roya l b ru n e i a ir l in e s | J an uar y - F ebruar y 20 17
BY ROYA L B R U N E I A I R L I N E S | Ja nua r y - Fe b rua ry 2 017
RB Saver
RB Value
RB Flexi
Business Saver
Busin Business
10% Awarded
50% Awarded
100% Awarded
125% Awarded
150% Awarded
Miles Eligible for Elite Tier Qualification
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Sector Eligible for Elite Tier Qualification
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Miles Redeemable for Upgrade to Business Class
No
No
Yes
N/A
N/A
Royal Skies Mileage Accrual
Contact Royal Skies Service Centre at 222 3444 or email us at royalskies@rba.com.bn for more details. *Conditions apply
WWW.FLYROYALBRUNEI.COM/ROYALSKIES ROYALBRUNEIAIRLINES
ROYALBRUNEIAIR
ROYALBRUNEIAIR
18 24
SATC
08
54 60
COVER Happy 2017 from all of us at RB.
FEATURES 08
Rocking The South Make a beeline for South Australia’s capital.
18
Creative Sanctum Hotel Café Royal.
24
A Space Odyssey NASA – A Human Adventure exhibition.
30
Warriors Welcome Kuala Lumpur’s indoor play spaces.
38
Bulbs & Blooms Holland’s historical tulips.
AWARD FOR BEST MAGAZINE Indian International Journalism Festival 2011
Editorial Board Advisor Royal Brunei Airlines Head, Corporate Communications Azhani Abu Daniel Editorial Hj Omar Hj Jaafar, Muaz Roslan, Mahyuddin Zulkipli
Print Production Brunei Press Sdn. Bhd., Brunei Darussalam
Editorial & Production General Manager Jacqueline WM Wong Editor Anis Ramli Editorial Assistant Kimberly MY Low Studio Director Lau Weng Leong Creative Director Michele Tee Digital Media Designer Tang Sze Yik Imaging Colourist June Lim Senior Account Executive Chu Pung Ping Coordinator Sa’adiah Hj Abas
Publishing & AdSales Digital Impressions Lot 20010, Taman Alam Jalan Telanai, Beribi BE1118 Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei Darussalam T: +673 2654 851 F: +673 2650 276 E: muhibah@digital-impressions.org
Imagery & PrePress DI Expressions Sdn. Bhd., Malaysia
MUHIBAH is published by Digital Impressions. All rights reserved. Copyright by Royal Brunei Airlines. Unsolicited materials will be returned only if accompanied by a self-addressed envelope and sufficient return postage. While every reasonable care is taken by the editor, no responsibility is assumed for the return of unsolicited material. The contents of this magazine are entirely the personal views of the author(s) and/or contributors and do not in any way reflect the views or opinions of the publisher. The publisher disclaims all and any liability to any person arising from the printing, sale or use of the materials in this magazine. The Editorial team reserves the right to edit and/or rewrite all materials according to the needs of the publication upon usage. MUHIBAH is complimentary for passengers on Royal Brunei Airlines. It is also available on subscription at BND7 per copy, excluding postage. Alternatively, log on www.muhibah.com.bn for e-MUHIBAH.
2
MUHIBAH
NASA
IN THIS ISSUE
38
30
70 David Kirkland/Brunei Tourism
62
46 46
Best of Brunei A Joyous Celebration. Keistimewaan Brunei Kegirangan Perayaan.
WELCOME ABOARD 05
CEO’s Message
06
Inside RB
64
Selamat Datang Brunei International Airport
LIFESTYLE
66
54
Motoring Renault ZOE
67
Traveller’s Guide
56
In Person His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah
68
Route Map & Destinations
58
The Buzz What’s New
70
Abode of Peace
60
Take 5 Wellington
62
Travel Diary
58
Media & Sales Representatives • AUSTRIA Publimedia GmbH, T: (43) 1 211 53 61, F: (43) 1 21 21 602, E: fcsokor@publicitas.com • AUSTRALIA Mass Media Publicitas, T: (61) 2 9252 3476, F: (61) 2 9251 3726, E: ppnaustralia@publicitas.com • CANADA McGown/INTERMAC - Publicitas, T: (514) 7355191, F: (514) 3429406, E: tgalic@publicitas.com • CHINA Publicitas (Beijing) Advertising Co., Ltd., Rm 1108, Derun Tower, No. 3 Yong’an Dongli, Jianwai Avenue, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100022, T: (86) 10 5879 5885 ext. 328, F: (86) 10 5879 3884, E: wendy.lin@publicitas.com.cn • FRANCE Publicitas S.A., T: (33) 1 53 64 88 76, F: (33) 1 45 00 94 81, E: mbadollefeick@publicitas.com • GERMANY Publicitas Germany GmbH, T: (49) 89 921 06 10, F: (49) 89 921 06 30, E: ppn-frankfurt@ publicitas.com • HONG KONG Emphasis Media Limited, T: (852) 2516 1000, F: (852) 2561 3349, E: acheung@emphasis.net • ITALY Siper Media SpA, T: (39) 027 6007743, F: (39) 027 6006836, E: jbigan@publicitas.com • INDIA Mediascope Publicitas, T: (91) 22 2204 8890, F: (91) 2282 4889, E: ppn-india@publicitas.com • INDONESIA PT Medianet Intisarana, T: (62) 21 798 7314, F: (62) 21 798 7316, E: mediana@centrin.net.id • JAPAN Nakayama Media International Inc., Fonte Aoyama 701, 2-22-14 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062, T: 81-3-3479-6131, F: 81-3-3479-6130, E: nmi@tka.att.ne.jp • KOREA DooBee Inc., T: (82) 23702 1742, (82) 23702 1777, E: dbi@doobee.com • MALAYSIA Publicitas International Sdn Bhd, T: (603) 7729 6923, F: (603) 7729 7115, E: scheng@publicitas.com | Mind Sense Sdn Bhd, T: (603) 7781 7700, F: (603) 7781 7880, E: shalliecheng@gmail.com • MIDDLE EAST Integrated Advertising Services FZ LLC, T: (971) 4 391 3360, E: info@iasmedia.com • NEPAL Media South Asia (P) Ltd., T: (977) 1442 0848, F: (977) 1442 1179, E: mediarep@mos.com.np • PHILIPPINES Adreflex International, T: (632) 638 8374, F: (977) 1442 1179, E: clang-garcia@adreflexintl.com • SPAIN Publicitas Internacional, S.A., T: (34) 91 323 79 18, F: (34) 91 323 79 23, E: aokumura@publicitas.com • SINGAPORE Emphasis (SINGAPORE), T: (65) 6735 8681, F: (65) 6733 5681, E: jong@emphasis.net • SOUTH AFRICA International Media Representatives (Pty ) Ltd, T: (27) 11 258 4250, F: (27) 11 258 4043, E: gisela@imrsa.co.za • SWEDEN Publicitas Nordic AB, T: (46) 8 442 7050, F: (46) 8 442 7059, E: mtsaving@publicitas.com • SWITZERLAND Triservice S.A., T: (41) 22 796 46 26, F: (41) 22 797 02 70, E: info@triservice.ch • THAILAND Thai Representation Limited, T: (662) 332 0503-4, F: (662) 331 9303, E: thitiporn.p@sharmathailand.com • TAIWAN Emphasis (Taiwan), T: (886) 2 2764 5011, F: (886) 22760 8439, E: advertising@procomintl.com.tw • UNITED KINGDOM The Powers Turner Group, T: (44) 207 592 8333, F: (44) 207 592 8301, E: cmorgan@publicitas.com • UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Publicitas North America, 330 Seventh Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10001, T: (1) 212-330-0729, F: (1) 212 599 8298, E: laura.saitta@publicitas.com
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017
3
Level up to Business Class on
RB Upgrades Make an oer today!
Contact Royal Brunei Airlines at 221 2222 or visit our website.
...bettery Royal Brunei
WELCOME ONBOARD CEO’S MESSAGE
A sneak peek at RB’s Airbus320 NEO for 2017.
Dear Guests, Welcome aboard Royal Brunei Airlines! With this first edition of MUHIBAH for the year, I extend my best wishes to all customers for a very healthy, prosperous and peaceful New Year. To our Chinese guests, we also wish you a very happy Chinese Lunar New Year. 2017 is a very exciting year for RB. We plan to take delivery of our first A320 NEO aircraft which will allow us to further grow our network. In addition, we plan to continue our flights to Seoul, Xi’an and Zhengzhou in conjunction with our business partners. We also plan to continue growing our codeshare collaboration with our airline partners to new cities in India, China, Australia, Europe and ASEAN cities that are currently not served. These initiatives are part of our new five-year business plan which will see our fleet grow to at least 14 aircraft and RB to have one of the youngest and most modern fleets in Asia. All of this is part of RB’s commitment to deliver the best to you. As a boutique airline we would like to offer the best customer experience in the markets and market segments we serve. We have invested heavily in customer service and training and will continue to do so in future. We have also invested heavily in our digital platforms and will make further additions over the course of the year. It is humbling to see these investments and customer experience getting noticed and appreciated by our
Check out eMuhibah at www.flyroyalbrunei.com Be a fan on
customers and the industry. RB was recently recognised by Skytrax as the 10 most loved airline in the world and we also made the top 100 airlines list for the first time. Thank you for your support. We will continue to provide the best value product in the market and also maintain one of the highest on time performances amongst international airlines. These are significant achievements for an airline of our size and I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to the RB Team Members and Staff from our various ground handling partners across our network for their hard work and dedication. Lastly, we wish you a very pleasant trip with RB. Rest assure that our team, both on the ground and in the air, will do their utmost to make sure you have a comfortable and enjoyable journey. Thank you for choosing to fly with us. Betterfly Royal Brunei.
Warmest regards, Karam Chand Chief Executive Officer
facebook.com/RoyalBruneiAirlines Follow us on
twitter.com/RoyalBruneiAir
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017
5
WELCOME ONBOARD INSIGHTS
INSIDE RB Roundup of Royal Brunei Airlines happenings. CELEBRITIES ONBOARD RB is truly a people mover for all. Spotted recently on RB: Malaysian celebrities Neelofa and Fattah Amin. Not only were the crew honoured to be serving them, but we want to thank them both for their support and choosing to fly RB. The two were on board our flights between Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur recently.
SECOND ASEAN PILOTS’ LEAGUE 2016 (APL)
RB’S 42ND BASH On 18 November 2016, RB marked its 42nd anniversary in the industry. Observed in a low key ceremony, the anniversary served to remind us the importance of serving our customers. We would like to thank everyone for their never ending support and loyalty and look forward to serving all for many more years to come!
6
MUHIBAH
The second ASEAN Pilots’ League 2016 (APL), a football tournament for pilots in the region, was held in Hanoi, Vietnam, recently. The two-day event, which began on 16 November, attracted 12 participants from six local airlines: Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei, as well as Cambodia, Malaysia, host Vietnam and two invited teams – Vienam’s Ministry of Transport and Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation. TeamRB FlyBoys was placed 4th during the event and our heartiest congratulations go out to them. Well done, boys!
GROUND STAFF HONOURED Congratulations to Almas Syadwanie Kamis and Rahiman Abd Rahim for receiving the Most Complimented Ground Staff award for the 3rd Quarter and 4th Quarter 2016 respectively. Mr Karam Chand, Royal Brunei’s Chief Executive Officer, presented the awards to the winners at a simple ceremony. The distinguished awards recognise staff members who excel in their service and go beyond and above their job scopes to help passengers.
BRUNEI JOB FAIR 2016 RB took part once again in the Brunei Job Fair 2016. Held from 27-29 November, the fair at Bridex Exhibition Hall, Jerudong, saw our pilots, cabin crew, engineering apprentice and graduate management trainees engaging with visitors to share their work experience. The event was officiated by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (L) Dato Paduka Haji Mohammad Yasmin Bin Haji Umar, Minister of Energy.
DCA OPEN DAY About 200 visitors participated in the Brunei International Airport Open Day, in conjunction with the International Civil Aviation Day observed by Brunei’s Department of Civil Aviation. The International Civil Aviation Day is celebrated every 7 December by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The theme for this year is ‘Cooperation in Global Aviation Progress’. Visitors who came to the airport were able to experience the facilities RB provides within the airport.
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017
7
FEATURES
Rocking
THE SOUTH Adelaide, South Australia’s coastal capital, is changing at lightning speed. Make a beeline for its most distinctive experiences now. Words GRACE OOI
8
MUHIBAH
SATC
Adelaide was once Australia’s invisible city – overshadowed by the more chicand-upbeat cities of Melbourne and Sydney, and the all-year-round, fun-loving Brisbane. But its isolation and compact size, including its extremely relaxed lifestyle, has certainly changed its appeal. In this quick guide to the city, we tell you the essentials of where to go and what to see for the best experience.
SATC
Hold a Koala at Cleland Wildlife Park Everyone knows about the kangaroos, the sea lions and the incredible view, but not to be forgotten is the one-of-akind experience of holding an adorable koala. Just 20 minutes from the centre of Adelaide, Cleland Wildlife Park is home to many of Australia’s beloved animal citizens like kangaroos, emus, dingoes, wombats and potoroos. It’s day trip with fun sights for everyone for sure.
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017
9
FEATURES
Hot Air Ballooning over Barossa
Roof Climb and Bradman Museum at Adelaide Oval The RoofClimb is the perfect place to take in the breathtaking view of Adelaide as well as see the spectacular cricket pitch. Heralded as a happy hunting ground for India cricket batsman, Virat Kohli, Adelaide Oval holds a special place in the hearts of cricket lovers across the world. Don’t miss a chance to watch a match seated at the viewing deck. Additionally you can check out the Bradman Collection featuring personal cricket memorabilia of legendary batsman, Sir Donald Bradman, at the Bradman Museum. Following Bradman’s last wishes, the collection has found a home at Adelaide Oval.
10
MUHIBAH
SATC
Visitors from all around agree that a hot air balloon ride over Barossa Valley is an unforgettable experience. You can gaze over the rolling vineyards, rich countryside and the beautiful Barossa ranges, right to the ocean. Lose yourself to the beauty of Barossa Valley as you float for an hour, but be sure to schedule in more time to discover what’s on the ground as well!
SATC
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017
11
FEATURES
12
MUHIBAH
Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions
Swim with the Dolphins
Tourism Australia
More than a thousand common and bottlenose dolphins call the coastal waters near Adelaide home. You can enjoy a swim with the dolphins with Temptations Sailing at Glenelg beach in Adelaide. Operated by experienced crew members, visitors can observe wild dolphins in their natural habitat and get a chance to swim and interact with them.
Swim with Sea Lions and Cage Dive with Sharks Eyre Peninsula is the perfect place for your next aquatic adventure. For adrenaline fanatics, a cage diving experience with the sharks may be just right for you. Did you know that South Australia is the only destination in the country where travellers can get close with one of the most feared beasts; the great white shark? For those who want to enjoy a less daring adventure you can swim with the sea lions. Known as the puppy dogs of the sea, brace yourselves to play, jump and twirl underwater. Your pictures will be overloaded with cuteness guaranteed.
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017
13
Horse Drawn Tram Take a trip from a bygone era and hop onboard a horse drawn double deck tram. Known as the Victor Harbor Tramway, it is the only horse-drawn tramway in all of Australia. People come from all around the world to see the majestic Clydesdales pull the tram along the causeway from seaside Victor Harbor to the beautiful Granite Island. The journey takes just under 20 minutes. On Granite Island, you can take the leisurely walk around the walking circuit and enjoy nature at its best. On some days, you can spot penguins and seals – so keep your eyes peeled out for them.
Take a Photo at the Remarkable Rocks Feel like you need a break from the city? Why not explore the wild beauty of Kangaroo Island and see the iconic Remarkable Rocks that will leave you spellbound. It took approximately 500 million years for rain, wind and battering waves to create the granite boulders. As part of Flinders Chase National Park, it’s the perfect place to take a trek with the family and experience Kangaroo Island’s natural beauty.
Walk Along Seal Bay with Fur Seals Also located on Kangaroo Island, Seal Bay is one of the few places you can meet one of the rarest creatures in the world. It is home to one of the largest wild colonies of Australian Sea Lions. Make sure to squeeze in enough time to take the 45 minute walking tour, where you can walk alongside sea lions taking a nap after a long swim or just playing with each other on the pristine, white sands.
14
MUHIBAH
Graham Scheer
FEATURES
SATC SATC
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017
15
FEATURES
When it’s strawberry-picking season (November to April), a visit to this farm makes for a wonderful excursion. Even outside its fruit season, the farm has plenty more to offer. It produces jams, condiments, pickles, chutneys and sauces and is still being run by the Paech family who founded the farm in 1839.
Haigh’s Chocolate Factory The iconic chocolate factory has been around since May 1915. As the oldest family-owned chocolate maker in Australia, the famed chocolate-covered fruit centres are a must-try. Join the free guided tour for a look at how the chocolates are handcrafted and discover secrets to chocolate-making. The 20-minute tour may be short, but it’s enough to let you appreciate the skill that goes into making these chocolates. Then, don’t forget to visit the Visitor Centre at the end of the tour to pick up some mouth-watering mementoes to bring home. Royal Brunei flies Melbourne daily for connections to Adelaide. Discover things to do in Adelaide on www.muhibah.com.bn
16
MUHIBAH
Hahndorf Business and Tourism Association
Family Outing at Beerenberg
SATC
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017
17
FEATURES
Creat ive SANCTUM The grand walls of Hotel Café Royal may not talk, but its renovation certainly creates a new tale or two. Words ANIS RAMLI Images HOTEL CAFÉ ROYAL
18
MUHIBAH
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017
19
FEATURES
Oh, to people watch and gaze at London’s eclectic street scenes. At the glamorous and newly re-invented luxury property, Hotel Café Royal, both pastimes are easily achievable without compromising your need to have some “me” time. The hotel’s enviable location, between the elegance of London’s Mayfair and the artistic sensibilities of the city’s Soho, is the perfect spot for people watching. From when the morning buzz begins and right through dusk and beyond, watching the changed people landscape reminds you of London’s magic and why it has that special vibe. The hotel is no stranger to the societal scene. Long before the hotel came to be, the Café Royal was the beating heart of London’s intellects and artists. London
20
MUHIBAH
has always been a magnet for this coterie or that but, Café Royal attracted a colourful range of clientele. There was James McNeill Whistler, Arthur Conan Doyle, George Bernard Shaw, Oscar Wilde and W B Yeats, to name but a few of the patrons. As far as cafes go, the Café Royal and its Grade II-listed building it is in was a gem to be re-discovered in this prime real estate just off Piccadilly Circus. Today, the café is enveloped in a 160-room hotel that remains true to the Georgian thoroughfare of Regent Street – the colonnaded George Nash terrace central to London’s feature. The guestrooms use a palette of Carrara marble, Marmorina plasterwork, leather and glass inspired by the rusticated facades of Regent Street. Look out the window of any of the guestrooms and there is a continuity to what you see outside and the inside. There is an indescribable sense of history but at the same time, modern touches can be experienced at every corner. The Café is home to London’s first dessert restaurant. Guests walking past the cafe’s large windows that fronts Regent Street will be immediately tempted by the luscious and inspiring range of desserts. Executive Pastry Chef, Sarah Barber, is known for her exquisite dessert creations. Styled after a typical European tradition café, it comes complete with an espresso bar that offers a selection of specialty coffee and tea. Guestrooms feature such luxuries as whisper quiet sound proofing walls and a bathroom mirror TV screen while the
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017
21
FEATURES
suites offer the added bonus of a personal butler. Then there is the Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre at the two basement levels. The designs cleverly merge the historic elements of the building with modern sentiments. Carrara marble remains a feature at the hammam, invoking the era of classic baths, while the Finnish sauna is inviting in solid hemlock with dome ceiling. On the first floor, The Club’s lounges, private dining rooms and meeting spaces have been designed exclusively for the use of club members. The hotel aspires to create a venue that once again celebrates the long legacy of famed patrons it once hosted. While it remains in a historic space, elegant elements are easily seen from the adoption of the English and French themes, with bespoke
22
MUHIBAH
rugs and plush velvets. Damien Hirst and Christian Furr artworks complete the scene, giving The Club a look of chic and stylishness. When the time comes to go in search of a legendary meal, The Club’s Domino Restaurant retains much of the old charm besides serving one of London’s best British fine dining menu. Inspired by Napoleonic-era Paris, the interiors are lavish and have a gentleman’s club vibe. It really is an intimate dining sanctuary amid bustling Piccadilly and is a gem of a find. And what about Oscar Wilde, you may ask? The hotel named their bar after him, the establishment that was originally founded in 1865 and the place where Wilde himself dined daily. Today, guests can enjoy a quintessential luxurious English Afternoon Tea at this celebrated venue while marvelling at authentic Louis XVI detailing that rings in a new era of opulence. Royal Brunei Airlines flies London daily via Dubai. Discover things to do in London on www.muhibah.com.bn
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017
23
NASA
FEATURES
24
MUHIBAH
A Space Odyssey Space becomes that more tangible with a new exhibition at ArtScience Museum. Words SURIANI ARIFF
How do you tell the story of space travel that spans decades in a mere few hours? From manned space flights to space explorations, rocket science history and space technology, the NASA – A Human Adventure exhibition is a profound look into these and other accomplishments and the human story behind it. The exhibition brings space storytelling to live, beginning from the early dreamers who dared to reach for the stars to the subsequent technology developed in space travel. Across five galleries in the ArtScience Museum, over 200 historically significant artefacts are on show, including many items which have flown in space. One of the exhibition’s centrepieces is a full scale construction of the front section of NASA’s iconic Space Shuttle. The massive exhibit enables visitors to see the flight deck, where astronauts fly the orbiter during actual launch and landings, and the middeck, where shuttle crew eat, sleep and work on experiments. The Space Shuttle was also the world’s first reusable spacecraft for transporting cargo to space and back. There are also some of the most extraordinary innovations developed by NASA over the past decades, such as the Jupiter nose cone that was launched into space and later recovered from sea. The experimental nose cone has a covering which was developed to protect the nose from the tremendous heat generated during re-entry to the Earth’s atmosphere, where temperatures could climb in excess of 1,000°C. These nose cones were key milestones in developing future re-entry vehicles that enabled manned space flights.
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017
25
Marina Bay Sands
Marina Bay Sands
FEATURES
26
MUHIBAH
Marina Bay Sands
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017
27
28
Marina Bay Sands
NASA
Marina Bay Sands
FEATURES
MUHIBAH
Marina Bay Sands
The exhibition also presents film shot by Apollo astronauts. From 1938 to 1972, NASA utilised Swedish-made Hasselblad cameras for its lunar operations. The astronauts left the cameras and lenses behind on the Moon upon departure to save weight. Only the film magazines returned, including three from Apollo 8, 12 and 17 programmes which are exhibited. One of the displayed film magazines was autographed and used by Eugene Andrew “Gene” Cernan, Commander of Apollo 17, on the last moon landing mission on December 1972. Beyond revelling in the breakthroughs achieved by scientists and astronauts, visitors will also have the opportunity to embark on a simulated flight of the 1961 Mercury Liberty Bell 7 with astronaut and test pilot, Gus Grissom. The G-Force Astronaut Trainer ride takes visitors on a short but adrenaline-pumping ride as they withstand forces of up to 2G.
Marina Bay Sands
If you’ve been curious about what space sounds like, Indonesia Space Science Society, an added component to the exhibition commissioned by ArtScience Museum by Indonesian artist Venzha Christ, provides the answer. Based on the science of radio astronomy, Christ’s unique installation is an audio-visual treat. His three-metre long sculpture and mixed media installation enables visitors to see and hear radio waves from space. The installation presents radio waves sent and collected through radio antennas Christ has made, which gather precise data from astronomical objects in space. The transmitted signals received from the planets and stars are then visually displayed and decoded into an audible soundtrack within the gallery. There are also a series of unique and engaging programmes – workshops, screenings, performances – that visitors can look forward to. “This is truly a-once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the spacecraft, rockets and technology that changed history and our understanding of our universe. (It’s) an extraordinary journey through 100 years of human space adventure, starting with the dreams of artists and writers, and culminating with engineering marvels that changed the world,” says Honor Harger, Executive Director, ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands. The exhibition runs from now until 19 March, 2017. Royal Brunei Airlines flies Singapore 2x daily. Discover things to do in Singapore on www.muhibah.com.bn
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017
29
Camp 5
FEATURES
30
MUHIBAH
Jump Street Asia
Funtopia World
EnerZ Indoor Extreme Park
WARRIORS WELCOME Escape the heat and hit the adrenaline button at Kuala Lumpur’s best indoor play spaces that will be loved by the active and adventurous. Words EMMA RAMSAY
The heat and humidity has always been a challenge for any urbanite to stay active. But, thanks to the mushrooming of many indoor play spaces, the urban warriors can still stay on the game without getting cranked up by the weather. These spots offer plenty of options to have fun while keeping fit.
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017
31
Camp 5
FEATURES
CAMP 5
Rock climb in a safe, controlled, fun environment while acquiring new skills on top of improving your fitness and confidence levels. Camp 5 is a state-of-the-art indoor rock climbing facility, with over 400 boulder, toprope and lead routes from beginner level to pro. Routes are changed every 3-6 months so there’s always something new to challenge you. For beginners, the Basic Wall Course is a great introduction to climbing, its safety and related know-hows. The instructors here are friendly and helpful, and there is not a wall that you could find unchallenging. www.camp5.com
32
MUHIBAH
District 21
DISTRICT 21
District 21 is Klang Valley’s go-to space for white-knuckle rides, vertigo-induced slides, cardio-worthy trampolines and reality-TV-styled aerial obstacle courses. This place is huge – totaling 70,000 sq ft space so you can imagine the fun and excitement housed under one roof. For the first time visitor, the place may seem daunting; but once you get over your initial shyness (and perhaps even fear), you will be returning to this place time and again. There are climb walls for the young ones, aerial maze for tweens, a zip line obstacle course for adults – in short, something for everyone in the family! ioicitymall.com
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017
33
EnerZ Indoor Extreme Park
FEATURES
ENERZ INDOOR EXTREME PARK
Unleash your inner child spirit at EnerZ with its trampoline challenges. Much like Jumpstreet, EnerZ’s trampolines offer the chance to slam dunk, play dodge ball and drown in a foam pit. Adults can also look forward to a challenging sky rope circuit and a flying fox line that cuts across the warehouse. The Gut Builder for the little ones is a downsized version of the adults’ sky ropes, a rock climbing wall and rope cages. In this maze of fun, it takes courage and patience to finish the course. enerz.my
34
MUHIBAH
Funtopia World
FUNTOPIA
At ďŹ rst glance, Funtopia seems to be a kids-designated spot. Believe it or not, the oldest guest they had was a 67-year-old chap who found the entire place fantabulous! First and foremost, Funtopia has the most unusual climbing walls. They can be fun for the adults but for the kids, the climbing walls are like vertical puzzles waiting to be unraveled as they escalate to higher ground. The star of the place has got to be the giant drop Slide. A T-bar raises you to your most comfortable height before you let go and slide down the vertical slide, falling at speed before bouncing o the bottom. funtopiaworld.com
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017
35
Jump Street Asia
FEATURES
JUMPSTREET
Part of its appeal is the re-purposed warehouse that houses this impressive trampoline park. Described as an urban playground for the young and old, here is where the rules of gravity no longer apply. Make no mistake: this is not your backyard, standard springboards. It’s serious stuff – the kind that gets your heart pumping for a great cardio workout. The ‘park’ is divided into several sections. There is a dedicated kids area (also perfect for first time jumpers), a freestyle jumping area, a foam pit, an area to sharpen your slam dunking skills and a high performance area with six Olympic-spec trampolines and vertical running walls of different heights. jumpstreetasia.com Royal Brunei Airlines flies Kuala Lumpur 2x daily. Discover things to do in Kuala Lumpur on www.muhibah.com.bn
36
MUHIBAH
Jump Street Asia
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017
37
FEATURES
Bu bs B ooms
&
38
MUHIBAH
01 Mid-April is best to see the tulips in bloom in their peak season.
The tulips and how they used to cost more than a house. Words ABDULLAH VOON Images NETHERLANDS BOARD OF TOURISM & CONVENTIONS
01 JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017
39
FEATURES
02 03 02 The Hortus Botanicus in Leiden today has a glasshouse for desert plant species. 03 When you’re the largest flower exporter of the world, hosting flower festivals is a must!
Holland is famous for its beautiful flower bulb fields that give colour to the typical Dutch landscape. The best-known Dutch flower, of course, is the tulip. In 1593, the first tulip in Holland could only be admired in the Hortus Botanicus in Leiden. Fast forward to today and there are vast fields of tulips and other bulb flowers to enjoy across Holland, from the Bollenstreek to the Noordoostpolder and Kop van Noord-Holland areas. Originally cultivated in the Pamir and Tien Shan mountain ranges of Kazakhstan, tulips were imported into Holland in the 16th Century and cultivated by obsessed horticulturists in the Ottoman Empire. The tulips’ elegant and vivid colours were considered rare and novel by Western Europeans. The famous botanist, Carolus Clusius, was credited for introducing the flower to Holland. His first major book on tulips in 1592 became so popular that his garden was raided and bulbs stolen on a regular basis. As the Dutch Golden Age grew, so did this curvaceous and colourful flower. They became popular in paintings and festivals, and remain so to this day.
40
MUHIBAH
04 Dutch artists commonly depicted tulips and other flowers in their painting, like this one by Jan Davidsz de Heem. 05 Springtime in Holland is magical and colourful.
In those early days, tulips were considered a luxury buy afforded only to the wealthy and noble. A trend also began where cultivars began swapping bulbs, using them as a form of money, where actual properties traded hands with rare and scarce bulb varieties. In today’s term, the trading could be called a futures market. When people started noticing the seemingly easy profits made from trading tulip bulbs, prices skyrocketed. “Tulip Mania” swept the country, peaked, then just as easily as it gained momentum, the frenzied trading came crashing down overnight resulting in what was thought to be the world’s first economic bubble. The bulbs’ value tumbled to a tenth of their former worth, speculators hurried to cover losses, but the damage was done. With demand for the bulbs disappearing, the rumblings on debts would continue for many years to come.
04
05 JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017
41
FEATURES
06 07
42
MUHIBAH
In the Kop van Noord-Holland, you will find millions of tulips, hyacinths and other flowers, which transform the landscape into a sea of different hues. Each year, the Tulip Festival is organised in the Noordoostpolder. Held in the middle of the tulip fields, this flower festival runs from late April to early May. Flower markets and gardens abound and, in Aalsmeer near Amsterdam, you will also be able to witness the world’s largest flower auction.
06 Wake up early to catch the action at Aalsmeer Flower Auction. 07 Tulips were once sufficient to purchase a grand canal home. 08 The Amsterdam Tulip Museum is a good place to start with details on “Tulip Mania”.
At the Royal FloraHolland, 90 percent of Dutch flower trade takes place here, where the auction can be viewed from a special gallery. Information panels along the gallery help explain the auction process. From the buzz of activity, you will be in awe at the precision of the system that handles over 20 million flowers and plants at once and the logistical feat. Feel the tension in the auction rooms and watch the auction with dozens of tractors and flower trolleys swarming around. Do visit Keukenhof, where over 7 million flowering bulbs can be admired every year. One of the world’s largest gardens, Keukenhof was once a hunting ground in
08 The Amsterdam Tulip Museum is a good place to start with details on “Tulip Mania” and the flower’s fascinating economic power in the mid-17th Century Dutch Golden Age. The museum, though founded and sponsored by a local bulb company, effectively provides some historical context to the flower’s important history in Dutch culture, such as how bulbs were used as food during various wars, the origin of the flower in Turkey, including detailing modern growing and breeding techniques of the industry. Tulips are serious business in Holland. So embedded is this flower in the Dutch psyche that its people would bring the flowers abroad when they settled, and thus we find tulips and tulip festivals in New York (originally New Amsterdam) and Holland, Michigan today, where the connection to their Dutch roots is very strong.
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017
43
FEATURES
09 10 11
44
MUHIBAH
12 the 15th century. Today, it’s a showcase not just for tulips (and daffodils and hyacinths), but also offers a fine example of an English garden and a historical garden that houses some lost and well-preserved plants and herbs. Just walking around Keukenhof and inhaling the fresh fragrance of the blooms is an unforgettable experience.
09 One of the best ways to experience the tulips is to cycle among the flower countryside.
One of the best ways to experience the tulips is to cycle among the flower countryside. While marvelling at the unique views, most cycling routes through the fields take you from such historic towns of Leiden to the beautiful city of Haarlem and would include a visit to Keukenhof as well. Cycling route maps are readily available at bookstores, or go to www.holland.com for more information.
11 Don’t miss the chance to visit the flower markets across Holland.
10 Holland, the flower capital of the world, has plenty of colourful bulbs to offer.
12 Visit Keukenhof to experience all kinds of flowers and marvel at their scents and colours.
Royal Brunei Airlines flies Dubai daily for connections to Amsterdam. Discover things to do in Amsterdam on www.muhibah.com.bn
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017
45
FEATURES BEST OF BRUNEI
A Joyous
Celebrat ion Brunei joins the festive celebrations of the lunar new year. Words JACQUELINE WONG Images THE BRUNEI TIMES
46
MUHIBAH
Information Department Brunei
Perayaan
Kegirangan
Menyambut kemeriahan Tahun Baru Cina sambil memupuk perpaduan di antara rakyat di Brunei. Teks JACQUELINE WONG Imej BRUNEI TIMES
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017
47
FEATURES BEST OF BRUNEI
48
MUHIBAH
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017
49 Information Department Brunei
FEATURES BEST OF BRUNEI
Students of Chung Hwa Secondary School from Belait performed the ’Gemilang’, ‘Inang’, ’Zapin’ and ‘Rang De’ dances while the Jiangsu Province acrobatics troupe presented acrobatic feats from the People’s Republic of China.
Penuntut Sekolah Menengah Chung Hwa, Belait menyembahkan tarian Gemilang, Inang, Zapin dan ‘Rang De’ manakala kumpulan akrobatik Wilayah Jiangsu mempersembahkan persembahan akrobatik dari Republik Rakyat China.
50
MUHIBAH
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017
51
FEATURES BEST OF BRUNEI
His Majesty and Her Majesty graciously consented to meet-andgreet with guests and performers during the Tiong Hwa community’s Lunar New Year celebration. Their Majesties’ presence reflect their involvement and caring attitude towards the various communities in the country.
Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia dan Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Raja Isteri berkenan bercemar duli beramah mesra dengan tetamu dan peserta persembahan sempena Majlis Ramah Mesra Perayaan Tahun Baru Cina masyarakat Tiong Hwa. Keberangkatan Kebawah DYMM dan Kebawah DYMM Paduka Seri Baginda Raja Isteri ke majlis tersebut mencerminkan sikap keprihatinan dan pemedulian terhadap masyarakat pelbagai kaum di negara ini.
52
MUHIBAH
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017
53
LIFESTYLE MOTORING
Simply Revolutionary Rediscover the pleasure of driving with Renault ZOE.
ZOE is the first Renault car designed entirely as an all-electric model. The city car was first unveiled in 2012 and, at the 2016 Paris Motor Show in October, Renault unveiled a new model. Sporting an innovative new Z.E. 40 battery, the driving range of the new Renault ZOE has been doubled. It can now travel up to 400km without recharging. The new Z.E. 40 battery boasts 41kWh of useful energy, equivalent to almost double the storage capacity of the ZOE’s standard battery (22kWh of useful energy). Developed in close partnership with LG Chem, the battery uses high-energy density lithium-ion technology. Renault and LG engineers have succeeded in increasing storage capacity without making the battery any bigger or a lot heavier. It was optimised by working on the chemistry of the cells in order to increase their energy density, rather than stacking additional battery modules, a commonly used technique.
54
MUHIBAH
This major new technology has been developed while ensuring the battery’s reliability and safety. The battery’s large storage capacity ensures longer range for the ZOE thanks to the meticulous work that went into integrating the battery in the vehicle. The electronic management system of the battery optimises the ZOE’s energy use on the move, while the new air circulation system maintains the temperature of the ZOE’s battery at a constant level, making the car economical to run in very hot or very cold weather. Renault has also developed a suite of bespoke, innovative connected services. To simplify journeys of all types, Z.E. Trip and Z.E. Pass both make it easier to charge batteries at public charging points. These connected services will be expanded in the first half of 2017 with the introduction of a new smartphone app that will notably incorporate door-todoor navigation. Meanwhile, the ZOE’s high level of connectivity enables battery charging to be scheduled as a function of the cost and carbon credentials of the electricity uses. Renault has also modified the ZOE range’s equipment-level structure, including the launch of a new version – the ZOE EDITION ONE/BOSE2 – which
targets customers on the lookout for an exclusive package. Designed primarily for customers looking for exclusive features, the ZOE EDITION ONE/BOSE places the focus firmly on style and elegance. In addition to the other body colours (Intense Red and Titanium Grey) available for the model, the ZOE EDITION ONE/BOSE can be specified in an exclusive Yttrium Grey finish. The interior benefits from premium leather upholstery featuring a soft, smooth finish that is the fruit of a painstaking selection process. The elegant finish of the Pailleté Brown hide (gussets on the cushions and seat backs, top-stitching, hot-stamped embossed driver’s headrest, etc.) further enhances the seats’ smart look. The gold-hued dashboard trim contrasts with the gloss Fumé Grey metallic finish of the air vent surrounds, R-LINK console, interior door handles, loudspeaker surrounds, gear lever baseplate and steering wheel insert. The door panel inserts are trimmed in Fumé Grey, while the front arm rests are covered in a pleasing Metallic Brown fabric. Front door sills engraved with the name of the version and plush carpet mats round out the exclusive package. The last word in comfort is the conspicuously free of any engine noise or associated vibrations.
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017
55
LIFESTYLE IN PERSON
“THE PAST CANNOT BE CHANGED. THE FUTURE IS NOT PREORDAINED. BRUNEI WILL NEED CAREFUL, STEADY AND CLEAR-SIGHTED MINISTERS LIKE HRH PRINCE MOHAMED BOLKIAH TO HELP THE SULTAN IN CHARTING HIS WAY FORWARD AS THE GEOPOLITICAL LANDSCAPE CHANGES.” Foreword by the late Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore in Time and the River. What has inspired you to write this book? I saw it as a way of completing what was really the most important task I had had for over thirty years – representing His Majesty as his Foreign Affairs Minister. We had a very difficult task establishing our identity as a small and independent country and I wanted to show how we had set about defining it. In managing this book, what was your writing schedule? It was all based on my speeches over the years. I chose those which defined Brunei and our positions and linked them through comments. It took about six months to put together. What did you hope readers gained from it? I hope they can understand Brunei better and what we have tried to offer as a small country and what we are offering our region and the world at large.
everyone can understand. But the thoughts themselves are, I hope, not personal. I hope they are consistent with a national approach which all our government ministers adopt. That is our way in Brunei. The essential point is unity. That is the only way a small country can survive.
What were your best personal takeways from representing Brunei? I think it came from the personal contacts we made at every level, in my own case with my fellow ministers. We all showed respect to each other and each others’ views and beliefs.
What about your fellow countrymen – what and how do you see them moving ahead or impacted from this sharing? That’s one of the advantages of being small. We all share and have our own ways of listening and hearing each other. So it’s not a question of me seeing them moving ahead. The people move ahead themselves and I hope our time in Foreign Affairs and Trade helped them do this.
What are you busy with these days? The most important thing, of course, is doing what I can to assist His Majesty in my traditional role of what we in Brunei call Perdana Wazir. For the rest, I am a busy businessman and my wife and I have an ever-growing family of children and grandchildren who also keep us very busy.
2000 Time and the River: A Memoir (Brunei Darussalam, 1947-2000) ISBN 99917-32-09
2007 Remember, remember... The 8th of December ISBN 9917-32-18-7
Has life come full circle for you? Life doesn’t go round and round in circles. It moves in different directions maybe, and I am finding them exciting and challenging as always. HRH’s books are available in selected bookstores in Brunei, Kinokuniya and Select Books in Singapore. Alternatively, purchase can be made online at: Amazon.com. For further enquiries, please email Brunei Press Sdn Bhd (Marketing) at: marketing@bruneipress.com.bn
Brunei Press Sdn Bhd
In many ways this is very much a personal look into your own thoughts on Brunei Daussalam. What are the hopes you have for your country? My style, like any writer, is personal. I like to express things personally in a way that
What do you see as your greatest success, as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, that you had the most work to do and were proud of? I don’t see our work in Foreign Affairs as a question of personal pride. We all had a job to do and I don’t think we made mistakes particularly in building our ASEAN region. I think pride came from the performances of ambassadors, permanent secretaries, and my officers.
56
MUHIBAH
2013 Association: A Part of the World No Longer Apart (ASEAN) ISBN 978-9917-32-37-1
Hassanal Bolkiah The Sultan of Brunei/HISTORY TM Original Production
Timely
Reflections His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah spoke exclusively to MUHIBAH on his latest book, Sana’a to San José 1984-2015.
2016 Sana’a to San José 1984-2015 ISBN 978-99917-32-46-6
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017
57
LIFESTYLE THE BUZZ
DARLING DESIGNS Looking for the perfect tropical print clutch? This is the one for you! This stunning Birds of Paradise vegan clutch by Salato Designs takes classic style and puts a modern twist on it. Made with high quality vegan leather, it’s smooth to the touch and is the politically-correct perfect fashion statement. www.salatodesigns.com
POWER SCENT
ROSE RESCUE Repair, nourish and revitalise your lips and cuticles with By Terry’s delicately scented, deeply hydrating Baume de Rose. Pure rose essential wax smoothes away roughness, shea butter doubles the formula’s moisturising powers, bio-ceramides undo the look of fine lines, and lipid spheres help skin retain hydration. Plus, it also works as a luxe nail treatment for dry cuticles.
WHAT’S
NEW
Described as an irresistible fruity-fresh perfume, Creed’s Aventus for Her is certainly mesmerising. It begins with top notes of patchouli, green apple, bergamot, lemon, pink pepper and violet. The middle notes are composed of Mysore sandalwood, rose, musk and styrax. The composition ends with a base of sweet peach, blackcurrant, lilac, ylang-ylang and amber. creedfragrances.co.uk
Trends and gadgets from around the globe.
byterry.com
SNOOZE FEST Get your zzzs on with Spa Ceylon’s Sleep Therapy range. Designed with calming ingredients to induce rest and relaxation (lavender, ylang ylang, patchouli), the collection includes gems such as a pillow mist, a balm and noncaffeinated herbal tea to help set you in the mood for sleep. spaceylon.com.my
58
MUHIBAH
SUAVE MOVE
Oily skin still needs its daily dose of hydration – it just requires a more subtle approach. This lightweight formula from Jack Black was specially designed to combat excess oil, nourishing skin with sea kelp and white tea, but without the greasy residue of heavier moisturisers.
Vacheron Constantin is opening up whole new horizons for its emblematic watch dedicated to world travellers, Overseas. Now it comes with an array of strap colours. Semi-matte dark grey, blue or camel for men’s models; pink, light blue or white for ladies’ versions: the possibilities for matching an Overseas watch to a current mood (or outfit) are as numerous as they are varied!
getjackblack.com
vacheron-constantin.com
SMOOTH OPERATOR
TOTE AHEAD This personalised tote bag by Little Makes Big is an international must have. Pippa Middleton is just one of the many celebrities who has been spotted with it. With unparalleled quality featuring tan leather, navy canvas and your own monogram, it is the perfect travel companion. littlemakesbig.com
FLUFF FREE For the cleanliness of freshly washed hair without the “fluffiness” (think the feel of second-day hair), Sachajuan’s Hair Cleansing Cream might just be the answer. Nontraditional technique based on caring waxes help refresh hair, cleansing the tresses without stripping hair’s protective oils. sachajuan.com
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017
59
LIFESTYLE TAKE 5
DID YOU KNOW...
Wellington has 363km of mountain biking and walking tracks
60
MUHIBAH
WINDY
WELLINGTON! Energetic and creative, explore New Zealand’s and the world’s ‘coolest little capital’. Words & Images JACQUELINE WONG SEE The National Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, earned Lonely Planet’s top 500 places to see, and it’s easy to see why. Interactive exhibits, emotively curated – there is plenty to get you excited and challenged. Afterward, take a stroll on Wellington’s scenic waterfront, dotted with cafes and parks. Come over the weekend and check out one of the three markets for artisanal produce on display and more.
DO Ride the Cable Car from Lambton Quay up to Kelburn. Take a picnic with you, or grab some fish and chips while enjoying 360-degree panoramic views of the city, harbour and beyond from the top of Mount Victoria Lookout.
Also, check out ZEALANDIA, a sanctuary to some of New Zealand’s most rare and extraordinary wildlife or for a bit of kiwispotting on a night tour.
SHOP The city is full of fashionable stores and boutiques, centred around Cuba, Willis, Victoria, Wakefield and Featherston Streets and, of course, the Golden Mile on Lambton Quay. Stop by the Boatshed at Frank Kitts Park for exclusive local designer apparel and souvenirs at Mulberry, handcrafted jewellery at MariaFrancesca, Maori crafts at Moari Arts Gallery and for contemporary, affordable collectibles by local artists at Make At The Academy on Queen’s Wharf.
STAY From its lively woodfire eatery and café, The Sterling, the Park Hotel offers wonderful local artisan products (coffee, chocolates, sauces and peanut butters) at the cosy reception for guests. This contemporary and cosy 4-star hotel is too good not to share. The stunning views of Midland Park, the city’s favourite green retreat, inspired the hotel its name. Originally the site of the Spanish-styled Midland Hotel on Lambton Quay, the land was purchased by Wellington City Council in the 1970s for the creation of a city park. For more information, go to: wellingtonnz.com Royal Brunei Airlines flies Melbourne daily for connections to Wellington. Discover things to do in Wellington on www.muhibah.com.bn
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017
61
WHAT’S
ON
A world of adventure and new experiences await you when you fly with Royal Brunei Airlines. Make your trip even more memorable with free flights, seat upgrades and other privileges with Royal Skies, our frequent flyer programme. Not yet a member? Register on: www.flyroyalbrunei.com/royalskies
The Brunei Times
LIFESTYLE TRAVEL DIARY
33RD NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS Head to Bandar Seri Begawan as the nation celebrates the 33rd National Day with a grand parade and performances. ‘Menjayakan Wawasan Negara’ or ‘Making A Success of the National Vision’ is the theme for the celebration to support His Majesty’s vision of “Wawasan Brunei 2035” to make Brunei Darussalam a Zikir Nation based on the Malay Islamic Monarchy concept. www.bruneitourism.travel
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
23
Feb
BRUNEI GASTRONOMY WEEK Get ready to experience a one of a kind Bruneian culinary journey. In conjunction with the nation’s 33rd National Day celebrations, several restaurants and hotels in Brunei Darussalam will be celebrating the diverse tastes of Brunei’s food past and future in this 5-day event. Food lovers can look forward to popular Brunei dishes such as Manok Pansuh (Bamboo Chicken), Daging Masak Kunyit (Turmeric Beef), Ambuyat and several new chef’s creations.
18-22
www.bruneitourism.travel
Jan
THE 19TH CONSUMER FAIR Taking place at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas, the 19th Consumer Fair will kick off the New Year with “New Year Resolutions” as its main theme. Visitors can expect a variety of products and services from local and international exhibitors in the most popular fair in Brunei Darussalam. Also, mark your calendars for the grandest and biggest installment of the Consumer Fair (20th Consumer Fair) tentatively from 26-30 July 2017. www.bruneiconsumerfair.com
62
MUHIBAH
22-26
Feb
13
Now til
Feb
DESIGNING 007: FIFTY YEARS OF BOND STYLE Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the James Bond franchise, the Burj Khalifa will be hosting Designing 007: Fifty Years of Bond Style at The Annex. The exhibition features sets, gadgets, vehicle, technology and fashion over the course of five decades, including Scaramanga’s Golden Gun from The Man with the Golden Gun, as well as the Spectre Aston Martin DB10.
REALTIME – MIYANAGA AKIRA Bringing together a selection of works by Miyanaga Akira, a Japanese contemporary artist, this exhibition in Melbourne’s NGV International will expose visitors to his mesmerising moving image works. Crafted from film footage of the everday life in Japan, Miyanaga’s works are visually compelling as it straddles the line between realism and abstraction. www.ngv.vic.gov.au
Now til © Miyanaga Akira, courtesy Kodama Gallery, Tokyo
SKYFALL © 2012 Danjaq, LLC, United Artists Corporation and Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
30
Apr
AUSTRALIA
www.burjkhalifa.ae
MAGICAL LANTERN FESTIVAL
1926 Jan
© Aaron Rogosin
Feb
Chiswick House and Gardens is transformed into a magical wonderland by sundown. In conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebrations, the grounds will be covered with beautifully sculpted lanterns that outline this year’s theme – Explore the Silk Road. To add to the festivities, there will also be food stalls, a synthetic ice rink as well as fun fair rides. www.magicallantern.uk
UNITED KINGDOM HONG KONG
16-18 Feb
Mar
THE 45TH HONG KONG ARTS FESTIVAL The Hong Kong Arts Festival offers lovers of music, opera, drama and dance a smorgasbord of performances both traditional and contemporary. Taking place across several venues in the city, some of the works featured are commissioned and produced specially for this Festival. www.hk.artsfestival.org
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017
63
WELCOME ONBOARD
SELAMAT DATANG Selamat Datang means ‘Welcome’ in Malay, and your seamless journey begins here.
with the Eco 9-Inch personal touch screen monitors filled with great entertainment content. Each seat also comes with a USB port as well as shared power supply.
Business Class
RB Impian Inflight Entertainment
The Royal Brunei Airlines 787 Dreamliner Business Class cabin features “Contour” seats that reclines to a 180 degree flat bed, along with a plush duvet and larger pillow, offer a peaceful rest. Each seat is equiped with a 15.4 touchscreen LCD Monitor with Panasonic eX2 in-flight entertainment system; as well as in seat power connecter. The Business Class cabin lavatories are also equipped with bidets for passengers convenience.
Economy Class Comfort Royal Brunei Airlines 787 Dreamliner Economy cabin offers comfortable seats with semiarticulating recline and adjustable headrest, and with very spacious leg-rooms for passengers comfort. Each seat is intergrated
RB Impian Inflight Entertainment system gives passengers a number of entertainment options throughout their flight. A library of hit movies, classic Hollywood films and TV and audio programmes for all ages are available onboard. Refer to the Impian entertainment guide located in the seat pocket in front of you for the list of movies, TV and audio programmes. For Business Class seats; the sockets for earphones and channel/ volume remote control are located in your seat armrest. Seatback-mounted personal screens are only available on our Boeing 787s. Elsewhere, passengers can avail our service, sit back and relax with our overhead movie screens. For more information, please contact your nearest Royal Brunei Airlines office.
JOURNEY THROUGH THE DECADES As Brunei Darussalam’s national carrier, Royal Brunei Airlines serves not only as the coming of age of this tiny Sultanate, but today cements itself as a serious competitor in the region. 64
MUHIBAH
Cuisine Everything we serve has been carefully chosen for freshness and flavour. In fact, there’s nothing you can’t enjoy even when dining at 35,000 feet. Our award winning menu has been meticulously created by our Royal Brunei Catering chefs, combining both Western and Oriental flavours using the best seasonal and fresh produce available. For our Business Class passengers on long-haul flights, you can now select your desired meal times. Our ‘Dine upon Request’ service is available throughout the flight up until 90 minutes before landing. Passengers on all classes also enjoy our ‘Food Fit to Fly by’ service menu that features healthier and lighter meal options, complemented by our award-winning cabin service from our crew.
Special Meals Royal Brunei offers a variety of tasty culinary solutions to suit our passengers’ special dietary requirements. Special meals can be
1970s
1980s
> The maiden Royal Brunei Airlines flight to Singapore left Bandar Seri Begawan on a Boeing 737-200 on 14 May, 1975.
> RB added a Boeing 737, the quick change convertible aircraft, to its fleet. This aircraft allowed for either an all-passenger or an all-cargo configuration, or a combination of both.
> Two Boeing 737 aircraft were put into service flying five times a week to Singapore, two times to Hong Kong, and seven times to Kota Kinabalu. > Services to Bangkok and Manila were added.
> RB accepted the delivery of its Boeing 757 aircraft that featured a redesigned livery combining Brunei’s traditional royal colours on 16 May, 1986.
ordered when you make your reservation; please confirm your request at least 24 hours before boarding your flight.
Alcohol-free Environment Policy Royal Brunei Airlines operates alcoholfree flights to all destinations.
Hand Luggage For your safety and comfort, you may store your hand luggage in the overhead lockers or under the seat in front of you. Please do not hesitate to ask our cabin crew for help in stowing your luggage properly. Be careful when opening the overhead luggage compartments, as items dislodged by aircraft movement may fall on you or fellow passengers.
Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAG) Various countries have implemented restrictions on the carriage of liquids, aerosols and gels in compliance with new guidelines set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Passengers transiting through airports and carrying any liquids, pastes and gels in containers over 100ml may be asked to dispose of the items at security checkpoints. These restrictions may affect your ability to carry duty-free purchases onboard the aircraft. Customers are advised to check with duty free personnel before making their purchases. All liquids, aerosols and gels must be carried in containers of no greater than 100ml/3.3oz capacity (approximately 100gm in weight) and placed in a transparent, resealable plastic bag. The plastic bag must be removed from carry on baggage and presented to security
personnel at the checkpoint for inspection and separate x-ray screening. Exceptions to the new regulations are medicines and dietary supplements needed during a flight, including baby food. Proof of need may be required.
Use of Electronic Equipment Electronic devices such as Citizen’s band (CB) radio, remote-controlled devices (such as radio controlled toys), and transmitting devices that emit radio frequencies are not to be used at any time during the flight. These devices may interfere with the aircraft’s electronic equipment, compromising aircraft safety and endangering the lives of passengers and crew. The following devices may be used on board, except during take-off, initial climb, approach and landing; mobile phones (which must be
1990s
2000s
2010s
> RB took delivery of the first of three leased Boeing 767-200ER aircraft in June 1990 and set a long distance world record for twin-engine commercial airlines.
> RB took delivery of two new Airbus A319 aircraft in August and September 2003.
> In October 2012, RB launched a rebranding journey with a new logo and livery.
> Two more Airbus A320s were delivered in December 2003 and January 2004. > In January 2010, RB introduced Royal Brunei Holidays, a revamp of its Golden Touch Holidays, which offers passengers value-for-money holiday packages available locally and abroad.
> RB launched “A betterfly”, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and commenced its first commercial flight from Bandar Seri Begawan to Singapore on 18 October, 2013, followed by flights to Dubai and London on 1 December, 2013 and to Melbourne on 2 April, 2014.
> Direct services to Shanghai were re-launched in March 2010.
> RB unveiled its new heritage-inspired uniforms on 21 February, 2014.
> RB’s newly-leased Boeing 777-200ER aircraft took off on its first commercial flight from Bandar Seri Begawan to London via Dubai in June 2010.
> The first of RB’s two A320 CEO aircraft arrived in Bandar Seri Begawan on 26 September, 2015.
> The delivery of Boeing 767-200ER aircraft enabled RB’s route to extend to London Gatwick in November 1990. > Twice-weekly flights to London Heathrow began in May 1991. The route became a daily service on 1 December, 1996. > RB employed the use of a Fokker 50 aircraft to service Miri and Labuan in Malaysia, two destinations that were significant to the growth of Brunei’s oil and gas industry. > The opportunity to expand regional connections saw RB establishing a service to Surabaya in 1997.
> RB commenced four-times weekly flights to Melbourne in March 2011.
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017
65
WELCOME ONBOARD
switched to flight mode), personal computers, FM receivers, calculators, electronic shavers, audio and video recorders, hand-held computer games, and playback devices..
Lithium Batteries The abundant stored energy that makes lithium batteries practical also makes them dangerous when they are not packed and carried properly. Royal Brunei takes the initiatives to increase the safety onboard with the carriage limitations (from industry initiatives, ICAO and IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations guidance) to mitigate against the risks of the hazards. Low and medium powered rechargeable batteries in equipment and limited quantity of spares are recommended as carry on baggage. All spare units must be in the original packaging or packed to insulate the terminals. Medium and large nonrechargeable must be carried as cargo/ freight in accordance with current Dangerous
Goods Regulations. High-Powered batteries are not permitted onboard passenger aircraft. Information of safe carriage of lithium batteries on-board RB flights are also available at the RB websites www.bruneiair.com.
Non-smoking Policy Royal Brunei Airlines operates non-smoking flights to all destinations.
Reconfirmation Reconfirmation is not required except for passengers travelling to and from the Middle East. Please reconfirm your departure flight at least 72 hours in advance with the local Royal Brunei Airlines office or your travel agent. Failure to do so could result in the cancellation of your reservations.
Online Booking Fly through the airport. You can now book online at www.flyroyalbrunei.com, check in online and print your own electronic ticket
(e-ticket). Online check in is available 24 hours before flight departure and closes 60 minutes before departure time.
Check In Check in counters at the Brunei International Airport are open three hours before flight departure. Passengers are advised to check in at least two hours before departure to allow for security and baggage checks. Check in counters will be closed 45 minutes before departure, after which no boarding passes will be issued. Royal Brunei Airlines also advises its passengers to reach the boarding gate 20 minutes before the flight departs to avoid missing their flights.
Passenger Comments Your comments and suggestions will help us enhance our services. Please e-mail us at: feedback@rba.com.bn.
BRUNEI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Brunei International Airport’s computerised passenger and cargo handling facilities can handle 3 million passengers and 50,000 tonnes of cargo a year. Among the facilities offered at the airport are the Airport Prayer Hall (Surau Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Brunei Darussalam), telephones and Free Wi-Fi services, restaurants and shower facilities for passengers who want to rest or freshen up before their flight. For customer comfort and convenience, RB Service Centre is located on the Departure Hall area. Passengers can make reservations, ticket purchase, book tour packages and redeem Royal Skies miles. The Customer Service Centre at the Brunei International Airport operates 7 days a week, from 8am to
66
MUHIBAH
9pm Mondays to Saturdays, and 8am to 5pm on Sundays; except for Friday midday break from 12noon to 2pm.
prior to their flights. Complimentary massage chairs, shower rooms, ablution areas and High Definition TV are available.
Our Business Class and Royal Skies Elite passengers can now enjoy the service of our RB porters at departure curb-side for baggage assistance and trolley service to the check-in counters. The premium checkin lounge offers our Business Class and Royal Skies Elite passengers with a relaxed check-in experience.
Duty-free shops offer consumer goods at competitive prices. There are several outlets, including a money changer located at the departure/transit hall. On sale are portable electrical goods with international warranties, designer goods, perfumes and confectionery. Brunei International Airport is a smoke-free airport.
RB Economy class passengers and groups booking may proceed to RB check-in counter Row B.
A mobile application app has been developed by the Department of Civil Aviation to help passengers/visitors experience the newly refurbished Brunei International Airport seamlessly through the ‘iFLYBRUNEI’ app on the smartphone.
Business Class and Royal Skies Elite passengers are able to access the SkyLounge
STAYING FIT At Royal Brunei Airlines, your health, safety and comfort is of prime importance to us. For your general well-being onboard our flights, we would recommend the basic inflight exercises.
Ankle circles While seated, raise one foot and draw a circle with your toes. Rotate clockwise for 15 seconds and repeat the same counterclockwise. Repeat with the other foot. You can do one foot at a time or both simultaneously.
Knee lifts Lift and hug your knee to your chest as close as you can. Hold for 15 seconds. Alternate knee. Repeat 10-15 times for each knee.
Shoulder roll Relax shoulders then hunch them forward. Rotate gently 10-15 times.
Neck roll With shoulders relaxed, drop ear to shoulder and gently roll neck forward and back, holding each position about five seconds. Repeat five times.
Upper back flex Stretch hands forward, then pull back slowly as far as possible. Repeat 10-15 times.
Trunk flex With both feet on the floor and stomach held in, slowly bend forward and walk your hands down the front of your legs toward your ankles. Hold stretch for 15 seconds and slowly sit back up.
TRAVELLER’S GUIDE Brunei Visitor Information Visas* Austrian, German, Malaysian, Singaporean, British nationals with the right of abode in the United Kingdom, The Netherlands and New Zealand nationals are exempted from the requirement to obtain a visa for visits not exceeding 30 days. American passport holders can enter Brunei Darussalam for three months without visas. For nationals of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Republic of Maldives, Norway, Oman, The Philippines, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand and The Principality of Liechtenstein — visas are waived for 14day visits. Nationals of Australia are issued visas on arrival at the Brunei International Airport for visits not exceeding 30 days. All other visitors entering Brunei Darussalam must have visas obtainable from any Brunei Darussalam diplomatic mission abroad. These visas are normally issued for a two-week stay but can be renewed in Brunei. Visitors must hold onward tickets and sufficient funds to support themselves while in the country. N.B. For more details, please contact your nearest Brunei Embassy or diplomatic representative. Currency Bearer Negotiation Instrument Declaration Passengers entering or leaving Brunei who carry physical currency or bearer negotiable instruments valued at BND15,000 or more are required to complete a declaration form and submit it to a customs officer (if arriving in Brunei) or an immigration officer (if departing Brunei).
Duty-free Allowance* The import of the following products is subject to restrictions imposed by Brunei’s Customs and Excise Department. Cigarettes: Passengers will be charged duty on cigarettes of $0.25 tax per stick, equal to $5 per pack of 20 sticks of cigarette, and $50 for one carton of 10 packs. Other tobacco products - Import duty on other tobacco products has increased significantly. Passengers will be charged duty for the import of tobacco products. Alcohol: Non-Muslim passengers may bring in two bottles of liquor plus 12 cans of beer for personal consumption only; and a reasonable quantity of perfumes. Transportation The airport is about 11km from the capital. Taxis, car rentals and buses are available. Currency The Brunei dollar is on a par with the Singapore dollar, which is also accepted in Brunei. Banks, hotels and many department stores will cash traveller’s cheques. Language Malay is the official language but English is widely used. Other languages include Chinese and its dialect variants and other indigenous dialects. Although the official religion is Islam, other faiths including Christianity and Buddhism are practised. Clothing Light clothing is advisable as the climate is generally warm and humid. Women are requested to dress modestly in keeping with local customs.
* The visa and duty-free allowances are provided as a guideline and may change without notice.
Health Doctors provide private medical services for a nominal charge. There are a number of state health clinics and hospitals. Credit Cards Hotels, department stores and other major establishments generally accept all internationally known credit cards. Tipping Optional. Some hotels add a 10 per cent service charge to their room rates. Telephones Overseas calls can be made from hotel rooms through the operator, or via international direct dialling (IDD). There are also coin and phonecard operated public telephones. Utilities Power supply is 220 - 240v, 50 cycles. The PAL and NTSC systems are used by local television. Tap water is generally safe to drink although some take the precaution of boiling it. Media Radio Television Brunei has nightly news bulletins and a range of popular entertainment in both English and Malay. Cable network and Malaysian television programmes can also be received. There are three local daily newspapers namely: Borneo Bulletin (English), The Brunei Times (English) and Media Permata (Malay). Other regional and international publications are also available at newstands. Food For the adventurous, the food stalls offer Malay favourites, such as satay (barbecued meat on a skewer) and local dishes prepared with curry or coconut milk. Chinese, European and Indian cuisines are also available. All F&B businesses, including hotel restaurants, close for Friday prayer 12pm to 2pm. For hotel guests, room service dining operates as usual.
Hotels Accommodation in the capital ranges from international standard to middle range hotels. Service apartments are also available at reasonable rates. Shopping Department stores and shops offer goods ranging from cosmetics and stereos to local handicrafts such as the keris (an ornamental dagger), miniature brass cannons, and kain tenunan, a cloth woven with gold or silver threads. Festivals and Celebrations National Day, 23 February, Hari Raya, the end of the Muslim fasting month, and His Majesty The Sultan’s birthday, 15 July. Other public holidays include Chinese Lunar New Year and Christmas. Customs and Courtesy • In mosques, visitors should remove their shoes and should not pass in front of people at prayer. A woman should ensure that her head, knees and arms are covered before entering mosques. Robes are provided at the entrance to the mosque. • A Bruneian shakes hands lightly and brings his hands to his chest. Members of the opposite sex do not shake hands. • It is impolite to point with the index finger (use the right thumb instead) or to beckon someone with fingers and palm facing upwards. Instead the whole hand should be waved with palm facing downwards. The right fist should never be smacked into the left palm. • Gifts, particularly food, are passed with the right hand.
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017
67
WELCOME ONBOARD
ROUTE MAP & DESTINATIONS
68
MUHIBAH
AUSTRALIA MELBOURNE (MEL)
TULLAMARINE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Airport-City 22 kms Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Bus AUD16 • Taxi AUD85 Airport Tax AUD38 Currency Australian Dollar (AUD) Language English GMT +10 RB OFFICE Level 10, 45 William Street Melbourne, VIC 3000 T: (61) 3 8651 1000 T: Toll Free Aust wide 1300 721271 E: melrba@rba.com.bn MCH AVIATION HOLDING AUSTRALIA PTY LTD Suite 6, 7-9 Mallet Road, Tullamarine Vic 3043 T: (61) 3 8318 5100 / 5109 M: (61) 4 3046 3324
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (BWN)
BRUNEI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Airport-City 8 kms Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Bus BND1 • Taxi BND25 Airport Tax BND12, BKI: BND5 Currency Brunei Dollar (BND) Language Malay, Mandarin, Hokkien, English GMT +8 RB OFFICE RBA Plaza, Jalan Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan, BS 8811 T: (673) 2 212 222 / 2 240 500 F: (673) 2 244 737 AIR LOGISTICS SDN BHD Unit 6, Ground Floor, Madang Complex, Berakas BC3715, Negara Brunei Darussalam T: (673) 234 1158 / 9 F: (673) 234 1162 E: bwn@airlogisticsgroup.com
CHINA HONG KONG (HKG)
CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT Airport-City 32 kms Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Taxi Kowloon HKD300, Hong Kong HKD400 Airport Tax HKD120 Currency Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) Language Cantonese, Mandarin, English GMT +8 GENERAL SALES AGENT DEKS AIR (HONG KONG) LTD Room 1804-5, Jubilee Centre, 18 Fenwick Street, Wanchai T: (852) 2529 3883 F: (852) 2527 7300 E: hkgres@rba.com.bn AIR LOGISTICS LIMITED 1205A, 12th Floor, Tower II, Cheung Sha Wan Plaza , 833 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong T: (852) 2328 0278 F: (852) 2328 0221 M: (852) 9161 1747 / 9181 9146
GUANGZHOU (CAN)
BAIYUN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Airport-City 28 kms Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Bus CNY19 • Taxi CNY2.6 Airport Tax CNY90 Currency Chinese Yuan (CNY) Language Cantonese, Mandarin GMT +8
GENERAL SALES AGENT DEKS AIR (CHINA) LTD. Room 1218, Tower A, Landmark Canton Hotel, 8 Qiao Guang Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, China T: (8620) 8332 3120 / 8332 1575 F: (8620) 8332 6369
SHANGHAI (PVG)
PUDONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Airport-City 35 kms Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Bus CNY50 • Taxi CNY160 Airport Tax CNY90 Currency Chinese Yuan (CNY) Language Chinese (dialects include Mandarin, Shanghainese) GMT +8 PASSENGER SALES AGENT BEIJING LONGWAY INTERNATIONAL Room 0, 22nd Floor, Zhiyuan Building, No.768 Xietu Road, Luwan District, Shanghai, China Post code: 200023 T: (86) 21 5302 7288 F: (86) 21 6304 7686 E: shasales@rba.com.bn AIR LOGISTICS GROUP Room 1631, No. 333, North Chengdu Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai, China 200040 T: (86) 21 2215 7645 M: (852) 9161 1747
INDONESIA BALI (DPS)
NGURAH RAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Airport-City approximately 16 kms Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Bus IDR25,000 • Taxi IDR70,000 - 90,000 Airport Tax IDR150,000 Currency Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) Language Bahasa Indonesia, English GMT +8 GENERAL SALES AGENT PT DEKS AVIATION INTERNUSA Suite #3, Lobby Level, Kuta Paradiso Hotel, Jl Kartika Plaza, Kuta, Tuban Bali (ID) T: (62) 361 757355 F: (62) 361 757785 E: dpsrba@rba.com.bn AIR LOGISTICS GROUP Wisthi Sabha Builing, 2nd FI, Room 19, Ngurah Rai International Airport, Tuban 80361, Bali, Indonesia T: (62) 361 936 3345 F: (62) 361 936 0284
JAKARTA (JKT)
SOEKARNO-HATTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Airport-City 50 kms Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Bus IDR7,000 • Taxi IDR150,000 Airport Tax IDR150,000 Currency Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) Language Bahasa Indonesia, English GMT +7 GENERAL SALES AGENT PT DEKS AVIATION INTERNUSA Wisma Tamara, 6th Floor #668, Jalan Jend Sudirman Kav 24, Jakarta 1290, Indonesia T: (62) 21 520 6338 F: (62) 21 527 9990 E: jktrba@rba.com.bn
AIR LOGISTICS GROUP Suite 3K, 3rd Floor, Wisma Soewarna, Soewarna Business Park, Block E, Lot 1 & 2, Soekarno Hata International Airport, Jakarta 19110, Indonesia T: (62) 21 5591 1311 F: (62) 21 5591 1662 M: (62) 81 2165 799 22
SURABAYA (SUB)
JUANDA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Airport-City 17 kms Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Taxi IDR29,500 Airport Tax IDR150,000 Currency Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) Language Bahasa Indonesia, English, Madurese GMT +7 GENERAL SALES AGENT PT DEKS AVIATION INTERNUSA Wisma BII, 6th Floor #606, Jalan Pemuda No: 60-70, Surabaya 60271, Indonesia T: (62) 31 535 6377 F: (62) 31 535 6166 E: subrba@rba.com.bn AIR LOGISTICS GROUP Suite 3K, 3rd Floor Wisma Soewarna, Soewarna Business Park, Block E, Lot 1 & 2, Soekarno Hata International Airport, Jakarta 19110, Indonesia T: (62) 21 5591 2839 F: (62) 21 5591 1662 M: (62) 81 653 6501
MALAYSIA KUALA LUMPUR (KUL)
KUALA LUMPUR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Airport-City 80 kms Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Bus Luxury RM25 • Taxi Budget MYR70-80, Limo MYR100-120 Airport Tax MYR51 Currency Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) Language Malay, English, Cantonese, Tamil, Mandarin GMT +8 RB OFFICE Lot 25, 1st Floor, UBN Tower (Shangri-la Shopping Arcade), P.O. Box 99, Jln P. Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur T: (60) 3 2070 7166 / 2070 6628 F: (60) 3 2070 6899 E: kulrba@rba.com.bn ORIENT PACIFIC AIR SERVICES SDN BHD Lot GFM 027A, MAS Advance Cargo Centre, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, 64000 Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia T: (60) 3 8787 1868 / 1611 / 1622 F: (60) 3 8787 4028
KOTA KINABALU (BKI)
KOTA KINABALU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Airport-City 8.5 kms Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Taxi MYR13.50 Airport Tax MYR26 To/ Transit via Brunei: MYR20 Currency Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) Language Malay, Mandarin, English GMT +8 RB OFFICE Lot BG - 3B Ground Floor, Block B, Komplex KWSP, Jalan Karamunsing, 8000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah T: (60) 88 242 193 / 6 E: sskkoff@rba.com.bn
RB MIRI OFFICE Lot 1378 (Sub Lot 7) and Lot 1345, Block 10, Miri Concession. Land District, Kubu Road, Centre Point Commercial Centre, Miri Sarawak, Malaysia T: (60) 85 426 322 / 426 334 F: (60) 85 426 355
PHILIPPINES MANILA (MNL)
NINOY AQUINO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Airport-City 9 kms Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Bus PhP13 • Taxi PhP120 Airport Tax PhP750 Currency Philippine Peso (PhP) Language Tagalog, English GMT +8 GENERAL SALES AGENT AVIA-RH INC 4/F Le Rose Building, 832 A. Arnaiz Avenue, San Lorenzo Village, Makati City, Philippines. T: (63) 632 886 7513 F: (63) 632 886 7494 E: mnlres@rba.com.bn AIR CARGO PARTNERS CORPORATION True North GSA Inc., Unit 26 Cargo Village Complex, Ninoy Aquino Avenue, Paranaque City Metro Manila, Philippines 1700 T: (63) 2 500 9114 F: (63) 2 854 0244
SAUDI ARABIA JEDDAH (JED)
KING ABDUL AZIZ INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Airport-City 25 kms (from North Terminal); 15 kms (from South Terminal) Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Taxi SAR50 Airport Tax SAR50 except Haj & Umrah pax, diplomats and escorts for human remains Currency Saudi Arabian Riyal (SAR) Language Arabic, English, French GMT +3 GENERAL SALES AGENT ELAF AVIATION Al Nakheel Centre, Madina Road Jeddah 21414, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia T: (9662) 665 7143 / 661 2679 / 665 7908 E: jedrba@rba.com.bn LEISURE CARGO FZCO Saudi Airline Cargo Terminal Building, Jeddah, K.S.A (SITA DXBFBAB) T: (966) 56 512 5101 M: (966) 56 512 5101
SINGAPORE SINGAPORE (SIN)
CHANGI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Airport-City 20 kms Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Bus SGD1.40 • Taxi SGD18 Airport Tax SGD21 Currency Singapore Dollar (SGD) Language Malay, English, Mandarin, Tamil GMT +8 RB OFFICE 81 Clemenceau Avenue, #03-13, UE Square Shopping Mall, Singapore 239917 T: (65) 6235 4672 E: sinrba@rba.com.bn
WORLDWIDE GSA (ORIENT AIR PTE LTD) Unit 05-24, Cargo Agent Building D, 9 Airline Road, Changi Airfreight Centre, Singapore 819827 T: (65) 6214 2187 F: (65) 6214 2199 E: bicargo.sin@worldwidegsa.com
THAILAND BANGKOK (BKK)
SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT Airport-City 25 kms Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Bus BHT150 • Taxi BHT200-250 Airport Tax BHT700 Currency Baht (BHT) Language Thai, English GMT +7 GENERAL SALES AGENT DEKS AIR THAILAND 4th Floor, C.P. Tower, 313 Silom Road,Bangrak 10500, Thailand T: (66) 02 638 3050 F: (66) 02 638 2969 ABDA CARGO INTERNATIONAL 999 Moo 7, B-FZ Cargo Terminal, Room 302, 3rd Fl, Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangphli. Samutprakarn 10540 Bangkok, Thailand T: (66) 2134 2305 / 6 F: (66) 2134 2307 M: (66) 86 392 1132
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES DUBAI (DXB)
DUBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Airport-City 4 kms Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Taxi AED20 + 50 fils for every 500m Airport Tax AED30 Currency Dirham (AED) Language Arabic, English GMT +4 RB OFFICE Centurian Star, Shop Number 3, (new RB office), Opp. Deira City Centre, Deira, Dubai, UAE T: (971) 4334 4884 (Reservation) / 4686 (Sales) F: (971) 4334 4585 E: dxbres@rba.com.bn, dxbrba@rba.com.bn Tower 400 (UNB Building), Shop 7-10, Al Soor Area, Sharjah, UAE (SHJBI0301) T: (971) 6005 24444 / 6575 8575 Oman Road, Nakheel, Shaikh Saqr Bin Mohammad Al Qasmi Street, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE (RAKBI0301) T: (971) 7227 2847 / 7228 9987 Al-Ain Tower, East 4th Road, Almouror, Electra Street, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, UAE (AUHBI0301) T: (971) 2815 3444 / 2815 3450 M-201, Paris Gift Palace Building, Zayed Bin Sulthan Street, Al-Ain, UAE (AUHBI0301) T: (971) 3764 1410 / 1990 LEISURE CARGO Office No 3069, Air Cargo Terminal Building, Dubai Cargo Village, P.O. Box 293051 Dubai, United Arab Emirates (SITA DXBFBLT) T: (971) 4 286 9666 F: (971) 4 286 9995 M: (971) 55 954 6066 Office No. M25 Freight Gate-4, Dubai Airport Free Zone, P.O. Box 54385, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (SITA DXBFBLT) T: (971) 4 299 7924 F: (971) 4 299 7989 M: (971) 55 221 6289
UNITED KINGDOM LONDON (LHR)
HEATHROW AIRPORT Airport-City 35 kms Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Bus GBP7 • Taxi GBP40 Airport Tax F & J Class Pax: GBP80; Y Class Pax: GBP40; PSC: GBP9 Currency Pound Sterling (GBP) Language English GMT +0 RB OFFICE 49 Cromwell Road, London SW7 2ED, England, United Kingdom T: (44) 207 584 6660 E: lonrba@rba.com.bn AIR LOGISTICS LIMITED Cargo Terminal 4, East Midlands Airport, Castle Donington, Derby, DE74 2SA (SITA LONALXH) T: (44) 0 1332 850021 / 7885 875184 F: (44) 0 1332 811961 E: airlogistics@airlogistics. co.uk / operations@ airlogistics.co.uk / sales@airlogistics.co.uk 2nd Floor, Building 558, Shoreham Road West, Heathrow Airport Hounslow, Middlesex TW6 3RN T: (44) 0 208 759 8686 F: (44) 0 208 990 9005 M: (44) 7713 506614 E: sales@airlogistics.co.uk
VIETNAM HO CHI MINH CITY (SGN)
TAN SON NHAT AIRPORT Airport-City 7 kms Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Bus VND8,000 • Taxi VND160,000 Airport Tax USD20 Currency Vietnam Dong (VND) Language Vietnamese, Mandarin, English, French GMT +7 GENERAL SALES AGENT DEKS AIR VIETNAM SERVICE Ground Floor, Citilight Tower, 45 Vo Thi Sau St., Dakao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: (84) 8 3820 7327 F: (84) 8 3820 7329 E: SGNRBA@rba.com.bn 7th Floor, 163 Ba Trieu St. Ba Trieu St., Le Dai Hanh Ward, Hai Ba Trung Dist, Hanoi, Vietnam T: (84) 4 3820 2828 F: (84) 4 3974 3595 AIR CARGO LOGISTICS VIETNAM CO. LTD Air Logistics Limited, Room 06, 2nd Floor, New TCS Building, 46-48 Hau Giang Str., Ward 4, Ho Chi Minh City T: (84) 8 3848 8567 M: (84) 9 0380 7939 Air Cargo Logistics Vietnam - HCM City, Unit 206 - New TCS Building, 46 Hau Giang Street, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: (84) 8 7305 0988 Ext 8400 F: (84) 8 3547 0004 Room 1308A, 13rd Floor, Dao Duy Anh Tower, No. 9 Dao Duy Anh Street, Phuong Mai Ward Dong Da District, Hanoi City T: (84) 4 3577 2454 / 3577 0942 F: (84) 4 3577 2146 M: (852) 6892 4588 / (84) 9 0380 7939 E: hansales@airlogisticsgroup.com
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017
69
WELCOME ONBOARD
CAPITAL ATTRACTIONS
ABODE OF PEACE
Small in size but big in attractions, Brunei’s capital has lots to offer.
Brunei Darussalam is a country rich in culture and heritage. It is a small, peaceful, prosperous kingdom on the northern shore of the ecologically-rich island of Borneo. Come and discover Brunei, a Kingdom of Unexpected Treasures. Brunei is arguably best known today as an oil producing country. The nation became independent in 1984 and, thanks to its large reserves of oil and gas, now has one of the highest standards of living in the world. Its population of just over 408,000 is made up of two-thirds ethnic Malay, with the remainder being Chinese, Indian and other indigenous groups. The Sultanate has four districts: Brunei-Muara (which includes the capital Bandar Seri Begawan), Temburong, Tutong and Belait. ‘Darussalam’, the Arabic word for ‘Abode of Peace’ describes Brunei’s Islamic history that dates back some 1,500 years. Today, Brunei remains the world’s only Malay Islamic Monarchy with an unbroken royal lineage that has ruled the nation for the past 600 years.
www.bruneitourism.travel For more information on Brunei, email: info@bruneitourism.travel Images DAVID KIRKLAND/ BRUNEI TOURISM
Brunei-Muara
1 2 3
THE OMAR ‘ALI SAIFUDDIEN MOSQUE
Brunei Darussalam’s iconic landmark, the mosque was completed in 1958 and is named after the 28th Sultan, the late Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien, who is referred to as the Architect of Modern Brunei.
ISTANA NURUL IMAN
The official residence of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. Although not open to public, except during Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, its golden domes and vaulted roof can be viewed from Kampong Ayer.
LAPAU AND DEWAN MAJLIS
The Royal Ceremonial Hall features an exquisite golden dome and hosts all of the Sultanate’s traditional royal ceremonies.
MUSLIM PRAYER TIMES in Brunei Darussalam January 2017
Rabiulakhir 1438 / Jamadilawal 1438 Date
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Hijriah
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
Tue Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Tue Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun Mon
Tue Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Tue Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun Mon
Tue
Imsak
4.55 4.56 4.56 4.56
4.57
4.57
4.58
4.58 4.59 4.59 5.00 5.00 5.00
Subuh
5.05 5.06 5.06 5.06
5.07
5.07 5.08 5.08 5.09 5.09
Syuruk
6.28 6.29 6.29 6.30 6.30 6.30 6.53
Day
Doha Zohor Asar
Sun Mon
6.53
6.53 6.54 6.54
6.55
Sun Mon
Sun Mon
31
5.01
5.01
5.02
5.02
5.02
5.03
5.03
5.03 5.04 5.04 5.04
5.05
5.05
5.05
5.05
5.05 5.06 5.06
5.10
5.10
5.10
5.11
5.11
5.12
5.12
5.12
5.13
5.13
5.13
5.14
5.14
5.15
5.15
5.15
5.15
5.15
6.31
6.31 6.32 6.32 6.32
6.33
6.33
6.33 6.34 6.34 6.34 6.34
6.35
6.35
6.35
6.35
6.35 6.36 6.36 6.36 6.36 6.36 6.36 6.36 6.36
6.55
6.55 6.56 6.56 6.56
6.57
6.57
6.57
5.14
6.57 6.58 6.58 6.58 6.58 6.59 6.59 6.59 6.59 6.59 6.59 6.59 6.59 6.59
7.00
5.16
7.00
5.16
7.00
12.25 12.25 12.26 12.26 12.27 12.27 12.27 12.28 12.28 12.29 12.29 12.30 12.30 12.30 12.31 12.31 12.31 12.32 12.32 12.32 12.33 12.33 12.33 12.33 12.34 12.34 12.34 12.34 12.34 12.35 12.35 3.48
3.48
3.48
3.49
3.50
3.50
3.51
3.51
3.52
3.52
3.53
3.53
3.54
3.56
3.56
3.56
Maghrib 6.19 6.20 6.20
6.21
6.21
6.21 6.22 6.22
6.23
6.23 6.24 6.24
6.25
6.25 6.26 6.26 6.26
6.27
6.27 6.28 6.28 6.28 6.29 6.29 6.29 6.30 6.30 6.30 6.30
6.31
6.31
Isyak
7.35
7.35
7.36
7.37
7.37
7.39
7.39
7.40
7.40
7.43
7.43
70
3.47
7.34
3.47
7.34
7.35
MUHIBAH
3.49
7.36
7.37
3.51
7.38
7.38
3.52
7.39
3.53
7.40
7.40
3.54
7.41
3.54
7.41
3.54
7.41
3.55
7.42
3.55
7.42
3.55
7.42
3.55
7.42
3.55
7.42
3.56
7.43
7.43
4
THE ROYAL REGALIA BUILDING
7 8 9 10
BRUNEI MUSEUM
The museum is home to a collection of royal regalia, including the royal chariot, gold and silver ceremonial armoury, the jewel encrusted crowns used during the coronation and a replica of the throne, which is used by the Sultan on state occasions.
5 6
ISTANA DARUSSALAM
Located on Jalan Sumbiling, this wooden palace captures the architectural heritage of old Malay palaces. Visitors may view only from outside.
THE SULTAN HAJI HASSANAL BOLKIAH FOUNDATION COMPLEX
The capital’s most popular shopping venues, it combines both traditional Malay and modern architecture.
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
Brunei’s national museum spotlights Brunei’s role in Southeast Asia’s history. The Islamic Art Gallery has historical pieces of Islamic art and a commendable Quran collection.
Temburong
11 12 13
ULU TEMBURONG NATIONAL PARK
BRUNEI ARTS AND HANDICRAFTS CENTRE
Brunei’s ancient and traditional arts and crafts – kain tenunan, silver & brass ware, wood carving and basketry – are showcased in this centre, aimed to preserve its rich legacy.
TAMU KIANGGEH
The Tamu, or open air market, on the banks of the Kianggeh River is a popular local market for traditional dishes, fruits, vegetables, flowers and handicrafts.
Explore Brunei’s lush virgin forest through lofty canopy walkways, scenic hiking trails and a thrilling river ride to the park on the Temburong River.
Tutong TASEK MERIMBUN
Brunei’s largest lake that curves in an ‘S’ has an island in the centre accessible via a wooden walkway and various facilities for picnics and recreation.
Belait OIL & GAS DISCOVERY CENTRE
An ‘edutainment’ facility, this interactive science centre aims to make science exciting and accessible to all with more than 100 hands-on exhibits in themed areas to explore.
KAMPONG AYER
The world’s largest water village that is home to more than 30,000 people living on unique wooden houses on stilts over the Brunei River.
February 2017
Jamadilawal 1438 / Jamadilakhir 1438 Date
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
Hijriah
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
Day
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun Mon
Tue Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun Mon
Tue Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Tue Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun Mon
Tue
Sun Mon
28
Imsak
5.06 5.06 5.06 5.06
5.07
5.07
5.07
5.07
5.07
5.07
5.07
5.07
5.07
5.07
5.07
5.07
5.07 5.06 5.06 5.06 5.06 5.06 5.06 5.06
5.05
5.05
5.05
5.05
Subuh
5.16
5.17
5.17
5.17
5.17
5.17
5.17
5.17
5.17
5.17
5.17
5.17
5.17
5.17
5.16
5.16
5.16
5.16
5.15
5.15
5.15
5.15
Syuruk
6.36 6.36 6.36 6.36 6.36 6.36 6.36 6.36 6.36 6.36 6.36 6.36 6.36 6.36
6.35
6.35
6.35
6.35
6.35 6.34 6.34 6.34 6.34
6.33
6.33
6.33 6.32 6.32
Doha Zohor Asar
7.00
5.16
7.00
5.16
7.00
5.16
7.00 6.59 6.59 6.59 6.59 6.59 6.59 6.59 6.59 6.59 6.58 6.58 6.58 6.58 6.58
6.57
5.16
6.57
5.16
5.16
6.57 6.56 6.56 6.56 6.56
6.55
6.55
6.55
12.35 12.35 12.35 12.35 12.35 12.35 12.35 12.35 12.36 12.36 12.36 12.36 12.36 12.35 12.35 12.35 12.35 12.35 12.35 12.35 12.35 12.35 12.35 12.35 12.34 12.34 12.34 12.34 3.56
3.56
3.56
3.56
3.56
3.55
3.55
3.55
3.55
3.55
3.51
3.50
Maghrib 6.31
3.56
6.31 6.32 6.32 6.32 6.32 6.32
6.33
6.33
6.33
6.33
6.33
6.33
6.33
6.33
6.33 6.34 6.34 6.34 6.34 6.34 6.34 6.34 6.34 6.34 6.34 6.34
6.33
Isyak
7.43
7.44
7.44
7.44
7.44
7.44
7.44
7.44
7.44
7.44
7.43
7.43
3.56
3.56
7.43
3.56
7.44
3.56
7.44
3.56
7.44
7.44
3.54
7.44
3.54
7.44
3.54
7.44
3.53
7.44
3.53
7.44
3.53
7.44
3.52
7.43
3.52
7.43
3.51
7.43
3.51
7.43
7.43
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017
71
SATC
THE LAST WORD
Guess where? With its distinctive corner turret and a lone giant bee on the rooftop, this is easily the city’s most recognisable landmark.
Answer The Beehive Corner, Adelaide.
72
MUHIBAH
roya l b ru n e i a ir l in e s | J an uar y - F ebruar y 20 17
BY ROYA L B R U N E I A I R L I N E S | Ja nua r y - Fe b rua ry 2 017