Borneo Insider's Guide (BiG) April-June 2015

April | June 2015

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

biG dates

Events to look out for this quarter April 5-15

Editor’s Note There are times when I find myself discovering places of interest in Brunei through adventurous visitors to this country. These people may be passing through but they know more about certain awe-inspiring places than I do - much to my chagrin, as I’ve lived here over half my life.

Our peaceful little nook of a country harbours secret gems that make me wonder what else is out there, waiting to be unearthed. In this issue of BiG, our team invites you to join them on a journey of discovery in the Tutong district, where you’ll be reminded of the charm and authenticity of our beautiful country. Over in Kota Kinabalu, we take a terrifying trip into the headhunting past of a native warrior who inspired the Monsopiad Cultural Village in Penampang.

Publisher

CHMP MEDIA EDITOR-AT-LARGE

Wan Zainal Shazali EDITOR

Back in the urban world, we show you what’s hip and fun in the cities of Borneo. Whatever aspect of this island intrigues you, we believe there are facets still waiting to be uncovered, whether they involve landscapes, experiences or people. Check out our interview with Maricel Pamintuan, the Bruneian fashion designer who is turning heads with her

Pauline Chan ASSISTANT EDITOR

Intan Abu Daniel DESIGNER

creations on the international stage.

Novri Rinaldi

If you’re in Malaysia and need an infusion of Borneo’s wonderful sights and sounds, remember BiG magazine is sold at newsstands throughout Malaysia.

EditoriaL

Pamela Fletcher Iris Tan Nova Renata Johan Alias

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

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.

The events of the royal wedding between His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malek and Dk Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah will take place over 11 days, beginning with the Majlis Istiadat Bersuruh Diraja (the Royal marriage proposal ceremony). The Royal Wedding ceremony will take place on Sunday, 12th April 2015.

Groove along to the music at the 10th Borneo Jazz Festival held in Miri, Sarawak. Attracting jazz aficionados worldwide, the festival will feature recognized regional and international jazz musicians, each playing a set of four performances during the two-night event.

June

13 KUDAT WORLD TURTLE DAY CELEBRATION 2015 Sabah

PESTA REGATTA LEPA SEMPORNA Sabah

In conjunction with World Turtle Day, first initiated in 2000 by the American Tortoise Rescue, the Kudat Turtle Conservation Society brings awareness to the threats that face these gentle animals and what we can do to protect them.

may

Enjoy the view of an array of colourful boats on the Celebes Sea competing for the title ‘Most Beautiful Lepa’ at this annual event which pays homage to the lepa – a traditional singlemast sailing boat of the Bajau of Semporna.

The celebration will also feature cultural performances, a fireworks display, traditional sports and games, and the Lepa Beauty Pageant.

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April 25

THE 4th INTERNATIONAL BORNEAN FROG RACE 2015 Sarawak

Modeled after the ‘Bird Race’, participants will traverse the trails of the Serapi foothills within Kubah National Park for a period of 2 hours to capture digital images of amphibians. The event’s aim is to create public awareness of the world’s declining amphibians. Other activities include talks, exhibitions, photography workshops, photo contests and a night-time frog search.

May 1-3

May 16

ISRA’ MIKRAJ

June 18

Brunei

A holiday celebrating the ascension of the Prophet Muhammad SAW. Bruneians observe this special day with special prayers and gatherings at mosques.

BORNEO ISLAND INTERNATIONAL BIG BIKE FESTIVAL (BIIBBF)

June 11-14

The 16th BIIBBFF is expected to attract hundreds of participants from Borneo and neighbouring countries. This event celebrates friendship and passion for motorcycling from the motorcycle communities in the region. Hosted in turns by different cities each year, this year’s festival will be hosted by the Darussalam Motorcycle Association (PEMODA) in Brunei.

This 4-day event will feature talks and workshops focusing on ‘Creating Wellness Naturally’ by well-known speakers from USA, Australia, New Zealand and a chef from Poland, each sharing their experience in wellness through fruits and vegetables. This annual event aims to create greater awareness of the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables.

BORNEO FRUIT FESTIVAL Brunei

1st DAY OF RAMADAN Brunei, Sabah, Sarawak

Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is considered one of the five pillars of Islam and Muslims all over the world observe this month by abstaining from eating or drinking from dusk to dawn. The first day of Ramadan is announced after the visual sighting of the crescent moon.

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

Contents 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 dates

biG talk

biG getaway

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 scoop

biG buzz

biG listings

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

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

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

biG feature

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

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

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Sarawak

April 24-26

biG trail 8

BORNEO JAZZ FESTIVAL

Brunei

Brunei

SALES & MARKETING

May 8-9

THE ROYAL WEDDING

We chat with personalities and discover their specialities.

We put our ears up and find out what is buzzing in town.

Expand your horizons. Pack your bags and explore beyond our shores.

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

biG focus

biG essentials

biG appetite

biG directory

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

We try the food so you can follow suit.

Check out our food journeys.

biG navigator

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

biG screen

See what’s playing in the movies around town.

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

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

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biG scoop

biG scoop

The Right Stay at the Wrong Place

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Vintage Ride

The Oblivious Magnificent Oblimag – short for The Oblivious Magnificent – is not oblivious to cool design. Launched in July 2014, the idea behind this local brand was to provide alternative apparel for those living and breathing the subculture lifestyle in Brunei. Minimal in design and easy on the eyes, the illustrations on Oblimag’s t-shirts highlight the different forms of selfexpression: street art, photography, the independent music movement and of course, its main customers - skateboarders. However, if you think that the brand is limited to too-cool hipsters who can nosegrind a halfpipe with the best of them, think again. The designs on the t-shirts will appeal to anybody but most importantly, they’ll make anybody look cool.

For inquiries, details, updates and happenings on Oblimag t-shirts, follow them on Instagram @oblimag or search for hashtags #obliviousmagnificent #oblimag #obmg

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Taking it in Stride

D-12 Garage is a hip hangout for motorbike fans looking for that extra edge for their ride. Custommake your bike with vintage and top-of-the-line accessories to suit your personality. Get the look you want with imported apparel that has great style, cut and durability and select from a premier line of limited edition helmets such as BELL, Biltwell and TT&CO. Bike models are kept within the low-to-mid-range price class and can easily be customised for everyday use so you don’t have to break the bank to give your bike a classic vintage makeover.

Shop Lot No R4, Luyang Perdana (Off Jalan Penampang), Kota Kinabalu Tel: (6013) 3173707, (6088) 301615 Instagram: D12garage Facebook: D12 Caferacer

A hostel is the go-to accommodation for any budget traveler but that doesn’t mean the experience has to be a bad one! An indie backpacker hostel in Kuching, Wrong Place is a humble hostel with a lot of love. The hostel was designed with industrial effects using quirky UPcycled furniture to create a comfortably rustic ambience that is sure to please any hippies in the area. But if you’re not looking for a place to stay, their popular café serves their famous dishes like their Burger X2, Mary Lamb Rose Stew and the yummy Peanut Butter Banana Milkshake on an aluminum tray. And if comfortable boarding and delicious food isn’t enough to sway you, they have live acoustic sessions every Wednesday for patrons and hostel guests alike. Sounds more like the right place to us.

Wrong Place 64 Carpenter Street, 93000 Kuching, Malaysia Tel: (6082) 232 859 Email: wrongplace64@gmail.com

Think of it as the transportation that you can also transport around. With its sleek design, easy ride and convenient mobility, the Strida folding bike has been the object of much admiration for years. Designer and creator Mark Sanders first designed his idea of a folding bike in 1985 and 20 years later, the Strida is one of the lightest fast-folding bicycles on the market. Strictly a city bicycle, it’s not for long commutes but if you’re looking for a breezy ride down the block or around the park while winning envious stares all around, then the Strida is the perfect fit for you!

Available at Ref Station #4, Tian & Chuan Building Kg Kiulap, BE1518, BSB, Brunei Darussalam Tel: (673) 223 4989 Email: refstation@hotmail.com

D-12 Garage

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biG feature

Borneo is an island steeped in traditional values, culture and history and we love our famous landmarks as much as any visitor but there’s more to do on our little island than go on heritage trails and watch traditional dances. In this issue of BiG, we point you in the different directions where you can find some fun, trendy spots and meet some hip and happening people.

Image: Hazim Shahnidan

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with posters on the walls. Men in caps brandishing their scissors work their magic while offering up good conversation. There is a stack of comics to read if you have to wait and cool tunes to listen to. After a session, you will walk out looking sharp and ready to take on the world.

Visit Stay Traditional Barber & Shop at #A03, Spg 21, Gadong Central, Menglait, BSB or call them at (673) 878 0299

1. High Frequency Café 2. Chaps n Rebels 3. The Collective 4. SAMO Furniture 5. Stay Traditional Barber & Shop

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A Cuppa Joe Despite the popularity of coffee shop chains such as Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Starbucks and Gloria Jean’s, there is no shortage of independent coffee shops attracting customers with their specialised gourmet coffee. For the caffeine aficionados, High Frequency Cafe, perched comfortably in Batu Bersurat, offers specialty coffee and a menu of gourmet dishes. Sit in their salon outfitted with an eclectic mix of retro furniture and decorated with framed pictures of famous musicians and movies posters and enjoy a cup of their ‘Bean Me Up Scotty’. This place is utterly chic and is a favourite with the young, urban professional crowd.

2.

Hip and Happening Brunei Feel like you’re stuck in a rut? Perhaps it’s time to break out of those glass-half-empty blues and get inspired by your surroundings. There are plenty of places that can give you a whole new outlook on life. We meet with unique entrepreneurs and creative individuals to find out how they made their little corner of Brunei go a long way with a lot of work, some optimism and a little creative spirit.

Text: Intan Abu Daniel Images: Filzah Saiman

High Frequency Café is located at 1st Flr, Unit 5, Blk B Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat or you can call them at (673) 242 8262

Getting Creative The Collective is a grassroots initiative aimed at educating the public about the creative arts and supporting the burgeoning creative talents and industries in Brunei and it is the brainchild of Shinny Chia and Osveanne Nadiah. Together they have hosted and organized various creative arts festivals, pop-up dinners, other creative initiatives such as the ecolifestyle festival with similar like-minded groups and they plan to have more of such events this year.

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For more information on The Collective, visit their website www.thecollectiveartevents.com or join The Collective community on Facebook Kaleidoscope Studio is a studio space, a gallery and a meeting place for creative artists and art enthusiasts alike. Set up with an aim to promote creativity in Brunei, the studio holds regular exhibitions and hosts events like talk shows, pop-up events and live music sessions.

For more information on Kaleidoscope Studio, check out Kaleidoscope Studio on Facebook or email them at kaleidoscope.bn@gmail.com

Quirky, Unique and Fantastic You won’t find any plush sofas retailed by the hundreds from IKEA in this shop – in fact, it’s safe to say that whatever item you buy at SAMO Furniture it is likely to be a unique piece of furniture that you won’t find anywhere else in Brunei. Owned by

Chaps n Rebels occupies the first floor space of SAMO Furniture and amid the sounds of cool music, Jae will get your whiskers and hair preened and trimmed until you become a dapper version or your old self. The owner Jae, who sports a spectacular moustache that is bound to cause hair envy, first began his business selling pomade and grooming products while he learned the tools of the barber trade. Go to Chaps n Rebel and look for Jae, he knows how to make you look good and he’s got the skills to deliver it.

Visit Chaps n Rebels at #27, 1st Flr, Blk D, Lim Eng Ming Complex, Kg Kiulap, BSB or you can call them at (673) 883 0139

Saifullah Amin, the interior of SAMO is crammed with vintage Danish furniture, designer chairs, antiques, cool collectibles and vintage posters, not to mention a range of all-natural skincare products prepared by his wife, Patricia. Enter this little haven of originality and you might find yourself spending an entire afternoon there just browsing through the items and wondering if you have money to spare for a vintage poster.

What else can you do?

Visit SAMO Furniture at #27, Blk D, Lim Eng Ming Complex, Kg Kiulap, BSB or you can call them at (673) 223 4255

Rediscovering the Traditional Barber Shop

Support our talented local artistes and watch a session of bluesy singers armed with acoustic guitars. Kaleidoscope Studio regularly features acoustic sessions at their space – make sure to follow them on their Instagram account @kaleidoscope.bn.

Looking more like an extra on the t.v. series Sons of Anarchy, owner and barber at Stay Traditional Barber Shop, Bryant Leong handles his grooming tools with the deft precision of a surgeon. Haircuts and beard grooming are available within a traditional-looking interior peppered

Join a pop-up event - they’re full of happy people, small-scale entrepreneurs and usually it’s a lot of fun. The Collective regularly holds pop-up events and promotes other events on their Instagram account @thecollectiveartevents.

Catch a play? There might not be any theaters in Brunei but that doesn’t mean that we’re lacking any playwright culture.

The Jerudong International School, Brunei Amateur Dramatic Society (BADS) and SEEDS always have something fantastically entertaining up their sleeve. Follow SEEDS Brunei, Brunei Amateur Dramatic Society (BADS) and JIS Brunei on Facebook to check out what’s coming up.

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Hanging Out In Kuching

club members to achieve more than they can imagine. In Kuching, these two hobby clubs are making waves with their passion.

Kuching now has a Facebook page with 481 members. Founder Iswandi Saeit believes in preserving this dying art.

Lomohunter Kuching

“Basically, the vivid colors and the uniqueness of analog photography drove me to establish this club.”

It is undeniable - since the invention of digital cameras, film or analog photography is on a decline. But not everyone has forgotten the beauty of analog photography. There is a growing number of analog photography enthusiasts in Kuching and Lomohunter takes center stage.

Kuching is a city that is full of culture and history but there are some individuals here that are making this city a hub of creativity.

We dress up, shoot some photos, listen to cool tunes while drinking great coffee and rediscover a more inspired side of Kuching.

With a humble beginning of only 10 members in early 2009, Lomohunter

“Our aims and goals are to introduce and preserve analog photography as well as lomography to the public, especially the youth, and to create a community to share our knowledge and love for it.”

“Apart from that, club members get to make new friends and socialise better

Text by Effadylia Affendi & Iris Tan

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Coffee & Music In Kuching, throw a stone anywhere and it’ll likely land near a coffee shop. “What’s with all the coffee?” we hear you ask. Well it’s pretty simple - over the past few years Kuchingites have been educating themselves on this worldwide growing culture of coffee-drinking.

But a café is not just about making coffee - it’s about making really good coffee. A laid-back atmosphere, a prime location and a ‘cool’ factor doesn’t hurt either.

Hazim Shahnidan

Aslan Kassim

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Kuching is made more exciting with the presence of Sarawak Cosplay Club.

It brings joy and smiles to the public seeing the colorful and impressive display of these cosplayers in full gear portraying their favorite Anime Comic Game (ACG) characters.

Pioneered by 5 independent cosplayers in 2007, the club now has over 40 members and counting. Carol Chin, a senior member of the club, thinks cosplay has a deeper meaning to it.

“It is always a misconception whereby people think that cosplayers are those who have no life. That is not true, because most of us have careers and we are doing this during our free time.”

“Moreover, cosplay is a healthy and safe hobby. We encourage creativity and the friendship obtained from the same passion is priceless.”

Check out their other branch located at Penrissen Road on Facebook: The Coffee Factory

Hobbies

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Sarawak Cosplay Club

“We gain a lot from cosplay. First of all, our minds are enlightened by the many cultures and subcultures of Japan.

Although cosplay can be expensive, with proper resource management, it can be made cost effective. Thus, cosplayers learn about money and time management.”

The Coffee Clinic GF, Sublot 16, Song Plaza, Off Jalan Tun Jugah/Jalan Song, 93200 Kuching, Sarawak Tel: (6082) 451 514, Facebook: The Coffee Clinic

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Find the Lomohunters on Facebook: lomohunter kuching.

“Some people would think we are irresponsible to spend all of our resources on cosplay. In that sense, I must say cosplay is often misunderstood.’

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Merging a retro-hipster atmosphere and central location is The Coffee Clinic and the coolness just comes in spades. This café features an alfresco dining area as well as the occasional live performances by local musicians, and when they don’t have live music, customers will find their feet tapping away to the selections of high fidelity music playing in the background. But let’s not forget the treats - there’s a great selection of specialty brewed coffees and teas, and a mouth-watering display of desserts, sandwiches and pastries. Are you a caffeine addict? Then maybe it’s time to visit The Coffee Clinic.

In this day and age of the Internet, hobby clubs are elevated to a new level. What began as a mere hangout evolved into a more meaningful community with aims and goals. The love of the same hobby creates a bond among club members from all walks of life.

The great union between the Internet and hobby club enables

offline because most of our activities take place outdoors.”

Held annually since 2010, Kyanime convention is the club’s most popular activity. It introduces the public to the wonderful world of cosplay and everything else that comes with it.

Hazim Shahnidan 1. An image taken by the Lomohunter Kuching group 2. An image taken by the Lomohunter Kuching group

3. Sarawak Cosplay Club members 4. The interior of The Coffee Clinic

The Coffee Clinic

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Find them on Facebook: S’wak Cosplay Community.

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Come Out and Play Imagine revisiting your childhood memories and escaping into a playful ‘Alice in Wonderland’ type of experience with your friends and family. This is a theme that is vastly gaining popularity in Sabah and the opening of recreational game centres that allow people from all stages of life to escape the daily grind and have some fun is just what we need.

Text: Pamela Fletcher & Nova Renata

Escapee Warisan Square

OriZorb One of the most recent recreational activities gaining a lot of positive buzz amongst the youth is the OriZorb bumper ball game that uses a modified version of the zorbing orb which is basically a plastic human-sized hamster ball.

Unlike the original zorbing game which involves rolling around in the zorbing version, the bumper ball game uses smaller balls that are worn as an oversized inflatable vest, complete with a harness to

protect the upper body. The legs, however, are left free to allow running, jumping and bumping into other players.

If you’re a fan of activities that challenge your mental acuity and physical agility, the Escapee is for you.

Situated at the Likas Stadium next to the lawn-bowling field, the OriZorb bumper ball game is a fun activity that gives you a great workout and a hearty belly laugh. It is suitable for groups of up to 10 people.

OriZorb also caters to events and corporate groups of 25-50 people. Entrance fee is RM28 per person.

The first ever escape room in Sabah, Escapee in Warisan Square, Kota Kinabalu offers three types of escape scenarios in the form of escape rooms: The Circus, Time Travel and Prison Break. The three scenarios vary in levels of difficulty and can be quite an adrenalinefueled adventure.

Where: Likas Stadium Running Track, Jalan Kompleks Sukan, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Contact: (6011) 2300 9818

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Escapee The escape game is open to groups of 2 to 6 participants who will be called ‘escapees’.

When a group of ‘escapees’ enters the room, the door will slam shut and the clock will start ticking. ‘Escapees’ will then have to find their way out by solving a series of riddles and following a series of clues. The mission is for the group to escape from the selected room before the time runs out. An excellent team building game that is both fun and scary!

Where: Warisan Square, Block A (on the first floor above Hot Rods) Contact: (6016) 512 2111 / (6016) 806 8868

Grand Illusions Keen to discover the fascinating world of arts and sciences? The Grand Illusions Kinabalu, an optical illusions centre located in Tanjung Aru offers an entrancing and educational experience for the young and old.

Image: Grand Illusions

OriZorb

Where: 144 L​ orong Bunga Telur, Jalan Mat Salleh, Tg.Aru, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Contact: (6088) 211 391

Listed in the Malaysia Book of Records as the first ever optical illusions gallery in the country, Grand Illusions

comprises a series of 12 mind blowing illusion zones. This fun alien-like house consists of two levels of maze-like chambers where you can get lost in a dark labyrinth, experience walking on a hanging bridge between two treacherous looking canyons, turn yourself into a giant or a dwarf in the Shrinking Room and more.

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along Jalan Sungai Kianggeh in the city center. Tamu Kianggeh, which is open to the public every morning, is where you can find all kinds of local food and fruits.

Wajid Originating from Temburong, wajid is a sticky brown rice made from glutinous rice, coconut milk and palm sugar and wrapped in palm leaves. This tea-time favourite can be found at the Tamu Temburong in the Temburong district and in the local tamu marketplaces in Bandar Seri Begawan.

1. Ambuyat is made by stirring sago with hot water 2. Local dishes can be found at the tamu (marketplace) 3. Nasi Katok 4. Dining on local dishes at Taman Selera

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A Taste of Brunei Brunei cuisine resembles an exotic collision of different influences: some from neighbouring countries while some are a result of our rich historical heritage.

Local ingredients native to Brunei are featured repetitively in traditional dishes. Fresh aromatic herbs and roots such as lemongrass, ginger, shallots, kaffir limes and chillies are the building blocks of any Bruneian dish but lesser known fruits native

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Fazizul Haqimie Photography

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

to Brunei like the membangan, kembayau, binjai and asam aur aur are also widely used.

Binjai is a key ingredient in a spicy dip called sambal. This fragrant, juicy, sweet-sourish fruit is most commonly eaten with ambuyat and the flesh is sometimes pickled in jars.

A sweeter version, belunu, is usually eaten fresh. The membangan fruit has a rough, potato brown skin which is typically dried and used to make sambal while the bright

Fazizul Haqimie Photography

Local Dishes to Sample Make sure you try out some of these local delights!

yellow flesh within is delicious to eat when it is ripe.

as a jam or a paste and sold in small packets at the market.

The asam aur aur fruit is featured in most local dishes and have been used locally for centuries. The fruit itself has a sweet-sour taste which is quite delicious to eat. The young fruits that drop to the ground are sun-dried for cooking and they give food a tangy, irresistible zing. Locals use it in curries, steamed fish, daging kunyit (meat cooked in turmeric oil) and it is even added in marinades for fried chicken. The asam aur aur can also be found

The Kembayau is a small purple fruit which is oily and yellowish inside and is quite tasteless but if you scrape off some of that skin, boil it in some hot water and then add a little bit of sugar, you’ll get a creamy, delicious snack. Inside the kembayau seed you’ll find a greenish nut that can also be eaten – just make sure you pound that seed open with a mortar and pestle as it can be quite tough.

Ambuyat If there is any dish that is uniquely Bruneian, it would be ambuyat – a thick, white, starch-like mixture with a tenacious consistency and eaten with a spicy sauce. This hugely popular dish is made by slowly adding hot water to ambulung (otherwise known as sago) and skillfully stirring it into a glutinous mass that has a starchy texture. To eat it, twirl the ambuyat into a small ball using a chandas (a two-pronged bamboo stick), dip it in a spicy and sour sauce called cacah and swallow it whole. It is typically served with an assortment of side dishes of meat, fish and vegetables.

Aminah Ariff Restaurant is one of the

most popular local restaurants in Bandar Seri Begawan that serve ambuyat.

Aminah Ariff is located at #2&3, Block B, Ground Floor, Hj Abdul Rahman Complex, Kiulap. Call them at (673) 223 6198 for other branches.

Tapai An old favourite with a unique taste, the tapai is a sweet glutinous rice that is steamed and then fermented for 2 to 3 days before it is wrapped in banana leaves. The sweetness of the rice and the sourness from the fermentation makes for a combination that, once tasted, is impossible to forget. You can find tapai at Kianggeh Market (Tamu Kianggeh) located

Pulut Panggang Another leaf-wrapped meal, pulut panggang is made of glutinous rice soaked in coconut milk with a spicy dried shrimp filling and then grilled over a charcoal fire. You can find this spicy snack at any local tamu marketplaces in Brunei but if you have the time, take a trip to Tutong and visit Mei Fang Coffee Shop - the country’s most popular purveyor of pulut panggang. Just be sure to make it there early - their daily supply of pulut panggang usually runs out before noon! Mei Fang Coffee Shop is located along Jalan Enchi Awang in Jalan Tutong.

Nasi Katok A simplified form of the popular Asian dish nasi lemak, there are many varieties of nasi katok in Brunei these days but basically it takes the form of white rice, a piece of fried chicken and sambal wrapped up in brown paper. What makes the nasi katok so Bruneian in nature has nothing to do with its ingredients but rather the story behind it. Katok means ‘knock’ in Malay and nasi means ‘rice’ and nasi katok was first created for the hungry souls in need of a cheap and quick meal at midnight - the idea being that a customer could go up to a house selling the rice, knock on the door and get a few bundles of nasi katok for a few dollars.

Different variations of nasi katok can be found all over Brunei but the original nasi katok – Nasi Katok Mabohai – is located at A10, Ground Floor, Low San Flat, Mabohai (call 222 6713 for more information). Other popular outlets include Nasi Katok Mama which is located at #3, Block A, Ground Floor, Madang Complex, Madang, (call 864 1681 for more branches) and Kaka Restaurant, #2&3, Simpang 100, Jalan Jerudong (call 267 2333 for other branches).

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Johan Alias

Back to Nature at Bintudoh Greenspring Resort Johan Alias These days many tourists and visitors eschew 5-star resorts for the simple pleasures in life: a serene view, fruit picking, leisurely treks through forests, dining on local food and lodging at rustic cabins.

At Bintudoh Greenspring Resort, an eco-resort just off Jalan Tasek in Tutong, it’s just the place where you can go back to nature.

Once you find the location of Bintudoh Greenspring Resort, you will have little use for your car. Days here can be spent on foot on activities such as jungle trekking, fishing, bird watching, camping or just walking

All Aboard the MV Sentosa 24

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

about the resort, lazing about the man-made pond teeming with an assortment of fish and turtles. The resort also offers local dishes made from the fish, fruit and vegetables harvested from their farm and the surrounding jungle area.

The quaint chalets are comfortable and clean to help you get a good night’s sleep before waking up to the sounds of birds chirping in the trees and catch a sight of monkeys and deers in the early morning.

For more information on Bintudoh Green Springs Resort, call (673) 891 3811, 874 1648 or 233 1177

Board the MV Sentosa and get ready for a gentle sail down the river. This newly-launched vessel has two decks and airconditioned cabins offering guests a scenic two-hour long trip through Kampong Ayer – a collection of multicoloured heritage houses on stilts built over the

Telamba Homestay A Home Away From Home Drive through Tutong and you will find a land covered in green.

This sleepy district of Brunei Darussalam might be quieter compared to the city of Bandar Seri Begawan but it possesses its own quaint and rural charm.

Incorporting the beauty and attractions of Tutong is Telamba Homestay, a small bungalow at Kampong Telamba Telisai that sits by the serene Telamba River. Run by Abdul Hadzid and his wife Ieney, the Telamba Homestay offers a more familial way of experiencing the soul of Tutong and learning about the Bruneian way of life.

Brunei River. Kampong Ayer is home to more than 20,000 families and it is the largest and best preserved water village in Southeast Asia. The waterways surrounding the village are lined with mangrove trees that houses an assortment of flora and fauna including the comic-looking proboscis monkey.

Mohd Noriman Mohd Ali

Guests at Telamba can enjoy boat tours and jungle treks with their host Abdul Hadzid or stay in and lounge on the hammock in the backyard while indulging in snacks served by Ieney. From your hammock, watch the sun set over the Telamba River while silver langurs, long-tailed macaques and hornbills pay a visit to the neighbourhood.

For more information, call (673) 899 4927/ 424 4400 or email: telambahomestay@gmail.com or check out their Facebook page: Telambahomestay Brunei

The vessel can be hired for private functions or for trips to Temburong.

For more information on the MV Sentosa, contact Sha-Zan Marine Sdn Bhd at: Tel: (673) 239 1161 (office), 860 1099 (Daniel), 898 8926 (Taufik) Email: shazan.marine@gmail.com Facebook: Sha-Zan Marine Instagram: @shazan.marine

a taste of everything in a day like visiting Tamu Kianggeh (Open Market), the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Kampong Ayer (the Water Village) and a quick photo stop outside Istana Nurul Iman.

David Kirkland

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

On the Water

Things to Do in Brunei for Over 60’s Senior citizens enjoy a wealth of time to explore and relax on vacation and there are plenty of ways to bide your time in Brunei!

Back to Nature The Tasek Lama Recreation Park gives visitors a lovely green excursion in the city.

Enjoy leisurely walks on the forest trail,

join the tai chi groups who practice here or meditate by the serene waterfall.

Take a walk down Serasa Beach, buy snacks from the local vendors there, find a seat and be dazzled by the pink and gold colours of the sky during sunset.

A Cultural Tour Take a city tour with any of the local tour operators to get

At the jetty in the city center, hire a water taxi and take a cruise down the mangrovelined waterways. There are many birds and animals that have made the mangrove trees home including the proboscis monkey - a true Bornean native. You can contact a tour and travel operator (see page 59) for packages or chat with the water taxi operator and see what he has to offer.

The newly launched MV Sentosa ferry cruise also provides a new option of touring the Brunei River. The vessel comes complete with fully enclosed air-conditioned

decks so you can cruise the Brunei River in cool comfort!

Relaxation There are many hotels in Brunei that offer long-stay accommodation rates. For long-stay service apartments that provide relaxing accommodations in fully serviced quarters, check out the list of hotels in Brunei on page 59.

For a completely relaxing vacation, the Empire Hotel and Country Club offers visitors an experience that is fit for a king. Guests can catch a movie at the club’s cinema, indulge in the hotel’s spa treatments or simply laze about any of the hotel’s three outdoor swimming pools and private beach while enjoying the kiss of the warm sun.

For bookings and reservations, contact The Empire Hotel and Country Club at (673) 241 8888 or visit their website www.theempirehotel.com.

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Let’s Play Games In Brunei, there are different types of games and sports that remain very popular here. To this day, these activities are still played by local children and adults alike, usually during festivals and wedding ceremonies.

Text: Johan Alias

CONGKAK Also popular in our neighbouring countries, this ancient board game is still commonly played in Brunei. It requires two players to share a boat-shaped wooden board with at least 16 holes carved out in two rows designated as “village” (kampong) with additional two bigger storehouses called “rumah‘’ located at each corner. The game of congkak is played during royal ceremonies,

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events and celebrations that take place at the royal palace.

GASING The centuries-old sport of gasing, also known as top spinning, was traditionally played by Malay men as a pastime after the rice harvest. Today, it has evolved into a competitive sport and is especially popular among the Malay community in Brunei. The gasing is a giant spinning top that weighs

REGATTA The revival of the annual regatta has breathed life back to the Brunei River. It is said that the sport reached its glory in the 1950’s to 1970’s when Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien was still the Sultan of Brunei. However, the history of the traditional boat race can be traced back to as early as the 1930s.

In the past, only traditional boats made of wood were used but today, fibre-glass boats are also used as they are lighter and faster. The Brunei Regatta is held annually on the Brunei River.

SILAT Silat is a martial arts form

TARIK KALAT Tarik Kalat, or tug of war, is a centuries-old game known to instil teamwork and unity and even resolve conflicts. The game involves a rope 231 feet in length with a diameter of six to seven inches, pulled by two opposing teams. This competitive sport is a hit during the nation’s festive seasons and celebrations.

KIKIK Kite or kikik has been a popular traditional game for adults and children alike for centuries. The game often involves ‘kite fighting’ participants try to snag each other’s kites or cut the other kites down. While it’s not unusual to find kites with a fibreglass frame these days, the traditional kite frame was made out of wood or bamboo. Bruneian-made kites are distinctly recognised by their curved edges.

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PASANG Pasang is a traditional game that originated from Brunei. It is a board game involving two players, using 120 black and white tokens arranged on a black and white playing board.

Like the congkak, this board game is also played during royal events.

that can be best described as ‘measured movement with poise’. It is one of the most popular Malay art of self-defence in Brunei and it is sometimes used in ceremonial display or dance with music accompaniment of the guling tangan, a traditional instrument. Silat was recently featured in the 2014 made-in-Brunei action movie, Yasmine.

Dav

approximately 5kg and may be as large as a dinner plate.

Players spin the gasing by throwing it skilfully to the ground with as much strength as they can muster, speedily unfurling a rope or string that is coiled tightly around the neck of the gasing.

Dean Kassim

Tourism Malaysia

Community based Tourism (CBT) is a new form of tourism that emerged over the last 2 decades. It emphasizes a community-centered approach in its operation and essentially deems capacity development of people in the communities the heart of tourism management. This type of tourism not only responds to the needs of tourists, but also empowers the locals to apply their knowledge in managing tourism within their own communities. Its goals are to protect and restore the natural resources in balance with local and cultural identity as well as to serve the economy of the communities, since caring for the resources is a collective responsibility of the community, not anyone in particular.

There are many admirable examples within ASEAN that show how CBT is of advantage to local communities. For one,

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Community Based Tourism in ASEAN Region Mae Hongson province in Thailand has a long tradition of community-based tourism of over 15 years that is recognized internationally. Communities in the province provide activities for tourists to gain local knowledge of resource management, simple and selfsubsistence ways of life, and the surrounding biodiversity.

Those tourists will stay over in the communities in order to experience first-hand insight into the local lifestyle, whilst getting accustomed to it. Each community will present their day-to-day activities to the visitors including, for instance, shifting cultivation, weaving clothes, herbal medicine and traditional fishing.

Laos’ northwestern province of Luang Namtha. The project empowers poor villagers who receive contracts to retain stewardship over trekking trails in their area, and thus the biggest chunk of trekkers’ fees. The Provincial Tourism Departments (PTD) sign on to oversee the operation, and tour operators agree to use the trained villagers and lead PTD guides. Following the model, PTD and tour companies engage five to six villages to provide guides, home stays, meals, handicrafts and food, as well as to organize village-visit activities.

The project won a United Nations Development (UNDP) Award for poverty alleviation.

Another good example of CBT is the Nam Ha Project, aimed at poverty alleviation, in

A third good example of CBT is the Lac village in Mai Chau district, Hoa Binh province in

1. Kampung Temenim Johor Homestay in Malaysia (photo credit to Tourism Malaysia) 2. Sungai Matan Homestay in Brunei Darussalam

Viet Nam. The district, about 135 km from Hanoi, is a beautiful rural area, populated mostly by ethnic White Thai minorities. Lac village was officially licensed to operate homestay business in 1995.

It is popular with tourists because of the local culture with well preserved, traditional stilt houses thanks to the fact that a significant share of the profits earned from tourism goes to building traditional style houses with thatched roof.

The village offers homestay services to experience the daily life of the White Thai people, e.g. by eating Thai dishes and learning several weaving techniques; in addition the village is surrounded by a peaceful landscape with rice fields, tea plantations and caves that invite to participate in trekking tours.

Text taken from www.aseantourism.travel

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Useful Information

To reach Mulu, one needs to fly.

There are daily flights from Miri and Kuching and three times a week from Kota Kinabalu by MAS Wings and Malaysia Airlines.

The park provides lodging or accommodation with a variety of rooms at a rate of RM20 to RM150 per night.

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Marvelous Mulu Text: Johan Alias Images: Sarawak Tourism Board

If there was an award for the biggest and the best, then Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak will surely win that award. No other cave system in the world can compare to the grandness and the diversity that Gunung Mulu can offer. The park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is certainly well-known by travelers who have a passion for adventure and eco-tourism.

Covering 544 square kilometres, Gunung Mulu National Park is the largest national park in Sarawak, with Deer Cave being the world’s largest cave passage and Clearwater Cave winning the title as Asia’s longest cave. If that’s not enough, visitors can also go

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jungle trekking to the world’s largest tree based walkway – a 480 metre rainforest canopy skywalk that allows visitors a unique access to the rainforest – or witness the spectacular razor-sharp limestone Pinnacle formation, truly nature’s marvel.

The Deer Cave at Mulu is one of the more popular attractions in the park. The total cave passage is 174 meters wide, 122 meters high and it is home to millions of bats. Twelve species of bats have been recorded within the Deer Cave including a colony of Wrinkled-Lipped Bats, estimated to number between 2.5 and 3 million.

As the sun sets, visitors at a Bat Observatory located in the middle of the forest can witness the jaw-dropping sight of several million micro-bats spiralling heavenward in a black vortex out of the cave opening to hunt in the forest. This is also the junction where visitors can go to the Deer Cave and the nearby Lang Cave.

The world’s largest natural cave chamber is here at

Visitors can take a 30-minute long-boat ride along Melinau River to Clearwater Cave with a view of the Wind Cave along the way.

The Gunung Mulu National Park organises daily trips to the various caves at the park, for schedules check out http://mulupark.com.

Visitors are required to pay a park entrance fee which allows them to enter the park for an unlimited number of times over 5 calendar days. Visit the website for the fee schedule. Local English-speaking guides at the park can provide a wealth of information about the park itself.

1. The pinnacles of Mulu 2. The Sarawak Chamber is home to the world’s largest cave passage 3. A long-boat ride to Clearwater Cave 4. The 480-meter rainforest canopy skywalk

this famous park too – the Sarawak Chamber. The chamber, found in Gua Nasib Bagus, is so big that it can accommodate 40 Boeing 747 aircrafts within. To reach the chamber, one must follow a river upstream from the cave entrance. This long passage has a roof of up to 60 metres and may require some swimming and a traverse along a ledge.

Village of the Head-Hunter Text: Pamela Fletcher Images: Monsopiad Cultural Village 1.

Nestled beside the Penampang River, the tranquil and neatly laid out Monsopiad Cultural Village is a stark contrast to the tradition it symbolizes.

For hundreds of years, headhunting was a way to exert supremacy over rival tribes and control over the most fertile lands. Monsopiad lived in the village of Kuai in Penampang some 200 years ago and was well-known for his exploits as a head-hunter. The 42 skulls that now hang in the rafters of a specially built house called Siou do Mohoing, is a testament to Monsopiad’s bravery and prowess that made him one of the most feared head-hunters of his time. It is a fascinating history that has been retold though the centuries by his descendants who still live in the same village. Exhibited artifacts, photographs and paraphernalia used in rituals to appease the spirits of the skulls are kept here as a reminder of a man who, despite his courage and love for his village, had an insatiable bloodlust that eventually brought his downfall at the hands of his own people.

The Monsopiad Cultural Village was set up in 1996 to preserve this very important part of Kadazandusun culture and heritage. Replicas of a traditional Kadazandusun house and storage units to keep essential everyday items are displayed such as the tangkob or grainery where paddy is stored, ceramic jars, paddy grinders, bamboo utensils, woven

textiles and ricemaking equipment.

Costumes, ritual paraphernalia and old photographs share the same space as the skulls in the House of Skulls which is located across from the model village.

Contrary to the aggressive nature of its head-hunting past, the Kadazandusun people do have a softer side which is delightfully demonstrated through their music and dance.

Their music, predominantly made with bamboo instruments and brass gongs, can be mellow or lively depending on the occasion. Their costumes are conspicuously simple in classic black with minimal accessories for both men and women but it is the high-priestess’ costume and accessories that are truly impressive and are displayed in its full glory during the community’s annual Harvest Festival or Kaamatan which is celebrated every year in May. Daily cultural performances are put on for visitors at the end of their tour to the village with an evening show that is opened by a spectacular fire dance performance.

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Pamela Fletcher 1. Fire show before the evening cultural performance 2. Sacred skulls at House of Skulls 3. Dancer in Murut costume, one of the indigenous groups in Sabah 4. Hanging bridge across the Moyog River 5. Kadazandusun costume from Penampang 6. Cultural performance 6.

The Monsopiad Cultural Village is the first such village built to honour the culture and heritage of Sabah. Bigger and more elaborate cultural villages have since been erected but the Monsopiad Cultural Village remains a unique place where real history happened.

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BiG: Where did you study fashion design?

I studied at the Winchester School of Art in the UK for three years.

Image by Filzah Saiman

Brunei’s very own fashion designer, Maricel Pamintuan, will debut her first collection under her new label Maricel this year. Fresh-faced, young and brimming with talent, Maricel was keen to sit down with BiG and share with us her journey from fashion student to fashion designer.

BiG: What sparked your interest in fashion?

It was when I was in the UK. At that time I was studying architecture but I started learning and reading more about fashion there. I realized that there’s more to fashion than just clothes, you can express yourself through your designs. And that’s when my passion for fashion grew. Deciding to make a career out of fashion was an instinctual decision - it just felt right.

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

BiG: What are you inspired by and how does that feed into your work?

I get inspired by art. All kinds of art, sculptural and architectural. I get inspired by these shapes and turn them into designs for clothes.

BiG: From fashion student to creating your own label, what has this journey been like?

We never learned the business management side of fashion in university so it has been challenging! I had to learn a lot of things from trial and error. It’s a learning curve, definitely, but I’m enjoying it!

BiG: Are there any influences of Brunei in your collection?

For this collection, I was thinking of the idea of peace so I looked to Brunei’s rainforest. That’s why there are a lot of greens in my collection, and yellow – Brunei’s national colour. I incorporated white and lavender because those colours signify peace. In terms of shapes, I looked to Brunei’s traditional handicrafts. It’s quite geometric in nature and I incorporated those shapes into my designs.

BiG: Tell us about your new label: Maricel.

I’m basically a women’s wear designer so I focus on ready-to-wear garments. I started on my recent and first collection under my label Maricel in August. Right now, my team consists of myself, my boyfriend who helps me with the finance side of things and a seamstress from time to time. Everything in my collection is cut and prepared by myself.

BiG: Do you feel that there’s a possibility that a fashion industry will grow in Brunei?

There’s definitely a growing interest of people who are focusing on doing their own collections. In fact, there are a few Bruneians right now starting work on their own collection. It’s still just beginning and we’re still taking baby steps, but eventually, I think it will happen.

Officially, my first ready-to-wear collection under my label Maricel was available for sale since March.

BiG: What advice would you give aspiring local fashion designers?

Network with people – someone you meet one day might be that person who gives you the opportunity to go places.

Always be flexible with things and keep an open mind. You have to be willing sometimes to take on different things and explore new opportunities.

It has been a lot of hard work, but thankfully it has paid off.

I have a stockist now in Kuala Lumpur and some interested buyers around the region. For Bruneians, you can order any item in my collection directly through me. Please contact me on

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my website: www.maricelpamintuan.com or you can email me at contact@maricelpamintuan.com.

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A Green Way of Life Images by Mujahid Johar

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runei’s first ever Eco-Lifestyle Festival was held at the Studio Scene 2 in Kiarong on February 1, drawing crowds of eco-minded visitors to attend informative talks, free workout sessions, learn about local non-profit organizations and browse the products on display by creative entrepreneurs. The festival featured an assortment of innovative individuals who embrace the eco and healthy lifestyle through their work.

Organized by the online home-based food business, Hip and Healthy, and the creative arts group, The Collective, the festival featured all kinds of products: healthy food from The Energy Kitchen, Beach House Brews, Brunei Detox Bar, Hip and Healthy, Spring Street and Zest; natural beauty products from The Natural Bar; sustainable arts and crafts by Wood Work Play and Retro Furniture; vintage items from SAMO Furniture and a selection of records and record players from Do It Good Records.

Representing the NGOs were Green Brunei, Project Safe, 1Stop Wildlife, B:Read and Beach Bunch, who manned their corners

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biG buzz

Fazizul Haqimie Photography while sharing their visions and missions with the visitors. For those who like to get their hands dirty, there were hydroponics, herbs, plants, plant boxes and other horticultural related products from Nurture, Soul Design and The Collective for them to dig into.

An array of free demonstration classes gave visitors a chance to try out a variety of fitness workouts such as Hip Hop Cardio with Studio Scene, Yoga with Amani, Crossfit with Getfit Crossfit, Muay Thai with Advanced Elite Muay Thai, Les Mills Sh’bam with Fitness Zone and Fencing & Lightsabre combat with Athos Fencing and Fight Saber.

And in keeping with the green theme, recycling bins on loan from Green Appel were placed all over the festival venue to collect recyclables from the event and wooden pallets were reused as tables.

As advocates of healthy and eco-conscious lifestyle, the organizer’s main objectives were to promote a healthy living and to inspire people to adopt a sustainable and self-sufficient way of life by highlighting the importance of health, fitness and sustainability. Though small in scale, the event was a huge success and a step towards promoting a green way of life.

For more information about the next event, contact hipandhealthy@live.co.uk or check for updates at www.hipandhealthy.net

Racing down the Brunei River

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he Brunei River came alive on March 1 with over 1,400 local and international paddlers competing for prizes and trophies in 24 race categories at the largest national annual boat race in the country, The Brunei Regatta 2015.

The hot and sunny weather did little to deter the thousands of locals and tourists who thronged the Royal Wharf at the crack of dawn to watch the boat races, while on the other side of the river residents of the Kampong Ayer (water village) enjoyed a great view from their docks while cheering for their teams.

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam joined the masses during the event. His Majesty also led a team of 15 paddlers to victory on his boat, the ‘Rajawali’, against teams led by His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah (Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade) and other government ministers in a 15-Paddler Special Fibreglass Boat Race in the afternoon.

Dean Kassim

The event had paddlers participating in traditional boat, water taxi, jet ski and speed boat races before finishing with the Traditional Boat Marathon as a grand finale of the event, which was flagged off by His Majesty at the mouth of the Lumapas River. Other activities held on that day included a Local Product Festival, water performances and a One Product, One Village exhibition.

The day ended in high spirits as His Majesty consented to present prizes to winners in the race categories held in the afternoon.

The Brunei Regatta was once a very popular annual event held in the 1950’s. It was revived only four years ago in 2012 and has been held annually with great success since then.

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BIBD AD

biG focus

Healthy Eating… the Instagram way!

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ating healthy these days isn’t just a necessity – it’s trendy! Food trends have been spreading all around the net – advocating the good of quinoa, salmon, chia seeds, overnight oats and plenty more. But we don’t always have the time to prepare our organic lunch to eat at the office. So if you’re strapped for time, not to worry, BiG has done some snooping (and tasting) around and found three Instagram businesses that will make you a believer in healthy food.

Images: Filzah Saiman

Hip and Healthy If you’re looking for a plain green salad, you’re not going to find it here. The Mediterranean Chicken & Sweet Potato dish - tender chicken breast sitting on top of mashed sweet potato and dressed with roasted red pepper, sundried tomatoes, roasted onion and olives will give you all the healthy ingredients in a container. Protein-packed and filling, it has another advantage - it’s absolutely delicious.

Other tasty standouts: Smokin’ Salmon & Quinoa Salad is peppered with feta cheese and their overnight oats with berries is a real breakfast champion.

Follow Hip and Healthy and regular updates of their menus on their Instagram account @hip_and_healthy

Other tasty standouts: the Salmon Wrap – a parcel bursting with delicious, fresh salmon.

Follow Eat Like Jerry and check out what other bento boxed meals they have to offer on their Instagram account @eatlikejerry

Eat Like Jerry Quinoa is one of the hottest trends to pop up around Brunei and with no small wonder – the grainlike seed is versatile enough to pair with any food, it’s packed with protein and contains almost twice as much fiber as any other grain. Capitalizing on this new wave of quinoa diets came Eat Like Jerry, who put together a variety of bento box meals perfect for those too busy to leave their office. Their chicken briyani is a serving of biryani-seasoned quinoa with a big cut of chicken, a dollop of dhal and a good helping of vegetables – and it tastes just like the chicken briyani served at your favourite Indian restaurant. Spicy, filling and absolutely packed with flavor.

Rajka’s Kitchen Sweet desserts are nearly everyone’s weakness but now sweet treats are not off-limits to anyone on a healthy diet.

Rajka’s Kitchen offers healthy alternatives to decadent treats and still manages to make its healthier version just as tasty as the original!

On their menu: low carb sugar-free carrot cake and pumpkin brownies with homemade ‘nutella’, mango cheese squares and a variety of overnight oats. Their honey wheat cinnamon roll is the cinnamon roll you always wanted – light, creamy, tasty, and healthy!

Pair it with a cup of green tea and you’ve got yourself a deceptively sweet but healthy afternoon treat.

Other tasty standouts: their overnight oats with their homemade ‘nutella’ (but if you’re looking to treat yourself on a welldeserved cheat day, check out their Dirty Rocky Road Brownies!)

Follow Rajka’s Kitchen and check out what other sweet and healthy treats they have on their Instagram account @rajkas_kitchen Check out these other healthy Instagrammers that are also on our radar: Spring Street (@spring_street), JuiceFests (@juicefests), Brunei Detox Bar (@bruneidetoxbar).

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biG appetite

Gone are the days of limp lettuce and tasteless tofu. Nomeat cuisine can be as tasty as conventional options and there are many restaurants that can offer you a deliciously satisfying meatfree meal. Our little country has been stepping up to the vegetarian plate offering health-conscious meals that can please the palate of any vegetable devotee - and maybe even the meat-lovers.

Salads, meat substitutes, meat-free buffets and vegetarian-friendly menus are available in many restaurants in Brunei. We zone in on three 100% vegetarian outlets and a couple of vegetarian-friendly spots to prove to all you meat-lovers out there that dining on a meat-free menu can be a truly pleasant change of scene.

Mituo Vegetarian Restaurant

Eat Your Greens!

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The catch with Mituo Vegetarian Restaurant is that you’re not going to know it’s a vegetarian restaurant until you dig in! Their menu offers many Chinese restaurant staples like Black Pepper with Beef, Sweet and Sour Chicken, but what will actually come to your table are meat substitutes using tofu, spiced flour and oats. Result?

Deceptively meaty dishes that are delicious, full of flavor, and will leave you feeling full and satisfied. For the past eight years, Mituo has been serving 100% Chinese vegetarian meals to the masses and it doesn’t look like they’ll be stopping anytime soon.

Pureland Vegetarian Restaurant

Tien Hsing Vegetarian Restaurant / TS Coffeeshop

Pureland has been in operation for nearly ten years so any vegetarian stepping into this humble, simply designed restaurant knows they’re in good hands. They serve 100% vegetarian Chinese-Asian meals with meat substitutes made from bean curd and wheat flour. The menu has a wide selection of delicious meals to choose from and the fact that the restaurant is always packed with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian customers daily is testament to the quality and heartiness of the meals.

A little restaurant in Menglait, Tien Hsing is divided into two parts: a modern little coffee shop selling different types of coffee and fruit juices, and a restaurant.

Whichever you decide to dine at, you can be assured that this is a 100% vegetarian outlet. Don’t be fooled by the ‘Mutton Curry’ and the ‘Hainan Chicken Rice’ or the ham they put in their soup – this restaurant uses vegetarian substitutes like mushrooms, abalone and tofu for their ‘meat’, and it’s good enough to fool even the carnivores here at BiG!

15, Block B, Hj Awg Ahmad bin Awg Hassan & AnakAnak Complex, Kg Kiulap, Bandar Seri Begawan

#21&22, Grd Flr, Haji Hassan II Complex, Jln Gadong, Menglait, Bandar Seri Begawan

Tel: 223 6503

Tel: 245 4988

Shiang Ping Health Cuisine

The Energy Kitchen

A newcomer to the healthy-eating scene, Shiang Ping Health Cuisine promises you food prepared with healthy ingredients and it delivers, in spades. Shiang Ping serves food that are low in salt, sugar, oil and calories but high in fibre and nutrients, and free of MSG, artificial colouring, additives and preservatives. The main menu has some Asian dishes with some Western-style dishes thrown in for variety, and there are a few meat dishes to satiate the carnivores.

Drop by for breakfast or afternoon tea and you can treat yourself to some Nyonya kuih and wholemeal pau and buns. Shiang Ping is not only vegetarian-friendly, every dish served here is most assuredly prepared in a healthy way and most definitely delicious!

Possibly the most well-known purveyor of healthy food in Brunei and owned by Brunei’s own superstar, Wu Chun, The Energy Kitchen occupies the ground floor of Brunei’s largest gym franchise: Fitness Zone. The location is fitting because this trendy little vegetarianfriendly restaurant is ready to serve you delicious, minimally processed and highly nutritious meals using fresh local produce (where possible) that are grilled, steamed and baked - never deep-fried. Strong believers in the fact that healthy eating does not have to be boring, their menu features their own innovative, healthy and frankly quite inspiring take on international dishes. Whether or not you’re a vegetarian, it is impossible to get bored with the menu selection at The Energy Kitchen. Added plus? Each meal is hearty, scrumptious and absolutely satisfying.

Grd Flr Pg Anak Puteri Norain Complex, Batu Satu, Bandar Seri Begawan

Shop #21, Grd Flr, Block E, Complex Hj Daud, Jln Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan

Grd Flr, Fitness Zone, Kg Kiulap, Bandar Seri Begawan

Tel: 222 2821

Tel: 244 3078

Tel: 223 3323

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biG appetite

biG appetite

Kitchen of Jasmine

by Aranda Café

MyTown Eating House

zinc restaurant (non-halal)

The B Side Café

No 17, Block E, Atiya Complex Spg 100, Jalan Jerudong Brunei Darussalam Tel: (673) 267 1553 / 899 7333 OPEN DAILY 8am–12am Text and Image by Intan Abu Daniel

Grd Floor, The Crown Princess Complex, Km 2.5, Jln Tutong, BA1779, Bandar Seri Begawan Tel: (673) 224 1880 OPEN DAILY 7am-11pm Text: Intan Abu Daniel; Image: MyTown Eating House

38 Jalan Tabuan, Kuching 93000, Malaysia Tel: (6016) 868 0071 OPEN 5pm-1am (Tues-Sat)/ 6pm-12am (Sun) Text and Image by Thanis Lim

Lot 21, Ground Floor, Lido Plaza, Penampang, Sabah OPEN 10am-11pm (Tues-Fri)/ 9am-12am (Sat-Sun)/ closed Mondays, Cash Only Text and Image by Pamela Fletcher

First Impressions A popular online vendor of sweet treats, the Kitchen of Jasmine is a family affair. Run by sisters Hanna and Jasmine, this little café in Jerudong is a cozy establishment with a mix of plush sofas, white chairs and booths against a backdrop that features little details like framed pictures and a charming hand-painted decal on the wall.

Food There is a comprehensive menu featuring Burgers & Chips, Pasta, Brick Toasts, Sandwiches, Baked Snacks, Salads, Wings and an All-Day Breakfast Menu with choices ranging from a sophisticated poached egg dish to Mee Rebus.

The Laksa Lemak, a popular dish here, is a savoury delight – not too heavy, not too spicy but just right.

For desserts, the chocolate tart is a slice of decadent heaven and big enough to share between two

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people. The Pavlova, the Victorian Sponge cake and Tiramisu Cups are three stand-outs that will make us go back again and again.

There is also a wide selection of cupcakes - try their famous Carrot Cupcake or the rich and satisfying Double Chocolate Cupcake.

Drinks The standard list of hot and cold beverages is available including a nice variety of coffee and tea.

Service The young service staff was attentive, bubbly and helpful.

Price Prices are very reasonable here with cakes at $5 per slice and desserts never straying past the $10 mark on their à la carte menu.

Verdict A lovely place to hangout - friendly smiles and delicious food, the Kitchen of Jasmine by Aranda Café is a charming café with many delights.

First Impressions From the pleasing red brick exterior to the wooden benches and tables inside, the eclectic mix of knick-knacks to the funky tile patterns on the floor, MyTown exudes a mix of traditional kopitiam with the contemporary feel of a hipster café.

Food MyTown serves quality kopitiam fare with a twist. The traditional dishes such as the Crispy Ayam Penyet comes with a fiery green-chili sambal, there are big prawns in the Ipoh Curry Mee and instead of mackerel they use stingray and salmon in their Melaka Stingray Asam Pedas and Georgetown Salmon Laksa.

The original ingredients of the Seria Kolo Mee and Penang Kway Teow are used in these dishes with great success. The Ketam Gearbox (whole fresh crabs and beef on bone smothered in a piquant sauce - a dish big enough for six) – is a messy treat.

For a lighter meal, there is a

daily assortment of freshly baked breads and pastries, and an economical option: MyTown Cup-Cup Rice.

Drinks Some interesting selections here: the OldSkool Favourite drinks features big mugs of Milo, tea or coffee with a colourful topping of iced biscuits. And of course, it’s not a kopitiam without coffee and MyTown has a choice of Ipoh, Tenom or Sarikei blends for the lightweight caffeine drinker to the serious caffeine guzzler.

Service Service was efficient and quick with friendly smiles all around.

Price Meals are pricier than the average kopitiam but reasonable in view of the quality ingredients. It’s not surprising to pay over $7 for a dish with salmon or big prawns.

Verdict Delicious hot meals, freshly baked bread and strong black coffee – what’s not to like about MyTown?

First Impressions Lawyer turned restaurateur James Lo and his French wife, Savannah opened Zinc which is furnished with a blend of retro European and Asian Heritage furniture with tall brick walls displaying artwork and retro trinkets.

The modernistic open bar is connected to a Continentalstyle outdoor setting, and there you will notice a classy Oriental style lounge area.

Food Expect mostly tapassized portions designed to match with wine or nonalcoholic mocktails with luxurious selections of gourmet cheeses, exotic imported ham boards or French style baked escargots.

Choose to start with seafood such as mussels cooked in garlic or just tomato sauce, served with Ciabatta bread or vegetarian options like premium buffalo mozzarella Mediterranean salads. Fun dishes to share are their thin crust artisanal pizzas like Beef Carpaccio with shaved Parmigiano Reggiano, or delicious Smoked Duck

and Basil. They also serve impressive grilled items like seafood or chicken skewers, tenderloin steak with whiskey sauce and my favourite - moist and tender Kaffir Lime Leaf Chicken! For dessert, the Chilli-Chocolate Mousse Brulee is a revelation!

Drinks They have plenty of wine, soft drinks and non-alcoholic mock-tails to match the food.

Service The waiting staff is very attentive and made good recommendations from the menu. James and Savannah are very charming hosts.

Price It’s slightly more expensive for Kuching standards but it is very good value for the ambience, the quality of imported ingredients and taste.

Verdict French style tapas in a classy and comfortable setting like Zinc is a surprising find in Borneo. I highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Kuching.

First Impression Located along Penampang Road, The B Side Café is a modest eatery that is part café part art gallery. The works of local artists are displayed on the whitewashed walls while the seating is a mix of tables and chairs, bar stools and a high table, and concrete seating along the walls. The cool and comfortable small space has a high ceiling adorned with dangling bare bulbs.

Food The B Side Café menu is kept simple but tantalizing with a mix of western and Asian fare.

The all-day breakfast menu is a clear favourite. The Eggs Benedict and scrambled eggs with bacon served with a side of salad were delicious while the Shakshouka, sausages in a spicy tomato sauce served with rye bread, turned up the heat factor. For the more adventurous, there’s bulgogi burger, pasta with soft shell crab and kim chi in the lunch menu set.

There is also a selection of delectable pastries.

Drinks A barista on duty guarantees good coffee and brings a twist to the Affogato with coffee beans added for an extra crunch. Teas and juices make up the rest of the beverage list.

Service We sat outside waiting for everyone to arrive and were almost immediately given a menu. A good start which made the rest of our evening pleasant.

Price The bill came up to just under RM100 for four persons but it was worth the treat.

Verdict The B Side Café is bringing a new appreciation for café and coffee culture in a very traditional neighbourhood. Its blend of simple recipes with artsy décor is a refreshing change and one that will continue to evolve to please its expanding list of customers.

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biG getaway

biG getaway spacious feel is enhanced with the addition of a marble egg-shaped bathtub and oversized rain shower, separated from the main room by an adjustable screen. The digital controls beside the bed allows the curtains, lights, and air-conditioning to be adjusted at the touch of a screen. A 119-cm LCD TVs, high-speed Wi-Fi and the usual complement of five-star extras are standard.

My breakfast was served at The Ritz-Carlton Club. To anyone booking a stay, I would emphatically recommend ensuring club access. The atmosphere here is intimate and exclusive, with an emphasis on personal service. With five exquisite food and beverage presentations throughout the day, the club also acts as a hub for meetings before excursions to the beach or a stroll along Jumeirah Beach Residence ‘The Walk’ – Dubai’s only beachfront promenade of shops and al fresco restaurants and cafes, with distinct echoes of the French Riviera.

Greatly enhancing any stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai are the establishment’s large, manicured gardens, its secluded swimming pools and the holistic treatments offered at the new Ritz-Carlton Spa. The spa features nine multi-purpose treatment rooms, three couple rooms with private terraces, separate relaxation lounges and a dedicated ‘hammam’ area.

The Ritz-Carlton is not just a great choice for a relaxing break but also a prime location for hosting large gatherings. The new grand ballroom can accommodate 500 people, making it the perfect location for an impressive event or a special celebration.

Putting on the Ritz, Dubai Style

by John Zachary

T

he Royal Brunei Airlines flight from Bandar Seri Bagawan landed in Dubai at 1:40 am, so when I arrived at my hotel, I was hoping for a fast check-in and an inviting room.

The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai more than delivered – I was in my room within minutes. And like all new arrivals, the first thing I did was check out the view from the balcony.

Nestled on a private beach front in the heart of the Dubai Marina, Dubai’s Ritz-

Carlton boasts spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf. This is a Mediterraneanstyle property with Islamic design elements woven into the fabric of the building. There are arches, arabesques, wonderful calligraphy and murals, conspiring to create an oasis of serenity.

The rooms and suites are, as you’d expect, plush and generous. The famous Ritz Carlton signature linen and feather beds offer an uber-comfortable sleep, especially after a long flight, and the

All of this is excellent, but what really impresses is the hotel’s service and cuisine. The Ritz-Carlton offers an array of culinary experiences, from the tented Bedouin-style Amaseena for Arabic dishes, Blue Jade for Far East-inspired gastronomy and La Baie Lounge – an all-new outdoor restaurant serving an eclectic, international menu.

My companion and I decided to try the hotel’s modestly named Italian Restaurant, Splendido. One proclamation that can wrangle when travelling abroad is the oft-used expression ‘authentic culinary delights’. When you probe into the origins of a chef, more

often than not you’ll find a Greek restaurant headed by an Irish chef, a Spanish Restaurant run by a Turk, and so on. How pleasant then to find myself in an Italian restaurant outside of Italy run by true Italians, where the food was just as good as (maybe better than) ‘mamma’ intended.

With limited space, I’ll focus on the meal’s main course. My companion sampled ravioli d’astice con salsa di vongole lupino e porcini (lobster ravioli, lupino clams, porcini mushroom sauce) and I opted for the dentice rosa cotto in crosta di sale, salsa di mais e patate al caviale (salt-crusted pink snapper, corn sauce and potatoes with caviar). The meal was sublime. My snapper was cooked to moist perfection, allowing the flavour of the fish to truly shine through, and the sauce and caviar complemented the snapper beautifully. My companion – a seasoned gastronome – described the lobster ravioli as delicious.

After the meal, we asked manager Massimo Fonte if we could meet the chef, and moments later, fellow Italian, Alfonso Crescenzo joined us at our table. Mr Crescenzo – a perfect gent from Naples – went on to prepare a special non-alcoholic Bellini just for my companion, who was disappointed by its absence from the menu.

The Ritz Carlton, Dubai is a wonderfully appointed hotel immersed in the beauty of the Arabian Gulf, offering close proximity to the shops and café life of JBR Walk, and on the doorstep of Dubai’s famous malls.

Raul Salcido, general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai says his hotel personify the ‘let us stay with you’ philosophy that defines the brand’s style, where the emphasis is on every guest feeling entirely at home in their temporary surrounds. I wholeheartedly agree with this statement.

The Ritz Carlton, Dubai offers luxurious and relaxing surroundings, an excellent standard of service and truly authentic cuisine.

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biG listings

BRUNEI LISTINGS

Ceri Café

BRUNEI

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

Momo Restaurant There are three simple steps toward enjoying a premium grilled cuisine at Momo Restaurant: First, you choose your meat, then you select from a unique list of sauces, and then take a pick from the wide variety of side dishes. We heartily recommend the OP Nolan Ribs with a rosemary shallot sauce accompanied with a bowl of creamy truffle oil infused mashed potatoes. Don’t forget to order the Ginger Crème Brulee for dessert! | OPEN DAILY

11.30am-2.30pm/6.30pm-10.30pm, Grd Flr StarLodge, JERUDONG (673 261 1618) Kitaro Lodge Its subtle décor doesn’t give away much, but it’s a good indication of the quality of food in this restaurant to see Japanese expats frequently dining here. The attention to detail in their food presentation is also worthy of a mention, making their dishes some of the most Instagramfriendly in town. | OPEN DAILY 11am-

2.30pm/6pm-10.30pm; Unit 5-7 Grd Flr The Centrepoint, GADONG (673 245 7373) or Grd Flr StarLodge, JERUDONG (673 261 1618) Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Despite new coffee shops popping up around town, the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf undoubtedly remains the most popular purveyor of caffeine in Brunei with over five branches throughout the country.

This global coffee chain continues brewing their specialty coffee for the masses, including their ever-popular Ice-Blended coffee drinks. |OPEN DAILY 8am-11pm; 36

& 37 Maya Puri Building, JLN SULTAN (673 222 0589) or #1-16A 1st Flr The Mall, GADONG (673 245 7460) – Call for other branches

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Marilyn Café If you’re looking for a good meal in Kuala Belait, drop by this gem of a café along the main street in town. Serving a wide variety of café fare, beverages, pastries and desserts, this cozy place is a staple for reasonably-priced tasty meals in Kuala Belait. Try their meaty Marilyn Burger, Cookie Monster drink and chocolate moist cake. | OPEN DAILY

6am-midnight; No 42 Jln Pretty, KUALA BELAIT (673 333 3066) Bello Café ‘Bello’, which is Italian for ‘beautiful’, is certainly the right name for this elegantly designed café with their beautifully-styled food. Offering a tasty range of snacks, desserts, western and local main dishes, they are famed for their Swiss Burger and Chocolate Lava Pudding. |

OPEN DAILY Mon-Fri 7.30am-10pm, Sat 7.30am-11pm, Sun 8am-10pm; L1/12 Seri Kiulap Mall, KIULAP (673 223 3989) Phongmun Restaurant Serving families since the mid-80’s, Phongmun is probably the oldest Chinese restaurant in town and has always been a favourite place for a good meal with its traditional Chinese ambience. Phongmun has plenty of delicious meals to offer: from Dimsum, to a variety of roasted meats and great selections from their ala carte menu. Must try: Lobster Salad. (Non-halal). | OPEN DAILY

7am-10pm; 2nd Flr Teck Guan Plaza, JLN SULTAN (673 222 9561, 673 222 9562) 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 an extensive menu. Enjoy a gastronomic experience featuring dishes such as Pan Fried Lobster, Gnocchi with White Sausage, Grilled Angus Pure Tender Loin and Raspberry Parfait – some of their most popular dishes. | OPEN DAILY 6am-6pm;

Radisson Hotel Jln Tasek, BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (673 224 4272) 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) Goldiana Café & Lounge Open 24 hours a day, the Goldiana Café & Lounge is widely popular for its monthly themed buffets.

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

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

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

Chatterbox Kopitiam

Lee Loi Fatt

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

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

Dim Sum Restaurant

FRESH FLAVOURS

NEW RESTAURANTS AROUND TOWN

Home Kitchen by Tree-Bit Café

brunch buffet brings families over every week, dining on hot dim sum while children take a dip in the swimming pool on the same floor.

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

1st Flr Orchid Garden Hotel, KG ANGGEREK DESA (673 233 5544) Pizza Hut An introduction hardly needs to be made here – this international franchise has been delivering pizzas to our homes since 1993, and it’s still going on strong today. With weekly promotions and a new ala carte menu, there’s no wonder that Pizza Hut remains at the top of the pizza chain in Brunei. Visit any of its 16 restaurants and delivery outlets around Brunei or simply pick up the phone and order up a hot and fresh pizza right to your doorstep.

Rice Bowl

PEPPERMINT CAFE

Rovansil Restaurant

#14 Blk A Grd Flr Spg 493, Beribi (673 822 1888)

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

HOME-GROWN TALENT

Vanda’s popular Sunday dim sum

for other branches

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

Selera Alam Kitani Restaurant & Catering

Amanah Harith

Serikandi

683 Spg 681, Jln Jerudong (673 261 2140)

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

Babu’s Kitchen C44 Blk C Grd Flr Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 245 7868)

Chop Jing Chew

Dairy Queen (DQ)

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

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

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

38, 39 & 40 BT Complex, Kg Jaya Setia (673 242 4385)

Vanda Chinese Restaurant

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

FAVOURITE HOME BRANDS

Fayze Jaya Restaurant and Café

Flr Orchid Garden Hotel, KG ANGGEREK DESA (673 233 5544)

1 Spg 15, Jln Gadong (673 871 9946)

D8 & D9 Lot 11620 Grd Flr Jln Gadong, Kg Mata-Mata (673 242 9366)

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

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

Restoran Makan & Soto Rosmini

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

Jessamine Restaurant & Café 26B Grd Flr Delima Jaya Complex, Berakas (673 234 1394)

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

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

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

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

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

Filio Restaurant & Catering 32 Blk D Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 244 9009)

Mangrove Z’yan Restaurant Mangrove Paradise Resort, Kota Batu (673 278 6868)

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

Fun Wok Hong Kong Restaurant 4 & 6 Grd Flr Kiulap Plaza Hotel, Kg Kiulap (673 223 2397)

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

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

G S Seafood Restaurant Sri Aman Complex, Tutong (673 422 1882)

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

Golden Leaf Coffee House

Taty’s Café

Gratitude Café

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hadfa Seafood Restaurant

ASIAN DELIGHTS

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

DELICIOUS ASIAN FARE

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

Hamberly Hills Café Pho Real

Anjung Saujana & Cilantro’s Gourmet Patisserie

Sumbangsih Corner Sumbangsih Mulia, Beribi (673 245 7126)

Departure Hall, Lvl One, Brunei International Airport (673 233 1853)

Hot Point Café & Restaurant 101 1st Flr The Mall, Gadong (673 242 6719)

Pondok Sari Wangi Restaurant

Ayam Penyet AP

Hot Pot King Steamboat Restaurant

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

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

Restoran Ummi Salomeh

Impian Rasa Restaurant

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

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

SCR Express

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

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

Berry Wan Hot Pot

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

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

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

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

10 Bgn Hasbullah 2, Gadong (673 244 5355) Citis Square branch: #20-21 1st Flr, Citis Square, Berakas

MY Favoureat Restaurant

Big Mama’s Restaurant (BMR)

LaMee Restaurant

Seasons Restaurant

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

26 Q-Lap Complex, Kiulap (673 223 6699)

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

Lvl 2 The Centrepoint, Gadong (673 242 2291)

Kayu Nasi Kandar

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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biG listings

biG listings Seaworld Neptune

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

Shikai 1 & 2 Blk E Grd Flr Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 245 6222)

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

All Seasons Restaurant

C’ Fu Curry House

Singapore Table

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

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

10 Grd Flr Bgn Hasbullah 3, Gadong (673 245 0099)

Dynasty Restaurant

Sui Heng Restaurant

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

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

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

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

Emperor’s Court 3rd Flr Hua Ho Manggis Mall, Berakas (673 233 2880)

KTM Thai Special Seafood Restaurant

I-Lotus

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

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

Sagar Restaurant

De’ Olde Cottage

The Airport Restaurant & Coffee Shop

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

2 Grd Flr Blk C Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 242 6982)

Sameer Restaurant & Catering

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

G1 Grd Flr Sg Akar Sentral, Berakas (673 872 8172)

Flapjack House

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

Fish & Co

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

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

Tai Ka Luk Restaurant

Li Gong

Grd Flr Shakirin Complex, Kiulap (673 882 9495)

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

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

Le Taj

Thiam Hock Restaurant

Shinobu Restaurant

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

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

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

Lemongrass Restaurant

Thien Thien Restaurant

Vanda Chinese Restaurant

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

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

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

Lotus Family Restaurant

THE SPICE ROUTE

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

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

Ya-Nur Restaurant 7 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Tahir 2, Gadong (673 245 2186)

Zaika Restaurant

Ahan Thai

Bistro Chez Fio

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

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

Nur Wanita

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

Waroeng Penyet

Aqil Shafiee

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

Buccaneer Steak House

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

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

Popular Restaurant

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

Awais’s Rice N Grill Pakistani Restaurant

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

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

Rajah’s Restaurant

FINE CHINA

Bombay Palace

Rangmahal Restaurant

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

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

CHINESE CUISINE AT ITS FINEST

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

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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

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

Gohan Sushi and ShabuShabu Restaurant

Modesto Bistro & Grill

2 1st Flr Spg 181-22, Kg Kiarong (673 242 8100)

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

Ikura Sushi

New Cottage Grills

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

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

Kaiz Cuisine 42 & 43 Blk C Gadong Central, Gadong (673 244 9977)

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

WYWY Restaurant

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

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

Pancake House International

1 Blk A Bgn Habza, Kiarong (673 223 4139)

Bann Nucha Restaurant

Aiko Sushi

WESTERN STAR

MOD Thasanan Thai Food

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

LOOK EAST

Kitaro

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

13 & 14 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Hassan Abdullah, Kg Menglait (673 245 3940)

Bunker Bistro

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

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

SPICY DISHES FROM AROUND THE REGION

You Me Restaurant

B23 Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 878 5398)

Paddington House of Pancakes

Aranda @ D’Anggerek

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

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

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

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

Ko-ryo Restaurant

Rizqun Coffee House

B16 Bgn Lim Eng Ming, Kiulap (673 223 9837)

Rizqun International Hotel, Gadong (673 242 3000)

Korean House Restaurant

RMS Diner

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

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

Kimchi Restaurant

Savy’s Brasserie

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

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

BELLUNO Café

Traders Inn Café

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

ENJOY THE BEST FROM THE WEST

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

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

Ideal Café & Grill 7 Blk H Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 242 0596) – Call for other branches

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

Bakerlyn Café

Yugo BBQ and Shabu Shabu Restaurant

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

Yam Yam Sarang Korean Restaurant

Brunei International Airport, Berakas (673 233 1853)

Deli Bites

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

The Ghurka Palace Kafe Kausar

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

Swensen’s

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

Tandoor.com

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

Trio Hotpot Restaurant

Choices Café

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

Saffron Restaurant

8 Spg 791, Jerudong (673 261 2613)

Misato Japanese Restaurant

EUROPEAN LEAGUE

ITALIAN AND SPANISH CUISINE

Caliente 7 Blk B 1st Flr Regent Square, Kiulap (673 223 4549)

Capers Cafe & Restaurant 2nd Flr Seri Kiulap Complex, Kiulap (673 223 8996)

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

Din’s Bistro 8 Blk E Grd Flr Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 878 6160)

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

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

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

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

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

Villa Mauri Spg 369 Jln Muara, Kg Sungai Tilong (673 233 5585)

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

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

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

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

D’April’s Café 3 Blk D Grd Flr Shakirin Complex, Kiulap (673 223 3929)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CAFÉ CULTURE

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

Shabulicious Restaurant

Another Café

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

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

Garden Cottage Cafe

Senja Restaurant

Sushi Tei

9 Grd Flr Seri Kiulap Complex, Kiulap (673 720 3734) – Call for other branches

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

Mr Baker’s Cafeteria

Gloria Jean’s Coffee

C47 Blk C Grd Flr Gadong Central, Menglait (673 242 7554)

G17 Citis Square, Berakas (673 233 8452)

THE BEST OF CAFÉ FARE

Secret Recipe

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

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

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

53

biG listings

biG listings High Frequency Lifestyle Café 1st Flr Unit 5 Blk B Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 242 8262)

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

Le Stadium

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

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

MEALS WITH A STUNNING VIEW

Matadoe

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

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

Fratini’s Restaurant

N.M Desa Café

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)

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

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

Kaizen

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

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

Palm Café

Lobby Lounge

Palm Garden Hotel, Kiulap (673 223 3323)

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

Piccolo Café

Pantai Restaurant

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

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

Red Canopy Café

RMS Portview Seafood Restaurant

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

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

WHAT A VIEW Atrium Café

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

(Sabah)

Zest Cafe

Spg 8, Kg Rimba (673 245 6755)

Mawar Coffee Garden

Eat

Ximply Chriz Café

Café De Vie Lot D-0-6 Lorong Metro Town 3, Kota Kinabalu (6088 393 863) Circle Restaurant Hotel JW Marriott, Kota Kinabalu (6088 322 222)

Jerome Wong

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

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

Riviera Café

Tarindak d’Polo

Riviera Hotel, Kuala Belait (673 333 5252)

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

TT Blues Café

Tarindak D’Seni

The Spa at the Empire Hotel & Country Club

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

Brunei Arts & Handicrafts Centre, Kota Batu (673 224 0422)

The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 241 8222)

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

Tien Hsing Vegetarian Restaurant #21&22 Grd Flr Bangunan Hj Hassan II, Menglait (673 245 4988)

QUICK PICKS

INVIGORATE

QUICK AND EASY MEALS

GO GREEN

Vegetarian-friendly options

The Coffee Zone

Mituo Vegetarian Restaurant

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

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

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

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

Hommed Baga

Thann Sanctuary

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

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

Tomato Café

Pureland Vegetarian Restaurant

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

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

Mei Kong Coffee Shop

Twelv Café

Shiang Ping Health Cuisine

Nasi Katok Mama Express

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

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

3 Blk A Grd Flr Kompleks Madang, Madang (673 864 1681)

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

Vintage Rose Café

The Energy Kitchen

Tasconi’s Pizza

Palm Spa

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

Grd Flr Fitness Zone Kiulap (673 223 3323)

C5 Spg 145 Grd Flr Blk C, Serusop (673 233 5222)

Palm Garden Hotel, Kiulap (673 223 2211)

54

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Emperor’s Delight Lot 6 Grd Flr Jln Pantai, Kota Kinabalu (6088 288 686)

The Spa Zone 108 Jln Permancha, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 224 0688)

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

Zen Spa

Full House G7&1-10 Suria Sabah Jln Tun Fuad Stephens (014 559 9306) Gam Tong Hong Kong Recipe Lot G-823 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 485 454)

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

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

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

Mdm Ing Fish Noodle Lot 21 Towering Koidupan Perdana Jln Tambunan, Penampang (6016 827 9296)

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

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

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 233 213) Kudos Bistro 69 Gaya Street (inside Jesselton Hotel), Kota Kinabalu (6088 313 366) La Fuente G-816 Grd Flr 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 486 609)

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

Little Italy Grd Flr Hotel Capital Jln Hj Saman, Kota Kinabalu (6088 232 231)

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

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

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 489 180) Nishiki Japanese Restaurant Shop 4 Grd Flr 63 Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu (6088 230 582) October Coffee House Blk B The Peak Vista Lorong Puncak 1 Tjg Lipat, Kota Kinabalu (6010 947 8921)

Pancake House Concourse Flr 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 448 110) Lot G94-94A Karamunsing Complex, Kota Kinabalu (6088 319 768) Party Play 117 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 311 210) Pasta Pasta 108 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 280 790) 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 (6088 733 993) Restoran Makanan Sedap No 1-0-1 Blk B Jln Kolam Centre Phase 2 Jln Lintas, Kota Kinabalu (6088 247 459) Sailors Lot 36 1st Flr Grand Millennium Plaza, Penampang (6088 731 960) Santola Café Lot 14 Blk B Damai Point, Kota Kinabalu (6088 260 188) 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) Sugarbun Café Lot 48 Jln Pantai, Kota Kinabalu (6088 218 326)

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

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

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

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

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

Sushi Tei Lot G-68 Grd Flr Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 485 595) Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

55

biG listings

biG listings Toscani’s Lot 14 The Waterfront Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 242 879) Wah San Restaurant D2-G Blk 17 Jln Pryer, Sandakan (6089 212 626) Yamagoya Ramen Lot 109 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 253 701) Yoshimi Japanese Restaurant Warisan Square, Kota Kinabalu (6088 488 388)

Eat (Sarawak)

Aroma Café 126 Jln Tabuan, Kuching (6082 417 163) Asian Express Restaurant G40 The Spring, Kuching (6082 414 088) Bee Hiong Restaurant Café 157G Jln Muhibbah, Lawas (6085 285 137) Beei Jing Restaurant Sdn Bhd 157 Jln Kg Nyabor, Sibu (6084 330 955) Bismi Restaurant 27 Jln Sommerville, Bintulu (6086 331 835) Bites by the Batik 38 Jln Pandungan, Kuching (6082 422 845)

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) Cloud-99 Precinct 99 Jalan Song, Kuching (6016 866 2716) Crown Dynasty Restaurant Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Bintulu (6086 335 908)

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

Boardriders Café Plaza Merdeka Jln Pearl, Kuching

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

Absolute Tribal Restaurant Hills Shopping Mall, Kuching (6082 237 469)

Boulevard Restaurant 2228 Jln Saberkas, Lutong (6085 658 176)

Dynasty Chinese Restaurant Oil Town Comm Complex, Miri (6085 424 000)

Alfian Restaurant 52 Pekan Marudi, Marudi (6085 755 215)

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

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

All Joy Café 8-1 Jln Khoo Hun Yeang, Kuching (6082 243 535) Apollo Seafood Centre 4 Jln Yu Seng Selatan, Miri (6085 420 813) Apple Restaurant 78 Jln Tun Ahmad Zaidi, Bintulu (6086 333 377)

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)

Eden Everise Wisma Nation Horizon, Block C, Kuching (6082 256 022)

Farley Restaurant 1721 Jln Salim, Sibu (6084 228 819) Fisherman Restaurant 4 Jln Chew Geok Lin, Sibu (6084 316 888)

Sin Soon Chin Restaurant 2415 Jln Boulevard 2, Miri (6085 414 282)

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

Sri Menanti Coffee House Restaurant 15 Lrg Pahlawan 7b, Sibu (6084 218 196)

Golden City Restaurant 87, Jln Ong Chu Seng, Saratok (6083 436 139)

Surabaya Restaurant 288 Jln Bendahara, Miri (6085 411 239)

Highlands Seafood Restaurant 298 Jln Tj Bt, Bintulu (6086 318 828) Hock Chu Leu Restaurant 28 Jln Tukang Besi, Sibu (6084 316 523) Imperial Duck Restaurant 313 Jln Padungan, Kuching (6082 336 313) Jubilee Restaurant 49G Jln India, Kuching (6082 245 626) Khan’s Bilal Restaurant 229-G Jln Maju, Miri (6085 418 440) Kim Bay Restaurant The Spring, Kuching (6082 239 308)

Escobar SF3 Damai Cenral Pantai Damai Santubong, Kuching (6082 846 030)

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

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

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

Li Garden Restaurant Hock Lee Centre, Kuching (6082 340 785) Lim Hock Ann 96 1 Jln Kg Kuntal, Kuching (6082 846 533) Lok Thian Restaurant 317 Jln Padungan, Kuching (6082 3313 310) Lu Lai Vegetarian 3641, Lrg 2 Off Jln Rock, Kuching (6082 242 863) Lucky Restaurant 65C G Pekan Marudi, Marudi (6085 755 562) Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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

Fratini’s Restaurant 2512 Jln Boulevard 3, Miri (6085 422 115)

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

56

Sheraton Restaurant 37 Psn Brooke, Sibu (6084 336 341)

Sushi Kin The Spring, Kuching (6082 245 355) Lyn’s Thandoori Restaurant 7 Jln Song Thian Cheok, Kuching (6082 234 934) Mango Tree Restaurant Kikyo Tei, Kuching (6082 235 353) Map Restaurant Bang Terminal, Kuching (6082 459 087) Marco Polo Restaurant 116A BDA Shahida, Bintulu (6086 332 458)

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

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

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

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

Portico 17A Lorong Park Lane, Kuching (6019 819 8046) Pot & Grill Restaurant 9 Jln Tun Abd Rahman Yaakub, Kuching (6082 425 525)

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

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

INVIGORATE SABAH AC Beauty Lane #2-10B Lvl 2 Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 487 242) Chi, The Spa Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa, Jln Aru, Kota Kinabalu (6088 327 882) Hakod Oasis Day Spa Warisan Square, Kota Kinabalu (6088 487 700) Jari Jari Spa Blk B 2nd Flr Plaza Tanjung Aru, Jln Mat Salleh, Kota Kinabalu (6088 272 606)

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

Mandara Spa The Magellan Sutera, 1 Sutera Habour Boulevard, Kota Kinabalu (6088 318 888)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SARAWAK

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

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

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

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

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

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

Momoyama Wisma Phoenix, Kuching (6082 420 561)

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

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

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

Orion Tropical Jln Merpati, Miri (6085 418 417)

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

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

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

Wang Hin Restaurant 1 Soon Hup Comm Complex, Miri (6085 413 129) Warung Nasi Kuning Jln Tun Jugah, Kuching (6016 809 1286) Wei Thian Restaurant Golden Square, Siburan (6082 862 968) Xin Tsui Siang Kitchen Wisma Nation Horizon Blk D, Kuching (6082 414 616)

Borneo Odyssey Spa Blk 13 Hilltop Wing, Damai Beach Resort, Santubong (6082 846 999) Damaipuri Resort & Spa Teluk Penyuk, Santubong (6082 846 900) Jungle Spa Borneo Highlands Resort, Jln Borneo Heights, Kuching (6019 828 0790) Mirage Spa Lot 151 Sect 28, KUCHING (6082 424 022) Putri Sejinjang Spa Rumah Kedai Mara, Heritage Jargen, Jln Rahman Yaakob, Kuching (6082 428 660) Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

57

biG essentials

BRUNEI

Lost/stolen Passports and Credit Cards

about Brunei and related pamphlets and

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

maps free from here. All centres are closed

nearest Police Station to lodge a police report and

between 12 noon and 2pm on Fridays to

inform your embassy to seek further assistance.

observe the Friday prayer time for Muslims.

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

Islamic Etiquette

David Kirkland 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.

Buses There are six bus routes servicing the BSB area: the Central Line, Circle Line, Eastern Line, Southern

Although Islam is the state religion of Brunei

Line, Western Line and Northern Line. Normal

Darussalam, it is also a country that prides itself

operating hours are from 6.30am - 6pm. Bus

on the diversity of its people – including their

fares start from B$1.00. Buses heading to other

religions. Visitors are welcome to mosques,

towns in Brunei such as Tutong, Kuala Belait and

provided some etiquette is followed. In general,

Seria depart from the bus terminal located at

proper attire is required; women are required

the multistorey carpark on Jalan Cator in BSB.

to cover their head, shoulders, and knees.

Some mosques will provide simple robes and

Taxis

shawls to meet these standards. Shoes are to be

Taxis can be found at the airport, hotels, shopping

removed before entering a mosque. Please do

centres, and the central bus station in Bandar Seri

not pass in front of people in prayer, and do not

Begawan. There are no metered taxis in Brunei,

touch the Al-Quran. Please ask for permission

therefore it is advisable to negotiate your fare

before taking photographs – particularly inside!

before getting into one. For your convenience it

Mosques are usually closed on Thursday and

is also recommended to take you preferred taxi

Friday, and during prayer times – your hotel,

driver’s number to organize prearranged trips.

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

Nama saya …

Maafkan saya Ya Tidak Berapa?

Di mana tandas?

Saya mahu pergi ke...

Belok ke kanan Belok ke kiri

help you determine a good time to visit.

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

Friday Prayer Time

Smoking is prohibited in both air-conditioned and

Ayer. You can hail a water taxi from the numerous

All retail, food and beverage outlets and

non air-conditioned areas in Brunei Darussalam.

jetties along the banks of Brunei River. The

business offices are closed between 12 noon

Smoking is banned in specific places, including

water taxi is an ideal way to view the water village

and 2pm on Fridays to observe the Friday

government buildings, hospitals, recreational

up close. Fares are negotiable but usually a

prayer time for Muslims.

and educational centres, public transport

standard ride costs about B$1.00. Regular boat

and restaurants. Offenders could be fined.

services to Temburong operate between 7.45am

Credit cards

to 4pm daily and a round trip costs B$15.00.

They are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants

Tourist Information Centre

and major shopping complexes. Most widely

Located at 2 places around Brunei - the

Ferry Services

accepted cards are VISA and Mastercard.

arrival hall of the Brunei International

Passenger ferry services to the Malaysian island

Some establishments accept American Express.

Airport (opening hours 9am - 5pm) and

of Labuan operate from 7am to 4pm and departs

Kg. Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery

from the Serasa Terminal in Muara town. The

(9am - 2pm). Visitors can obtain information

journey takes about 45 minutes to an hour.

hotels and some licensed money changers.

FOREIGN MISSIONS

EMERGENCY

Australia | 222 9436/426

Police : 993

Bangladesh | 223 8420

Fire : 995 Ambulance : 991

Canada | 222 0043

Darussalam Hotline : 123

China | 233 9609

FLIGHT INFORMATION General : 233 1747 AIRLINES Royal Brunei Airlines 221 2222, 224 0500

major international banks in the capital.

Money remittance / Transfer

Singapore Airlines 224 4901/2/3/4

Transferring money overseas can be done

Cebu Pacific Air 222 2666, 222 7965, 223 9888

at all major banks or remittance agencies in Brunei.

MEDICAL SERVICES RIPAS Hospital 224 2424

Telecommunications Most public phones operate on calling cards

Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) 261 1433

such as Hello card, Netkad and Payless. These cards can be purchased at any store

Gleneagles JPMC 261 1212

and comes in $5, $10, $20 and $50 denominations. Prepaid calling cards for

Tutong Hospital 422 1336 ext 991

the two mobile telephone operators, DST and Progresif Cellular, can be purchased

Cambodia | 242 6450

Directory enquiries : 113

Malaysian Airlines 222 4141/2, 222 3074

To cash or exchange travelers cheques, visit

France | 222 0969/961 Germany | 222 5574 India | 233 9685 Indonesia | 233 0180

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

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

Japan | 222 9265/6867 Korea | 233 0248 Laos | 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

Kuala Belait Hospital 333 2366 ext 991

from their respective authorised dealers in all major shopping areas.

David Kirkland Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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

NUMBERS TO NOTE

Air Asia 233 3045

This service is available at the airport, banks,

58

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

tour guide, or even friendly muslim locals can

Smoking

Money changer

useful Malay words

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

59

biG essentials

biG directory

SABAH

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

Taxis Taxis are available at both airport terminals and cost about RM30.00 to get to the city. The journey takes between 10-15 minutes. Within the city, taxi stations are located next to major shopping malls and hotels.

Long distance taxi services can be found next to Padang Merdeka.

Ferry Services

Banks Banks open from 9am to 4pm from Mondays to Fridays and are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. ATM machines are available 24 hours.

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

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.

Credit Cards

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

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

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

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

An increasing number of restaurants now have WIFI zones too.

Cybercafés offer very affordable rates for internet services.

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

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

Kinabalu Park is located en route from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan.

Brunei Darussalam Travel Agents And Operators

Air Travel

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

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

Taxis

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

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

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

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

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

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

An increasing number of restaurants now have WIFI zones too.

Cybercafés offer very affordable rates for internet services.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Antara Travel & Tours T. 223 7935 E. antara@brunet.bn

Intrepid Tours T. 222 1685 E. tours@bruneibay.net

PJ Majestic Tours T. 244 6509 E. peter@exploreborneo.com

Anthony Tours & Travel Agencies Sdn Bhd T. 224 1198 / 222 7969 E. info@anthonytours.com

Jasra Harrisons Sdn Bhd T. 224 3911 E. jasratvl@brunet.bn

S.FFNB Inbound Tours Sdn Bhd T. 887 5252 E. nadiah@sffnd-tour.com.bn

AZ B2N Tour Services T. 224 0529

J.J. Tour Services (B) Sdn Bhd T. 245 3110 E. jjtbwn@brunet.bn

Southern Cross Travel Agencies Sdn Bhd T. 245 4719 E. southern@brunet.bn

Bonasia Holiday Management T. 223011 E. bonasia@brunet.bn

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

Straits Central Agencies (B) Sdn Bhd T. 222 4054 E. straitscentral@hotmail.com

Bruvacation Sdn Bhd E. tvl_bruvacation@brunet.bn

Ken Travel & Trading Sdn Bhd T. 222 3127 E. kentrvl@brunet.bn

Sunshine Borneo Tours & Travel Sdn Bhd T. 244 6509 E. sunshine@exploreborneo.com

Century Travel Centre Sdn Bhd T. 222 1747 E. century@brunet.bn

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

Tenaga Travel Agency Sdn Bhd T. 222 3924 E. tenagatravel@yahoo.com

Continental Yachting Sdn Bhd T. 223 3200 E. continentaltour@brunet.bn

MegaBorneo Marketing Services T. 222 4026 E. megaborneo@brunet.bn

Titian Travel & Tours Branch Hajj & Umrah T. 245 3111 E. titiantravel@gmail.com

Darussalam Holdings Sdn Bhd T. 223 1964 E. haj_umrah@darussalamholdings.com

Naquina NQ Inbound Tours T. 887 3416 E. nqtours@hotmail.com

Trandie Marina Resorts Sdn Bhd T. 223 1570 E. trandiebrunei@gmail.com/admin@ trandiemarinaresorts.com

Halim Tours and Travel Sdn Bhd T. 222 6699 E. halimtour@yahoo.com

PGGMB Travel Service T. 222 3694/5 E. pts.inbounddept@gmail.com/pggmbtravel@yahoo. com

Travel Hub Tour & Travel Sdn Bhd T. 266 0688 / 872 0725 E. info@travelhub.com.bn

HASA Incentives Sdn Bhd T. 876 6796

Pan Bright Travel Services T. 224 0980 E. travelbandar@panbright.com

Freme Travel Services Sdn Bhd T. 333 5025 E. fremekub@brunet.bn

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

Luxury Resort Accommodation

Star Lodge

Empire Hotel & Country Club

Parkview Hotel

T. 222 2052 F. 233 7264 E. khsoon_resthouse_brunei@hotmail.com

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

Youth Centre

T. 241 8888 F. 241 8999 E. sales@theempirehotel.com

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

T. 2611618 F. 2611619 E. rooms@star-lodge.com

Palm Garden Hotel

KH Soon Services & Resthouse

T. 222 3936/2900 F. 222 9423 E. jbsbelia@brunet.bn

Rainforest Resort Accommodation

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

Freme Rainforest Lodge

T. 2232251 F. 2232253

T. 223 4280/1 E. fremeinb@brunet.bn

E. reservation@kiulap-plaza-hotel.com

Halim Plaza Hotel - Tutong

Times Hotel

T. 426 0688 F. 422 2668

Ulu-Ulu Resort, Ulu Temburong National Park

T. 2337878 F. 2337879

E. halim_plaza_hotel@hotmail.com

E. reservation@timeshotelbrunei.com

Intrepid Guesthouse - Temburong

T. 244 1791 F. 244 1790 E. sales@uluuluresort.com

Business & Tourist Accommodation Rizqun International Hotel Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam T. 224 4272 F. 222 1579 E. sales.brunei@radisson.com

The Centrepoint Hotel

T. 243 0430 F. 243 0200 E. info@thecentrepointhotel.com

Orchid Garden Hotel

T. 233 5544 F. 233 5444 E. inquiries@orchidgardenbrunei.com

Kiulap Plaza Hotel

Badi’ah Hotel T. 2222888 F. 2222889 E. reservation@badiahhotel.com

Outside Bandar Seri Begawan

T. 222 1685/6 F. 2221687 E. tours@bruneibay.net

RoomZ Hotel - Seria T. 322 3223 F. 322 3225 E. reservations@roomz.com.bn

Hotel Apartments Abdul Razak Hotel Apartments T. 224 1536 F. 224 2301 E. info@abdulrazakhotelapts.com

D’Anggerek Service Apartment

T. 234 5222 F. 234 5333 E. sales@danggerek.com

Kompleks Mohd. Yussof Service Apartment T. 223 5532 F. 223 5528 E. kmyhotelapartment@gmail.com

LeGallery Suites Hotel

Plaza Sutera Biru – Kuala Belait T. 334 7268 F. 334 7269 E. info@psb.com.bn

Riviera Hotel - Kuala Belait T. 333 5252 F. 333 1052 E. riviera_htl@brunet.bn

The Swiss Hotel Apartment - Kuala Belait T. 333 1668 F. 333 1638 E. swisshotel@brunet.bn

Sea View Hotel - Kuala Belait T. 333 2651 F. 334 2770 / 331950 E. seaviewhotel@brunet.bn

Sentosa Hotel - Kuala Belait

T. 222 1228 F. 222 1132 E. rooms@legallerysuiteshotel.com

T. 333 1345 F. 333 1129

The Brunei Hotel

Palazzo de Qaseh Service Apartments

Hotel Koperasi Seria - Kuala Belait

T. 224 4828 F. 222 6193 E. reservations@thebruneihotel.com

The Capital Residence Suites

V Plaza – Kuala Belait

Riverview Hotel

T. 223 8238 F. 223 7999 E. riverviewhtl@gmail.com

Terrace Hotel

T. 224 3554 E. 222 7302 E. terrahtl@brunet.bn

Jubilee Hotel

T. 222 8070 F. 222 8080 E. info@jubileehotelbrunei.com

Grand City Hotel

T. 245 2188 F. 245 2110 E. grandcity@brunet.bn

Traders Inn

T. 244 2828 E. 243 1188 E. traders@brunet.bn

60

Zura Travel Service Sdn Bhd T. 245 6475 E. lizaborja@hotmail.com

Brunei Darussalam Accommodation

T. 242 3000 F. 242 8000 E. info@rizquninternational.com

Tourist Information Centre

Wing On Travel & Trading Sdn Bhd T. 222 0486 E. wot@brunet.bn

T. 245 9898 F. 247 9898 E. palazzodeqaseh@gmail.com T. 222 0067 F. 222 0069 E. reservations@capitalresidencesuites.com

E. enquiry@bruneisentosahotel.com T. 322 7592 / 859 F. 322 7604 T. 334 7868 F. 334 7866 E. info@v-plaza.com.bn

Keoja Hotel – Kuala Belait Guest & Lodging Houses – Bandar Seri Begawan Intrepid Units

T. 222 1686 F. 222 1687 E. tours@bruneibay.net

Nazira Guesthouse

T. 261 1666 F. 261 2201 E. hmarzuqi@brunet.bn

T. 334 7733 F. 3347 668 E. keojahotel@gmail.com

Tat Place – Kuala Belait T. 334 7277 F. 334 7288 E. tatplacekb@gmail.com

Likut Intan Guesthouse - Temburong T. 522 1078 / 889 6162 Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

61

biG navigator

biG navigator Map 2 : Bandar

Map 1 : Bandar Seri Begawan

ey Jalan Stone y

k bo

U

H

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

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

B4 Berakas English School

E4 Customs & Excise Department

B4 Serusop Mosque

D4 Ministry of Religious Affairs

B5 Science School

D4 Audit Department / Petroleum Unit

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

62

C3 The Royal Regalia Building

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

A3 Radisson Hotel

F1 Warisan Mata-Mata Complex: Growing Star Home Decor, Haus Home Decor, Bajoo Boutique, Sweet & Savoury

F3 RIPAS Hospital G3 Ministry of Law & Attorney General’s Chambers

E4 Parliament

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

D4 Edinburgh Palace

F1 Mata-Mata

C3 Ministry of Defence

E1 Police Headquarters

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

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

E4 Akrib Negara

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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

• Guan Electrical

• Pusat Belia (Youth Centre) g

mpun

eh Kiagg

E2 Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque E5 The Brunei Hotel

• Jubilee Hotel

D

• Electrical Department • Chinese Temple

n Be

• TAIB Bank

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

• Hua Ho, Buffalo Steak House

• Kianggeh Markets

5

6 A

B

B

G

E4 Clock Tower at crossroads

E3 Jaya Hypermart Centrepoint

D4 Post Office

D4 Abdul Razak Shopping Complex Blocks

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

D3 Secretariat Building

G6 Kianggeh Jetty

B6 Chung Hwa School

E6 Kianggeh Markets

D2 Radio Televisyen Brunei

E3 Taman Sir Omar Ali Saifuddien

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

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

D5 Electrical Departmnet

F4 HSBC Bank

E5 PGGM Building

G4 Standard Chartered Bank

F5 Wisma Setia: Mekong

E5 Chinese Temple

• Rizqun International Hotel

Gadong Fish & Night Markets

D4 Lapau

Coffeeshop, Big Papa’s Restaurant, Food Court

G6 Kianggeh Open-Air Food Court

D6 Jubilee Hotel

D E

• Bangunan Suria • Kiulap Plaza Hotel • Bangunan Seri Anigma

• Aiko Restraurant

Kampung Kiulap

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

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

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

D5 Aquarium, The Mobile Shop, Hamberly Hills Restaurant, London Kebab Restaurant

G

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

• Sugar & Spice

• Bangunan Seri Kiulap • Thien Thien

C1 Nyonya Restaurant, Million Goldsmith

D E

• Lee Clinic Lemongrass, Post Office

F G H

H

C1 R&T Electronics, Singapore Chicken Rice

D3 Szechuan’s Dynasty

C

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

F

D1 Nazaaha Singaporean Restaurant

E6 Wecan Restaurant

• Shakirin Complex • Chop Kim San

Landmarks in Gadong

D3 Brunei History Centre

D5 Pusat Belia (Youth Centre)

• Seri Qlap Mall

• Palm Garden • Fitness Hotel Zone

• Block J

• Wecan Restaurant

H

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

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

C

• The Mall

G5 Rizqun International Hotel

G3 Kaizen Sushi

• Block A

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

G5 Maybank

E4 TAIB Bank

• Block B Abdul Razak Shopping Complex

F

G5 Chop Jing Chew Bakery

H3 Fratini’s Portview Waterfront

• Szechuan’s Dynasty

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

• Block I

G4 Darussalam Complex: Century Travel Agents, Citibank

F4 Takaful IBB Building F4 Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam

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

4

A

• Block C

• Jaya Hypermart • Block H Centrepoint

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

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

• Block D

• Bangunan Hj Tahir A

• Block F

• The Centrepoint Hotel

E

• PGGMB Building

B4 Terrace Hotel

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

• Bright World Optics, C.A. Mohammad

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

• Bangunan Hj Tahir A

• Block E

Landmarks in Bandar

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

G1 Car Showroom Area

C

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

• Yayasan Shopping Mall

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Lebuhraya Sult an H aji Ha ss an

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Jalan Kebangsaan Lama

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Arts & Handicraft Centre • Ja

3

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• Post Office • Clock Tower

• Taman Sir Omar Ali Saifuddien

WZA Rice ‘N’ • Grill Pakistani Restaurant Ayamku Fastfood

G

2

YA

ota

K lan

S

• Istana Nurul Iman

Brunei Museum •

1

6

DA

• Kampong Ayer Culture • & Tourism Gallery

5

• Oslam Restaurant, Clothesline Launderette

• Chung Hwa School

GGEH I KIAN SUNGA

& Attorney General’s Chambers

Be

Jln Ka

an

• Batu Satu

• Lapau

Sult Jalan

ng to Tu Ministry of Law

Pearce

Jalan Roberts

g ir

lan

Ja

geh iang Jalan Residency Kg K

J ala n P e n

a • Car Showroom n Ba bu R Area aja

Jalan

B

n

ga

ran

Kampung

• Nyonya Restaurant, Million Goldsmith

Jalan Pemancha

F

See Bandar Map

Jalan Pretty

• RIPAS Hospital

• Kiarong

hur

Jame • Asr’ Mosque

• Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

• Tasek Lama Park

a

Jalan Perusahaan Beribi

James

Jalan Elizabeth Dua

Jalan McArt

• Mata -Mata • Warisan Mata -Mata Complex

See Kiulap Map

• Brunei History Centre

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

E

Mabohai • Shopping Complex l a n Tasek Lam

ong ad

Jalan G ado ng

Government Buildings

D

an

4

A

Berita

Jalan

• The Royal Regalia Building

Jal

3

• Radisson Hotel

Jalan Tutong

• Syariah Courts

2

KE

r

1

AI

• Government Buildings

Ja

See Gadong Map

C

Jalan

6

NG

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

• Ministry of Defence

Parliament Akrib Negara

Police • Headquarters

Scout Headquarters Complex

h

5

Map 4 : Kiulap

SU

ng do

a lki Bo

B

• Terrace Hotel

n Sulta Jalan

• Batu Bersurat

al

Kg Jaya • Setia

4

• Tamu Selera (Hawker Stalls)

Batu Satu and RIPAS Hospital

• Hua Ho Manggis Mall

3

h ngge ai Kia Sung Jalan

Royal Brunei • Golf Club

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

2

nS t on

A gsaan Keban Jalan

a Tungku ugray Leb

Brunei International Airport

1

6

Jala

5

ssala

4

a Daru

3

Istan

2

ka s

1

Map 3 : Gadong

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

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

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

D2 Hua Ho, Buffalo Steak House

D5 Sugar & Spice Restaurant

C2 Mercedes Benz Showroom

C4 Chop Kim San Hardwares

D4 Bangunan Suria: Insurans Islam TAIB, BICB Capital

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

D4 Bangunan Seri Anigma: Yappy Kopitiam, Sapphira Cake House

F4 Serikandi Restaurant, Petlink, Daan Forees Restaurant

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

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

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

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

63

• Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa

A

nM

SRB Chung Hua No.4

Intan

Sarawak Club

St. Joseph Church

St. Theresa’s School

Re

Planetarium

Reservoir Park

Jalan

vo ser

ir

St. Thomas’s School

Park Lane Lodge

Chung Hua No.1 School

Top Hill Kitchen Lodge 121 Aroma Cafe

Red Crescent Building

St. Mary’s School

E

Ta

si k

Ma

Aha Organic

Kuching High School

Kim Bay

jik

an

anc

Cozzi

Asia Star Office

Crossway

Choon Hui Cafe

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

Bella’s Cafe

ua

ran

Yang Di-Pertua Negeri

H

Wet Market &

Kampung Surabaya

J

Beds

Home Stay

St. Peter’s Church

Fire Station

Cat Statue

Pe

• Gaya Street

Ha Jalan

tan

ak

Jubilee Recreation Ground

I

ji Sam

an

Tu a

ran

Police

•

Gaya Island

la

Kampung Semarang

Ja

Hockey Stadium

MBKS Swimming Pool

Goodrich

•

ma

i

Dorset Boutique Hotel

Crown Square

Lee 360 Hock Centre Hotel

360 Urban Resort Hotel

J

Kota Kinabalu

a nD

Jesselton Waterfront

• Micasan Superstore

Gayana Eco Resort

Bunga Raya Island Resort

South China Sea

Jalan Broo ke

Kuching South City Council (MBKS)

Dewan Masyarakat

Frydays Chicken

Mian Ann Zest

Kampung Panglima Seman Lama

Mamutik Island

Manukan Island

Sapi Island

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

Kota Kinabalu

Merdeka Field

J

Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal

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

• Sunday

Centre hotel

• Gaya• Suria Sabah

Wisma Sabah, Wisma Merdeka Air Asia

I

• Hyatt Regency

• Pantai

Sulug Island

Chung Hua No. 3 School

an J al

Sayang

AbSolutely Atak Kopitiam

Jalan Padungan Uta Hawker Cenre ra

Terminal One Lounge

Hong Kong Pau Cafe

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

Hotel Grand Continental

Sarakraf Pavilion

Tun Jugah

Kampung Gersik

G

S a r a w a k Ri v e r

Statue Top Spot Great Food Court Wall J a

360Xpress

Hindu Temple

Kua Ning Temple

Sri Shan Batavia Cafe

il

Jalan Brooke

Centrepoint Shopping Everybread Sarawak Plaza Centre

Mata Kuching

Telang Usan Hotel

Pullman Hotel & Resort

es thi

Tua Pek Kong Temple

lan Ja

Khatulistiwa

Magherita Hotel

Tourism Malaysia Office Grand

Kampung Boyan

F

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

Waterfront Chinese Museum

Fort Margherita

Orchid Garden

Medan Pelita

Kuch ing Hong San Si Temple

an

gK

ass yp

B KK lan • Ja Bandaran Berjaya

• Istana Negeri – Residence of

atu k W i lli a m

Civic Centre

Amphitheatre

Heroes’ Monument

Old Sarawak Museum Aquarium

Arts Museum

Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites

General Post Office St. Thomas Church

• Tun Fuad

bajik

L rg

n Sa

Stephens

Kota Kinabalu

• The Palace Hotel

Hotel Shangri-La

•

Complex

Sri D

Land & Survey Divisional Office

Police Contingent HQ

St. Joseph’s School

New State Legislative Assembly (DUN)

Lodge

n Ke

Memorial Garden

Jala

• State Museum

Technology Centre

Cathedral

• Sacred Heart

Complex

n

• Karamunsing • Wisma Tun Fuad

• Kuwasa Complex, Royal Brunei Airlines

Police Station

Cathedral man dul Ra h ku A b Tun

• All Saints

Hotel

Deleeton

• Asia City Mall • Cititel • SEDCO Express

• Hotel

•

• General Bank Negara Post Office

•

Plaza

• Central Market • KK

• Fish Market

Night Market

• Le Meridien

Point azak Tun R Jalan

• Centre

Square

• Warisan

Handicraft Bazaar s ad Stephen

Tan

Samudra Court Hotel

Pasar Tamu

Telecom Malaysia

Islamic Garden

Radio Television Malaysia

Islamic Museum

Museum

Padang Merdeka Sarawak Dewan Tun Tourism Abdul Razak Board

Kuching Matang Transport Sikh Temple

Taxi

Indian Street Pedestrian Mall

Astana

D

d

• Art Gallery

k Tu n

b uA

• Science &

n J ala

•

Rahman ul

Tang Dynasty Park Hotel

Consulate General

• Indonesia

• Central

Map : Kuching

• State Mosque

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

C

h

ma

Sabah Oriental Hotel • Kota Kinabalu

• Tang Dynasty Hotel

Plaza

• Wawasan

• Promenade Hotel

Jalan Tun Fu

Waterfront Esplanade

la n

SCR

•

Petra Jaya Transport

er

p

alle

La

•

Bus (KK Times Square)Terminal

• The Mall

Sabah Parks

Ocean Seafood Borneo Heritage Village

H

South China Sea

Radius International

G

Ja

SCR Express

RJ Ayam Penyet Kopitiam

Kopi O Corner

Bank Negara Syariah Court

Hopoh Shopping Centre

By

at S

Jalan Se m b u l a n

Water Village

• Harbour City Development

Jln Bukit

Sunday Market

a

ng

iv kR Divisional Mosque

State Library & DBKU

h Ta

Sa

a raw

nP

pa

nM

l

a

B

la Ja

a en

s as

Jala

ou

Marina Golf and Country Club

rB

• Sutera Harbour

rb o u

Gay

Chung Hua School

•

p

• North Borneo Railway Station

n Ke

ayan

• Sunny Supermarket

a Ha

F

ab

Dormani Hotel

Jala

• Tanjung Aru Plaza

Monument

• Double Six

S

r ute

Sutera Hotel

• Magellan

E

akt

Buhari Cafe

h

Jala n

Jalan Coastal

Harbour Marina & Yacht Club

• The Sutera

Sutera Harbour

Sutera Hotel

• Pacific

D

ang mp na

nM

• SCR

alle

C

ng Pada

• Wisma Satok

at S

B

Jala

A

• Kota Kinabalu International Airport (Terminal 2)

Jala

• Casuarina Hotel

• Kinabalu Golf Club

Tanjung Aru

• Kinabalu Yacht Club

L Lrg

g an Ter b an ng ap a

ev

ar

d

Map : Kota Kinabalu

Pe

ba

ji

n la

Ke

Ha

an

lan

J al

T

Ja

Jalan Kolam

Market

Ja

n

h

ng Aru

J a la

bu

mbulan

as ki t

Le

m ajuan

Ne n

n

Jalan Se

Jal an Ka

t n Buk

Bu

an

Jal a

a

Jalan Tanju

Jal a

ay

in t

10

an

ud

ntre Po

Jalan

al

nB

Lrg Ce

20

Jal

J al a

Jalan

la

19

J a l an I s t a n a

18

Ja

Jalan

daran

a

C ho w 2

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide Jalan

J. Ban

am

Jalan G

n Foo

64 17

sr n A

reen

Jala

Jalan

Jala

F lan Ja w1 Cho oo

n Ta

e yld mf Ba n la Ja

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

65

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

biG screen

Movies to look out for this quarter

April

April

May

Furious 7

Ex_Machina

Avengers: Age of Ultron

In the seventh and latest installment of director James Wan’s hugely popular Fast and the Furious series, Deckard Shaw seeks revenge against Dominic (Vin Diesel) and his family over the death of his brother. Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson and Jordana Brewster returns to the franchise built on speed along with action stars Jason Statham, Djimon Hounsou and Tony Jaa.

Caleb (Domnhall Gleeson), a programmer at the world’s largest internet company, wins a competition to spend a week at the private mountain retreat of the company’s reclusive CEO, Nathan (Oscar Isaac), where he finds himself participating in Nathan’s latest experiment: a breathtaking robot with emotional intelligence that proves more deceptive than anticipated. Directed

by Alex Garland.

Joss Whedon presents the epic sequel to the biggest superhero movie of all time. This time the heroes face technological villain Ultron (James Spader), who plans to wipe out the entire human race. Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner and Scarlett Johansson return to the big screen along with two superhero newcomers. Also starring Samuel L Jackson and Cobie Smulders.

May

June

June

Mad Max: Fury Road

Inside Out

Jurassic World

In the fourth installment of the famous Mad Max franchise, the iconic Max Rockatansky (Tom Hardy) is seeking peace of mind after the loss of his wife and child. Set in a desert landscape where humanity is broken, Mad Max is caught up with a group of people fleeing across the Wasteland in a War Rig driven by Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron). A Road War ensues, sparking chaos across the desert.

In the newest movie by Pixar, Riley – who moves to San Franciso when her father starts a new job there – is guided through her everyday life by her emotions Joy (Amy Poehler), Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Mindy Kaling) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith) who run the control center inside her mind. Joy tries to keep things positive while the others conflict on how Riley adjusts to her new life in San Francisco.

22 years after the horrific events of Jurassic Park, John Hammond’s original vision of a fully functioning dinosaur theme park in Isla Nublar has been realized in Jurassic World. The park has been in operation for 10 years when the film begins and as it is facing losses and declining visitor rates, a new attraction is created to attract more visitors – which backfires horribly. Starring Bryce Dallas Howard, Idris Elba and Chris Pratt in the fourth film of the Jurassic Park series.

242 2455 www.themallcineplex.com 223 2277 www.sqcbrunei.com THE MALL CINEPLEX @ LEVEL 3, THE MALL, GADONG SERI QLAP CINEPLEX @ LEVEL 2, SERI Q-LAP MALL, KIULAP 261 0001 www.timescineplex.com/empirePSBdualplex TIMES CINEPLEX@EMPIRE, EMPIRE HOTEL AND COUNTRY CLUB, JERUDONG TIMES SQUARE CINEPLEX @ 4TH FLOOR, TIMES 234 1122 www.timescineplex.com TUTONG TIMES CINEPLEX @ BERJAYA COMPLEX, TUTONG 422 0422 PSB DUALPLEX, SERIA @ F19, SQUARE SHOPPING CENTRE, BERAKAS JALAN TENGAH, SERIA 322 1437 www.facebook.com/PSBdualplex

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide