty Chinese Restaurant Oil Town Comm Complex, Miri (6085 424 000) East Court Chicken Rice 867 Jln Club SAman (6083 326 818)

Eden Everise Wisma Nation Horizon, Block C, Kuching (6082 256 022) Escobar SF3 Damai Cenral Pantai Damai Santubong, Kuching (6082 846 030) Fac Bravo Restaurant 7778 Jln Sultan Iskandar, Bintulu (6086 316 920) Farley Restaurant 1721 Jln Salim, Sibu (6084 228 819) Fisherman Restaurant 4 Jln Chew Geok Lin, Sibu (6084 316 888) Fratini’s Restaurant 2512 Jln Boulevard 3, Miri (6085 422 115) Fu Lai Siang Restaurant 108 Jln Pekan Bt Niah, Bt Niah (6085 737 168) Golden City Restaurant 87, Jln Ong Chu Seng, Saratok (6083 436 139) Highlands Seafood Restaurant 298 Jln Tj Bt, Bintulu (6086 318 828) Hock Chu Leu Restaurant 28 Jln Tukang Besi, Sibu (6084 316 523)

Khan’s Bilal Restaurant 229-G Jln Maju, Miri (6085 418 440) Kim Bay Restaurant The Spring, Kuching (6082 239 308)

Momoyama Wisma Phoenix, Kuching (6082 420 561) Nam Hoi Restaurant 110 Jln Penrissen Bt 7, Kuching (6082 612 379)

Sheraton Restaurant 37 Psn Brooke, Sibu (6084 336 341) Sin Lung Sheng Fu Tiao Qiang Restaurant 10788 Jln Simpang Tiga, Kuching (6082 231 260) Sin Soon Chin Restaurant 2415 Jln Boulevard 2, Miri (6085 414 282) Sri Menanti Coffee House Restaurant 15 Lrg Pahlawan 7b, Sibu (6084 218 196)

Koreana Restaurant 10002 Jln Tun Jugah, Kuching (6082 575 072)

Orion Tropical Jln Merpati, Miri (6085 418 417)

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

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

L.L. Banana Leaf 7G Lorong Rubber 1 Jln Rubber, Kuching (6082 239 404)

Pin Pin Café 18 Jln Krokong Bau (6082 763 486)

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

Li Garden Restaurant Hock Lee Centre, Kuching (6082 340 785)

Popular Corner Seafoods Restaurant Bda Shahida Commercial Centre, Bintulu (6086 319 688)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rejang Restaurant 6 Lrg Lanang 2 Sibu (6084 320 733)

Tian Xian Relish Restaurant 313 Jln Melaka Raya, MC (606 288 1120)

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

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

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

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

Sajian Warisan Restaurant 537 Jln Gartak, Miri (6085 422 911)

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

Lucky Restaurant 65C G Pekan Marudi, Marudi (6085 755 562) Lyn’s Thandoori Restaurant 7 Jln Song Thian Cheok, Kuching (6082 234 934)

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

Mango Tree Restaurant Kikyo Tei, Kuching (6082 235 353)

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

Map Restaurant Bang Terminal, Kuching (6082 459 087)

Salleh s Corner Café RPR Phase 2 Shoplot Jln Astana Petra Jaya, Kuching (6019 819 8046)

Surabaya Restaurant 288 Jln Bendahara, Miri (6085 411 239) Sushi Kin The Spring, Kuching (6082 245 355)

Yun Yan Restaurant Stutong Comm Centre, Kuching (6082 366 115) Zhun San Yen Vegetarian Food Lot 165 Jln Chan Ann, Kuching (6082 230 068)

INVIGORATE

Jari Jari Spa Blk B 2nd Flr Plaza Tanjung Aru, Jln Mat Salleh, Kota Kinabalu (6088 272 606) Mandara Spa The Magellan Sutera, 1 Sutera Habour Boulevard, Kota Kinabalu (6088 318 888) South Sea Sanctuary Spa Jln Tugu Pusat Bandar, Kota Kinabalu (6088 248 221)

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

SABAH

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

AC Beauty Lane #2-10B Lvl 2 Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 487 242)

Jungle Spa Borneo Highlands Resort, Jln Borneo Heights, Kuching (6019 828 0790)

Chi, The Spa Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa, Jln Aru, Kota Kinabalu (6088 327 882)

Mirage Spa Lot 151 Sect 28, KUCHING (6082 424 022)

Hakod Oasis Day Spa Warisan Square, Kota Kinabalu (6088 487 700)

Putri Sejinjang Spa Rumah Kedai Mara, Heritage Jargen, Jln Rahman Yaakob, Kuching (6082 428 660)

Teo Seafood 787 Jln Kg Buntal, Kuching (6082 846 532) The Banquet 4560 Jln Datuk Tawi Sli, Kuching (6082 451 414)

Wang Hin Restaurant 1 Soon Hup Comm Complex, Miri (6085 413 129) Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

57

biG essentials

BRUNEI

nearest Police Station to lodge a police report and

between 12 noon and 2pm on Fridays to observe

inform your embassy to seek further assistance. If

the Friday prayer time for Muslims.

your credit cards get lost, make sure you call your bank to cancel the cards immediately.

Buses There are six bus routes servicing the BSB

Shahruzz Adnan 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

Islamic Etiquette

area: the Central Line, Circle Line, Eastern Line,

Although Islam is the state religion of Brunei

Southern Line, Western Line and Northern Line.

Darussalam, it is also a country that prides itself

Normal operating hours are from 6.30am - 6pm.

on the diversity of its people – including their

Bus fares start from B$1.00. Buses heading to

religions. Visitors are welcome to mosques,

other towns in Brunei such as Tutong, Kuala

provided some etiquette is followed. In general,

Belait and Seria depart from the bus terminal

proper attire is required; women are required

located at the multistorey carpark on Jalan Cator

to cover their head, shoulders, and knees. Some

in BSB.

mosques will provide simple robes and shawls to meet these standards. Shoes are to be removed

Taxis

before entering a mosque. Please do not pass in

Taxis can be found at the airport, hotels, shopping

front of people in prayer, and do not touch the

centres, and the central bus station in Bandar Seri

Al-Quran. Please ask for permission before taking

Begawan. There are no metered taxis in Brunei,

photographs – particularly inside! Mosques are

therefore it is advisable to negotiate your fare

usually closed on Thursday and Friday, and during

before getting into one. For your convenience it

prayer times – your hotel, tour guide, or even

is also recommended to take you preferred taxi

friendly muslim locals can help you determine a

driver’s number to organize prearranged trips.

good time to visit.

Smoking

Unique to Brunei, the water taxi is the most

branches all over the country. ATM cards affiliated

Smoking is prohibited in both air-conditioned and

common means of transportation in Kampong

with the international Plus or Cirrus systems are

non air-conditioned areas in Brunei Darussalam.

Ayer. You can hail a water taxi from the numerous

accepted at most ATMs.

Smoking is banned in specific places, including

jetties along the banks of Brunei River. The water

government buildings, hospitals, recreational

taxi is an ideal way to view the water village up

and educational centres, public transport and

close. Fares are negotiable but usually a standard

restaurants. Offenders could be fined.

ride costs about B$1.00. Regular boat services to

All retail, food and beverage outlets and business offices are closed between 12 noon

establishments accept American Express.

FOREIGN MISSIONS

EMERGENCY

Australia | 222 9435

Police : 993

Bangladesh | 223 8420

Fire : 995 Ambulance : 991 Darussalam Hotline : 123

China | 233 4163

hall of the Brunei International Airport (opening

Ferry Services

FLIGHT INFORMATION

hours 9am - 5pm) and Kg. Ayer Cultural and

Passenger ferry services to the Malaysian island

General : 233 1747

Tourism Gallery (9am - 2pm). Visitors can obtain

of Labuan operate from 7am to 4pm and departs

information about Brunei and related pamphlets

from the Serasa Terminal in Muara town. The

AIRLINES

and maps free from here. All centres are closed

journey takes about 45 minutes to an hour.

Royal Brunei Airlines 221 2222, 224 0500 Air Asia 233 3045

Money changer This service is available at the airport, banks,

Malaysian Airlines 222 4141/2, 222 3074

hotels and some licensed money changers. To cash or exchange travelers cheques, visit major international banks in the capital.

Singapore Airlines 224 4901/2/3/4

Money remittance/ Transfer

Cebu Pacific Air 222 2666, 222 7965, 223 9888

Transferring money overseas can be done at all major banks or remittance agencies in Brunei.

MEDICAL SERVICES

Telecommunications

RIPAS Hospital 224 2424

Most public phones operate on calling cards such

Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) 261 1433

as Hello card, Netkad and Payless. These cards can be purchased at any store and comes in $5,

Gleneagles JPMC 261 1212

$10, $20 and $50 denominations. Prepaid calling cards for the two mobile telephone operators,

Tutong Hospital 422 1010 ext 123

DST and Progresif Cellular, can be purchased from their respective authorised dealers in all major

If you ever do find your passport missing, go to the

58

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

France | 222 0960 Germany | 222 5547 India | 233 9947 Indonesia | 233 0180

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

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

Japan | 222 9265/6867 Korea | 233 0248 Laos | 234 5666 Malaysia | 238 1095/1097 Myanmar | 245 0506 Pakistan | 226 1354 Philippines | 224 1465/1466 Russia | 244 8679 Saudi Arabia | 279 2823 Singapore | 226 2714/2742 Thailand | 265 3108 United Kingdom | 222 2231 USA | 238 4616 Vietnam | 265 1580/1587

Kuala Belait Hospital 333 5331

shopping areas.

Lost/stolen Passports and Credit Cards

Cambodia | 242 6450

and a round trip costs B$15.00.

Located at 2 places around Brunei - the arrival

accepted cards are VISA and Mastercard. Some

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

NUMBERS TO NOTE

Canada | 222 0043

time for Muslims.

and major shopping complexes. Most widely

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

Directory enquiries : 113

Tourist Information Centre

They are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants

Selamat pagi Selamat petang Selamat malam Terima kasih Sama-sama Siapa nama awda?

Nama saya …

Maafkan saya Ya Tidak Berapa?

Di mana tandas?

Saya mahu pergi ke...

Belok ke kanan Belok ke kiri

Temburong operate between 7.45am to 4pm daily

and 2pm on Fridays to observe the Friday prayer

Credit cards

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

Water Taxis

found in various shopping complexes and bank

Friday Prayer Time

useful Malay words

Pg Hj Sulaiman Pg Md Salleh

Temburong Hospital 522 1526 ext 127 Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

59

biG essentials

biG directory

SABAH

SARAWAK ‘green bus’ in the Kuching area that also goes to Santubong (SCV)

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.

Ferry Services

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.

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.

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.

60

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Brunei Darussalam Travel Agents And Operators

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

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

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

Consulates Brunei | (6088) 236 113 Finland | (6088) 431 336 Indonesia | (6088) 218 600 Japan | (6088) 254 169 Sweden | (6088) 431 336 Australia | (6088) 267 151 France | (6088) 726 797 Denmark | (6088) 483 888 United Kingdom | (6088) 251 775

Taxis

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.

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

Some money changers may not accept foreign currency in small denomination or notes with a date or serial number that they don’t approve of.

Telecommunications 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.

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

Express Boats and Ferry Services A boat service locally known as tambang is available for the short trip across Kuching River to the riverside villages on the other side and along the river for sightseeing.

Fast and comfortable express boats connect coastal towns (Kuching, Sibu, Kapit) and villages on the major rivers in Sarawak. The Express Ferry Terminal in Kuching offers trips to Sibu and onwards to Kapit for upriver journeys.

Take a bus from Sibu to Miri for ferries to Brunei and onwards to Labuan island and Kota Kinabalu.

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

Darussalam Holdings Sdn Bhd T. 2238160 E. travel@darussalamholdings.com

KOPRI Travel & Tour Agencies (KOTTA) T. 2342566 E. adib50760sheikh@hotmail.com

Sakam Enterprise T. 8722347 E. bohariabd@yahoo.com

Anthony Tours & Travel Agencies Sdn Bhd T. 2241198/2227969 E. info@anthonytours.com

Freme Travel Services Sdn Bhd T. 2234277/2234280 E. fremebsb@brunet.bn

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

S.FFNB Inbound Tours Sdn Bhd T. 8875252 E. nadiah@sffnb-tour.com.bn

Atika Arif Inbound Tourism T. 2660365 E. atikarif@gmail.com

Grammaz World Travel Services T. 8788926 E. gramazworld@gmail.com

MegaBorneo Marketing Services T. 2224026 E. megaborneo@brunet.bn

AZ B2N Tour Services Tel. 2240529 E. back2nature.tour@gmail.com

Gallery Star Travel & Tour T. 2221228 E. manager@legallerysuite.com

Naquina NQ Inbound Tours T. 8873416 E. nq-tours@hotmail.com

Southern Cross Travel Agencies Sdn Bhd T. 2454719 E. southern@brunet.bn/inbound@ seriasc.com

Bayu Ilham Motors Sdn Bhd (Inbound Tours Division) T. 2653171 E. bayuilham@brunet.bn

Halim Tours and Travel Sdn Bhd T. 2226688 E. halimtour@yahoo.com

Oceanic Quest T. 2771190 E. oceanicquest@gmail.com

HASA Incentives Sdn Bhd T. 8766796 E. info@borneoguide.com

PGGMB Travel Service T. 2223694/5 E. pts.inbounddept@gmail.com/ pggmbtravel@yahoo.com

Bengkel Kereta Berakas Tel. 2392888 E. bkb@brunet.bn

H.T.H Travel Agency T. 2239086 E. hth@travelagency@yahoo.com/ hth_hajjumrah@hotmail.com

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

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

Straits Central Agencies (B) Sdn Bhd T. 2224054 E. straitscentral@hotmail.com Sunshine Borneo Tours & Travel Sdn Bhd T. 2446812 E. team1@brunei.borneo.com Taiwah Travel Services Sdn Bhd T. 8758339 E. justlink1339@gmail.com

PHLS Sdn Bhd T. 2773818 E. phls38@brunet.bn

Tasamul Smas Travel Sdn Bhd T. 2232499 E. tasamulktmlb@yahoo.com

Humaira Travel Centre (Borneo) Sdn Bhd T. 2232151 E. humairatravelcentre@yahoo.com

Pan Bright Travel Services T. 2240980 E. travelbandar@panbright.com

Tenaga Travel Agency T. 2223924 E. tenagatravel@yahoo.com

Intrepid Management Services Sdn Bhd T. 2221685 E. tours@bruneibay.net/intrepid@ bruneibay.net

PJ Majestic Tours T. 2446509 E. peter@exploreborneo.com

Titian Travel & Tours Branch Hajj & Umrah T. 2453111 E. titiantravel@gmail.com

JB Travel Agencies T. 2239132 E. newjbtravel@yahoo.com

Perkhidmatan Pelancongan Mark Putera Delima T. 2240980 E. markputeradelima@gmail.com

Trandie Marina Resorts Sdn Bhd T. 2231570 E. trandiebrunei@gmail.com/ admin@trandiemarinaresorts.com

J.J. Tour Services (B) Sdn Bhd T. 2453110 E. jjtbwn@brunet.bn

Poni Adventures T. 2771778 E. enquiries@ponidivers.com

Travelhub Tour & Travel Sdn Bhd T. 2660688/ 8720725 E. info@travelhub.com.bn

Darat Dan Laut Tour Operators T. 2343946 E. ddltours@brunet.bn

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

Raudah Al-Amin Sdn Bhd Tel. 3347573 E. rahmanmt39@gmail.com

Wing On Travel & Trading Sdn Bhd T. 2220486 E. wot@brunet.bn

Drive Tribe Borneo T. 8737317 E. zayd_reeds@hotmail.com

Ken Travel & Trading Sdn Bhd T. 2223127 E. kentrvl@brunet.bn

Riviera Tour Travel Service T. 3335252 E. rivierahtl@hotmail.com

Zura Travel Services Sdn Bhd T. 2232145 E. lizaborja@hotmail.com

Bonasia Holiday Management Services T. 2230116 E. bonasia@brunet.bn Borneo ExploreGreen Tour Service T. 2232519 E. borneoexploregreen@gmail.com Borneo Trekker Tour Service T. 8817757 E. info@borneotrekker.com Bruvacation Sdn Bhd T. 2454611/8889878 E. tvl_bruvacation@brunet.bn Century Travel Centre T. 2221747 E. century@brunet.bn Continental Yachting Sdn Bhd T. 2233200 E. continentaltour@brunet.bn

Roda Impian Cruise Tour & Travel T. 8874405

Brunei Darussalam Accommodation Luxury Resort Accommodation Empire Hotel & Country Club T. 2418888 F. 2418999 E. sales@theempirehotel.com

Rainforest Resort Accommodation Ulu-Ulu Resort

Ulu Temburong National Park T. 2441791 F. 2441790 E. sales@uluuluresort.com

Business & Tourist Accommodation Rizqun International Hotel

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

Ask Tourism Information Centres for bus timetables; there is a new

Antara Travel & Tours T. 2237935 E. antara@brunet.bn

T. 2423000 F. 2428000 E. info@rizquninternational.com

Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam T. 2244272 F. 2221579 E. sales.brunei@radisson.com

Parkview Hotel

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

Apek Utama Hotel T. 2220808 F. 2226166

Palm Garden Hotel

T. 2233448 F. 2234448 E. palmgarden@brunet.bn

Kiulap Plaza Hotel

Intrepid Guesthouse - Temburong

Badi’ah Hotel

T. 2222888 F. 2222889 E. reservation@badiahhotel.com

Hotel Apartments

Orchid Garden Hotel

D’Anggerek Service Apartment

Riverview Hotel

Kompleks Mohd. Yussof Service Apartment

The Brunei Hotel

LeGallery Suites Hotel

T. 2241536 F. 2242301 E. info@abdulrazakhotelapts.com

T. 2335544 F. 2335444 E. inquiries@orchidgardenbrunei.com

T. 2345222 F. 2345333 E. sales@danggerek.com

T. 2238238 F. 2237999 T. riverviewhtl@gmail.com

T. 2235532 F. 2235528 E. kmyhotelapartment@gmail.com

Jubilee Hotel

T. 2228070 F. 2228080 E. info@jubileehotelbrunei.com

T. 2221228 F. 2221132 E. rooms@legallerysuiteshotel.com

Palazzo de Qaseh Service Apartments T. 245 9898 F. 247 9898 E. palazzodeqaseh@gmail.com

The Capital Residence Suites

T. 222 0067 F. 222 0069 E. reservations@capitalresidencesuites.com

Grand City Hotel

T. 2452188 F. 2452110 E.grandcity@brunet.bn

Outside Bandar Seri Begawan

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

Abdul Razak Hotel Apartments

T. 2243554 F. 2227302 E. terrahtl@brunet.bn

Youth Centre

T. 2223936/2900 F. 2229423 E. jbsbelia@brunet.bn

Halim Plaza Hotel - Tutong

Times Hotel

T. 2430430 F. 2430200 E. info@thecentrepointhotel.com

Terrace Hotel

T. 2222052 F. 2337264 E. khsoon_resthouse_brunei@hotmail.com

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

The Centrepoint Hotel

T. 2244828 F. 2226193 E. reservations@thebruneihotel.com

KH Soon Services & Resthouse

Guest & Lodging Houses – Bandar Seri Begawan

T. 4260688 F. 4222668 E. halim_plaza_hotel@hotmail.com T. 2221685/6 F. 2221687 E. tours@bruneibay.net

RoomZ Hotel - Seria T. 3223223 F. 3223225 E. reservations@roomz.com.bn

Plaza Sutera Biru – Kuala Belait T. 3347268 F. 3347269 E. info@psb.com.bn

Riviera Hotel - Kuala Belait T. 3335252 F. 3331052 E. riviera_htl@brunet.bn

The Swiss Hotel Apartment - Kuala Belait T. 3331668 F. 3331638 E. swisshotel@brunet.bn

Sea View Hotel - Kuala Belait T. 3332651 F. 3342770/ 331950 E. seaviewhotel@brunet.bn

Sentosa Hotel - Kuala Belait T. 3331345 F. 3331129 E.enquiry@bruneisentosahotel.com

Hotel Koperasi Seria - Kuala Belait T. 3227592/ 859 F. 3227604

V Plaza – Kuala Belait T. 3347868 F. 3347866 E. info@v-plaza.com.bn

Keoja Hotel – Kuala Belait

Traders Inn

Intrepid Units

T. 3347733 F. 3347668 E. keojahotel@gmail.com

Star Lodge

Nazira Guesthouse

T. 3347277 F. 3347288 E. tatplacekb@gmail.com

T. 2442828 F. 2431188 E. traders@brunet.bn T. 2611618 F. 2611619 E. rooms@star-lodge.com

T. 2221686 F. 2221687 E. tours@bruneibay.net

Tat Place – Kuala Belait

T. 2611666 F. 2612201 E. hmarzuqi@brunet.bn

Likut Intan Guesthouse - Temburong T. 5221078/ 8896162 Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

61

biG navigator

biG navigator Map 2 : Bandar

Map 1 : Bandar Seri Begawan

ey

H

Landmarks in Bandar Seri Begawan H2 Istana Nurul Iman G6 Brunei Museum G6 Malay Technology Museum G4 Kampong Ayer G4 Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery E4 Tasek Lama Park H5 Arts & Handicraft Centre, Tarindak D’Seni Restaurant C3 Royal Brunei Golf Club B4 Kg Jaya Setia: The Airport Mall, Times Square, Citis Square

C5 International Convention Centre C4 National Stadium D5 Ministry of Finance D5 Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sports D5 Embassy Row and Yayasan School D5 Department of Immigration D4 Ministry of Communications D4 Ministry of Industry & Primary Resources (Brunei Tourism Board)

B4 Berakas English School

E4 Customs & Excise Department

B4 Serusop Mosque

D4 Ministry of Religious Affairs

B5 Science School

D4 Audit Department / Petroleum Unit

B4 Serusop & Delima: Hua Ho Supermarket & Department Store, HSBC Bank, TAIB Bank, Baiduri Bank, Fitness Zone, DST, Firoz Jaya Textile Mall, Nazmi Textile Mall, Lee Loi Fatt, Vincci, Secret Recipe, Mum’s Bakery, Lof Bakery B6 Hua Ho Manggis Mall: Hua Ho Supermarket & Department Store, BIBD Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Emperor’s Court Restaurant, Mothercare, Bebeland, Best Eastern Bookstore, Guardian Pharmacy, Dairy Queen C5 Islamic Da’wa Centre

62

C3 The Royal Regalia Building

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

A3 Radisson Hotel

F1 Warisan Mata-Mata Complex: Growing Star Home Decor, Haus Home Decor, Bajoo Boutique, Sweet & Savoury G1 Car Showroom Area F3 RIPAS Hospital G3 Ministry of Law & Attorney General’s Chambers

E4 Parliament D4 Edinburgh Palace

F1 Mata-Mata

C3 Ministry of Defence

E1 Police Headquarters

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

F1 Scout Headquarters Complex: Supasave, Millennium Restaurant, Patisserie, Traders Hotel

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

E4 Mabohai Shopping Complex: Supasave, Royce Chocolates, Toys R Us F2 Jame’ Asr Mosque

• Guan Electrical

• Pusat Belia (Youth Centre) g

mpun

eh Kiagg

E2 Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque E5 The Brunei Hotel

• Jubilee Hotel

D

• Electrical Department • Chinese Temple

• TAIB Bank

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

• Hua Ho, Buffalo Steak House

• Kianggeh Markets

5

6 A

B

B

G

E4 Clock Tower at crossroads

E3 Jaya Hypermart Centrepoint

D4 Post Office

D4 Abdul Razak Shopping Complex Blocks

F3 Ayamku Fast Food F3 WZA Rice ‘N’ Grill Pakistani Restaurant

G6 Kianggeh Jetty

E6 Kianggeh Markets

D2 Radio Televisyen Brunei

E3 Taman Sir Omar Ali Saifuddien

E3 Dewan Bahasa (Library) C2 Syariah Courts A2 Tamu Selera (Hawker Stalls) G5 Royal Customs House

F4 Maya Puri Building: The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Western Union

D5 Electrical Departmnet

F4 HSBC Bank

E5 PGGM Building

G4 Standard Chartered Bank

F5 Wisma Setia: Mekong

E5 Chinese Temple

• Rizqun International Hotel

Gadong Fish & Night Markets

D4 Lapau

Coffeeshop, Big Papa’s Restaurant, Food Court

D3 Secretariat Building

B6 Chung Hwa School

E

• Bangunan Suria • Kiulap Plaza Hotel • Bangunan Seri Anigma

• Aiko Restraurant

Kampung Kiulap

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

B2 Guan Electrical B3 Oslam Restaurant, Clothesline Launderette B3 Bright World Optics, C.A. Mohammad C3 Abdul Razak Shopping Complex Block D: Incomm, Sugar Bun and Ayamku C4 Abdul Razak Shopping Complex Block E: Fun Bread Cafe, Cal’s Health & Beauty Studio C4 Abdul Razak Shopping Complex Block F: Mohan’s Carpet Palace

C4 Abdul Razak Shopping Complex Block C: Excapade Sushi Restaurant, La Mee Restaurant B6 Bangunan Hj Tahir A: Flavours, Little Bean C6 Bangunan Hj Tahir B: Sunraise Bakery

G

D5 Aquarium, The Mobile Shop, Hamberly Hills Restaurant, London Kebab Restaurant D4 Abdul Razak Shopping Complex B: Cutting Crew Hairdressers, Ahan Thai Restaurant, Chong Hock Music Centre D5 Abdul Razak Shopping Complex A: Grazie Mauri Restaurant, Pondok Sari Wangi Indonesian Restaurant, Nazmi Textiles D6 Abdul Razak Shopping Complex J: Pizza Hut F5 Abdul Razak Shopping Complex I: Sin Kew Hin Department Store G4 Sawaddee Thai Restaurant, Thiam Hock Fish Head Curry Restaurant, Dim Sum Restaurant, T.T. Blues Cafe

C1 R&T Electronics, Singapore Chicken Rice C1 Nyonya Restaurant, Million Goldsmith

D3 Szechuan’s Dynasty

• Sugar & Spice

• Bangunan Seri Kiulap • Thien Thien

D

E

• Lee Clinic Lemongrass, Post Office

F

G

H

H

D1 Nazaaha Singaporean Restaurant

E6 Wecan Restaurant

C

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

Landmarks in Gadong

G6 Kianggeh Open-Air Food Court

D6 Jubilee Hotel

• Block J

• Wecan Restaurant

H

D3 Brunei History Centre

D5 Pusat Belia (Youth Centre)

D

• Shakirin Complex • Chop Kim San

• The Mall

E3 The Centrepoint Hotel: Kitaro Japanesse Restaurant, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Fratini’s Italian Restaurant, Coffeezone, Jollibee Fast Food, QQ Mobile Station, Euroclassic Gifts & Homewares, Zaza Hair Salon

G4 Waterfront Promenade: Break Water Cafe, Pines Restaurant, Kopi Bandar

• Block A

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

G5 Rizqun International Hotel

G3 Kaizen Sushi

• Block B Abdul Razak Shopping Complex

• Seri Qlap Mall

• Palm Garden • Fitness Hotel Zone

F

G5 Maybank

E4 TAIB Bank

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

F

G5 Chop Jing Chew Bakery

H3 Fratini’s Portview Waterfront

• Szechuan’s Dynasty

C

• Block I

G4 Darussalam Complex: Century Travel Agents, Citibank

F4 Takaful IBB Building F4 Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam

E4 Royal Brunei Airlines Plaza: Royal Brunei Airlines offices, Royal Skies, Abacus, Imprimis, Piper

4

A

• Block C

• Jaya Hypermart • Block H Centrepoint

F5 The Mall: The Mall Cinema, Utama Grand, Chan Ein Hong, Patchi, Secret Recipe, Beard Papa’s, Food Court, Iora, Bata Shoes, Pizza Hut, Best Eastern Bookstore, Fun Bread Bakery, AV Electronics (Authorized Apple Dealer), Swensen’s Restaurant, Dreamcones, Diamond & Platinum

F4 Bangunan Hj Laksamana: Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Pan Bright Travel Agent and D’Royalle 24 Hour Cafe

• Block D

• Bangunan Hj Tahir A

• Block F

• The Centrepoint Hotel

E

• PGGMB Building

B4 Terrace Hotel

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

• Bright World Optics, C.A. Mohammad

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

• Bangunan Hj Tahir A

• Block E

Landmarks in Bandar

D1 Batu Bersurat: Grand City Hotel, Guan Hock Lee Specialty Food Store, Taurean Too Cafe, Soon Lee Supermarket, Liyana Satay Restaurant

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

E4 Akrib Negara

ara ndah

Jalan Stone y

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U

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n Su Jala

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Jalan Uta ma M

BR GAI

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Jalan Kebangsaan Lama

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3

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Arts & Handicraft Centre • Ja

C

Bangunan Hj Laksamana • Standard Chartered Kota • Darussalam Complex Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam Batu • Maybank Takaful IBB Building Chop Jing Chew Bakery r • Royal Customs House hu Art Waterfront Promenade Mc lan • Kaizen Sushi Kianggeh Ja Open-Air Food Court Kianggeh • Fratini’s S U N G A I B R U N E I Jetty Portview Waterfront Kampong Ayer

• Yayasan Shopping Mall

tu

Ba

• Post Office • Clock Tower

• Taman Sir Omar Ali Saifuddien

WZA Rice ‘N’ • Grill Pakistani Restaurant Ayamku Fastfood

G

2

YA

ota

K lan

S

• Istana Nurul Iman

Brunei Museum •

1

6

DA

• Kampong Ayer Culture • & Tourism Gallery

5

• Oslam Restaurant, Clothesline Launderette

• Chung Hwa School

GGEH I KIAN SUNGA

& Attorney General’s Chambers

Be

Jln Ka

an

• Batu Satu

• Lapau

Sult Jalan

ng to Tu Ministry of Law

Pearce

Jalan Roberts

g ir

lan

Ja

geh iang Jalan Residency Kg K

J ala n P e n

a • Car Showroom n Ba bu R Area aja

Jalan

B

n

ga

ran

Kampung

• Nyonya Restaurant, Million Goldsmith

Jalan Pemancha

F

See Bandar Map

Jalan Pretty

• RIPAS Hospital

• Kiarong

hur

Jame • Asr’ Mosque

• Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

• Tasek Lama Park

a

Jalan Perusahaan Beribi

James

Jalan Elizabeth Dua

Jalan McArt

• Mata -Mata • Warisan Mata -Mata Complex

See Kiulap Map

• Brunei History Centre

• Radio Televisyen Brunei • Secretariat Building • Dewan Bahasa (Library)

E

Mabohai • Shopping Complex l a n Tasek Lam

ong ad

Jalan G ado ng

Government Buildings

D

an

4

A

Berita

Jalan

• The Royal Regalia Building

Jal

3

• Radisson Hotel

Jalan Tutong

• Syariah Courts

2

KE

r

1

AI

• Government Buildings

Ja

See Gadong Map

C

6

NG

• International Convention Centre • National • Islamic Da’wa Stadium Centre • Edinburgh Ministry • • Ministry of Culture, Ja Palace of Finance lan Youth & Sports Me • Ministry of nte • Embassy Row & Yayasan ri B Health School esa

• Ministry of Defence

Parliament Akrib Negara

Police • Headquarters

Scout Headquarters Complex

h

Jalan

5

Map 4 : Kiulap

SU

ng do

a lki Bo

B

• Terrace Hotel

n Sulta Jalan

• Batu Bersurat

al

Kg Jaya • Setia

4

• Tamu Selera (Hawker Stalls)

Batu Satu and RIPAS Hospital

• Hua Ho Manggis Mall

3

h ngge ai Kia Sung Jalan

Royal Brunei • Golf Club

Science Serusop School • Mosque • Muara Jalan • Berakas English School • Serusop & Delima

2

nS t on

A gsaan Keban Jalan

a Tungku ugray Leb

Brunei International Airport

1

6

Jala

5

mbil in

4

ssala

3

a Daru

2

ka s

1

Map 3 : Gadong

Landmarks in Kiulap D3 Kiulap Plaza Hotel C3 Seri Qlap Mall: Seri Qlap Cinema, Fleur-De-Lys, Au Lait E4 Bangunan Seri Kiulap: Thann Sanctuary, Innerspace E6 Bangunan Lim Eng Ming: Vintage Rose, Koryo Restaurant F4 Bangunan Hj Abd Rahman: Aminah Arif Restaurant, Country Patch C1 Palm Garden Hotel: Twelv Bistro C1 Fitness Zone D1 Aiko Restaurant E2 THA Enterprise (Electrical Store), Netcom, Guan Electrical, Kofom Textiles, Shhimco Textiles, Nie Boutique, TAIB Bank, Darussalam Holdings (Travel Agent) and Hua Ho Department Store E3 IGS College E3 BIBD Bank

E4 Abdul Razak Shopping Complex H: McDonalds, Pastamania, DeeJay Electronics

C4 Shakirin Complex: Misato, Hong Kong Dim Sum, Mamih, Alley Framemaker, Rainforest Gallery, Hokko, Vincci, Bossini, Manjaro, Twinkles Jewellery, Big Poppa Restaurant, Amway, Mothercare, Bebeland, HSBC

D2 Hua Ho, Buffalo Steak House

D5 Sugar & Spice Restaurant

C2 Mercedes Benz Showroom

C4 Chop Kim San Hardwares

D4 Bangunan Suria: Insurans Islam TAIB, BICB Capital

F4 Netzone, Sweet Deli Bakery, Excapade Sushi, Lily’s Lingerie

D4 Bangunan Seri Anigma: Yappy Kopitiam, Sapphira Cake House

F4 Serikandi Restaurant, Petlink, Daan Forees Restaurant

E3 Thien Thien Restaurant, KFC, Nail Artz, Cakes R Us F3 Teo Poi Hoon Restaurant, Seri Balai Restaurant, Avon F5 Bangunan Hau Man Yong: C.A. Mohammad Restaurant, Chong Hock Music Centre, Dreamcones, Seri Damai Pakistani Restaurant F6 Winmark, Aneka Rasa Restaurant F6 Bobhan Jewellers, WyWy G6 BTC Shipping Co, QQ Station, UPS G5 Gripps Cafe, Mum’s Bakery, Booker International

G4 Lemongrass, Post Office E1 Kampung Kiulap: Nasi Katok stalls, Topaz Cafe, Regent Square (Excapade Sushi, Sorisso Italian Restaurant, Kimchi Korean Restaurant, Skin Inc Skincare), Suria Kiulap (Court Furniture, BIBD Securities, Zen Spa) F4 Virgo Boutique, AV Electronics (Authorized Apple Dealer) F3 Woodstock Furniture and Crimson Square F5 Makrojaya, Lof Bakery F5 Lof Bakery

G5 Lee Clinic, Lemongrass Thai Restaurant, Farmbasket Restaurant G4 Universal Photo Studio, C.F. King F4 Guardian, Lauren Boutique, R&T Electronics, P’Fection Beauty Concept G3 Express Fast Food Restaurant F3 Countrypatch Cafe, Twelv Cafe F4 Bakerlyn Cafe, Spring Harvest Florist, Tomato Cafe

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

63

• Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa

A

nM

SRB Chung Hua No.4

Intan

Sarawak Club

St. Joseph Church

St. Theresa’s School

Re

Planetarium

Reservoir Park

Jalan

vo ser

ir

St. Thomas’s School

Park Lane Lodge

Chung Hua No.1 School

Top Hill Kitchen Lodge 121 Aroma Cafe

Red Crescent Building

St. Mary’s School

E

Ta

si k

Ma

Aha Organic

Kuching High School

Kim Bay

jik

an

anc

Cozzi

Asia Star Office

Crossway

Choon Hui Cafe

Tom’s Bing SCR at&a Home Ideas Sdn. Bhd Secret Recipe

Bella’s Cafe

ua

ran

Yang Di-Pertua Negeri

H

Wet Market &

Kampung Surabaya

J

Beds

Home Stay

St. Peter’s Church

Fire Station

Cat Statue

Pe

• Gaya Street

Ha Jalan

tan

ak

Jubilee Recreation Ground

I

ji Sam

an

Tu a

ran

Police

•

Gaya Island

la

Kampung Semarang

Ja

Hockey Stadium

MBKS Swimming Pool

Goodrich

•

ma

i

Dorset Boutique Hotel

Crown Square

Lee 360 Hock Centre Hotel

360 Urban Resort Hotel

J

Kota Kinabalu

a nD

Jesselton Waterfront

• Micasan Superstore

Gayana Eco Resort

Bunga Raya Island Resort

South China Sea

Jalan Broo ke

Kuching South City Council (MBKS)

Dewan Masyarakat

Frydays Chicken

Mian Ann Zest

Kampung Panglima Seman Lama

Mamutik Island

Manukan Island

Sapi Island

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

Kota Kinabalu

Merdeka Field

J

Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal

Market • Signal Hill Observatory Inn (Bukit Bendera) • Akinabalu • Atkinson Clock Youth Hostel Tower Sabah Tourism Bendera Board it Ja lan Buk

• Sunday

Centre hotel

• Gaya• Suria Sabah

Wisma Sabah, Wisma Merdeka Air Asia

I

• Hyatt Regency

• Pantai

Sulug Island

Chung Hua No. 3 School

an J al

Sayang

AbSolutely Atak Kopitiam

Jalan Padungan Uta Hawker Cenre ra

Terminal One Lounge

Hong Kong Pau Cafe

Cat Limerree la n Hotel Malaysia Airlines Padun Statue gan Thiam Ming Somerset Saramo Hostel Gateway Corus Wood Police

Hotel Grand Continental

Sarakraf Pavilion

Tun Jugah

Kampung Gersik

G

S a r a w a k Ri v e r

Statue Top Spot Great Food Court Wall J a

360Xpress

Hindu Temple

Kua Ning Temple

Sri Shan Batavia Cafe

il

Jalan Brooke

Centrepoint Shopping Everybread Sarawak Plaza Centre

Mata Kuching

Telang Usan Hotel

Pullman Hotel & Resort

es thi

Tua Pek Kong Temple

lan Ja

Khatulistiwa

Magherita Hotel

Tourism Malaysia Office Grand

Kampung Boyan

F

bdul Rahma ku A n Tun Riverside lan Majestic Wisma Ting Cat Ja Kuching Pek King

Waterfront Chinese Museum

Fort Margherita

Orchid Garden

Medan Pelita

Kuch ing Hong San Si Temple

an

gK

ass yp

B KK lan • Ja Bandaran Berjaya

• Istana Negeri – Residence of

atu k W i lli a m

Civic Centre

Amphitheatre

Heroes’ Monument

Old Sarawak Museum Aquarium

Arts Museum

Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites

General Post Office St. Thomas Church

• Tun Fuad

bajik

L rg

n Sa

Stephens

Kota Kinabalu

• The Palace Hotel

Hotel Shangri-La

•

Complex

Sri D

Land & Survey Divisional Office

Police Contingent HQ

St. Joseph’s School

New State Legislative Assembly (DUN)

Lodge

n Ke

Memorial Garden

Jala

• State Museum

Technology Centre

Cathedral

• Sacred Heart

Complex

n

• Karamunsing • Wisma Tun Fuad

• Kuwasa Complex, Royal Brunei Airlines

Police Station

Cathedral man dul Ra h ku A b Tun

• All Saints

Hotel

Deleeton

• Asia City Mall • Cititel • SEDCO Express

• Hotel

•

• General Bank Negara Post Office

•

Plaza

• Central Market • KK

• Fish Market

Night Market

• Le Meridien

Point azak Tun R Jalan

• Centre

Square

• Warisan

Handicraft Bazaar s ad Stephen

Tan

Samudra Court Hotel

Pasar Tamu

Telecom Malaysia

Islamic Garden

Radio Television Malaysia

Islamic Museum

Museum

Padang Merdeka Sarawak Dewan Tun Tourism Abdul Razak Board

Kuching Matang Transport Sikh Temple

Taxi

Indian Street Pedestrian Mall

Astana

D

d

• Art Gallery

k Tu n

b uA

• Science &

n J ala

•

Rahman ul

Tang Dynasty Park Hotel

Consulate General

• Indonesia

• Central

Map : Kuching

• State Mosque

Square Tower Jalan Gambier Sarawak Sarawak Open Indian Tourism Tourism Air Mosque Complex Federation Market Textile Jala nM Museum Police Little ain Ba Electra House Lebanon Visitors Siang Ti Temple zaa Police Information r Hu Souvenir Shops nY Centre ean Mr. D’s Berambih g

C

h

ma

Sabah Oriental Hotel • Kota Kinabalu

• Tang Dynasty Hotel

Plaza

• Wawasan

• Promenade Hotel

Jalan Tun Fu

Waterfront Esplanade

la n

SCR

•

Petra Jaya Transport

er

p

alle

La

•

Bus (KK Times Square)Terminal

• The Mall

Sabah Parks

Ocean Seafood Borneo Heritage Village

H

South China Sea

Radius International

G

Ja

SCR Express

RJ Ayam Penyet Kopitiam

Kopi O Corner

Bank Negara Syariah Court

Hopoh Shopping Centre

By

at S

Jalan Se m b u l a n

Water Village

• Harbour City Development

Jln Bukit

Sunday Market

a

ng

iv kR Divisional Mosque

State Library & DBKU

h Ta

Sa

a raw

nP

pa

nM

l

a

B

la Ja

a en

s as

Jala

ou

Marina Golf and Country Club

rB

• Sutera Harbour

rb o u

Gay

Chung Hua School

•

p

• North Borneo Railway Station

n Ke

ayan

• Sunny Supermarket

a Ha

F

ab

Dormani Hotel

Jala

• Tanjung Aru Plaza

Monument

• Double Six

S

r ute

Sutera Hotel

• Magellan

E

akt

Buhari Cafe

h

Jala n

Jalan Coastal

Harbour Marina & Yacht Club

• The Sutera

Sutera Harbour

Sutera Hotel

• Pacific

D

ang mp na

nM

• SCR

alle

C

ng Pada

• Wisma Satok

at S

B

Jala

A

• Kota Kinabalu International Airport (Terminal 2)

Jala

• Casuarina Hotel

• Kinabalu Golf Club

Tanjung Aru

• Kinabalu Yacht Club

L Lrg

g an Ter b an ng ap a

ev

ar

d

Map : Kota Kinabalu

Pe

ba

ji

n la

Ke

Ha

an

lan

J al

T

Ja

Jalan Kolam

Market

Ja

n

h

ng Aru

J a la

bu

mbulan

as ki t

Le

m ajuan

Ne n

n

Jalan Se

Jal an Ka

t n Buk

Bu

an

Jal a

a

Jalan Tanju

Jal a

ay

in t

10

an

ud

ntre Po

Jalan

al

nB

Lrg Ce

20

Jal

J al a

Jalan

la

19

J a l an I s t a n a

18

Ja

Jalan

daran

a

C ho w 2

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide Jalan

J. Ban

am

Jalan G

n Foo

64 17

sr n A

reen

Jala

Jalan

Jala

F lan Ja w1 Cho oo

n Ta

e yld mf Ba n la Ja

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

65

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

biG screen

Movies to look out for this quarter

October Steve Jobs

October The Martian

November The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2

His passion and ingenuity have been the driving force behind the advancement of the digital age. However, his drive to revolutionise technology ultimately affected his family, the people around him, and possibly his health. In this revealing film, we explore the trials and triumphs of the late CEO of Apple Inc., Steve Jobs.

Starring Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet and Seth Rogen.

During a manned mission to Mars, astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is presumed dead after a fierce storm.

Finding himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet with only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity and spirit to subsist and find a way to send a signal to Earth that he is still alive. Also starring Kate Mara.

With the nation of Panem in a full scale war, Katniss confronts President Snow (Donald Sutherland) in the final showdown. Together with her friends – Gale (Liam Hemsworth), Finnick (Sam Claflin), and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) – Katniss goes off on a mission to assassinate President Snow. The mortal traps, enemies and moral choices that await Katniss will challenge her more than any obstacles she has faced till now.

November The Peanuts Movie

December Star Wars: The Force Awakens

December Point Break

For the first time ever, Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the rest of the characters we know and love from Charles Schulz’s timeless “Peanuts” comic strip will be making their big-screen debut. See the Peanuts gang like they’ve never been seen before in a CG-Animated Feature film in 3D.

When a ruthless prince rises to power and threatens galactic peace, a soldier, scavenger, and a pilot find their fates intertwined as they embark on a journey to find the most powerful warrior in the galaxy. See the original cast from the first Star Wars movie, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill make their appearance in the film.

In this remake of the classic 1991 movie, an FBI agent infiltrates a team of extreme sports athletes. Deep undercover, he strives to prove that these athletes are the architects of the mind-boggling crimes that are devastating the world’s financial markets. Starring Luke Bracey, Teresa Palmer and Edgar Ramirez.

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

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