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Apr // Jun 2017
AVAILABLE ON INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS, AIRLINE OFFICES, HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & CAFES THROUGHOUT BORNEO
Editor’s Note L
ove food? So do we. Some of us eat to live and some live to eat. As the writer Kurt Vonnegut said, ”You can’t just eat good food. You’ve got to talk about it too.” Food is a universal subject, and talk about it, we shall. Happiness can be found at a dining table, be that at home, in a fancy restaurant or in a dimly lit alley beside a large drain (I have had terrific Malaysian hokkien mee that way in Kuala Lumpur and it was two thumbs up). While food is best shared with family and friends, dining alone is a soulful experience when you can slowly savour your repast. Never dine alone before? Try it sometime.
@bigborneo BIG: Borneo Insider’s Guide @bigborneo Publisher
CHMP MEDIA Editor-At-Large
Wan Zainal Shazali Editor
In the Big Feature this issue, we make our lists of dining places that make us want to eat out. Every month seems to be a good month to try new restaurants and cafes, they are sprouting like beans in rainy season and that is always exciting for those who live to eat. And we talk to people whose eyes light up at the mention of food and who make it their mission to share the latest food venues in town so that we can keep up with the constantly changing dining scene.
Pauline Chan Online Editor
Intan Abu Daniel Designer
Novri Rinaldi Editorial
Brunei Gastronomy Week in February made a splash and upped the attraction of local traditional Bruneian food with creative pairings with new flavours, ingredients and presentations. It was the perfect opportunity for the Brunei culinary industry to experiment and show the wondrous possibilities that traditional cuisine can be turned into, and ignite a renewed interest in these grand old recipes. And we say, let’s have more of that. Bon appétit!
Pamela Fletcher Irene Chan Intern
Shaf Said Mohamad Aiman Sales & Marketing
Bina Chauhan Brunei | biG
biG stands for Borneo Insider’s Guide. It is a quarterly magazine that aims to entertain and share with readers the best there is to offer on lifestyle and travel in enigmatic Borneo and beyond. It is distributed at travel fairs, international events and Brunei high commissions abroad. biG is available at the arrival hall of Brunei International Airport, Brunei Tourism offices, Royal Brunei Airlines business class, all hotels, popular food and beverage outlets and foreign missions in Brunei. biG has a distribution network in the neighbouring states through the Sabah and Sarawak Tourism Boards as well as via prominent hotels in the respective capitals. Besides being Brunei’s very own publication for bridging its residents with a myriad of commercial and cultural offerings within the country, each issue also serves as the world’s window into the rich tapestry of Borneo’s life and culture. www.borneoinsidersguide.com
contact@borneoinsidersguide.com T: (673) 2331031 F: (673) 2231031 Unit 49, Second Floor Haji Munchit & Hajah Dayang Rapiah Complex Kg Jaya Setia, Berakas, BD2713 Brunei Darussalam The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various writers in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of biG Magazine.
EVENTS
25TH INVITATIONAL ARTISTS EXHIBITION
TO LOOK
SABAH
OUT FOR
THIS QUARTER APR 10-JUL 7 APR 28-30
APR 24
BORNEO JAZZ FESTIVAL 2017 SARAWAK
The Borneo Jazz Festival is one of the longest-running and biggest highlights in the region. Music fans will enjoy two nights of performances by international and regional jazz musicians at the Parkcity Everly Hotel in Miri. Performers include Canadian singer Laila Biali and Japanese band, Osaka Monaurail.
jazzborneo.com
This is a shopping carnival held in conjunction with Israk Mikraj with local and Malaysian vendors showcasing their brands. There’ll be many activities during the three days such as Jawi writing competition, Azan contest, forums and many more.
www.battleprogroup.com
JUN 21-23 BRUNEI
Before Hari Raya Aidilfitri, there is much shopping to do. Letop Lebaran 2017 will be the place to shop for your festive needs. Vendors from Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia will be participating at Letop Lebaran at the ICC in Berakas to sell their products that will include clothing, accessories and cosmetics.
SABAH Calling all sea turtle fans! Come and volunteer during this unique Outreach Programme as the dive team’s Turtle Spotters or Research Assistants on a research vessel in Mabul Island.
Time: 8:00am - 5:00pm Venue: Borneo Divers Mabul Resort, Mabul Island, Semporna www.borneodivers.info
CONTENTS biG dates See what’s happening in Borneo this quarter
biG snapshot Memorable moments captured on camera
www.battleprogroup.com
biG scoop Presenting our scoop on things to love and desire
JUN 25-26
biG feature Stories so unique it can only be from Borneo
biG buzz We put our ears up and find out what’s buzzing in town
BRUNEI, SABAH, SARAWAK After a whole month of fasting, the Muslim community will celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with joyous family gatherings and open houses. Join in the merry-making and taste traditional Malay favourites such as rendang and ketupat. www.bruneitourism.travel | www.sabahtourism.com | www.sarawaktourism.com
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
WORLD TURTLE DAY
LETOP LEBARAN
HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI
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MAY 8-11
BRUNEI
BRUNEI, SABAH , SARAWAK
MAY 12-13
www.sabahartgallery.com
KARNIVAL KEMBARA ISLAM
ISRAK MIKRAJ
A holiday celebrating the ascension of the Prophet Muhammad SAW. Bruneians observe this day with special prayers and gatherings at mosques.
Established and known artists are invited to showcase their most recent artworks at the Sabah Art Gallery. The objective of this exhibition is to honour the efforts of the active artists for their contribution to the development of Sabah art throughout the years.
biG special Celebrate our different cultures and festivals biG trail Follow our trails and discover what is on the island
made in Borneo Traditional or new, see what the locals are creating biG getaway Near or far, we go on holiday for your benefit biG appetite We try the
food so you can follow suit biG listings Where to eat, drink and chill? Come with us and see biG essentials Helpful tips for visitors arriving on our shores biG navigator Find your bearings with our walking maps biG screen See what’s playing in the cinemas around town
biG scoop
Plastic Fun It is not just another pair of scissors, it is a pair of scissors that will make your friends squeal with delight. Qualy’s range of adorable and functional plasticware in shapes of animals, birds and plants are durable and attractive, and they have won multiple design awards. In fact they’re so quirky, we’ve no doubt that they will become a collector’s pursuit. •• Available at Alsa Living 1, Blk F, Bangunan Setia Kenangan II, Kg Kiulap, BSB Tel: (673) 233 7001 FB: @AlsaLivingEnterprise
TAKE NOTE Nothing cheers up a dreary desk at the workplace – or home – than some eye-catching stationery. Founded by Chrystin, whose background is in film production, and her husband Aaron, a graphic designer, Salt x Paper Stationery is a passion project stemming from their love for anything related to pretty illustrations on paper. They produce their own line of premium designer notebooks which feature sewn-bound pages and stunning cover art by talented local designers. Also included are greeting cards, stickers and other paper products with custom illustration designs. Salt x Paper’s growing list of beautiful merchandise will keep your love for stationery well and truly satisfied long after that desk has had its make-over. •• Lot 18, 2nd Floor, Jalan Dewan, 88000 Kota Kinabalu www.saltxpaper.com
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biG scoop
SPLAT! Got excess energy that you can’t shake off? Grab a few friends and head over to the Paintball Arena at Jerudong for a battle of strategy and wit. The arena is opened from 7.45 in the morning for early battles or shooting targets but now you can play paintball at night too till 10.15pm, Monday to Sunday except Thursday. All necessary equipment is provided and safety briefings on proper usage of equipment, signals and procedures will be given prior to a game.
ALL ABOARD So who says pre-travel prepping has to be boring? The Boarding Gate is here to show you that getting organised for your journey doesn’t have to be a chore. This Singapore-based travel concept store opened its first outlet in Brunei in October 2016. Stocked with quality brands such as BG Berlin, Pacsafe, True Utility, Thule, Klean Kanteen, and more, this one-stop shop for all things travel-related offers functional, practical and super fashionable products to suit any traveller, but why wait to take a trip? There’s plenty here for the staycationers too!
Tip: throw your party there and give your guests a good workout and feast. •• Paintball Arena at Jerudong Spg 265, Spg 265-33, Jerudong Sports Complex, BG 3122, Kg Jerudong, BSB Tel: (673) 2611171/ (673) 7177979
••
BOARDING GATE 17, Grd Flr, Airport Mall, Kg Jaya Setia, Berakas, BSB Tel: (673) 233 1803 FB: @boardinggatebrunei
FB: PaintballArena Jerudong Instagram: @paintballarenajerudong
How Do I Look? With the latest fashion accessory from Lovisa, you’ll look absolutely fabulous! Lovisa is an Australian brand with over 270 outlets in 12 countries. Its Suria Sabah outlet is the first in Sabah and it has plans to open up another branch at Imago Mall, both located in Kota Kinabalu. Lovisa offers trending accessories with designs inspired by designer labels and couture runways, combined with what’s current in street fashion, all at affordable prices. On the plus side, their jewellery is hypoallergenic, making it wearable even by those with sensitive skin. Every item is brought in from Australia with new designs introduced every week to keep fashionistas up to date with the hottest look for work and play. ••
61, Grd Floor, Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, Kota Kinabalu uat.lovisa.com.au Instagram: @lovisajewellery Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
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BiG
eat,
feature
Food, glorious food! Hungry little Oliver who sang that line in the movie about Oliver Twist was right. Food is glorious and right here in Borneo, food is celebrated in a million and one ways. We pick the dining destinations that make eating out something to look forward to.
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drink and repeat!
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1. Soto hati buyah 2. Kueh Penyaram 3. Nasi lemak 4. Kolo mee
B
runei’s food scene is growing and expanding. Every month sees a handful of new dining venues ready to feed the local frenzy for new and exciting flavours. We take a look at the places that serve classic favourites, affordable fare and sweet treats to finish off a meal.
Old classics like nasi CLASSIC lemak, roti CRAVINGS canai and chicken rice will never become passé. They are just about anyone’s favourite that can be eaten anytime of the day. It’s not unusual to see a queue or a packed house at peak time at the following featured places. Many of our favourite classics are similar to those in neighbouring countries like Malaysia and Singapore, but in Brunei, you’ll find a slight difference in presentation and flavour but no less addictive than their equivalent elsewhere. 3
Soto Babu Nini (Spg 605, 605B, Jln Kota Batu) is wellknown for their eponymous soto but their satay is something worth checking out. Have a go at this dish and soak in the great view of the Brunei River while you’re at it.
Noralizah & Iskandar House of Curry (15, Kompleks Awg Hj Ibrahim, Kg Lambak B, BSB) is often packed and people wait outside the shop for their turn to savour the murtabak and crispy, flaky roti canai, served with a variety of condiments.
Nasi Katok Mabohai (A10, Low San Flat, Mabohai, BSB) For 80 cents, you get a small bundle of rice with a dollop of mild sambal, fried ikan pusu and some sliced cucumber. Sold from the window of a ground floor flat, this place opens from 8am to midnight.
Thien Thien Restaurant (Gadong/Kiulap/Seri Complex, BSB) Chicken rice is not all they have here but their
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Hainanese chicken served on the tastiest fragrant rice with the perfect chili concoction is most popular.
Soto Tini’s (Spg 22, Lambak Kiri, Berakas A, BSB) is one of the oldest soto establishments in the city, set up in a house in Madang. They serve beef soto with extras like hati buyah (liver), lidah (ox tongue) and berubut (sheep’s tripe).
Old Time Kopitiam (G2, Bangunan Hj Ibrahim, Spg 24, Kg Menglait, BSB) is a good place for days when you know kolo mee is all you want. They serve these noodles with many types of toppings.
Tasanee Fast Food (Spg 5, Menglait, BSB) – If you seek the local style char kuay teow, then you must try the one that originated from Seria in Tasanee
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Fast Food. For added richness in your noodles, ask them to slap on a fried egg with runny yolk on top.
Chatterbox Kopitiam (2, Bangunan Hasbullah 2, Gadong, BSB) People from Kuching who are living in Brunei will recommend Chatterbox for their Laksa Sarawak, which they say has the right consistency, flavour and toppings.
Seri Balai Food House (10, Bangunan Hj Awang Ahmad bin Awang Hassan dan Anak-anak, Kiulap, BSB) The thing that elevates the nasi lemak is the sambal chili and we think the sambal at Seri Balai certainly gives their rice dish an addictive edge. Try the fish infused chili sambal tahai for a different experience. If you order the nasi lemak piring, it has almost double the toppings as the nasi lemak bungkus.
The nice thing about CHEERFULLY going cheap CHEAP is that you can wear your flip-flops and tank top to eat and there is nothing more comfortable than that. Here are our favourite spots with good food that is easy on the pocket and where casualwear is de rigueur.
Chop Jing Chew (10, Spg 5, Jln Gadong, BSB) Beloved by the locals since 1946, this family-owned coffee shop has been giving Bruneians their hot favourites: sesame kuay teow, roti kuning kahwin and roti cucur.
plain $1 for 3 pieces or with kaya filling (kawin) $1 for 2 pieces.
SDK Signature Foods (22, Spg 148, Jln 99, Kg Perpindahan Rimba, BSB) combines two local favourites – nasi katok and fried chicken with buttermilk sauce – at an affordable $1. Drinks are all $1 too so you can buy a full meal here, all for only $2.
Monahana Enterprise (2, Dewan Kemasyarakatan, Jln 1, Lambak Kanan, Berakas, BSB) They have big variety of snacks, cakes and deep fried cucur here and they are super cheap too at $1 per packet/portion.
Hotbox (corner of Jln Telanai traffic lights, beside Maju Motors, BSB) This stationary
Old Klang Rd (109, Bangunan Kumbang Pasang, Gadong,BSB) Curry puffs are
food truck sells the best chakoi in town, in our opinion. Buy them
crispy, flaky with a melt-in-themouth filling. They are 70 cents
biG feature 8
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5. Banana fritters 6&7. Chicken pie from
Old Time Kopitiam and their entrance 8. Roti canai and curry 9. Rojak with kangkong and jellyfish 10. Fried spring rolls
per piece or B$6 for the value box of ten curry puffs.
Tamu Selera (Opp Terrace Hotel in the city centre, BSB) is a collection of food stalls selling local fare where you can dine cheaply and chit-chat under the trees and stars.
Jerudong Park Food Court (Jerudong Park, BSB) has the advantage of being a short walk to the amusement park. It is most popular on weekends when families dine there after playing in the park.
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Got a couple of hours to HANGOUT kill? Take it CENTRAL slow and easy at these venues, sipping a beverage, playing some board games, watching the other patrons or reading a book. Of late, many new restaurants and cafés are putting more emphasis on interiors and ambience, enticing diners to find their own favourite spot and return regularly.
Pasar Pelbagai Barangan Gadong (Gadong Night Market, BSB) is Brunei’s biggest
High Frequency Lifestyle Café (5, Blk B, Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat, BSB) is a place to gently
night market and one’s money can stretch pretty far here. It is busy and smokey but it is a good place to sample local food including ayam tongkeng (chicken butts!).
melt into the cool hipster environment. Good coffee and consistent dishes make this a favourite among the locals and expatriates.
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
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11. Nasi katok
with chicken and buttermilk sauce 12. Fried chakoi with kaya filling
Bello Café (D&T Bldg, Anggerek Desa/L1/12, Grd Flr, Seri Q-Lap Mall, Kiulap)
kind of place to sip and chat till the cows come home.
is where good Western and Asian food is enjoyed in stylish surroundings with chic furniture and soothing jazz music.
The Arch Taurean Café (Lot 229, The Arch Bldg, Spg 37, Gadong, BSB) Its prime
heavenly desserts with a variety of toppings.
location in the busy part of Gadong and an outdoor wooden deck shaded by large umbrellas makes Taurean Cafe an ideal place to watch the world go by.
Magnum Café (19A, Citis Sq, Kg Jaya Setia, BSB) is
Games & Lattes (E9, Grd Flr, Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap, BSB) Games & Lattes stocks plenty of games for you to play with while you have your meals. Opened till midnight, the coffee and desserts will keep the night on a high.
Marilyn Café (12, Jln Pretty, KB/ Lot 2657, Jln Bunga Melor, Seria) A top place in Kuala Belait for hanging out with a good cup of coffee and a good meal. Their sweet specialties are Choco Mud cake, Ferrero Rocher toast and carrot cake.
Beanery & Co. (81 A/1, Grd Flr, Jln Bunga Rambai, KB) Beanery stands apart from the other cafés in Kuala Belait for its warm, inviting décor and it is the
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No matter how full you SWEET are, there is ENDINGS always room in your belly for a sweet treat or two. There’s been an explosion of ice cream shops in Brunei and we have decided to feature several here, hey, why stop at one?
The Rolling Ice (1st Flr, Blk G, Abdul Razak Complex, Gadong, BSB) is a local brand of ice cream that’s served, not in scoops, but in little rolls created from sheets of frozen cream. Elevate them into
where you’ll get the gourmet versions of Magnum stick ice cream dressed in chocolate drizzles and exotic toppings.
Milkcow Brunei (Times Square & The Gadong Mall, BSB) This Korean brand gives you super smooth and creamy organic soft ice cream which you can top with a massive cloud of cotton candy, macarons or honeycomb.
Sapphira Cake House (3, Spg 88, Seri Anigma, Kiulap, BSB) Get delicious and colourful Malay kueh here that go very well with a hot teh tarik, preferably with less sugar.
Guilingao Dessert House (G18, Kompleks Harapan,
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Jln Setia Diraja, KB) serves a range of Oriental desserts besides the Chinese herbal jelly, guilingao, eaten on its own or with toppings like taro and sweet potato.
Lee Loi Fatt Foodstall (for branches around Brunei, check on FB: LeeLoiFattFoodstall) is famous for their refreshing chendol - traditional dessert with coconut milk, shaved ice, palm sugar and little treasures like sweet corn and rice flour jelly.
Rack & Brew (9, Blk H, 1st Flr, Abdul Razak Complex, Gadong, BSB) is a warm and cosy place for a slow cup of coffee and a slice of their pretty cakes. Besides their signature Victoria Sponge Cake and warm Lemon Loaf Slice, there’s always new and dazzling creations to pamper the sweet tooth.
biG feature
WHEN IN KK, GO AS THE LOCALS GO 2
1. Local coffee
grounds being strained at Fook Yuen 2. Tom yam noodles from Seng Hing
T
he heartbeat of Kota Kinabalu’s food scene has traditionally been along the well-trodden streets that run through the city’s business areas – think Gaya Street, Segama and Sinsuran where shop blocks began sprouting in the late 1950s to newer, and trendier hotspots such as the Waterfront and shopping malls. Along the fringes of the city, residential areas and adjacent commercial hubs would see the emergence and spread of eateries to cater to the city’s growing population, and craving for food that is easily accessible any time of day. Coffee shops, restaurants, cafes and bars have evolved with the times to satisfy the need for something more adventurous to stimulate the palate, with each new eatery upping up the ante on style,
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character and cuisine to appeal to the city’s voracious appetite for unique food experiences. New trends may be the driving force behind Kota Kinabalu’s current food scene but tradition, and tried and tested recipes, will always keep customers going back to their regular haunts for their favourite cup of coffee, snack or dessert. Here’s our pick of some mainstays, pocket friendly and trendy eateries that have made Kota Kinabalu the diverse foodie destination it is today.
Fook Yuen coffee shop, PERENNIAL Damai Plaza S ITE UR VO FA For those living or working in the Damai area, Fook Yuen is
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the go-to coffee shop for breakfast, lunch, and dinner or a quick ‘yum cha’ session with friends. Their homemade bread is soft and springy, and perfect for their famous ‘roti kaya’ that goes so well with a cup of ‘champeng’ (mix of coffee and tea) or milky tea. Good spread of economy rice and noodles with oodles of choice dishes to go with it, dim sum and nasi lemak.
Kah Hiong Ngiu Chap, Hilltop Luyang You can’t go wrong with Kah Hiong’s hearty bowl of beef noodle soup to start your morning or when you’re feeling a little bit under the weather. Its rich tasty beefy broth poured over noodles or served in a separate bowl comes with your meat of choice from basic beef balls and stewed meat to tendon and any other beef parts and organs. The white radish in their soup adds fragrance and flavour to an already great tasting bowl of comfort food that has made Kah Hiong a perennial favourite. 5
3. Chopping Block
on Lorong Dewan 4. Spacious entrance to Happy Muslim 5. Kah Hiong’s hearty beef noodles 6. Hot noodles from Wah Juan 7. A Fook Yuen specialty - roti kaya 8. Economy meal choices at Happy Muslim
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Happy Muslim Restaurant, Asia City Contrary to what the name suggests, the food at Happy Muslim keeps everyone happy. Their soup soto is a best seller and you can choose anything or everything from chicken to beef, tendon, bone marrow and tripe to go into it. The same ingredients can be mixed into another crowd favourite, mee rojak, with added tofu and beansprouts, all generously covered in a sweet and savoury peanut sauce. Their mee goreng Pattaya (fried noodles wrapped in an omelet) is a nod to the popular nasi goreng Pattaya and tastes just as good.
Wah Juan Coffee Shop Wah Juan coffee shop is almost an institution in Tanjung Aru, and after more than 30 years of being in business, people are still lining up for a seat and to tuck into their soft textured homemade noodles. It’s just that one dish served either in a soup or dry (‘kon lau’) but it’s the mix of pork innards that really tops this perennial favourite as a must-try dish for breakfast.
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There are still some marbletopped wooden tables that help retain the colonial charm of the coffee shop and adds a sense of nostalgia for loyal patrons who have been coming here for generations.
Seng Hing Coffee Shop It’s hard to argue that one of the best tom yam in Kota Kinabalu is at Seng Hing coffee shop in Sinsuran. It may not be the cheapest bowl of tom yam in the city but the quality is consistent with just the right mix of sour and spicy, and the delicate flavour of fresh prawns that make this a perennial favourite for lovers of this zesty dish. Other signature dishes include Tuaran fried
noodles, Thai-style chicken feet, fish paste soup, Mongolian chicken rice and sliced fish curry.
EASY ON THE POCKET
Hin Loi coffee shop, Tanjung Aru town
This one-shop lot in Tanjung Aru is a mini food court packed with vendors selling freshly baked homemade pastries including bread for the breakfast staple roti kaya; dim sum, pork noodle soup, soto Jawa, and deep-fried chicken. The place is abuzz throughout the morning before different operators take over for the more typical economy lunch
and dinner spreads. Considered cheaper than many breakfast places selling the same fare, with nasi lemak going for RM2 and fried chicken at RM1.50 a piece, Hin Loi is a throwback to a time when you could have a meal or just a cup of ‘kopi kau’ (strong local coffee) at the neighbourhood coffee shop without hurting the pocket.
Lotus coffee shop, Dah Yeh Villa, Damai Lotus occupies a strategic corner lot of a row of shophouses that catered to the needs of Damai’s earliest residential areas. Loyal patrons have kept the place going for the longest time especially the after-office and supper crowds
who can’t pass up on their tasty grilled fish, chicken wings and dumplings. Standard RM6 for 10 dumplings and RM1.80 per chicken wing, it is pretty cheap considering Damai is now one of the more effluent residential areas in the city. Other standard Chinese coffee shop dishes such as fried rice are also available for a more substantial meal.
Fortuna Restaurant (locally known as 626 coffee shop), Taman Fortuna, Jalan Penampang Another long-time favourite neighbourhood coffee shop that serves a wide variety of side dishes including dumplings (fried or steamed), grilled chicken wings, bitter-gourd deep-fried in salted egg, and fish, chicken or pork cooked in almost every way possible (butter, sweet and sour, steamed, asam pedas, with dried chilies, just to name a few). Openair neighbourhood coffee shops like these take pride in serving good food, and not having the glitziest décor or fanciest menu, to keep prices affordable for the whole family.
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biG feature A back lane of Kota Kinabalu HIP city, once & TRENDY known for its concentration of printing shops, is slowly coming into its own as a foodie destination. Two new eateries have opened up in the last year or so to infuse a more sophisticated dining experience in this still charming corner of the city. Chopping Block, Lorong Dewan, Kota Kinabalu city centre Young chef Veron, whose big dream was to open up her own restaurant, did just that in mid2015, serving a fusion of Italian pasta, pizza and grilled dishes, with traditional favourites such as hinava, laksa and nasi lemak. Whether served on or off the
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9. The old shop house
charm of Woo! 10. Unagi sauce salmon pasta from Woo! 11. Chopping Block’s Chicken Parmigiana
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chopping block, the food has been hitting all the right notes and the beverage list is pretty good too. Its cool and casual interior décor exudes a relaxing atmosphere in contrast to the inconspicuous surroundings of Jalan Dewan but it is perhaps this sense of quiet exclusiveness that draws the crowd here as they are able to dine in comfort away from the busy sounds of the city.
Woo! Lorong Dewan, Kota Kinabalu city centre One of the many new hipster
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cafés in town, Woo! takes the minimalistic approach to heart with more space than furniture to highlight remnants of the building’s original structure, such as the window frames and brickwork on some parts of the walls. The glass patio at the back gives diners a view of the lush greenery of Signal Hill which is just a touch away from the restaurant. Its western-inspired menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner is complemented by its decadent signature medium-sized tarts
filled with cream and fruit, Belgian dark chocolate, lemon curd and Matcha mousse.
•••• Even pets need to keep up with the hipster dining trend. A few pet-friendly restaurants have opened up in Kota Kinabalu to serve both hounds and humans, with some delightful results.
Furball Heaven, Lido Plaza, Penampang The first pet-friendly café to open in Sabah in June 2016, Furball
Heaven has a menu just for your ‘furkid’. Founded and run by three friends (and their adorable dogs), the restaurant is the place for your pets to socialise and chow down on special treats such as chicken pie, cupcakes and homemade cookies. Let your pups play as you catch up with friends over a waffle and milkshake. With names like Poodle Chocolate, Golden Retriever Caramel, Husky Oreo and Shih Tzu Strawberry for their milkshakes; and Snoopy peanut butter, Matcha Azuki and Chocolate Dalmatian for their waffles, you know you’re in pet heaven. A choice of pasta and rice dishes, and fresh juices, are also available for more standard fare.
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special
THINGS
WE LOVE
DITCHING THE DIET
ABOUT
HARI RAYA
AIDILFITRI IN BRUNEI
The month of Ramadan passes by and on the dawn of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, millions of Muslim are at peace and ready for a little celebrating! In this issue of BiG, we list the eight things that make us happiest during this festive season. Intan Abu Daniel & Mohamad Aiman
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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
ASKING FOR FORGIVENESS Celebrating Aidilfitri is to rejoice in resolute fasting during the month of Ramadan when your sins are forgiven by God. But while your score might be settled with God, you still need to seek forgiveness from His creations and so the first morning of Aidilfitri is typically spent with family, greeting your elders with the traditional salam (greeting) and asking for their forgiveness.
There is absolutely no way you’re going to keep up your diet during the four weeks of Aidilfitri, when mouthwatering rendang, satay, curry, nasi impit, and Malay kuih are constantly being served. We happily give our diets a festive pass so we can dig into all the food!
DRESSING UP
THE CALL OF TAKBIR RAYA Early in the morning of the first day of Hari Raya, men and women congregate at the mosques to perform Eid prayers. The sound of prayers swells with the voices of people in the mosque and almost immediately, the stress from the hectic preparations on the night before dissipates into peace and tranquility. It’s a sound that most Muslims identify as the beginning of the festive month.
Dressing up for Raya takes months of preparations and it’s not odd to see families picking out matching textiles for their tailor-made Raya ensemble. While it’s not necessary to wear anything new, you’ll find most families and couples in matching outfits, and everyone else decked out in the latest designs from the regional fashion designers (or at least, an inspiration of it). These days Raya can be quite the fashion show!
GREEN RAYA PACKETS Undoubtedly the best part of visiting houses for any child, these green packets are given to visiting children and teenagers at every house. There is no set amount, every family is only expected to give as much as they can. Traditionally green, nowadays these packets come in all sorts of colours and designs.
OPEN HOUSES Open Houses are an open invitation to friends and relatives to visit the house on a particular day and eat as much as they can. Typically a buffet of traditional food is served but these days there is a more diverse range of food offerings, and it’s not uncommon to see spaghetti served alongside rendang, and colourful cupcakes lined up next to a tray of tapak kuda. Word to the wise: pace yourself and don’t eat too much at any one Open House because there’s always a string of houses to visit before the day ends!
FAMILY REUNIONS Aidilfitri is a time for family – the first day is inevitably spent with most if not all members of the family, and the rest of the festive season will be spent visiting relatives. It’s a great time to catch up with family members that you haven’t seen since last Raya, and to let them know that they’re in your thoughts. Although these visits can be a bit trying to the single generation who often receive an onslaught of questions about work and marriage.
CUCUL & OIL LAMPS During the Raya season, houses are adorned with ‘cucul’ (colourful decorative lights). Some people prefer to place oil lamps in their yards like how it was done in the days before cucul became an option, and it does lend an added feel of festivity to the surroundings (bonus points for saving energy!).
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Opened By Royal ConsentTruly International Schooling
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ith over 46 nationalities represented and over 50 years of experience, International School Brunei (ISB) has established itself as the largest and oldest CIS accredited, International Baccalaureate (IB) school on Borneo. It epitomizes the IB maxim: “IB students (are) critical and compassionate thinkers, lifelong learners, conscious of the shared humanity that binds all people together”. As well as the pursuit of academic excellence, these traits are the same ones that International School Brunei has worked hard to instill in students over its five decades of education in Brunei. The 21st century will demand much more of young people than just good examination results. ISB has always been at the forefront of providing this
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added extra; an education which develops the ‘whole person’ in terms of strength of character and attributes such as selfconfidence and adaptability. Growing organically from a handful of students in 1964, ISB’s latest landmark was a move to an ultra-modern, purpose-built site at the foot of a secondary rainforest only 10 minutes away from the international airport. The 22-acre campus is equipped with state of the art learning, sports and creative arts facilities. A new development for ISB is the brand new boarding accommodation which provides the ideal platform for both local and international students to excel in all aspects of their development. Remarkably, the school has maintained its status as a not-for-profit school that places student welfare at
the center of all it does and this keeps fees at a very affordable level for parents interested in a world-class international boarding experience. Truly global, ISB is home away from home for a diverse student population of about 1450 day and boarding scholars, yet it has maintained its unique feel of a tight-knit, family and community driven environment. The academics are overseen by 150 full-time, fully qualified and experienced teachers, representing 20 different countries, the majority from the United Kingdom and New Zealand. With exemplary teaching standards in pre-school, primary and secondary, ISB prides itself on trend averages of achieving grades A*-C in over 80% of all IGCSE / O-level
examinations. At age 18, 96% of students move on from the IB Diploma programme to some of the best universities worldwide. From Kindergarten to Year 13, the education is an inclusive one that seeks to develop the profile of an IB learner in everyone; open-minded, inquisitive, socially aware global citizens with a nurtured sense of responsibility to the each other and the natural world, encouraged to use the opportunities provided by ISB to develop all aspects of themselves with one of the most developed special education needs programs in the region. ISB strives to ensure that everyone can excel, whatever their starting point. The ethos of the school permeates through all aspects of the place and the people who populate it. ISB stands behind inclusion, multi-culturalism and academic success, all embedded in a sustainable and eco- friendly built environment as the only BCA Greenmark ECO accredited school in the region. This new campus is open for visits and inspection and includes the new Boarding Residence which may be of particular interest to Bornean residents in the Kuala Belait area, Sabah and Sarawak.
BiG trail
Pauline Chan & Pamela Fletcher In the age of sharing one’s experiences on social media, getting a high count of ‘likes’ is every social influencer’s dream. That measure of acceptance and compliment results in immediate satisfaction and drives one to pursue the sharing with greater passion and commitment. The secondary perks of achieving a level of fame and following are the invitations to complimentary experiences, and for the foodies, they certainly have the tastiest bits: they get invited to eat and share their tastings visually. And we get the latest updates to fuel our hungry bellies.
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o say Thanis Lim is a foodie is an understatement. This man loves food and has over the years developed the stamina and physique to chase down the tastiest dishes in Brunei. He started blogging about food 10 years ago and today his blog (www.thanislim.com) is a popular guide followed by many who want to know where to eat and what’s new in town,
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not only in Brunei but also in countries Thanis has travelled to. He has 22,600 followers on his Instagram account who keep up with his food and travel stories. He enjoys cooking and creating new recipes, and he has won several awards in cooking contests in Borneo. Thanis is a soldier for tasting and reporting, and he eagerly shares his food adventures on his blog,
Grooming courtesy of Laneige
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only passion. Gzul started posting his food hunts on social media about five years ago. He mixes his food entries with a fun dose of travel and lifestyle stories, bits from his daily life, inspirational quotes and updates on his fledgling singing career. This amiable civil servant has recently released a Malay single “Diriku Bukan Superstar” and he has plans to tread further on the music path till he finds stardom. In the meantime, there are plenty of new eateries in Brunei waiting for Gzul to discover. Track Gzul’s adventures on FB and Instagram (@gzulyusof).
zul Yusof documents his food journeys on Facebook and Instagram, where he has 20,600 followers. But food is not his
Name your top three restaurants in Brunei. Pondok Sari Wangi is one of my favourites for Indonesian food in Brunei. The staff and the owner are so friendly! Every time I go to there, the staff knows what I am going to order: Tauhu Telor and anything seafood, especially their crab in Indonesian sauce and Padang sauce. I like Buon Gusto Restaurant and usually go for the $15 ‘Eat All U Can Pasta and Pizza’. My favourite pastas are Carbonara, Linguine Squid Ink and for pizzas, their thin crust Margherita, Ultimate Buon Gusto and Hawaiiana pizzas. Oh I like their desserts too!
I like Danes for their version of Kuching Kolomee! Their coconut cheesecake is really good and they actually serve good coffee (won the latte art competition for Brunei 2016). Yi Yuan Ting happens to be a good place for Chinese cuisine, I like their Ying Yang poached rice - a fragrant soup with rice cooked two different ways to give a good textural contrast.
We have a great variety of dining options in Brunei, what else would you like to see in Brunei? There’s always room for more diverse culinary options and I’m hoping to see authentic cuisines from other cultures popping up in Brunei. South American cuisine such as Peruvian or Mexican would be fantastic! I’m hoping also to see a successful fine dining restaurant that is able to incorporate Bruneian cuisine!
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Instagram and Twitter accounts (@thanislim). Name your top three restaurants in Brunei. This is a difficult question for me as I am proud of many good restaurants in Brunei. I personally like Noralizah & Iskandar Curry House because they have the most delicious murtabak in Brunei.
Finally, the open-air food court Tamu Selera down town, I like everything there, from one stall to another, and it’s good for lepak-lepak (hanging out) with friends too! We have a great variety of dining options in Brunei, what else would you like to see opened in Brunei? As of now, there are so many varieties of restaurants and cafés in Brunei that it’s very difficult for me to decide where to go and what to eat! Having said that, I would still like to see Nandos, Krispy Kreme, and many more. I also want to see an event, say 2-3 days, where all my favourite big restaurants and cafés gather like in a Food Bazaar and serve only food, nothing else, and everbody can go there and eat and chit-chat. It will be super duper awesome!
In the age of sharing one’s experiences on social media, getting a high count of ‘likes’ is every social influencer’s dream.
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Joanne Lee
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aving satisfied their craving for all things saucy, spicy or simply delicious, Sabah’s top food bloggers dish about their foodie fantasy and favorite hangouts. Joanne Lee hails from Kuala Lumpur but was so enticed by Sabah’s eclectic food culture that she decided to blog about her food adventures in new territory. She began exploring everything
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from hawker stalls to coffee shops and restaurants for the tastiest bites, posting reviews and drool-worthy photos on her Instagram and blog, SabahEats. A year later, in 2015, she was invited to share her pick of Sabah’s must-eat places as a guest blogger on a local TV programme, Foodie Blogger. In the same year, SabahEats
organised its first Sabah Food Awards to reward and recognize the best eateries in Sabah and has since published two editions of the Kota Kinabalu Food Trail Map for Sabah Tourism. Pressed to name her favourite restaurants, Joanne can only say two words – Tuaran mee. This is a quintessential favourite in Sabah, famous for its springy
texture and distinctive eggy taste. Lok Kyun restaurant in Tuaran tops her list but really, any shop that serves good Tuaran mee will satisfy her love for this dish.
www.sabaheats.com FB: @sabaheats Instagram: @sabaheats
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Frankie Heu
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rankie Heu had been a blogger for 10 years before moving to Kota Kinabalu from Kuala Lumpur in 2009. He fell in love with the food and a year later, foodiotkk was born and Frankie’s journey through Sabah’s maze of culinary delights had begun. His blog still has loads of postings from his food travels around Malaysia and elsewhere but his list of eateries in Sabah will give you a pretty good idea where to seek out some of the best flavours in
the city. He rates Sakagura at Oceanus Mall as his best pick for Japanese food, particularly its sashimi and yakitori; Fatt Kee coffee shop at Hilltop for its seafood noodle soup (top tip: ask for fresh grouper slices served in a tomato based soup with ham choy (preserved vegetable) or evaporated milk for a richer taste); and Melanian coffee shop at Lintas Plaza for its pork noodle soup.
www.foodiotkk.com
Meitzeu
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eitzeu began blogging way back in 2006 but her postings and reviews were basically just musings of a food lover out on a personal culinary adventure. Although essentially a travelogue, her blog posts on Sabah’s food scene is extensive and, like Joanne, she was handpicked as a guest blogger for the programme Foodie Blogger. Meitzeu is all about what hits the spot, and not just the priciest or sophisticated. Sometimes even the most simple and ubiquitous dish
can be the most memorable and satisfying. The humble buns in a coffeeshop or “kopi botol” (bottled coffee) served cold come to mind. As for restaurants, Meitzeu can’t resist the cheesy goodness at Italian restaurants, Little Italy and Grazie, and The Bab’s Korean BBQ for its spicy stews and barbecued meats.
www.meitzeu.com FB: @meitzeupage Instagram: @meitzeu
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BiG snapshot
In this picture, the Royal Brunei Navy personnel are preparing the national flag to be raised at a ceremony on February 16, 2017 in conjunction with Brunei’s 33rd National Day. The Fazizul Haqimie
event was witnessed by the guest of honour and Minister of Education, Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman.
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READY, SET, BATTLE!
buzz
Over 80 participants from several countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Japan, as well as participants from local CrossFit affiliates or ‘boxes’, took part in the Battle Royale organised by GETFIT CrossFit. Held at Royal Brunei Recreational Club (RBRC) on 13-15 January, participants had the option to compete in three different categories: RX, Scaled, Teams and Masters. The first day of the competition was only for the Scaled and Masters categories, where Gyle Genoso from LiftHard PH won in the Scaled Men’s category and Cassandra Lau from Actualize Crossfit won the women’s title. The Masters men’s and women’s categories were won by Grech of CFMNL Fort and Thezzza of Bengkel CF respectively. The other two days were for the RX and Teams categories, where Michael Mogard, a coach from local CrossFit box Reebok CrossFit 673 won the Men’s category, and Anna Donauer from CrossFit Wanderlust bagged the victory in the women’s category. The Teams category was won by #TeamInnervate. Battle Royale was first launched in 2012 by GETFIT CrossFit, the first local CrossFit affiliate in Brunei. For more information, visit www.getfitcrossfit.com.
Sneakers on my Mind
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S
oul de la Sole – a retailer specialising in designer sneakers – had their very first sneaker event in Brunei at The Krema Coffee in Kampong Kiulap on February 12. Soul of the Sole: Volume 1, showcased and celebrated the sneaker culture in Brunei and it drew a huge turnout from long-time local sneakerheads, newcomers to the industry and interested buyers
who flocked to the café to check out the sneakers on display and participate in their activities. The festivities kicked off with opening remarks from Khalil Ideris, the founder of Soul de la Sole, and went straight to the highlight of the event: the ‘trading pit’, where people swapped or sold their kicks with other sneakerheads. The café was filled with cases
showing limited edition and classic sneakers contributed by the local sneaker community. There was also a dialogue session with a panel consisting of the original members of the Brunei sneaker community. With such a great turnout, one can only assume that a Soul of the Sole: Volume 2 is in the works. Follow them on their Instagram page @souldelasole for updates on sneaker news and events.
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From Local to Gourmet 16
food and beverage establishments took local comfort food such as acar buah-buahan, ambuyat and nasi katok and transformed them into dishes
Old Market, New Look The new and improved Gadong Night Market opened to the public on February 3rd. The construction of the building, situated right next to its previous location in the Gadong wet market parking lot, was a directive issued by His Majesty the Sultan of
fit for a Michelin-starred restaurant during the Brunei Gastronomy Week (February 22-26). The event, held in conjunction with Brunei’s 33rd National Day celebrations, was officiated by the
Brunei following vendors’ complaints about the conditions of the old market place. Recognised as one of Brunei’s popular tourist spots, the Gadong Night Market has been a favourite food destination of the local residents for decades. The alfresco-style market is a sensory adventure and offers a unique experience for tourists interested in sampling cheap and good local food. The new modern infrastructure, which covers an area of 5,878 metres, is a cleaner and brighter version of its predecessor, and features facilities such as a surau, public toilets, eating areas and ample parking space, providing a far better night market experience for visitors and vendors alike. The Gadong Night Market is located at Simpang 37, Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan (in the parking lot of the Gadong wet market).
Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, Dato Seri Setia Awg Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, in an earlier ceremony on February 15. The objectives of the Brunei Gastronomy Week were to
The Colony Tearoom The Colony Tearoom is here to remind us to give tea some love. With the expansion to new premises just beside their existing location at the Rizqun Wing of The Mall, Gadong,
encourage youths to take an interest in the culinary industry and to encourage restaurants to serve ‘fine dining’ versions of local delicacies thereby providing a uniquely Bruneian gastronomical experience to locals and visitors alike. The five-day event showcased the innovative skills of participating establishments. There were buffets and set menu promotions with unique offerings created exclusively for this event. Royal Brunei Airlines even served special meals in regional flights on National Day, prepared exclusively by Royal Brunei Catering.
the new space offers a wider range of their gourmet tea from Paris, Mariage Fréres Tea. The range includes exceptional quality teas, tea blends and caffeine-free infusions, each with distinct and unique perfumes and tastes. Besides gourmet tea and the usual Colony favourites like pies and sandwiches, they also offer desserts made by local vendors. They have introduced a new ‘All Day English Style’ tea set that consists of a daily selection of pastries, savoury finger food and scones. Make-a-Book Gold Range hand-bound books are also available for purchase in the new tearoom, proceeds from the sale of books will be donated to the local charity YASKA. #2.16B 2nd Flr, The Mall Abd Razak Complex, Jln Gadong Tel: 673-2454325/2454307
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biG buzz
A True Bruneian Dish
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efore December 2016, the only way to get a bowl of Manok Pansuh or Bamboo Chicken was to traverse villages in Temburong in the hopes that someone had it on their menu. Today, steps are being made to ensure that everyone – from locals to tourists alike – get to sample this tasty dish. Manok Pansuh is a traditional Iban dish that is typically served during festivals like Gawai. Pieces of chicken are marinated with organic ginger and lemongrass and stuffed into a hollow green bamboo, which is then sealed with a banana leaf and cooked over an open fire. The result is tender chicken with a light gravy, perfumed with the scent of lemongrass and bamboo which cannot be replicated by today’s conventional cooking methods. Managing Director of Sumbiling Eco Village, Leslie Chiang, and the Brunei Tourism, hosted a masterclass on cooking Brunei Bamboo Chicken in Temburong which was attended by chefs
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and management from The Empire Hotel, The Energy Kitchen, Radisson Hotel, Rizqun International Hotel, Royal Brunei Catering and Orchid Garden Hotel. By sharing the recipe with these notable organisations in the food and beverage industry, they hope to promote Bamboo Chicken as an authentic Bruneian delicacy that will showcase the nation’s culinary and cultural diversity. Sumbiling Eco Village is a social enterprise that supports the livelihood of local Iban villagers with means of earning an income while promoting sustainability through community-based eco-tourism, and preserving the traditions of the indigenous culture and their way of life.
To find out more about this ecotourism destination and how you can contribute to the local Iban community, visit www.borneoguide.com/ecovillage.
When Style Speaks Volumes
SHARP LOOKS The BeoSound 1 looks nothing like anything out there in the market. Its minimalistic look doesn’t reveal much so you’ll need to do a little homework to get to know this audio buddy. The glistening body, made from a single sheet of polished aluminium, holds a 4-inch woofer and is connected by a slim neck to the seemingly floating top section which serves as a volume knob. The featureless surface is a touch sensitive pad that allows finger activation of several functions: tap to play, double-tap to change inputs, swipe left to skip to the previous track or swipe right to skip ahead.
COOL CONNECTIONS The BeoSound 1 allows multiple connectivity options such as Google Play, Airplay, DNLA and Bluetooth and easy access from mobile devices and music apps. It also provides integrated access to TuneIn Internet radio stations as well as Spotify and Deezer music services to allow streaming of music without using a smartphone or tablet. There’s no set up manual, you can turn the box inside out and the only thing that falls out is a little booklet with the B&O website link which guides you to download two apps on your Apple IOS: the BeoSetup app to start things up, and the BeoMusic app to access your music and control playback. The LED status indicator blinks in different colours to give you the relevant feedback. When the light turns white, you’re connected and ready for the world of wireless streaming.
You’ll never know it’s a piece of audio equipment. It looks like a futuristic thermos flask but that is where the similarity ends. The BeoSound 1, Bang & Olufsen’s first portable speaker - not to be confused with the offshoot B&O Play and their series of lifestyle Bluetooth speakers – is a sleek and compact wireless speaker system that is designed to give you a big sound. Pauline Chan
MUSIC ALL AROUND With B&O’s Acoustic Lens Technology, you’ll experience an almost spherical sound that is loud and nuanced at the same time, while the full range driver plays downwards into a reflector to produce a powerful 360 degrees sound in all directions, giving you the same sound quality, no matter where you’re positioned. You can take it outdoors but you’ll want to avoid getting a scratch on it or exposing it to the natural elements. The chargeable battery allows up to 16 hours of continuous playtime if played at a neighbour-friendly level but if full volume is how you like it, then expect that playtime to be reduced to about four hours.
WHAT WE LIKE The BeoSound 1 certainly stands out visually with its stunning good looks. It is the definitive lifestyle choice for those willing to pay for a portable wireless speaker that speaks volumes of style and delivers a large, uniform sound to fill your house. There are plenty of connectivity options so one will not run out of music. At only 33cm tall, you can place the BeoSound 1 anywhere and play anything, the flexibility is appealing. If you need a cool sound system for easy listening indoors that make you look like you’re fashionably light years ahead of the pack, you can’t do better than this work of art.
Bang & Olufsen Brunei Shop No.1, Grd Floor, Lot 47322, Spg 41-1-12, Kg Kiarong, Bandar Seri Begawan Website: Brunei@Bang-Olufsen.com FB: Bang & Olufsen Brunei Instagram: @sejalin.living Tel: 673-2420166
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BiG getaway BALI HA’I
BALI must be one of the most visited islands in Indonesia due to its easy accessibility from all over the world, including direct flights from Bandar Seri Begawan on Royal Brunei Airlines. But despite its popularity with tourists, the island has managed to retain its pristine beauty and charm, especially in secluded coves such as the one inhabited by the Bulgari Resort, near the village of Pecatu in Uluwatu. Wan Zainal Abidin
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ccupying a private peninsula overlooking the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean, the resort is Bulgari’s flagship resort property, representing all that the Bulgari brand has come to be known for. Opened in September 2006, the breathtaking resort, designed by architects Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel and Partners, is a unique blend of traditional Balinese style and contemporary Italian design.
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The resort is built and furnished using hand-cut volcanic stones, rich exotic woods and refined fabrics, bringing together cultural and natural elements in the resort’s layout and overall design. Natural lava and palimanan stones are used on the garden and interior walls, refined bangkiray hardwood in the villas, and natural greencolored sukabumi stone to clad the outdoor showers, plunge and swimming pools. Experiencing the Bulgari Resort
Bali was a total enrichment of my architectural senses. Arriving late one evening in November, I was treated to dramatic views of the stylish holiday commune and that was the beginning of my unique architectural experience. Individual villas reflecting the graceful Balinese architecture were surrounded by secluded tropical gardens in an unrivalled natural setting. My ocean-view villa with a plunge pool was perched on a hill some three
stories above the collection of bar and restaurants that form the main focus of the resort. Inside my villa, there was a huge sleeping area, a large separate walk-in closet, and a good-sized bathroom and toilet, all kitted out with the mod cons that you’d expect from a brand like Bulgari. The interiors of the rest of the property were just as handsomely designed with Balinese features within a contemporary palette. All of the hotel’s accessories and details have been expressly
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1. View from the lower
pool cliff 2. The Sangkar restaurant 3. The villas’ interior 4. The Mansions
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designed and produced in Bali exclusively for Bulgari. The furniture, the handcrafted unique tableware and the refined textiles all rounded out this tour-de-force for my senses and sensibilities. Of course, no getaway to Bali would be complete without a visit to the spa to indulge in their world-renowned Indonesian spa therapies. The resort’s spa reception is inside an antique Javanese Joglo house that was painstakingly dismantled and relocated at the resort. The huge spa complex features six treatment rooms, two royal pavilions, an open air lounge, a yoga pavilion and a private swimming pool all nestled within a beautiful Balineseinspired landscape. I spent most afternoons getting puttied and flexed, indulging in their signature Indonesian therapies – a blissful lifestyle that one could easily get hooked on! When I choose a hotel to stay in, one of the most important things I would consider is the food. To me, the quality of food available at the hotel is as important as room size, linen thread counts and the type of bath amenities in the bathroom. To my delight, Bulgari Resort’s cuisine is as memorable as the setting of the restaurants. Bulgari has two restaurants,
Sangkar – a casual all-day dining restaurant uniquely situated on the cliff edge - that serves Western and Indonesian dishes, and Il Ristorante, which overlooks a reflection pool and served one of the best Italian meals that I’ve ever had on the island. The beach side pavilion beneath a bambooclad bale, nestled between the 150-metre cliff and the Indian Ocean, is another mesmerizing lunch location. From innovative Italian fare to exemplary Indonesian dishes, I certainly had my pick. The food was so good that I had all my meals at the resort and didn’t bother to venture out at all. It is impossible not to be impressed by the Bulgari Resort Bali – their charming staff, excellent cuisine, and the setting of the resort. Staying at the Bulgari is indeed a fully licensed guilty pleasure. For more than a decade, the resort has been offering guests the Indonesian idyll in breathtaking surrounds, and judging by what I had experienced, it will do so for many more years to come.
BVLGARI RESORT BALI Jalan Goa Lempeh, Banjar Dinas Kangin Uluwatu, Bali 80354, Indonesia (62) 361-8471000 www.bulgarihotels.com
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made in
borneo
c i r b a f e h t Y T E I C OF A SO At 65 years old, Hj Zainal Abidin bin Hj Ibrahim is an artist who doesn’t rest. A love for fabrics and patterns turned this former graphic designer to a motif designer. Pauline Chan
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Hj
Zainal used to have a workshop when he started his batik textile business in 2000. After multiple struggles with workers, materials and costs, he gave up trying to make batik locally. Disheartened by this failure, he closed his workshop. His friends didn’t want him to give up and pushed him to continue. When he chanced upon the Leap Programme by BEDB and received a grant, he decided to rekindle his batik business. Maintaining his shop, he worked on designing batik motifs and looked around the Asean countries for weavers and batik printers, scouting the large pool of artisans around Asean to find the best among them to create his intricate ideas. Wherever the artisans may be, he goes to them. Now his shop is filled with batik textiles made with his designs. Hj Zainal has been criticized for not using local labour for production but he explained that there is much to be learnt from other countries that have been producing batik for a long time. The knowledge and skills that can be learnt from outsourced talents can only be
seen as progress. He believes that we cannot be stuck in our own mindsets and set barriers on our own creativity. We need to be open-minded and seek knowledge from outside. Working with foreign talents is a process that requires personal involvement. With no special software, just Photoshop, he fills squares with colours, each tiny square holds about ten threads. When he gives his patterns to the artisans, he sits with them and instructs them, overseeing every detail. But after they have collaborated for some time, they know full well how he wants his ideas to materialize. Now, he can just send the designs to them and communicate with phone calls or messages, confident of their understanding to produce the quality he wants. Hj Zainal employs both digital and traditional hand techniques to create his textiles. Digitally printed textiles can be produced quickly, some take about a week, some just two or three days. The beauty with digital printing is that you can follow the patterns exactly as if it’s hand drawn, according to Hj Zainal,
1. Batik with kain
tenunan motifs 2. Cotton batik cloth 3. Motif designer Hj Zainal 4. Bolts of exquisite woven kain tenunan
it’s generally hard to tell the difference between hand-drawn or digitally printed batik. Hj Zainal likes to experiment with different threads. Working with feedback from customers and their requirements, Hj Zainal has created batik on Egyptian cotton, polyester mix, silk, and even chiffon, the softness of which adds femininity and elegance. He makes a standard size of two and a quarter metres and uses a special natural dye from a kind of seed. Although his core product is batik, he also sells traditional kain tenunan. Hj Zainal has a range of kain tenunan woven with a very light cotton thread that renders the final fabric soft and flowing. It has been well received by customers who like the soft fabric for informal occasions and men have found it a more comfortable and affordable
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alternative for sinjang compared to the usual stiff fabric. Hj Zainal makes custom designs for occasions such as weddings. He creates new designs every month but will reprint the popular designs. Some local designers have commissioned custom textiles that they recreate into their own designs. His vision is not as sharp as before but Hj Zainal is confident the people he has groomed will be able to carry on his batik work. He hopes to continue to bring something new to the textile industry and keep the interest in these traditional textiles alive.
BATIK DESAMAS No.3, 1st Floor, Bangunan Sumbangsih Mulia. Kompleks Perindustrian Beribi Jalan Gadong, BSB Tel: 8896463
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ULTIMATE VISTAS WITH RANGE ROVER
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Norway has some of the most spectacular landscapes on earth. Norwegian photographer Jonas Bendiksen set out to capture the dramatic vistas of his home country in the ultimate off-terrain SUV, the Range Rover, for a collaborative project entitled ‘Ultimate Vistas’ between Land Rover and the world-renowned photographic agency, Magnum Photos.
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1. Crossing a bridge
midway up the famous Trollstigen (Troll’s Ladder) switchback roads 2. Driving in the early October snow on the mountain plateau beneath Dalsnibba peak in Møre og Romsdal county. 3. Rural driving near Hjorundfjorden 4. Catching the views on the plateau between Valldal & Trollstigen 5. Modern architecture in the Barcode Neighborhood of Oslo
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F
or the first collection in this series of photographic works, Jonas and his crew began their journey in the modern capital of Oslo, where they explored some of the city’s award-winning innovative architecture. Leaving the urban environment, they travelled northwest through the mountains of Dovre via the epic switchback roads of the Trollstigen. From the snow-covered plateaus and vast fjords of Geirainger to the Art Nouveau-inspired town of Ålesund, the entire expedition was completed in a production Range Rover TDV6 Aurobiography,
which carried Jonas, his crew and all their equipment. Even though produced for remote off-road challenges, Range Rover is the epitome of luxury, with its sleek urban design and intelligent technology that automatically selects one of its individual driving modes to suit the terrain and optimizes the vehicle’s settings for all conditions and surfaces. Jonas is as much an explorer as a photographer. He is known for his images of remote living and nature. “I love trips I can do entirely by driving. When I’m on the road I can stop anywhere and capture an opportunity in an instant. The Range Rover was the perfect partner for me in that respect.”
biG talk
Dining On The Job T
here’s no doubt about it, Royal Brunei Catering (RBC) is thriving. It started off with the opening of the elegantly designed Anjung Saujana and Cilantro, it ploughed forward with the eye-catching Horizons Seafood Restaurant at the waterfront, it continued with the immensely successful and first ever Magnum Café to
open in Borneo, and moved along to RBC Lifestyle Café - a hip little hang-out below Horizons that urges you to ‘Relax Bro, Chill’. Ahmad Husaini, General Manager of Royal Brunei Catering and the engineer behind RBC’s latest efforts, is not ready to rest on his laurels. We sit down with the hardworking man with the plan to talk about RBC’s bright future.
About setting trends: “I don’t want to follow trendsetters, I want to set trends. Everything I’ve done here is something new for me. Horizon Seafood Restaurant is completely covered in recycled glass to give you an unparalleled view of Kampong Ayer. Magnum Café in Brunei is the first in Borneo, the smallest in the world, and was set up the fastest – it took us just 21 days from concept to opening. RBC Lifestyle is the first café in the world with a food truck concept where we use a real van as a service counter.” About RBC’s role in the local food and beverage industry:
‘We shouldn’t be perceived as competing with locals. With Magnum Café, we marketed it not to compete with local restaurants but to supplement it. We have plans to make existing outlets into proper franchises and to hopefully create a business module for local entrepreneurs.” What’s happening with RBC in 2017: “We have 15 outlets under RBC’s belt in total. We’re working on the refurbishment of a restaurant in our group and hopefully we’ll have another few new outlets before the end of the year.”
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biG appetite
EAT, DRINK Brunei Pauline Chan
Novri Rinaldi
SATE HOUSE
All restaurants in Brunei are closed for prayers between noon and 2pm on Fridays.
B9, Blk B, Setia Kenangan II, Spg 150, Kiulap, BSB Tel: 2231017 FB: satehouse.bn Instagram: @satehouse.bn Open daily: 10am–10pm
I
t’s rare for me to step into a newly opened restaurant and find myself going back several times more during the week to try all the dishes I’ve
not had. Sate House has successfully lured me with their delectable Indonesian cuisine at affordable prices. There are many dishes I would order again and again, top repeats are Tauhu Telur, Opor Ayam, Iga Penyet, Sate, Ayam Goreng Kalasan, Sayur Asem and Gado Gado, the servings are not big so it allows one to try more dishes at one go. The flavours are rich and most of the dishes are blessed with gravy that will go great with Nasi Uduk or Nasi Kuning. The Sate is tender and is served with a sweet and spicy dark sauce instead of the crushed peanut sauce that goes with Brunei satay. After multiple visits and repeated orders, I find that the dishes have turned out consistently good and the service is prompt and chirpy.
I
Little Audrey’s Café 9, Grd Flr, Blk A, Q-Lap Complex, Kiulap, BSB Tel: 8910711 FB: Little Audrey’s Instagram: @little.audreys Open daily: 8.30am-10pm The inimitable late Audrey Hepburn is honoured in this pretty, bright café. We thought the café is named after the owner but it isn’t and she quipped that customers are starting to call her Audrey. From 9.30am, you can get their all day breakfast with offerings such as Crispy
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Egg’s Benny, Nasi Lemak and Homemade Maple Granola. You can find a small selection of pasta, burger and fluffy croissants, and when they bring out the piping hot egg tarts and cheese tarts, say ‘yes’, you won’t be sorry you did.
TCVH VEGETARIAN HOUSE B3, Blk B, Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap, BSB Tel: 2230296 Open daily: 7am-9pm
f you eat no meat, TCVH is just the place for you. Chinese vegetarian cuisine is full of flavour and ‘meat’ dishes are all made from wheat gluten, and besides vegetables, there are lots of tofu and soybean-based options. Meat-free dining is not at all boring, their menu is extensive with one-plate meals and stir fried dishes for sharing. They have local favourites like laksa, fried kuay teow, kolo mee and curry. We asked the waitress for some popular dishes to try and she recommended the TCVH Tofu Hot Plate and Mongolian Chicken. Both were indeed tasty and great with steamed white rice but the Tofu Hot Plate was a total winner, we couldn’t get enough of the dish, including the gravy. The place has a simple set up and is halal.
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
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biG appetite
EAT, DRINK Sarawak Irene Chan
CHINAHOUSE AT THE OLD COURTHOUSE A State Heritage Complex from the colonial era, the Old Courthouse has undergone extensive conservation work for many years. However, the complex has been under-utilised until last March. The entire complex was converted into the sister establishment of Chinahouse Penang, brain-child of Narelle McMurtrie, who is also responsible for the conception of the famed Bon Ton Resort. The concept is similar to the one in Penang, and Narelle’s signature style of using antiques and found objects is palpable in the décor of the entire complex. There is the casual café serving light meals and over 20 different types of cakes – set atop the same wooden table as in the Penang branch, with a replica of a painting done by Ernest Zacharevic behind the cake display – and also a restaurant that offers more substantial meals. The establishment also positions itself as a one-stop hub for various events and activities, with a focus on creative and social events. Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, Kuching Tel: (6082) 417601 FB: @ChinaHouseK www.chinahouse.com.my Opened daily: 9am - midnight
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VeeVilas
V
ee Vilas is the newest Indian restaurant in town, serving authentic South Indian cuisine. The restaurant sets itself apart from its local counterparts by importing all the herbs and spices used in their dishes directly from Penang. The difference is apparent: the potency of the spices, which is immediately discernible on the first bite of their wildly-popular ayam goreng rempah. Aside from their big favourite banana leaf rice, they also
serve a wide variety of seafood and meat dishes that are prepared fresh every day and cooked on demand. If you want a decadent dish, the restaurant is also the first in Kuching to offer a signature salmon fish head curry - the buttery fish sensuously presented in the bold flavours of a rich curry gravy. For those craving carbs, there are chapattis, parathas, tosais and fried noodles, flavoured with the restaurant’s own distinct mix of herbs and spices. For those with a sweet tooth, traditional Indian sweets
such as gulab jamun, jelebi, burfi and halwa are also available. Vee Vilas’ extensive lassi menu boasts a selection of yogurt-andfruit combinations not found anywhere else in Kuching. Vee Vilas is located close to the heart of Kuching city, within a building previously occupied by the General Consulate of Indonesia, just opposite the Carmelite Chapel. 111, Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, Kuching Tel: (6014) 697 7293 FB: @VeeVilasKuching Opened daily: 8am - 10pm
biG appetite
EAT, DRINK Sabah Pamela Fletcher
Morganfield’s NON
HALAL
TATTORIA
This is Malaysian restaurant chain Morganfield’s first franchise in Sabah, introducing diners to all the sticky lip-smacking goodness of traditional American grill specialties. From its signature hickory wood-smoked pork ribs to lamb rack, chicken, sausages and seafood coming hot off the grill, and slathered with their housemade brand of BBQ or peppercorn sauce, you know it’s going to be
Newly opened at Kota Kinabalu’s latest foodie hotspot, Tattoria at Plaza 333 is a branch of the popular Tatto restaurant in Kuala Lumpur. Dive deep into classic Italian comfort food served over three to four courses to truly appreciate the flavours, textures and freshness of the ingredients. Pasta, including house-made ravioli and tagliatelle, dishes and pizzas topped with delectable slices of cured meats, cheeses and sauces are crowd favourites but don’t let that hold you back from sampling the rest of the menu which is still being curated to produce the most authentic Italian dining experience in the city.
Lot 80, Blk I, Plaza 333, Jalan Pintas Penampang, KK FB: @plaza333KK OPEN: Noon–2.30pm, 6–11pm. Closed on Sundays.
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Chiu’s Since its opening in January 2017, Chiu’s creatively curated menu using locally sourced
messy but oh-so-irresistible. Ribs are imported from Spain for their succulent texture and they give you just the right amount of fall-off-the-bone tenderness. The sharing platter with everything on it is a crowd puller, especially for family and groups. For smaller eaters, there’s a short selection of pasta and burgers. Morganfield’s has a full bar with some refreshing non-alcoholic beverages such as the popular Sour Plum Mojito and Berry Easy fruit juice blend. G-102-103, Grd Flr, Imago Shopping Mall, 88100 KK FB: @morganfieldsmalaysia Open daily: 10am–12.30am (last order at 11.30pm)
to balance the sweetness of the Tuhau-Pineapple-Apple Crumble, or made into a fluffy floss or serunding to top off its best selling Beef Rice Bowl. Mushrooms and hill brown rice from the hinterland of Ranau give their Mushroom Risotto the perfect chewy bite, and earthy flavours reminiscent of a much-loved home cooked meal. Another stand-out dish is the panfried grouper but the menu at Chiu’s is still a work in progress so expect to see more unexpected dishes making their way to the table. Drinks, dessert and cakes are available during non-dining hours. ingredients, and range of specialty coffees and teas, have been getting a fair bit of attention. Among the ingredients used is tuhau, a wild ginger with a decidedly tart flavour and pungent smell,
D-G-8, Lorong Komersil 88/2, 88 Market Place, Kepayan, KK FB: @chius.my Open:10am–11pm. Closed on Tuesdays
biG listings
Brunei
SWEET AS SARA
Guidelines: The restaurants and eateries listed are arranged by food types, and not in order of our preference. Reviews are written from a typical diner’s perspective and written based on actual visits to the establishments listed, without the prior knowledge of the restaurants. Information given on menus, hours or prices may change and should be checked. In Brunei, all restaurants are closed between 12 noon and 2 pm on Fridays.
OUR PICKS RANGING FROM QUICK & EASY MEALS TO LOBSTER & CAVIAR, THESE ARE OUR FAVOURITE HAUNTS AROUND TOWN! AMULYA This North Indian restaurant serves our favourite briyani in town. Grd Flr Jln Setia Square Berakas, Kg Jaya Setia (673 233 9230) CHOP JING CHEW Freshly made Roti Kahwin perfectly paired with a teh tarik 10 Spg 5 Jln Gadong, Kg Menglait (673 242 4132)
GWAD BASHA ARABIAN RESTAURANT Arabic cuisine at its finest #1A&1B Heng Thai Property Centre Spg 22 Jln Dato Ratna, Kiarong (673 245 0009) – call for other branches
KAIZEN Sushi served fresh on your table plus a variety of other Japanese cuisine Yayasan Complex Waterfront Side, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 222 6336) – call for other branches
RESTORAN MAKAN & SOTO ROSMINI Our favourite soto hang-out 1 Spg 15, Jln Gadong (673 871 9946)
PONDOK SARI WANGI RESTAURANT Serving the best of Indonesian cuisine 12-13 1st Flr Blk A Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 244 5043) – call for other branches
MEI KONG COFFEE SHOP A trip to Brunei isn’t complete without sampling their famous kolo mee 108 Jln Pemancha, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 224 0688)
THIEN THIEN RESTAURANT Purveyors of arguably the best Nasi Ayam in town 10 Grd Flr Mas Panchawarna Complex (673 222 2435) – call for other branches
Dessert lovers would be pleased to know that Instagram vendor and cupcake maestro Sweet as Sara has opened a brick and mortar store in Kiulap. Customers will have plenty of cupcakes to choose from, from their bestselling Pistachio Ondeh-Ondeh Cupcakes to their Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes, along with selections of other sweet treats such as pavlovas, puddings, local kuih and cakes. Order a cup of coffee and get ready to indulge yourself into a blissful dessertinduced coma. #A7 Grd Flr Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap Tel: 673-8889169
ADVERTISERS
GALLERY BELLO CAFÉ
‘Bello’, which is Italian for ‘beautiful’, is certainly the right name for this elegantly designed café with their beautifully-styled food. Offering a tasty range of snacks, desserts, western and local main dishes, they are famed for their Swiss Burger and Chocolate Lava Pudding. OPEN DAILY Mon-Fri 7.30am-10pm, Sat 7.30am11pm, Sun 8am-10pm; L1/12 Seri Kiulap Mall, KIULAP (673 223 3989) CASBAH LONDON KEBAB
Pick lamb, chicken, beef or fish and have it dressed and wrapped your way – tikka, kebab, doner or shawarma style! A quick and deliciously meaty meal for hungry diners on the go. OPEN DAILY ; #G2a Grd Flr Times Square Complex, KG JAYA SETIA (673 234 3001) (Times Square Branch) or #204 Spg 210 Kg Lambak, JLN BERAKAS (673 880 3183) – Call for other branches DEALS
This modern, refreshing and contemporary restaurant offers set menu for dinner for a gastronomic experience. OPEN 7pm onwards (Mon-Sat), closed on Sundays and public holidays; Radisson Hotel Jln Tasek, BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (673 224 4272) IDEAL CAFÉ AND GRILL
Homegrown fast-food brand Ideal Café & Grill has been serving Brunei its signature grilled rotisserie chicken since 1996, when it first started off selling its homemade grilled chicken in a modest stall. The restaurant chain remains strong as ever today, serving customers their farm-fresh, freshly grilled rotisserie chicken in restaurants in five different locations, and remains a local favourite. OPEN DAILY 9am-10pm; Goodwood Building Kg Menglait, GADONG (673 245 5595) – Call for other branches
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biG listings LEE LOI FATT Blk A #7 Grd Flr Serusop Complex, Kg Delima Satu (673 234 2384) – Call for other branches MANGROVE PARADISE RESORT Spg 912 Kg Sungai Belukut, Jln Kota Batu (278 6868) MY FAVOUREAT RESTAURANT 9 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Munchit & Hjh Rapiah, Kg Jaya Setia (673 233 9410)
NYONYA 3 Grd Flr Bgn Hasbollah, Gadong (673 244 7090)
AMSARRA SHAWARMA & ESPRESSO Grd Flr Airport Mall, Kg Jaya Setia
PHO HOA RESTAURANT #6 Grd Flr Blk B Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kg Kiulap (673 223 6218) PHO REAL 1st Flr Times Square Food Court, Kg Jaya Setia RICE BOWL 72 T.C.Y Building, Batu Bersurat (673 863 0665) SAPPHIRA CAKE HOUSE 3 Grd Flr Seri Anigma, Kiulap (673 223 2021)
AHAN THAI 10 Blk B Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 245 2852) ALL SEASONS RESTAURANT 17 1st Flr Times Square Shopping Centre, Kg Jaya Setia (673 233 8068)
SEAWORLD NEPTUNE 8 Spg 791, Jerudong (673 261 2613) SPICY CURRY & WRAPS FROM ARABIC TO INDIAN CUISINE, CHECK OUT THESE RESTAURANTS IF YOU LIKE A SPICY KICK TO YOUR MEALS.
PAPPARICH Blk G Grd Flr Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 243 2333)
TASTE OF ASIA VIETNAMESE PHO, THAI TOM YAM, JAPANESE SUSHI, KOREAN KIMCHI AND BRUNEIAN AMBUYAT – THIS LIST COVERS MOST OF OUR FAVOURITE ASIAN DELIGHTS
SEAFOOD PALACE #1, 2 & 3 Blk B An-Nuha Building, Kg Tanjung Bunut (673 267 1299)
MYTOWN EATING HOUSE Grd Flr The Crown Princess Complex, Jalan Tutong (673 224 1880)
OLD TIME KOPITIAM G2 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Ibrahim, Kg Menglait (673 244 8282)
XIMPLY CHRIZ CAFÉ Divine desserts, great coffee and scrumptious meals 8 Blk B Regent Square, Kiulap (673 223 4918)
SEASONS RESTAURANT Lvl 2 The Centrepoint, Gadong (673 242 2291)
BOMBAY PALACE RESTAURANT #9 Grd & 1st Flr Blk B Bgn Pg Mainuddin & Anak2, Batu Bersurat (673 242 7313) C’FU CURRY HOUSE RESTAURANT Spg 103 #5 & 6 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Md Salleh, Gadong (673 245 7000) DELHI DARBAR RESTAURANT & CATERING Spg 38 Jln Jerudong (673 267 2826) LE TAJ 2-3 2nd Flr Seri Kiulap Complex, Kiulap (673 223 8996) LOTUS FAMILY RESTAURANT 27B Grd Flr Delima Jaya Complex, Berakas (673 234 2049) RAJAH’S RESTAURANT 3 Grd Flr Blk A Bangunan PAP Umi Kalthum, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 224 0379)
BABU’S KITCHEN C44 Blk C Grd Flr Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 245 7868) BALI PIT-STOP 15 &16, Spg 150 Grd Floor, Block A Bangunan Habza, Kuilap (673 720 9992) CHATTERBOX KOPITIAM 2 Grd Flr Bgn Hasbullah 2, Gadong (673 820 1212) COCINA DE LOLA G6A & G7A Grd Flr Times Square Shopping Complex, Kg Jaya Setia (673 233 7917) G S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT Sri Aman Complex, Tutong (673 422 1882)
AMINAH ARIF 2 & 3 Blk B Grd Flr Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kiulap (673 223 6198) – Call for other branches
GOLDEN LEAF COFFEE HOUSE Blk 1 Grd Flr PAP Hjh Norain Building, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 222 0422)
ANEKA RASA Blk A #17 & 16 Grd & 1st Flr Bgn Begawan Pehin Dato Hj Mohd Yussof, Kg Kiulap (673 223 1728)
GRATITUDE CAFÉ Grd Flr Serusop Complex, Kg Delima Satu (673 234 1123)
ANJUNG LAYAR LUNCUR (NUR WANITA SERASA BRANCH) Simpang 287, Pantai Serasa (673 277 1879)
IMPIAN RASA RESTAURANT #5 Bgn Pg Hjh Rafiah Spg 607 Jln Jangsak, Gadong (673 265 3858) – Call for other branches
AR RUHMA RESTAURANT 329 Blk D Bgn Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 242 7847)
KAKA RESTAURANT 2 & 3 Spg 100 Jln Jerudong (673 267 2333) – Call for other branches
AXTIVO RESTAURANT Spg 13 Hj Uthman Complex, Berakas (673 233 5642)
LA MEE #1B & 1c Grd Flr Spg 41-1-12, Jln Kiarong (673 243 0113)
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biG listings SAFFRON RESTAURANT 8 Blk C Shakirin Complex, Kiulap (673 223 5888) SAMEER RESTAURANT & CATERING G1 Grd Flr Sg Akar Sentral, Berakas (673 233 6613) SPICES RETAURANT #1 Grd Flr Blk A Aman Complex, Jln Muara (673 233 0081) THE WRAP #2 Jerudong Park Food Court, Jerudong YA NUR RESTAURANT #7 1st Flr Bgn Hj Tahir 2, Kg Menglait (673 871 9986) ZAIKA RESTAURANT A4 Lot 308 Bgn Maju Jln Bunga Raya, Kuala Belait (673 334 7430) WESTERN FOOD ITALIAN PIZZAS, AMERICAN STEAKS AND BURGERS, BRITISH COTTAGE PIES – WE LIST DOWN THE RESTAURANTS THAT SERVE THE BEST FROM THE WEST. BUCCANEER STEAK HOUSE 92-93 (B) 94 Grd Flr Jln
ADVERTISERS
McKerron, Kuala Belait (673 333 0406) CHARCOAL BBQ & GRILL RESTAURANT Grd Flr Le Gallery Suites Hotel, Jln Tutong (673 222 1171) – Call for other branches CHEEZBOX CAFÉ External Café Ramp A The Mall, Gadong (673 242 5506) COUNTRYPATCH CAFÉ 3 Grd Flr Blk D Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kiulap (673 223 2368) – Call for other branches DE’ OLDE COTTAGE 2 Grd Flr Blk C Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 242 6982) – Call for other branches DELI-BITES Royal Brunei Recreation Club (Poolside Terrace) Jln Terunjing Lama, Berakas (673 877 928) ELEMENT FUSION #8&9 Blk A 1st Flr Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 717 2992)
FISH & CO 18 & 19 Grd Flr Citis Square, Kg Jaya Setia (673 239 2555) FLEUR-DE-LYS L1/1 Seri Q-Lap Mall, Kiulap (673 223 1777) – Call for other branches FRATINI’S RESTAURANT #1 Grd Flr The Centrepoint Hotel, Gadong (673 245 1200) – Call for other branches HOME KITCHEN BY TREE-BIT CAFÉ D8 & D9 Lot 11620 Grd Flr Jln Gadong, Kg Mata-Mata (673 242 9366) KITCHEN OF JASMINE BY ARANDA CAFÉ #17, Blk E, Atiya Complex, Spg 100, Jln Jerudong (673 899 7333)
PASTAMANIA #9 Grd Flr Blk H Abdul Razak Complex, Gadong (673 245 7441) – Call for other branches PEPPER LUNCH BRUNEI C9/10 Grd Flr Setia Kenangan II, Kg Kiulap (673 225 3000) QASEHMAISARA CAFÉ HOUSE #206-209 2nd Flr Plaza Athirah, Jln Kubah Makam DiRaja (673 278 9898) RBC LIFESTYLE Jln McArthur, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 222 0185/6) RMS DINER A5 Lot 308 Bgn Maju Jln Bunga Raya, Kuala Belait (673 334 7455)
MAGHERITA PIZZERIA #5 Blk A Scout Complex Jln Gadong, Kg Mata-Mata (673 868 8884)
ROVANSIL RESTAURANT #36-38 1st Flr Citis Square, Kg Jaya Setia (673 233 7129)
PADDINGTON HOUSE OF PANCAKES 3&4 Spg 58, Berakas (673 233 1668)
RED CANOPY CAFÉ #5 Blk C Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 245 3878)
BAOTIME This Melbournebased franchise opened its doors in Brunei just last year, offering customers a novel way of eating their steamed buns, or an Asian way of eating their burgers. Crispy chicken with sweet chili sauce or soft shell crab dressed in bold chili gravy nestled between two steamed bao buns – these are baogers that you need to try. And if you’re up for the challenge, try the 20cm tall Bao Tower made up of beef patties, crispy chicken, tofu and salad. Bao-licious! #2 Grd Flr Little Soho Spg 73-5-8, Batu Bersurat Tel: 673-8683333
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GALLERY SWENSEN’S
This San Francisco franchise first opened its doors to Brunei in 1996, and they remain our favourite purveyor of healthy meals and sweet desserts to this day. Located at The Mall, Gadong and Sengkurong, Swensen’s serves a wide selection of hearty food, desserts, beverages, ice cream cakes and takeaway novelties, not to mention their famous ice-cream sundaes. OPEN DAILY 10.30am-10.30pm; 1st Flr, The Mall, GADONG (673 245 1864) TASEK BRASSERIE
A perfect spot to dine with family and friends in the heart of the city, Tasek Brasserie provides casual dining in a relaxed atmosphere. Customers can enjoy light snacks and a cool mocktail while lounging at the outdoor pool, or dine on the variety of cuisine from their ala carte menu or sumptuous buffets. OPEN DAILY 6am-6pm; Radisson Hotel Jln Tasek, BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (673 224 4272) THE COLONY TEAROOM
A cozy European-style tearoom located at the Rizqun Wing of The Mall, Gadong, The Colony Tearoom recently expanded to new premises, offering with it a wider range of Mariage Fréres gourmet tea from Paris and light snacks. They also have an ‘All Day English Style’ tea set offering a daily selection of pastries, savoury finger food and scones. OPEN DAILY 10am-10pm; #2.16B 2nd Flr The Mall, GADONG (673 245 4325) THE EMPIRE HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB ATRIUM CAFÉ
The Atrium Café is located on level 3 of the main Atrium building, nestled amidst The Empire’s signature grand marble columns and offering
SORRISO RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA 14 Blk B Grd Flr Regent Square, Kiulap (673 223 3030)
BELLUNO CAFÉ #2 Blk C Kiarong Complex, Kg Kiarong (673 242 9010)
SWENSEN’S 2.34-2.36 2nd Flr The Mall, Gadong (673 245 1864)
BREW CAFÉ & BAKERY #47 Grd Flr Blk C Gadong Central, Menglait (673 242 7554)
URBN KITCHEN BY GOURMET CONSULTANT A5 Grd Floor Seri Purnama Complex, Kiulap (673 864 6793)
CAFFÉ VERVE #6A Spg 68, Jln Batu Bersurat (673 875 7382)
WING-IT #16 Grd Flr Citis Square, Kg Jaya Setia (673 722 4999) COFFEE & CAFES GOURMET, PREMIUM-GRADE, SPECIALTY COFFEE – THIS LIST ACCOMMODATES THE BEST OF THE BURGEONING LOCAL COFFEE INDUSTRY. ALTER EGO FUSION CAFÉ #2&3 Blk E Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap (673 223 0388)
FLOUR & BUTTER CAFÉ 29 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Hassan Abdullah, Menglait (673 242 2323) GAMES & LATTES CAFÉ #E9 Grd Flr Blk E Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap (673 223 5200) GLORIA JEAN’S COFFEE G17 Citis Square, Berakas (673 233 8452)
M-STRIKE BILLIARDS HOUSE & CAFÉ Blk E 1st Flr Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap (673 242 0518)
THE LIBRARY CAFÉ #6 Blk C Bangunan Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap
NER DEE CAFÉ #F11 1st Flr Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap (673 721 4977)
DIVINE DINING EXQUISITE MEALS IN BEAUTIFUL SETTINGS – PERFECT FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS
PEPPERMINT CAFÉ 14, Blk A, Grd Floor, Spg 493, Beribi (673 8221888)
ATRIUM CAFÉ The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 241 8888)
PICCOLO CAFÉ #11 Jln McArthur, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 224 1558) RACK & BREW #9 Blk H 1st & 2nd Flr Abdul Razak Complex, Gadong (673 729 9668) RAFIA’S VK CAFÉ G13 Citis Square, Kg Jaya Setia (673 890 6990) RAN’S COFFEE 1st Flr The Centrepoint Hotel Abdul Razak Complex Terminal 1 T1-05, Gadong (673 869 7700)
ANOTHER CAFÉ #2 Grd Flr Blk A Bgn Hj Abd Rahman & Hjh Siti Ajar, Kiulap (673 223 3593)
HIGH FREQUENCY LIFESTYLE CAFÉ 1st Flr Unit 5 Blk B Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 242 8262)
BARISTAS BY MODESTO Grd Flr Foor Areana Seri Q-Lap Mall, Kg Kiulap (673 720 3777/223 7771)
IT’S A GRIND COFFEEHOUSE 1, Grd Floor, Bgn Al-Warasah, Muara Town (673 277 2424) – call for other branches
THE FRENZ CAFÉ Grd Flr #13 Blk A Q-lap Complex, Kg Kiulap (673 279 1374)
BEANERY & CO #81 A/1 Grd Flr, Jln Bunga Rambai, Kuala Belait (673 334 7772)
KAPRA COFFEE #26 Grd Flr Blk C Spg 440, Jln Muara (673 234 5656)
THE KREMA COFFEE #D31 Lim Eng Ming Complex Blk D, Kg Kiulap (673 897 3600)
DYNASTY RESTAURANT Grd Flr The Centrepoint Hotel, Gadong (673 243 0185) FRATINI’S RESTAURANT Blk H Yayasan Complex Waterfront Side, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 223 1466) – Call for other branches I-LOTUS 20 Spg 12-26 Perumahan Rakyat Jati, Kg Rimba (673 242 2466) LOBBY LOUNGE The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 241 8888) PANTAI RESTAURANT The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 241 8888) SAVY’S BRASSERIE 204 Lvl 2 Mabohai Shopping Complex, Mabohai (673 224 0829)
ADVERTISERS
biG listings
GALLERY a spectacular view of the sea. Buffet breakfast and á la carte lunch are available from Monday to Friday, offering a variety of international and local cuisine. OPEN 6.30am-10.30am (buffet breakfast) / 11.30am-3pm (à la carte lunch) / 2pm-4pm (à la carte lunch – on Fridays only) LOBBY LOUNGE
The perfect place for casual or formal get-togethers or just to enjoy a cup of tea – the Lobby Lounge offers a selection of refreshments throughout the day and their popular traditional English High Tea in the afternoons. OPEN DAILY 8am-10pm / 2pm-6pm (Daily Afternoon Tea) PANTAI RESTAURANT
Offering semi buffet meals combined
THE MANHATTAN FISH MARKET Good news for seafood lovers – award-winning seafood franchise The Manhattan FISH MARKET opened its first outlet in Kiulap in January, bringing with them their signature all-American style seafood from their Mediterranean Baked Fish to their Grilled Flaming Lobster Platter. If you’re feeling particularly hungry for seafood, order their massive Manhattan Flaming Seafood Platter – a dish that is ‘flamed’ right at the table! Lot F7 & F8 Setia Kenangan II Spg 150-17-20, Kiulap Tel: 673-2234140
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
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biG listings
ADVERTISERS
GALLERY
FOOD ON THE MOVE The food truck is a totally new concept to Brunei’s roads. They can easily go where the hungry crowds are, turn up at any swinging festival and they can also be your personal caterer, parked on your lawn. The best thing about a mobile restaurant is that they can whip up fresh, hot food from their kitchen, rain or shine. The Food Brigade (FB & Instagram: thefoodbrigade) is usually stationed at the Jubilee Park where joggers go for a good calorieburning workout, but we go there for their juicy burgers and fries, and envious stares from passing joggers do not deter us. The Food Brigade moves around town so check their FB or Instagram for their whereabouts for the day. SENJA RESTAURANT 8&9 Grd Flr Seri Kiulap Complex, Kiulap (673 223 5313) SPAGHETTINI The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 241 8888) TARINDAK D’POLO Royal Brunei Polo & Riding Club, Jerudong (673 261 2500) TARINDAK D’SENI Brunei Arts & Handicrafts Centre, Kota Batu (673 224 0422)
PURELAND VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT #15 Blk B Grd Flr Bgn Hj Awg Ahmad bin Hassan & Anakanak, Kiulap (673 223 6503) THE ENERGY KITCHEN Grd Flr Fitness Zone Kiulap (673 223 3323) TIEN HSING VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT Bangunan Hj Abdullah, Jalan Gadong, Menglait
GO GREEN HEALTHY AND VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY OPTIONS
QUICK EATS FAST AND DELICIOUS MEALS FOR THOSE ON THE GO BENTO BROTHERS #B19 Blk B Bgn Habza Spg 150, Kg Kiulap (673 2236800)
MITUO VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT Grd Flr Pg Anak Puteri Norain Complex, Batu Satu (673 222 2821)
NASI KATOK MAMA EXPRESS 3 Blk A Grd Flr Kompleks Madang, Madang (673 864 1681)
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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
PAN & WOK #28A Grd Flr Airport Mall, Kg Jaya Setia (673 234 2836) THE TUCKSHOP KOPITIAM Blk C #5 Grd Flr Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap (673 223 3775) NON-HALAL OPTIONS DANES CAFÉ #102, Bgn Batu Bersurat, Jln Batu Bersurat (673 242 8914) PHONGMUN RESTAURANT 2nd Flr Teck Guan Plaza Jln Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 222 9561) SUI HENG RESTAURANT Grd Flr Hj Munchit & Hjh Rapiah Complex, Kg Jaya Setia (673 233 8321)
Casbah London Kebab’s (FB & Instagram: casbahlondonkebab) van is for hire and this is one mobile restaurant you will want parked near you. One whiff of the flavoursome grilled meat will send all your neighbours out of their homes to check out the aromatic situation. Yes, besides serving tasty kebabs in pita bread, it will double up as an instrument of goodwill.
with daily specials, the elegant Pantai Restaurant offers a Daily Asian buffet dinner from 6pm to 9pm with a wide variety of tantalising options to choose from, or enjoy a midday meal with the family at their popular Weekend Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. OPEN 6.30pm-10pm (closed Thursdays) / 11am-3pm (Weekend Brunch) POOL DECK
Located at the Beachfront on Level 1, enjoy the breeze from the beachside while you sip on cool beverages and enjoy light snacks in view of the swimming pool. OPEN DAILY 7am-9pm SPAGHETTINI
Fine dining at its best, this restaurant offers authentic Italian and contemporary Mediterranean cuisine in divine settings, with a Daily Mediterranean à la carte dinner from 6pm to 10pm. A private room is available upon request for special occasions. OPEN DAILY 6am-6pm ZEN PAVILION
Located just beyond Pantai Restaurant on Level 1, Zen Pavilion offers customers an exclusive dining experience, watching chefs prepare excellent dishes on the teppanyaki grill with flare and offering some of the most authentic Japanese cuisine. Daily à la carte dinner is available. OPEN 6pm-9pm (closed Thursdays) – advance booking is required ZEST
A stylish café located at the Atrium on Level 5, enjoy a hot beverage with a selection of pastries, cakes, savoury treats, confectionary and chocolates, made fresh daily with the finest quality ingredients. OPEN DAILY 24 hours (midnight-6am for Empire Hotel residents only)
biG listings
Sabah & Sarawak
HOT ROD SAUSAGE HOUSE No 1-G-02 Blk A Warisan Square, Kota Kinabalu (6016 804 3999)
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.
HUT STEAK HOUSE & RESTAURANT 29 Blk E Damai Plaza, Kota Kinabalu (6088 238 558)
Credit Cards : AE | American Express MC | MasterCard V | Visa
EAT (SABAH) BAR TZAR BISTRO Lot 12 The Waterfront Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 260 211) 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)
SCOOPEE If ever there was an ice cream bar to chill out on a hot day, then this is it. Scoopee’s great tasting softserve ice cream comes in a variety of cool flavours such as lemon, orange, watermelon, pistachio and matcha, with toppings that include honeycomb, caramel, popcorn, cotton candy and Oreo cookies. From just ice cream and coffee, Scoopee has expanded its menu to include lunch for those who want a good meal before indulging in a sweet treat. Location: 21-0, Ground Floor, Block H, Lintas Square, Kota Kinabalu Business hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11am – 12am
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JOTHY’S FISH HEAD CURRY & BANANA LEAF Blk 1 Lot G9 Api Api Centre, Kota Kinabalu (6088 261 595)
CABO Lot 32-0, Lorong Lintas Plaza 3, Kota Kinabalu (6088) 252 182 - Mexican cuisine
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 833 2308)
CAFÉ DE VIE Lot D-0-6 Lorong Metro Town 3, Kota Kinabalu (6088 393 863)
GAM TONG HONG KONG RECIPE Lot G-823 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 488 833)
KAMPUNG NELAYAN Taman Tun Fuad Bukit Padan, Kota Kinabalu (6088 256 001)
CIRCLE RESTAURANT Le Meridien Hotel, Kota Kinabalu (6088 322 222) EMPEROR’S DELIGHT Lot 6 Grd Flr Jln Pantai, Kota Kinabalu (6088 288 686) FONG IP CAFÉ Lot 100 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 213 618)
GRAND PORT VIEW SEA VIEW RESTAURANT 16 Jln Tun Fuad Stephen, Kota Kinabalu (6088 538 178) HANA JAPANESE RESTAURANT Lot S21&S22 Blk E City Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 538 178)
KIRISHIMA JAPANESE RESTAURANT Cititel Express No 1 Jln Singgah Mata 1 Asia City, Kota Kinabalu (6088 217 868) KOHINOOR NORTH INDIAN RESTAURANT Lot 4 The Waterfront Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 235 160)
KOREAN CLUB RESTAURANT 4 Jln Aru, Kota Kinabalu (6088 232 213) KUDOS BISTRO 69 Gaya Street (inside Jesselton Hotel), Kota Kinabalu (6088 313 366) LA FUENTE G-816 Grd Flr 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 488 000) LA SAFRAN Grd Flr, The Peak Vista, Blk B, Lorong Puncak 1, Tg Lipat, 88400 Kota Kinabalu Tel: (6088) 266 489 - non-halal French cuisine LITTLE ITALY Grd Flr Hotel Capital Jln Hj Saman, Kota Kinabalu (6088 232 231) MAD BEN CAFÉ Lot 121, Jalan Gaya, 88000 Kota Kinabalu Tel: (6088) 255 073 - classic western food MAI YAI THAI ORCHID RESTAURANT Lot 13 KK Waterfront, Kota Kinabalu (6088 234 841)
MDM ING FISH NOODLE Lot 21 Towering Koidupan Perdana Jln Tambunan, Penampang (6016 831 8726) MR HO’S FINE FOODS L-72-G Grd Flr Blk L KK Times Square Phase 1, Kota Kinabalu (6088 222 623) NAGASAKI JAPANESE RESTAURANT No 19 Grd Flr Bangunan Harrison Jln Hj Saman, Kota Kinabalu (6088 216 623) NAM CHAI RESTAURANT BAH KUT TEH 10 Blk D Bdr Nam Tung, Sandakan (6089 612 603) NAN YANG CHIC KUT TEH Grd Flr Lot 47 Jln Pantai, Kota Kinabalu (6016 833 5722) NATURAL KITCHEN Lot No B10 & B11, Suria Sabah Shoppin Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 487 180) NISHIKI JAPANESE RESTAURANT Shop 4 Grd Flr 63 Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu (6088 230 582)
biG listings
OCTOBER COFFEE HOUSE Blk B The Peak Vista Lorong Puncak 1 Tjg Lipat, Kota Kinabalu (6010 346 954) OPEN KITCHEN Grd Flr, Unit 8, Blk 1, Metro Town, 88300 Kota Kinabalu Tel: (6088) 254 161 - Asian food incorporating health conscious ingredients PANCAKE HOUSE Concourse Flr 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 448 110) Lot G94-94A Karamunsing Complex, Kota Kinabalu (6088 319 168) PARTY PLAY 117 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 311 210) PASTA PASTA 108 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6014 371 4665) PEPPERMINT VIETNAMESE CUISINE No. 85 Grd Flr Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6012 802 4582)
PORT VIEW SEAFOOD VILLAGE Lot 18 The Waterfront Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 221 753) RESTAURANT BABA & NYONYA RECIPE Blk E Grd Flr Grand Millennium Plaza, Penampang (6016 810 8206) 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) SAKURA JAPANESE RESTAURANT G-23A & G-25, Oceanus Waterfront Mall Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, 88000 Kota Kinabalu Tel: (6088) 273 604 - Japanese cuisine
SANTOLA CAFÉ Lot 14 Blk B Damai Point, Kota Kinabalu (6088 260 188) SENG HING RESTAURANT Ruang Sinsugan 2, Kota Kinabalu (6088 211 594) SEREMBAN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT Lot 126 Blk O Plaza Permai, Kota Kinabalu (6088 484 922) SUANG TAIN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT Lot 12 Blk A Grd Flr SEDCO Complex, Kota Kinabalu (6088 223 080) SUPUL KOREAN BBQ RESTAURANT Lot S-1-8 1st Flr City Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 448 844) TOSCANI’S Lot 14 The Waterfront Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 242 879)
VINO VINO BISTRO Unit J-57, 1st Flr, KK Times Square, 88100 Kota Kinabalu Tel: (6088) 486 363 - non-halal European fare with extensive wine collection 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) YU KEE BAK KUT TEH 74, Jln Gaya, 88000, Kota Kinabalu Tel: (6088) 221 192 - All pork dishes served in herbal soup
EAT (SARAWAK) A ONE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT Lrg Chew Siik Hiong 1, Sibu (6084 215 803)
ABSOLUTE TRIBAL RESTAURANT Hills Shopping Mall, Kuching (6082 237 468)
BEEI JING RESTAURANT SDN BHD 157 Jln Kg Nyabor, Sibu (6084 330 955)
ALFIAN RESTAURANT 52 Pekan Marudi, Marudi (6085 755 215)
BISMI RESTAURANT 27 Jln Sommerville, Bintulu (6086 331 835)
ALL JOY CAFÉ 8-1 Jln Khoo Hun Yeang, Kuching (6082 243 535)
BITES BY THE BATIK 38 Jln Pandungan, Kuching (6082 422 845)
APOLLO SEAFOOD CENTRE 4 Jln Yu Seng Selatan, Miri (6085 420 813)
BLA BLA BLA 27, Jln Tabuan, 93000 Kuching Tel: (6082) 233 944 - Chinese-inspired fusion dishes
APPLE RESTAURANT 78 Jln Tun Ahmad Zaidi, Bintulu (6086 333 377) AROMA CAFÉ 126 Jln Tabuan, Kuching (6082 417 163) ASIAN EXPRESS RESTAURANT G40 The Spring, Kuching (6082 414 088) BEE HIONG RESTAURANT CAFÉ 157G Jln Muhibbah, Lawas (6085 285 137)
BLACK BEAN COFFE & TEA 87, Ewe Hai Street, 93000 Kuching (6082) 420 290 - Most aromatic shop in town with the finest brews BOARDRIDERS CAFÉ Plaza Merdeka Jln Pearl, Kuching (6082 237 526) BOULEVARD RESTAURANT 2228 Jln Saberkas, Lutong (6085 653 175)
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
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biG listings BUENAS FILIPINO LECHON & RESTAURANT 329 Jln Tj Batu, Bintulu (6086 310 860) CAFÉ CAFÉ AT ORIGINAL CARWASH Lot 211-214, Section 9, KTLD, Rubber Rd, Kuching Tel: (6082) 256 396 - Asian and western fare including Nyonya and Foochow cuisine CAFÉ MIN XIN Lot 1126-27 Riam Comm Centre, Miri (6085 628 839) CAPITAL RESTAURANT 86 Jln Keppel, Bintulu (6086 331 160) CARVERY RESTAURANT Jln Abell, Kuching (6082 239 449) CASABELLA MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT Crown Square, Kuching (6082 346 612) CHEF AT HOME Lorong Green 1 Blk 10, Kuching (6016 858 5159) CHUAN HONG RESTAURANT 123 Jln Council Saman (6083 322 466) CROWN DYNASTY RESTAURANT Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Bintulu (6086 335 908) CUPPA-KAP COFFEE Jln Song, Kuching (6019 8869636) DA MI XIANG GU TOU BAO RESTAURANT Tabuan Hts Comm Centre, Kuching (6082 458 952) DYNASTY CHINESE RESTAURANT Oil Town Comm Complex, Miri (6085 424 000) EARTHLINGS COFFEE WORKSHOP Coffee shop, roaster, academy Lot 45, Grd Flr, No.1, CityONE Megamall, Jln Song EAST COURT CHICKEN RICE 867 Jln Club SAman (6083 326 818)
FAC BRAVO RESTAURANT 7778 Jln Sultan Iskandar, Bintulu (6086 316 920) FARLEY RESTAURANT 1721 Jln Salim, Sibu (6019 816 3052)
LOK THIAN RESTAURANT 317 Jln Padungan, Kuching (6082 3313 310)
FISHERMAN RESTAURANT 4 Jln Chew Geok Lin, Sibu (6084 316 888)
LU LAI VEGETARIAN 3641, Lrg 2 Off Jln Rock, Kuching (6082 242 863)
FRATINI’S RESTAURANT 2512 Jln Boulevard 3, Miri (6085 431 115)
LUCKY RESTAURANT 65C G Pekan Marudi, Marudi (6085 755 562)
FU LAI SIANG RESTAURANT 108 Jln Pekan Bt Niah, Bt Niah (6085 737 168)
LYN’S THANDOORI RESTAURANT 7 Jln Song Thian Cheok, Kuching (6082 234 934)
GOLDEN CITY RESTAURANT 87, Jln Ong Chu Seng, Saratok (6083 436 139)
MANGO TREE RESTAURANT Jalan Crookshank, Kuching (6082 235 353)
HIGHLANDS SEAFOOD RESTAURANT 298 Jln Tj Bt, Bintulu (6086 318 828) HOCK CHU LEU RESTAURANT 28 Jln Tukang Besi, Sibu (6084 316 524) IMPERIAL DUCK RESTAURANT 313 Jln Padungan, Kuching (6082 336 313) JAMES BROOKE BISTRO & CAFÉ Western and signature local cuisine by the waterfront Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 93100 Kuching Tel: (6082) 412 210 JUBILEE RESTAURANT 49G Jln India, Kuching (6082 245 626) KHAN’S BILAL RESTAURANT 229-G Jln Maju, Miri (6085 418 440) KIM BAY HK MACAU RESTAURANT Boulevard Shopping Mall Jln Datuk Tawi, Kuching (6082 239 308) KOREANA RESTAURANT 10002 Jln Tun Jugah, Kuching (6082 575 072) KUCHING NOODLE PORRIDGE HOUSE 115-1 Wisma Saberkas, Kuching (6082 426 005)
ESCOBAR SF3 Damai Cenral Pantai Damai Santubong, Kuching (6014 288 1160)
L.L. BANANA LEAF 7G Lorong Rubber 1 Jln Rubber, Kuching (6082 239 404)
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
LIM HOCK ANN 96 1 Jln Kg Kuntal, Kuching (6082 846 533)
FEAST & FURIOUS CAFÉ 244, Jln Tunku Abdul Rahman (6016 2620916)
EDEN EVERISE Wisma Nation Horizon, Block C, Kuching (6016 888 4522)
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LI GARDEN RESTAURANT Hock Lee Centre, Kuching (6082 340 785)
MAP RESTAURANT Bang Terminal, Kuching (6082 459 087) MARCO POLO RESTAURANT 116A BDA Shahida, Bintulu (6086 332 458) MEDAN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT 56, Jln Mdn Setiaraja, Mukah (6084 874 145) MERRY RESTAURANT 187 Jln Song Thian Cheok, Kuching (6082 240 118)
METRO CAFÉ 781 Jln Bangkita, Limbang (6085 215 488)
18, Grd Flr, 2nd Precinct, Jln Setia Raja 93450 Kuching Tel: (6082) 459 162
MIN HUA (89) RESTAURANT G 13 Jln Bintang Utara, Bintangor (6084 693 240)
POPULAR CORNER SEAFOODS RESTAURANT Bda Shahida Commercial Centre, Bintulu (6086 319 688)
MOMOYAMA Wisma Phoenix, Kuching (6082 420 561) MY LITTLE KITCHEN Home cooked style Scandinavian food inspired by the owner’s grandma’s recipes 56, Upper China Street, D’tea Pavilion, Friendship Park Jln Song, Kuching Tel: (6016) 858 6669 NAM HOI RESTAURANT 110 Jln Penrissen Bt 7, Kuching (6082 612 379) ORION TROPICAL Jln Merpati, Miri (6085 417 417) PADUNGAN RESTAURANT 268 Jln Tunku Abd Rahman, Kuching (6082 233 417) PATZ DAYAK HOME COOK SPECIAL New Fulll 3 Foodcourt, Stutong (next to Giant Hypermart, Tabuan Jaya) (6016 864 4763) PIN PIN CAFÉ 18 Jln Krokong Bau (6082 763 486) PINANG NYONYA Non-halal nyonya cuisine
PORTICO 17A Lorong Park Lane, Kuching (6019 819 8046) POT & GRILL RESTAURANT 9 Jln Tun Abd Rahman Yaakub, Kuching (6082 425 525) REJANG RESTAURANT 6 Lrg Lanang 2 Sibu (6016 860 2636) ROBATA YAKI 493 Jln Rambutan, Kuching (6082 235 372) ROCK ROAD SEAFOOD RESTAURANT 1230 Jln Rock Bt 2½ , Kuching (6082 241 575) SAJIAN WARISAN RESTAURANT 537 Jln Gartak, Miri (6085 429 911) SALLEH’S CORNER CAFÉ RPR Phase 2 Shoplot Jln Astana Petra Jaya, Kuching (6012 807 8033) SEA VIEW RESTAURANT G Pusat Tmn SDagang, Bintulu (6086 334 929)
TWENTY2 CRUST PIZZA As a home-grown pizza restaurant that opened in the interior town of Tambunan, Twenty2 Crust Pizza is proof that people would go to great lengths for that perfect slice of pizza. Bringing their own brand of thin and thick crust pizza, generously topped with tender morsels of grilled meat, fresh vegetables and cheese, Twenty2 Crust Pizza appeals to those who enjoy their pizza with lots of flavour. They also have burgers, pasta, rice, soups, salads and desserts. Their reasonably priced beverage list is a bonus. Location: Lot 44, Ground Floor, Block F, Plaza 333, Penampang Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 5pm – 11pm (opens for lunch 11.30am – 2.30pm on Fri, Sat and Sun)
biG listings
SEVENTY2 RESTAURANT 894 Jln Permaisuri, Miri (6085 366 318) SHABU-KUN RESTAURANT 253 Jln Tj Bt, Bintulu (6086 317 311) SHERATON RESTAURANT 37 Psn Brooke, Sibu (6084 336 341) SIN LUNG SHENG FU TIAO QIANG RESTAURANT 10788 Jln Simpang Tiga, Kuching (6082 231 260) SIN SOON CHIN RESTAURANT 2415 Jln Boulevard 2, Miri (6012 808 5456) SRI MENANTI COFFEE HOUSE RESTAURANT 15 Lrg Pahlawan 7b, Sibu (6084 218 196) SURABAYA RESTAURANT 288 Jln Bendahara, Miri (6085 411 239) SUSHI KIN The Spring, Kuching (6082 245 355) SUSHI TIE-TTS Wisma Sanyan, Sibu (6084 342 875)
TEN-ICHI JAPANESE RESTAURANT 317 Jln Padungan, Kuching (6082 331 310) TEO SEAFOOD 787 Jln Kg Buntal, Kuching (6082 846 532) THE BANQUET 4560 Jln Datuk Tawi Sli, Kuching (6082 451 414) THE DYAK RESTAURANT Indigenous Dayak cuisine Sublot 29, Grd Flr, Panovel Commercial Complex, Jln Simpang Tiga, 93300, Kuching (6016) 868 0071
TOPSPOT BUKIT MATA SEAFOOD CENTRE Halal seafood centre with seafood fresh off the boats Jln Padungan, Bukit Mata, Kuching (6019) 889 9838
IDEAL CAFÉ & GRILL Abdul Razak Complex Tel: +673 2420596 +673 2456244
TRIBAL STOVE Blk H Jln Borneo Taman Sri, Kuching (6082 234 873)
IDEAL CAFÉ & GRILL Delima Jaya Complex Tel: +673 2341104 +673 2341493
WANG HIN RESTAURANT 1 Soon Hup Comm Complex, Miri (6085 413 129) WARUNG NASI KUNING Jln Tun Jugah, Kuching (6016 809 1286)
THE JUNK Western fare 80, Jln Wayang, 93000 Kuching (6082) 259 450
WEI THIAN RESTAURANT Golden Square, Siburan (6082 862 968)
TIAN XIAN RELISH RESTAURANT 313 Jln Melaka Raya, MC (606 288 1120)
XIN TSUI SIANG KITCHEN Wisma Nation Horizon Blk D, Kuching (6082 414 616)
TONG LOK RESTAURANT 1367 Jln Buangsiol, Limbang (6085 216 188)
YUN YAN RESTAURANT Stutong Comm Centre, Kuching (6082 366 115)
TONG XIN COURT RESTAURANT 151 Lrg Datuk Abang Abd Rahim 5a, Kuching (6082 482 252)
IDEAL CAFÉ & GRILL GP-Goodwood Building Tel: +673 2453254 +673 2455595
ZHUN SAN YEN VEGETARIAN FOOD Lot 165 Jln Chan Ann, Kuching (6082 230 068)
IDEAL CAFÉ & GRILL Petani Mall Tutong Tel: +673 4220745 Fax: +673 4220744
Gelato
IDEAL CAFÉ & GRILL Mentiri Tel: +673 4220745 Fax: +673 4220744
Sausage Meal Nasi Lemak
Belgium Waffle
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
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biG essentials
BRUNEI BANKS Banks in Brunei Darussalam are usually open Mondays to Fridays, 9am - 4pm and on Saturdays, 9am 11am. Some banks have branches with later closing times. Islamic banks follow the same operation hours except on Fridays when they are closed for prayers between 11am - 2.30pm. Cash withdrawals and deposits can be made from Automated Teller Machines (ATM) that can be found in various shopping complexes and bank branches all over the country. ATM cards affiliated with the international Plus or Cirrus systems are accepted at most ATMs.
CREDIT CARDS VISA and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards in hotels, restaurants and major shopping complexes. Some establishments accept American Express.
$
60
Money Changer Licensed money changers can be found at the airport, hotels, various shopping complexes and banks. To cash or exchange travelers cheques, visit major international banks in the capital.
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
TELECOMMUNICATIONS FRIDAY PRAYER TIME All retail, food and beverage outlets and business offices are closed between 12 noon and 2pm on Fridays to observe the Friday prayer time for Muslims.
Most public phones operate on calling cards such as Hello card, Netkad and Payless. These cards can be purchased at any store and comes in $5, $10, $20 and $50 denominations. Prepaid calling cards for the two mobile telephone operators, DST and Progresif Cellular, can be purchased from their respective authorised dealers in major shopping areas.
Taxis
Islamic Etiquette Although Islam is the state religion of Brunei Darussalam, it is also a country that prides itself on the diversity of its people – including their religions. Visitors are welcome to mosques, provided some etiquette is followed. In general, proper attire is required; women are required to cover their head, shoulders, and knees. Some mosques will provide simple robes and shawls to meet these standards. Shoes are to be removed before entering a mosque. Please do not pass in front of people in prayer, and do not touch the Al-Quran. Please ask for permission before taking photographs – particularly inside! Mosques are usually closed on Thursday and Friday, and during prayer times – your hotel, tour guide, or Muslim locals can help you determine a good time to visit.
INFORMATION
CENTRE
Located at the Kg. Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery (9am - 2pm). Visitors can obtain information about Brunei and related pamphlets and maps free from here.
BUSES There are six bus routes servicing the BSB area: the Central Line, Circle Line, Eastern Line, Southern Line, Western Line and Northern Line. Normal operating hours are from 6.30am - 6pm. Bus fares start from B$1.00. Buses heading to other towns in Brunei such as Tutong, Kuala Belait and Seria depart from the bus terminal located at the multistorey carpark on Jalan Cator in BSB.
WATER
Smoking Smoking is prohibited in both air-conditioned and non airconditioned areas in Brunei Darussalam. Smoking is banned in specific places, including government buildings, hospitals, recreational and educational centres, public transport and restaurants. Offenders could be fined.
Metered taxis can be found at the airport, hotels, shopping centres, and the central bus station in Bandar Seri Begawan. For your convenience it is also recommended to take your preferred taxi driver’s number to organize prearranged trips.
TAXIS Unique to Brunei, the water taxi is the most common means of transportation in Kampong Ayer. You can hail a water taxi from the numerous jetties along the banks of Brunei River. Fares are negotiable but usually a standard ride costs about B$1.00. Regular boat services to Temburong operate between 7.45am to 4pm daily and a round trip costs B$15.00.
FERRY SERVICES Passenger ferry services to the Malaysian island of Labuan operate from 7am to 4pm and departs from the Serasa Terminal in Muara town. The journey takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
USEFUL local Malay words Good morning Good afternoon Goodnight Thank you You’re welcome What is your name? My name is … Excuse me Yes No How much? Where is the toilet? I want to go to … Turn right Turn left
Selamat pagi
Jalan terus
Selamat petang
Lapangan Terbang
Go straight Airport Selamat malam Town Terima kasih Home Sama-sama Shops Siapa nama awda? Eat Nama saya … Drink Maafkan saya Walk Ya Chicken Tidak Beef Berapa? Seafood Di mana tandas? Vegetables Saya mahu pergi ke... Rice Belok ke kanan 1, 2, 3...
Bandar Rumah Kedai Makan Minum Jalan-jalan Ayam Daging Makanan laut Sayur-sayuran Nasi Satu, Dua, Tiga...
Belok ke kiri
NUMBERS TO NOTE
FOREIGN MISSIONS
EMERGENCY Police 993 Fire 995 Ambulance 991 Directory enquiries 113 Darussalam Hotline 123
Australia 222 9436/426 Bangladesh 223 8420 Cambodia 242 6450 Canada 222 0043
Unit 1.45B, First Floor The Mall, Abdul Razak Complex Gadong, Brunei, BE3519 Tel: (673) 245 7700
China 233 9609
FLIGHT INFORMATION General 2331747
France 222 0969/961
Opening Hours: 10am - 10pm
Germany 222 5574
AIRLINES Royal Brunei Airlines 2212222, 2240500 Air Asia 2333045 Singapore Airlines 2244901/2/3/4 Cebu Pacific Air 2222666, 2227965, 2239888 MEDICAL SERVICES RIPAS Hospital 2242424 Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) 2611433 Gleneagles JPMC 2611212 Tutong Hospital 4221336 Ext 991 Kuala Belait Hospital 3332366 Ext 991 Temburong Hospital 5221526 Ext 127
India 233 9685
www.missha.net
Indonesia 233 0180 Japan 222 9265/6010 Korea 233 0248 Laos 238 4382 Malaysia 238 1095/1097 Myanmar 245 1960/1965 Pakistan 242 4600 Philippines 224 1465/1466 Russia 261 2142 Saudi Arabia 279 2822/2823 Singapore 226 2714/2742 Thailand 265 3108 United Kingdom 222 2231 USA 238 4616 Vietnam 265 1580/1587
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
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biG essentials
Tourist Information Centre
SABAH Banks
Banks open from 9am to 4pm from Mondays to Fridays and are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. ATM machines are available 24 hours. Major shopping malls also have ATM machines and are available during operating hours.
CREDIT CARDS Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards at hotels, restaurants and major shopping malls. Some establishments do accept American Express.
$
Money Changer
Licensed money changers can be found at the airport, shopping malls, hotels and major banks.
SARAWAK Banks
Banks open from 9.30am to 3pm from Mondays to Fridays and are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. ATM machines are available 24 hours. Major shopping malls also have ATM machines and are available during operating hours.
CREDIT CARDS Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards at hotels, restaurants and major shopping malls. Some establishments do accept American Express.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Buses
There are three main bus terminals that operate regular services. The terminal along Jalan Tun Razak provides services within the city and its outskirts. For destinations south of the city (Papar, Beaufort, Tenom, Tambunan, Keningau), use the terminal near Padang Merdeka. For any other destinations north of the city and all the way to the east coast towns of Sandakan, Tawau, Lahad Datu and Semporna, you have to take a bus to the Kota Kinabalu North Bus Terminal in Inanam and from there proceed to your destination of choice. Kinabalu Park is located en route from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan.
AIR TRAVEL
Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) is the second busiest airport in Malaysia and is the main terminal for Malaysia Airlines, MASWings, Firefly, Royal Brunei Airlines, Dragonair, Silkair and Asiana Airlines. Terminal 2 caters to low-cost carriers Air Asia, Cebu Pacific and Eastar Jet.
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A free city-tram service is available for sightseeing around Kuching with pick up points at designated hotels. A daily bus service between Kuching and the airport operates from 6am-7pm and takes 40 minutes. The main intercity bus terminal is at Penrissen Bus Terminal southeast of Kuching. Ask Tourism Information Centres for bus timetables; a ‘green bus’ in the Kuching area goes to Santubong (SCV).
AIR TRAVEL
Kuching International Airport services airlines to destinations within Malaysia and overseas via Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia, Firefly, Tiger Airways, Royal Brunei, Silk Air and Batavia Air (Pontianak, Kalimantan). A network of services using smaller aircrafts provides access to remote destinations within Sarawak such as Bario, Mulu and Ba Kelalan.
Licensed money changers can be found at the airport, shopping malls, hotels and major banks. Some money changers may not accept foreign currency in small denomination or notes with a date or serial number that they don’t approve of.
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
Taxis
Taxis are available at both airport terminals and cost about RM30.00 to get to the city. The journey takes between 10-15 minutes. Within the city, taxi stations are located next to major shopping malls and hotels. Long distance taxi services can be found next to Padang Merdeka.
Buses
Money Changer
$
It is possible to make IDD phone calls at payphones using coins or call cards. Prepaid calling cards are also widely available by authorized dealers at shopping malls. Most major hotels have WIFI facility either in their guest rooms or public areas. An increasing number of restaurants now have WIFI zones too. Cybercafés offer very affordable rates for internet services.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
It is possible to make IDD phone calls at payphones using coins or call cards. Prepaid calling cards are also widely available by authorized dealers at shopping malls. Most major hotels have WIFI facility either in their guest rooms or public areas. An increasing number of restaurants now have WIFI zones too. Cybercafés offer very affordable rates for internet services.
Sabah Tourism Board Jalan Gaya Tel: (6088) 212 121 Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sinsuran Complex Tel: (6088) 232 121 Tourism Malaysia (Sabah) Api Api Centre Tel: (6088) 211 732 Visitors’ Information Centre Terminal 1 Tel: (6088) 413 359 Visitors’ Information Centre Terminal 2 Tel: (6088) 447 075
Ferry Services Jesselton Point is the main terminal for boats to the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park islands and to Labuan Island. If you wish to drive to Labuan, use the ferry terminal at Menumbok south of the city where car ferries are available.
Express Boats and Ferry Services A boat service locally known as tambang is available for the short trip across Kuching River to the riverside villages on the other side and along the river for sightseeing. Fast and comfortable express boats connect coastal towns (Kuching, Sibu, Kapit) and villages on the major rivers in Sarawak. The Express Ferry Terminal in Kuching offers trips to Sibu and onwards to Kapit for upriver journeys. Take a bus from Sibu to Miri for ferries to Brunei and onwards to Labuan island and Kota Kinabalu.
Taxis
Taxi fare from Kuching Tourist airport to the city cost about Information Centre RM22.00 per way. Taxies are easily found at large hotels, or at taxi stands in all the major towns in Sarawak. Taxis don’t use meters so always negotiate the fare before getting into a cab!
Kuching Visitors’ Information Centre Tel: (6082) 410 944/2 Miri Visitors’ Information Centre Tel: (6085) 434 181 Sibu Visitors’ Information Centre Tel: (6084) 340 980
biG navigator Brunei Museum Jal a
Embassy Row
International Convention Centre
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Tasek Lama Recreational Park
Orchid Garden Hotel
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Takaful IBB Building
Jalan Roberts
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Dermaga Diraja Bandar Seri Begawan
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Jalan Tutong
Tamu Selera (Hawker Stalls)
Jalan
Batu Satu and RIPAS Hospital Jalan Ista
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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
Jalan S toney
Syariah Courts
na Daru
ssalam
Sumb i
ling
Dewan Bahasa (Library)
Yayasan SHHB Complex
Jalan McArthur
Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
Post Office
Public Transport
Shop
Restaurant
Place of Interest
Water Taxi
Bank/ ATM/ Money Changer
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biG navigator
Bangunan H Tahir A
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Bangunan H Tahir A
Gadong Fish & Night Markets
Block J Hj Tahir Complex 2
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Shakirin Comp
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
65
biG screen
MOVIES TO LOOK OUT FOR THIS QUARTER JUN JUN
The House MAY
STARRING: WILL FERRELL, AMY POEHLER
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
Wonder Woman STARRING: GAL GADOT, CHRIS PINE, ROBIN WRIGHT Diana (Gadot) has been trained to be a warrior from young. When an American plane crashes on the shores of her home, Paradise Island, the pilot reveals there’s going to be a war. Diana sets out to stop this war and discovers her super powers and her true destiny along the way.
STARRING: JOHNNY DEPP, JAVIER BARDEM, GEOFFREY RUSH Captain Salazar (Bardem) escapes from the Devil’s Triangle bent on taking the lives of every pirate at sea, particularly Captain Jack Sparrow, whose only hope for survival is retrieving the legendary Trident of Poseidon.
After they lose their daughter’s college fund, a couple decides to start an illegal casino in their basement to try to earn it all back in a few months, before their daughter can ever find out the truth.
JUN
The Mummy STARRING TOM CRUISE, SOFIA BOUTELLA, RUSSELL CROWE
APR
APR MAY
Born in China
The Circle
NARRATED BY: JOHN KRASINSKI
STARRING: EMMA WATSON, TOM HANKS, JOHN BOYEGA
Disneynature presents an adventure film starring a panda, a golden snub-nosed monkey and a snow leopard. Follow these animals through some of China’s most extreme locations and witness some intimate and heartwarming moments from these adorable animals.
Mae Holland takes a job at a powerful internet corporation, quickly rises up the company’s ranks, and soon finds herself in a perilous situation that involves privacy, surveillance and freedom. She comes to learn of the dark side of the industry.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 STARRING: CHRIS PRATT, ZOE SALDANA, VIN DIESEL, BRADLEY COOPER
Snatched STARRING: GOLDIE HAWN, AMY SCHUMER, IKE BARINHOLTZ, CHRISTOPHER MELONI When Emily (Schumer) is dumped by her boyfriend right before they’re about to take a trip to South America, she persuades her ultracautious mother (Hawn) to tag along instead.
MAY
The band of galaxy explorers: Star Lord, Gamora, Drax, Baby Groot, Rocket and Yondu must fight to keep their group together as they unravel the mysteries of Star Lord’s true parentage. 66
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
Though safely entombed in a crypt deep beneath the unforgiving desert, an ancient princess whose destiny was unjustly taken from her is awakened in our current day, bringing with her malevolence grown over millennia, and terrors that defy human comprehension.
THE MALL CINEPLEX @ LEVEL 3, THE MALL, GADONG 2422455 www.themallcineplex.com TIMES CINEPLEX@EMPIRE, EMPIRE HOTEL AND COUNTRY CLUB, JERUDONG 2610001 www.timescineplex.com/empirePSBdualplex TIMES SQUARE CINEPLEX @ 4TH FLOOR, TIMES SQUARE SHOPPING CENTRE, BERAKAS 2341122 www.timescineplex.com THE ARENA CINEPLEX @ SERI QLAP MALL, KG KIULAP 2230138 www.arena-cineplex.com TUTONG TIMES CINEPLEX @ BERJAYA COMPLEX, TUTONG 4220422 PSB DUALPLEX, SERIA @ F19, JALAN TENGAH, SERIA 3221437 www.facebook.com/PSBdualplex