BIG Apr-June 2018

Apr // Jun 2018

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

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www.borneoinsidersguide.com

Weekend Staycation

Relax in a deluxe bedroom or suite with great sea views For details or reservations, please dial 241 8888

The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong BG3122, Negara Brunei Darussalam Fax +673 241 8999 | www.theempirehotel.com

Editor’s Note biG feature

W

elcome to the fashion issue of BiG magazine and we promise, it will be a fabulous ride. In this issue, we pay tribute to the growing industry of fashion in Borneo and shine a spotlight on a few up-and-coming designers on the island.

We also take to the streets to find out a bit more about the hottest local brands in skate fashion, and sit down with the lovely ladies of Kava about their own unique brand of street chic.

Fashion, we’ve come to realise, is a many-headed beast. While the spotlight is trained on the item and the model who wears it, there is so much that goes on behind the scenes that it boggles the mind.

We pay tribute to a few unsung heroes in this issue by focusing on the people who make the vision work, from the make-up artist with a palette to create looks on the canvas of a naked face to the stylists who work hard to produce a photo that perfectly encapsulates a brand image.

Fashion is such a rising star in Borneo that 64 pages is hardly enough to talk about the subject. Visit our website, www.borneoinsidersguide.com, for more conversations with some of the wonderful people who have graced this issue.

This is a fabulous issue, but alas, it is also a sad one. Let us say farewell to editor extraordinaire Pauline Chan, who has worn the Editor’s Hat for BiG magazine and graced its pages with her perfect English and vision for the past six years. Pauline, you will be sorely missed.

If we’ve learned anything from producing this issue, it’s this: fashion is for everyone, but style is unique. Whatever brand, whatever type of outfit you may be wearing today, whether it’s a pair of sweatpants or a suit, own it. And whatever you do in life, always take fashion advice from that ferocious style icon Anna Wintour: “Create your own style. Let it be unique for yourself and yet identifiable for others.” Preach, Anna.

@bigborneo BIG: Borneo Insider’s Guide @bigborneo Publisher

CHMP MEDIA Editor-At-Large

Wan Zainal Shazali Editor

Intan Abu Daniel Assistant Editor

Sheyenne Siah Designer

Novri Rinaldi Editorial

Pauline Chan Irene Chan Pamela Fletcher Sales & Marketing

Bina Chauhan Brunei | biG

biG stands for Borneo Insider’s Guide. It is a quarterly magazine that aims to entertain and share with readers the best there is to offer on lifestyle and travel in enigmatic Borneo and beyond. It is distributed at travel fairs, international events and Brunei high commissions abroad. biG is available at the arrival hall of Brunei International Airport, Brunei Tourism offices, Royal Brunei Airlines business class, all hotels, popular food and beverage outlets and foreign missions in Brunei. biG has a distribution network in the neighbouring states through the Sabah and Sarawak Tourism Boards as well as via prominent hotels in the respective capitals. Besides being Brunei’s very own publication for bridging its residents with a myriad of commercial and cultural offerings within the country, each issue also serves as the world’s window into the rich tapestry of Borneo’s life and culture. www.borneoinsidersguide.com

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

contact@borneoinsidersguide.com T: (673) 2331031 F: (673) 2231031 Unit 49, Second Floor Haji Munchit & Hajah Dayang Rapiah Complex Kg Jaya Setia, Berakas, BB2713 Brunei Darussalam

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

events

MAY TO look 4-6

out FOR

this quarter

MAY 15 Ramadan

Brunei, Sabah, Sarawak Muslim communities all around the world come together as one as they anticipate the holy month of fasting, prayer and religious devotion. While Muslims abstain from food and drink in the day time, the amount of culinary bazaars and food markets that pop up during Ramadan more than make up for lost time.

APR 27-29

Sarawak Harvest & Folklore Festival Sarawak Held at the Sarawak Cultural Village, the event will see a melting pot of cultures and different ethnicities come together as one. As a prelude to the Gawai Dayak celebration, the festival promises to be filled to the brim with activities aimed at raising cultural awareness about the traditions, food and handicrafts of each community.

Sabah Fest Sabah

The Sabah Fest 2018 sets out to educate and entertain the general public in a vibrant celebration of its rich culture and natural heritage. Promising a first-hand experience of its traditional dance, music, food and fashion, the event is organised by the Sabah Tourism Board and will take place in Kota Kinabalu.

MAY 31 Royal Brunei

JUL 14-15

Armed Forces Day

Brunei

Hari Raya Aidilfitri

11th Miri City International Deep Sea Fishing Tournament Sarawak The shores of Miri will see yet another round of competitive deep sea fishing as participants

from all over the world fly in for a chance to win cash prizes depending on the size and weight of their catch. The tournament is organised by the Sarawak’s Miri Anglers Club and receives more than 150 entries per year.

Borneo Jazz Festival Sarawak

For the 13th year running, the Borneo Jazz festival is set to make a comeback in Miri with its usual set of killer performances by both local and international jazz musicians. Show up to Pullman Miri Waterfront Hotel and prepare to be wowed by the great tunes that await you. www.bruneitourism.travel | www.sabahtourism.com | www.sarawaktourism.com

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

With a flourish of colourful fabric and a whiff of the month-long feast to come, Hari Raya Aidilfitri arrives mid-June marking not only the end of Ramadan, but also a time for forgiveness and great bonding with loved ones.

MAY 10-13

MAY 11-12

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Brunei, Sabah, Sarawak

To commemorate the establishment of the Royal Brunei Malay Regiment in 1961, Bruneians from all over the country flock to attend the national celebration in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan. With exciting mock battles, military parades and other activities lined up for the general public, it is definitely an event patriotic hearts will not want to miss.

Contents biG feature Stories so unique it can only be from Borneo biG scoop Presenting our scoop on things to love and desire biG trail Follow our trails and discover what is on the island biG focus See who and what we’re pointing our cameras at

Made in Borneo We learn more about inspiring locals who have made their mark in Borneo biG buzz We put our ears up and find out what’s buzzing in town biG getaway Near or far, we go on holiday for your benefit biG appetite We try the food so you can follow suit

biG listings Where to eat, drink and chill?

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

YOU. YO U .

YO U .

.

U YO YOU

CHOOSE.

JERUDONGPARK.COM

jerudongparkplayground

YOU. YOU. YOU. YOU. YOU. YOU. YOU. YOU.

YOU. @jerudongpark

biG feature

BiG

feature

Green Heights:

A New Gem

for Foodies Just 5 minutes from Kuching International Airport, Green Heights was once thought of as Kuching’s equivalent of upper middle-class suburbia. In recent years it has grown beyond being merely a residential area, and has become increasingly wellknown as a place of many hidden gems for the discerning foodie to discover.

Irene Chan

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

G

iven its proximity to the airport and the property prices here, it is not surprising that a significant community of expatriates have taken up residence here. Many of the businesses that have popped up over the years reflect the demographics of the residents.

nonhalal

Daol Korean Restaurant Chef Liew comes from an impressively varied background in pastry-making. We were privileged to be able to taste his masterpieces: cakes, pastries and breads that fuse European and Japanese influences.

The White Lady and Symphony Chocolate were our favourites – they truly showcased his attention to detail. The individual layers of flavours could be tasted in every bite of the former, and the latter was wonderfully rich without being cloying. Did I also mention that the beautiful creations are visual delights in themselves?

Whilst the display of cakes is very alluring, be sure to not miss out on the croissants too – Madeleine offers a few indulgent variations on these rich, buttery pastries.

Open daily: 10am-11pm FB: @madeleinecafegreenheights IG: @madeleinegreenheights

With its unassuming-looking exterior, Daol is unexpected in many ways, from the quirky interior featuring post-impressionist art prints, plush sofas (and cat-shaped throw pillows), to the simple yet delicious fare that can be found here.

The establishment serves authentic and affordable meals consisting of comfort food familiar to most Korean households. Many items on the menu come with the option of being topped with melted cheese, which makes for a decadent addition.

The Korean fried chicken is a highly-recommended crowdpleaser, and the melted-cheese version of that is must-try! Do take note that the fried chicken requires up to 20 minutes preparation time, so order this upon setting foot in the establishment, before taking time to browse through the other items on the menu.

Mike’s

Smokehouse nonhalal

Open daily: 10am-10pm FB: @daolkch

Madeleine Café Green Heights

Mike’s Smokehouse remains the establishment of choice for serious ribs aficionados – the ribs are smoked for hours over very low heat, using only woodfire, and the spices used are of Mike’s own recipe, resulting in a flavoursome fall-off-the-bone culinary treat.

Mike’s specialises in various hog-based options, and one will easily be spoiled for choice here, with burgers to sliders to choose from. We loved the caramelised apple salad; its sweet tartness was a lovely counterpoint to all the meat dishes to be had here.

Open: 6.30pm-10pm (closed Mondays) FB: @MikesSmokehouseKuching IG: @mikessmokehouse

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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biG feature

Sidewalk Café nonhalal

For those seeking an al fresco dining experience, Sidewalk Café is a dining option that offers a more casual ambience. Sidewalk Café boasts a substantial selection of pasta dishes, and the Westernstyle cuisine here offers great value. The Smoked Duck Salad and the Rosemary Chicken were the most outstanding picks for us, with the former being the clear winner.

Open daily: 4pm-12am FB: Sidewalk Western Cuisine

nonhalal

Double Happiness Café Located just adjacent to Green Heights Mall, Double Happiness Café is a little-known destination for a variety of outstandingly good local fare. Many flock here just for the Ah Suok Mee Sua stall, which serves a remarkable selection of Foochow delicacies. From their kompia (Chinese bagels), to their wide selection of mee sua (Foochow longevity noodles), the food here is as hearty as it is comforting.

Many also come here for Angela’s Laksa and the Shen Kueh Chap, located on the opposite end from Ah Suok’s stall. Shen Kueh Chap, amusingly, offers the option of “neat”, which refers to the all-meat version, sans rice-flour pieces.

There is also buttery toast and delicious local kuih to be had here, a porridge stall with a thrillingly comprehensive menu, and a stall specialising in a variety of clay-pot dishes.

Double Happiness opens from 5.30am to 2pm daily, but the best times to visit are in the mornings, before many of the stalls begin to run out of food.

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An off-shoot of the original Chong Choon Café in town, touted to serve one of the best Kuching laksa in town, the main attraction of this kopitiam is of course, the laksa. There is also a rather underrated chee cheong fun (rice noodle roll) seller that operates here, as well as a stall serving Foochow cuisine. Some might prefer the mee sua here, which is a lighter version, as opposed to Ah Suok’s

richer broth, or opt for a hearty bowl of noodles from the kolomee stall.

We were advised to order the Teh C Peng Special. The layered milk tea was a treat – liberal amounts of palm sugar and extra condensed milk is added to the tea, resulting in a creamy beverage with a complex, smoky sweetness.

Open daily: 6.30am-1.30pm

nonhalal

Sin Chong Choon Café

biG feature

What began as a little café in a converted shop-lot in Kuching’s Chinatown area has become a little home-grown franchise of cafés offering coffee, smoothies, cakes and light meals. The ambience is a calming fusion of classic and contemporary elements drawn from cultures from both the East and West.

Green Height’s Bing! Coffee is one of the franchises newest branches, but the standard of food and drinks served here is consistent with its other outlets.

Despite its furnishing of driftwood and lighting features in the form of disembodied human torsos, the ambience here is strangely peaceful, perfect for those who just want a quiet sanctuary to do some work or socialise.

Bing! Coffee

Open daily: 10am-12am FB: @bingcoffeesarawak IG: @bingcoffeesarawak

Within Green Heights Mall is The Agent, a newly-added coffee bar which offers both stellar coffee and locallymade snacks. These seem like unlikely things to find at this hidden little news agent, which stocks a wide selection of magazines and quirky stationary.

Coffee here is brewed using coffee beans supplied by lima.tujoh Café, which are air-flown from DakLak, Vietnam. The beans are prized for their flavour which has been described as “bold, nutty, with a hint of cacao”. Also featured prominently at the coffee bar are a good variety of snacks that are produced by brands based in Kuching. #supportlocal while grabbing a cup of excellent coffee!

Open daily: 9am-10pm FB: @theagentkuching

The Agent

Green Heights Mall Green Heights Mall is a twostorey suburban mall located in the vicinity of Green Heights.

The mall is the first of its kind in Kuching to embrace the neighbourhood mall concept, and runs various collaborative activities and promotions with neighbourhood committees in the area. The biggest tenant of this mall is Sarawak’s first and only Cold Storage Supermarket.

Green Heights Mall goes by an eco-friendly philosophy and actively promotes a green campaign on its premises, and has run various initiatives to encourage more environmentally-friendly practices.

Flea markets are held every weekend on the ground floor to support local enterprises.

A new F&B outlet called Wonderboom is slated to open in April, run by the Café Café group of restaurants. Kuching residents take note!

Website: www.greenheightsmall.com.my FB: @GreenHeightsMall IG: @greenheightsmall

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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biG scoop

BiG

scoop Green Thumbs

Woven Dreams In the age of fast fashions, the slow and lengthy process of weaving by hand looms is still employed to produce highly prized fabrics that speak of ethnic cultures and pride. In Sarawak, young women weavers and artisans are keeping this activity alive and earning a steady income with the help of Tanoti, an awardwinning social enterprise working to preserve this age-old craft for future generations.

At Tanoti, weavers create songket fabric with a modern, contemporary feel. They produce Malay sampin, shawls, fabrics for couture designers,

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

wedding veils, clutch bags, home furnishings, textile wall art and handwoven leather accessories.

Tanoti has also established a rattan craft development initiative to give sustainable income generation opportunities for Sarawak’s remote forest tribes. Intricate Penan rattan handicrafts and coilings - a basketry technique used to produce the base of their basket, which is now extended to produce beautiful plates and platters - are promoted through these initiatives.

•• 56, Tabuan Road, 93100 Kuching Tel: 6082-239277 Website: tanoticrafts.com

The new Rimba Garden Central (RGC) by K.N. Nursery is designed for people to fall in love with nature. Sprawled over an area of 4.8 hectares, RGC is a onestop horticultural centre well stocked with a wide range of plants and garden supplies. It is not just a retail hub for all your garden needs, but it also aims to be a destination for recreation, education and horticulture, providing a unique experience for both visitors and shoppers.

Inside the central building, plants and supplies are displayed to inspire ideas and house all that you will need to build you own landscape.

The adjoining greenhouse nurtures flowering plants and orchids of all hues and varieties, and you can also buy a selection of fresh produce here. Stroll outside to discover more sun-loving plants and large outdoor accessories.

The management team at RGC comprises experienced horticulturists and a pathologist who are happy to help customers with their gardening queries. Future developments at RGC include a Garden Café with an open deck dining area and multi-purpose halls. Enveloped by immaculate landscapes filled with lush greens and water features, the RGC is set to be a magical dining venue.

••

Spg 127, Jln Kg Rimba, Kg Rimba Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan Tel: 673-2425777, 2426777 FB: @ATPgreenhouse IG: @rimba_garden_central_rgc

advertorial

Beoplay M3:

Big Sounds from Small Packages

Y

ou expect a lot from a Bang & Olufsen product, and the Beoplay M3 doesn’t disappoint.

Cheaper than its big brothers but no less impressive, this compact and powerful wireless speaker is a perfect addition to B&O PLAY’s

connected audio speakers. It’s also small in size (just 151mm in height and 112mm wide), but the sound is never compromised.

Meaning you can stick the Beoplay M3 into the dark corner of a shelf and still fill the entire room with

that unmistakable Bang & Olufsen Signature Sound.

But of course, you don’t only expect a B&O speaker to sound good - the premium audio company is known for its big sounds in stylish packages – and they succeed once again with

the Beoplay M3. Clean designs on a simple silhouette available in ‘black’ or ‘natural’ with exchangeable aluminium or Kvadrat wool fabric covers will ensure that it’s going to look good in any room.

biG scoop

Traditional Beauty I

n Brunei, 70-year old Hajah Mehrun could not find the kind of natural products made with natural oils and spices that she was used to, so she decided that it was high time these products were available here.

So she opened Kajal Beauty House, a beauty salon providing traditional beauty services such as threading, waxing, waxing, henna, manicure and pedicure, and herbal facials, using natural hair and skin care

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

products from India made with natural ingredients that are good for you. Kajal is the first beauty salon in Brunei to offer nail beautification using Maya nail polish - a wudhu-friendly premium brand renowned for its breathability, animal-free and vegan properties. All their products are imported and approved by the Cosmetic Unit of the Department of Pharmaceutical Services of Brunei, and are now available

for sale at their salon. Kajal opens from 7am – 9pm, offering many women with busy schedules the chance to beautify themselves when most other salons in town are closed for the day.

•• 17, Grd Flr, Blk B, Muhibbah Complex II, Kg Menglait, Bandar Seri Begawan Tel: 673-242 5782, 714 8876 FB: @KajalBeautyHouse IG: @kajalbeautyhouse

advertorial

M o de r n M i n i mal i sm

XOIA welcomed the Brunei fashion scene with the launch of its 2018 Ready-to-Wear Jabbari Collection – a collection that dazzled in concoctions of various shades of green, black and gold. The collection carries 15 exclusive designs, embodying an androgynous, elegant and minimalistic take on luxury fashion for the modern women.

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3 The Songket Blazer (L) is a slim-fitting blazer with a display of geometric patterns on a metallic black and gold songket fabric. The piece was designed with a minimalist cut on a songket featuring the 8-fold rosette patterns, embodying a flawless feminine silhouette with an aura of masculinity.

The blazer features an open-front, secured by a belt, representing a modern take on the balance between sophistication and leisure.

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1 These Kimono Suits are designed with loose fitting and broad shoulders to create a masculine and poised silhouette, with carefully selected fabric to ensure comfort and breathability.

2 The cropped, doublebreasted Black Vest is secured by buttons and a belt. A XOIA classic and signature look for the modern and minimalist lifestyle.

The Songket Kimono (R) has an androgynous cut, featuring the sacred 8-fold rosette in black and gold songket fabric. The kimono drapes boldly on the body – creating a powerful and modest silhouette.

A tribute to the growing local entrepreneurial spirit representing strength, perseverance and passion.

biG scoop

Star Trunks

Produce Paradise If you are tired of sad-looking vegetables and fruits that do not inspire the inner chef in you, then head over to Farmgate Trading, the latest cool spot for fresh produce and ingredients.

Farmgate visibly stands out from the cluster of run-down shophouses in Taman Alam along Jalan Telanai with its gentle lighting and wooden box displays.

The soothing lights make the produce glow with health and

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

its ambient music makes shopping for vegetables so much more enjoyable. Besides fresh ingredients, you can also find dried and powdered spices, sauces and various condiments to add to your favourite dishes.

••

Unit 3 & 4, Blk Abang, Taman Alam, Spg 34, Jalan Telanai, BE1118, Bandar Seri Begawan Tel: 673-2650711 FB: @farmgatebn IG: @farmgate.bn

Go from beach to street, and stay immaculately dapper. How? By donning a pair of shorts that screams fashion-runway stylish. Preppy swimwear brand, TIMO Trunks, is now available in Brunei.

Regularly endorsed by Monocle and featured in multiple international fashion magazines, TIMO is supremo when it comes to function. Made from fine, fast-drying microfiber fabric that is waterrepellent and absorbs less water than normal fabrics, TIMO is lightweight and comfortable. Each pair of trunks features many hidden functional details such as pockets for keycards and a waterproof bag, all thoughtfully designed to allow you to have as much fun as possible, on the beach and in the streets.

••

Available at Unit 2, Crimson Square, Empire Arcade, The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong, Bandar Seri Begawan.

biG scoop

The Great Escape Situated at the foot of Mount Santubong with the South China Sea providing the backdrop for Sarawakian sunsets, you won’t find a more idyllic luxury hideaway to escape to than Cove 55. The newly renovated seaside villa re-opened last December as a luxury resort with exciting new facilities, but one feature remains untouched: their stunning views.

Guests can enjoy spectacular views while relaxing on their room balconies, strolling around their extensive gardens or chilling by their infinity pools – one on the main terrace and another, on a stilted deck built over the ocean.

The resort has 16 rooms and suites, all tastefully appointed in

dreamy tones and cool whites.

Resident chef, Andrew, who has years of experience cooking for 5-star hotels and cruise ships, brings a modern approach to Sarawakian cuisine at their new restaurant and bar, Kechala, which offers an evolving menu that pays tribute to indigenous herbs and sustainably sourced local produce.

The general manager, Gillian, and her team aim to provide a service that is tailored to match the needs of every guest, and make this quiet sanctuary the ultimate getaway retreat for those who want to leave the world behind them for a little while to rejuvenate.

•• Lot 55, Jalan Sultan Tengah, Santubong, Sarawak 93010 Tel: 6082-846068 Website: www.cove55.com

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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biG scoop

Natural Wonders After years of using natural ingredients and remedies to care for her sensitive skin, Nurul Aman finally plucked up the courage to start her own line of natural skincare products. Poprina is inspired by Sabah’s wealth of agricultural products, and Nurul uses the best it has to offer including Long Pasia premium adan rice, Kundasang black tea, Tenom coffee, Tawau arenga sugar, Kudat virgin coconut oil and Keningau cinnamon powder to formulate her products. Her inspiration also comes from remedies handed down from her grandmother, research and experimenting with formulas which has expanded her product line to include items for lips, face, body and hair care.

••

Poprina products are available at Kadaiku outlets in Sinsuran, Kota Kinabalu International Airport, and Avangio Metrotown or call 6011-19701533 for details.

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Clutch It! Make a bold fashion statement with a clutch from MJ by MUS, a brand name synonymous with a line of fashion accessories and apparel produced by weavers and artisans from Sabah’s rural communities that highlight their unique cultural identity. Using their inherent skills and locally available raw materials, indigenous motifs are woven into fashionable items to give them a more modern look that is in line with today’s fashion trends.

Founder and head of the design team at MJ by MUS,

Mary Jim is hands on with every design that hits the market, and keeps to a strict quality control checklist to ensure that each item is of the highest quality to meet with current market demands.

More than 20 products have been developed so far under this brand name as it continues to make headway in bringing Sabah’s indigenous culture into the limelight of the fashion industry.

•• For product details and purchase, connect with them on: Website: www.mjbymus.my FB: @mjbymus IG: @mjbymus Also available at Kadaiku outlets, selected hotels and souvenir shops.

biG scoop

Small Town Art Market

It was almost serendipitous when sister Rachel and Marilyn Ang decided to bring their designer stationery business, Flint and Steel Borneo, to an arts market event organised by The Collective back in 2016 (coincidentally, that was the 10th anniversary celebration of BiG magazine). Inspired and energised by the event, the sisters came back to Kuching and decided to kick off a similar initiative. They were determined to recreate the fertile environment they had experienced in Brunei, one where local entrepreneurs and creatives could thrive. It was daunting, but they already knew what their focus would be: education. Resources and support would be made available to local maker-entrepreneurs, so they could grow their brands and build up a network.

On 16 September 2016, the first Small Town Art Market

(STAM) launched with a total of 6 vendors. With the support and encouragement of The Granary, which provides the venue for all their Kuching events, they have grown from strength to strength.

At their last event in March, they brought over 20 local talents to the first ever Small Town Art Market to be held outside of Kuching, in Miri.

Aside from STAM, the sisters have also introduced Little Entrepreneurs’ Art Workshops and Junior Art Market, in keeping with their aim to educate. By giving children the same tools they provided local enterprises, they hope to offer the next generation a nurturing environment that would foster creativity, social skills, and entrepreneurial know-how.

•• FB: @smalltownartmarket IG: @smalltownartmarket

biG feature

BiG trail

FASHION Fashion can be so fickle yet undeniably titillating and irresistible. All the colours, cuts and contours morphing from one fad to another, one generation to the next, until it all comes round again. This fascination with fashion has created a billion dollar industry that spans the whole world and in a tiny corner at the tip of Borneo, Sabah’s fashion designers are eager to cut in on the action.

Pamela Fletcher

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

1. Hanif Naim 2&3. Looks on the

Borneo Indigenous Fashion Week (BIFW) runway 4&5. Majeedah Wraps

Fashion Culture A new crop of young fashion designers are making their presence felt in the local fashion scene. A handful have ventured into the more competitive market in Kuala Lumpur to live out their dreams and destiny, while others have continued to work their craft on home ground.

Industry events such as the Borneo Indigenous Fashion Week (BIFW), first held in Kota Kinabalu in 2017, are giving these fledgling fashion designers a platform to showcase their ideas and to gain exposure into the real world of fashion.

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Local designers from Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei had the opportunity to share creative ideas and to rise up to the challenge of what it takes to be a fashion designer in Borneo.

The aim of the event was also to infuse indigenous culture into contemporary designs to create fashion that is uniquely Bornean.

The second edition is already in the works which will hopefully generate more interest and support for the growing pool of talented local fashion designers.

All Wrapped Up One of the 2017 participants of BIFW, Intan Natachka went through university to earn a Bachelor of Biotechnology degree before finally giving in to her real passion - fashion and business.

“I was always interested in business, not lab work so in 2011, I started my own online shopping business selling clothes and accessories made by local designers,” explains Nurul which would eventually put her on the road to becoming a fashion designer herself and the launch of Majeedah Wraps. Completely self-taught, Intan’s natural talent in visual imagination, and tenacity to learn and absorb as much as she can of the industry, has produced some truly remarkable work from this young designer.

“I am inspired by things I see when I travel, when I go to a wedding and even things I find in my garden because these elements bring balance to the variation and vibrancy of colours. When I travel, I am surrounded by the rare beauty of nature and I get to see how ordinary people live, socialise, and dress according to their cultural norms and I get so immersed and inspired by these discernible differences.”

The timeless classics of famed

French designer Coco Chanel, is a great source of inspiration for Intan and in particular, her business acumen which created a brand synonymous with style, luxury and elegance in the male-dominated fashion industry of her time.

Spending some time in Paris or New York to hone her designing skills is top of her bucket list right now and continuing her support for BIFW to build up the fashion designer community in Sabah.

Covered in Style The absence or lack of fashion design courses and institutes in Sabah often result in self-taught fashion designers paddling up the creek on their own or balancing a full-time career with fashion designing on the side.

Nurul Uzair juggles between a corporate career in the oil and gas industry and her love for fashion designing. She developed a deep interest in fashion during her student days in the UK where she was exposed to rich British vintage fashion that molded her fashion sense, taste and dressing style. She became seriously involved in fashion designing as a career following her decision to wear the hijab in 2016.

Faced with the challenge of buying modestly fashionable hijab wear that fits her style led to the birth of Haya International in May 2017.

“My brand aspires to blend classic retro style with today’s modest fashion revolution,” says Nurul with hopes that her designs will give fellow hijabis or those on the brink of wearing the hijab a wider choice of apparel without compromising Syariah compliant requirements.

Sketching designs and fabric selection were all gleaned from books and online materials with designers Zuhair Murad, Reem Acra and Mary Katrantzou casting their net of influence on her final

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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biG feature trail

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6. Hanif Naim 7. Haya International on the Malaysia Fashion Week runway 6

product designs. The vintage era between the 1940s and 1970s where excessively glamorous and elegant haute couture were showcased are particularly significant in inspiring new ideas.

Haya International’s runway appearance at the Borneo Indigenous Fashion Week (BIFW) in May 2017 and runway debut at Malaysia Fashion Week (MFW) in Kuala Lumpur in October 2017, have given Nurul Uzair the confidence to continue developing her fashion brand.

Dare to Be Different Right off the bat, Hanif Naim knew that he wanted to make fashion designing a career. His passion for fashion and love of expressing himself through this creations have led him on a path that not many local fashion designers have dared take.

His training at SML Fashion Academy in Kuala Lumpur

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opened the door of opportunity wide open when his entry in the Emerging Designer of Stylo Mercedes Benz 2012 competition won him the coveted first prize. He then went on to represent Malaysia with his debut international collection at Mexico Fashion Week in 2013. Hanif has not looked back since then and his creations continue to evolve with unbridled creativity.

Hanif’s personal style ranges between the extremes of classic and eclectic which define the different forces at play each time he starts sketching out a design.

“I would define myself as versatile,” muses Hanif. “My source of inspiration in never fixed. It could be as simple as looking at a person or a situation, and what I’m feeling at that time would strike something in my imagination.

With different thoughts influencing the outcome, it feels like two different personas but I make it work!”

As masters of deconstruction and trendsetting, Japanese designers have influenced the global fashion industry including Hanif who is motivated by the endless possibilities in creating new forms in fashion.

Citing Yohji Yamamoto, Junya Watanabe and Issey Miyake as among his favourites, Hanif sees fashion designing as an art form with a philosophical message, and if the wearer can see that message clearly, that is the ultimate satisfaction for a fashion designer.

Working with various designers in Kuala Lumpur early on in his career has given Hanif a deeper understanding of the industry, especially when showcasing his own collections.

Much of this experience is wanting for fashion designers who opt to continue working their craft in Sabah so for both Hanif, and Nurul Uzair, being based in Kuala Lumpur is the best option until Sabah can step up to the plate and make its own mark on the global fashion stage.

For more information of local Sabah fashion designers, go to: Intan Natachka at Majeedah Wraps FB: @majeedahwraps IG: @majeedahwraps Nurul Uzair at Haya International Website: www.haya-itl.com FB: @haya.itl IG: @haya.itl Hanif Naim at HN by Hanif Naim FB:@hanifnaim IG: @hanifnaim

biG trail

Sartorial Sarawak

Kuching is known for many things: a proximity to nature, a melting-pot of diverse cultures, and of course, good street food. What the city is not celebrated for, however, is for being a hub of sartorial fashion, but the city has been experiencing a silent but substantial revolution in that aspect in recent years.

Irene Chan

K

uching has always been a place where the arts have thrived, but as a relatively conservative society, acceptance for fashion that transcends that produced for general commercial consumption has been slow to catch on, despite the diversity of influences for inspiration.

Therefore it is gratifying to see in this unassuming little city, the emergence of a few noteworthy designers such as Anna Sue, Arzmy Hargreaves and Goldwyn Ngui.

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The eclectic jewellerymaker turned couturier, the convention-breaking menswear designer, and the costumier with an eye for restrained glamour – interest in sartorial fashion within Sarawak is very much picking up pace, with increasing levels of exposure and acceptance.

With time, Kuching might just be on track to produce designers of a calibre that speak of potential international appeal.

Anna Sue Interestingly, Anna Sue, whose real name is Sharifah Shukran, never had any formal training in fashion design and is completely self-taught.

Her initial vocation was as a university lecturer in Business Administration, but things changed in 2009 when she decided to open her own boutiques. Business was good,

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create them with parameters set by clients.

•• W: www.annasuecouture.com FB: @AnnaSueJewellery IG: @annasuejewelry

GAVROCHE

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1 & 3 Mastuli Khalid - a brand

Image by Ariffin Husaini Photography

collaboration between Goldwyn and local designer Dewi Khalid 2. Anna Sue 4. Necklace from the Anna Sue collection

y ge b Ima

rk; Hair b y E d m le Artwo und Dazz Yon g

until the advent of online stores, and thus, she shifted her focus to handmade jewellery.

For years, she was making jewellery for herself at home – a hobby that arose as a result of her love of unique accessories, which could not be satisfied by the limited options in the commercial market. Her unique jewellery began attracting attention, and requests for orders kept growing

until she was inundated with a flood of commissions. It was then she realised her passion project could become a commerciallyviable pursuit. Therefore, the brand Anna Sue was born, the two names in it being a combination of her nicknames.

Anna Sue’s jewellery has been spotted on various celebrities and royalty, notably Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza, during the Akademi Fantasia Final concert and the Siti Nurhaliza Hari Raya concert. The previous

Raja Permaisuri Agung, Tuanku Hajjah Haminah also purchased a piece whilst on a trip to Kuching; and a necklace was presented as a gift to the Tengku Puan Pahang.

Her jewellery line established, she turned to producing her own clothing line in 2016 to fill her need for garments of her own design to go with her jewellery, especially for shows. This quickly led to her participation in many notable events, including the ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards, Borneo Fashion Week 2017, World IKAT Textile Symposium, as well as the official Sarawak New Year Countdown.

Her approach to her designs go by the sentiments of elegant street-style and casual ready-towear, which are more versatile and accessible, allowing the wearer flexibility in styling whilst still looking on-trend and wellgroomed. Her jewellery, however, remain solely the products of her creativity – she prefers not to

Men’s fashion is generally considered less commerciallyviable, and therefore has more of a niche appeal. However, selling to a niche target segment is tricky, and not oft-pursued by designers outside of big cities. Therefore, it is very unprecedented for a designer within Sarawak to place a sole focus on what he calls “gentleman apparel”.

Arzmy’s story parallels Anna’s in many ways: a graduate in marketing, advertising and public relations, and running his own telecommunications and marketing business. His foray into fashion seems almost as unlikely. However, with a life-long love for styling his own outfits and a strong affinity for suits and classic accessories, he began embellishing his personal touch on his business suits by making his own lapel pins and pocket-squares.

Over time, his distinct dresssense led to him being noticed, and he began to receive requests for styling advice. He decided to transform a passion into yet another business opportunity; therefore, GAVROCHE was established in 2014. Since then, he has had the pleasure of styling various celebrities, including Asia’s Got Talent Hosts Filipino duo, Marc Nelson & Rovilson Fernandes, as well as Indonesian superstar, Judika.

Reflecting Arzmy’s vividly imaginative aesthetics, GAVROCHE embodies the classic glamour of vintage Italian male fashion, with a generous dash of

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trademark playful eccentricity.

The immaculate details of Arzmy’s designs express nostalgia for vintage men’s fashion, hailing back to a time when it was de rigueur for men to take pride in being impeccably dressed for every occasion.

Arzmy has paired with Anna Sue to produce a creative collaboration that has raised many eyebrows, with its audacious shirking of local 5

fashion conventions. Leaping out of comfort zones with an eruption of vivid colours, prints and design elements, they form a synergy that is as invigoratingly brilliant as it is breathtakingly daring.

Attendees of the Atelier Mad Hatters Tea Party Fashion Show and the World International Ikat Textiles Sysmposium Fashion Show attest to being left awestruck and breathless, as the duo’s creations exploded on-stage.

•• IG: @gavroche_official

Goldwyn Unlike Anna and Arzmy, Goldwyn has always been somehow involved with fashion all his life.

His parents owned a denim factory, and supplied jeans to retailers all over Malaysia, a fact that might have sown the seeds of interest in designing and creating apparel. However, his interest in fashion did not really take off

5. Mastuli Khalid 6. GAVROCHE on the

runway 7. Couture by Goldwyn

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until he was in high school when he came across fashion spreads in magazines, which piqued his interest in couture.

This eventually led to him pursuing a lifetime career in fashion, which has been the focus of his career, even his stint as a lecturer – in fashion – at a local university, for five years.

However, at the end of his tenure, he made the decision to leave in order to fully commit to his own brand, which he had started immediately upon completion of his studies in 2009, and had painstakingly spent years building up a loyal following.

In stark contrast to the bright and vibrant colours of Anna and Arzmy’s work, Goldwyn’s brand goes by the design philosophy that simple is significant, and less is more. Therefore he eschews the use of patterns and instead opts for plain fabrics.

His work is by no means dull or bland though; they feature his personal flourishes in design details such as oversized sleeves and draped fabric, and his

creations exude an understated glamour in the sculptural grace that is an instantly-recognisable Goldwyn Gallery trademark.

Indeed, he says that he often draws inspiration from building design, which accounts for the clean, minimalist lines that make up most of his body of work.

Goldwyn’s focus is on couture – made-to-order garments, for a clientele base with a taste for pieces that speak of austere elegance updated with hints of contemporary flair. His creations are best described as modern classics, defined by an almostarchitectural aesthetic. Despite predominantly designing gowns and evening wear, he has also demonstrated his versatility by pairing with local designer, Dewi Khalid, to produce the brand Mastuli Khalid (mastulikhalid. com), which sells ready-towear attire that balances both conservative chic with an edgy street-style cool.

•• FB: @GoldwynGallery IG: @goldwyngallery

biG trail

ODD Apparel

Two decades ago, a generation of parents shook their heads at the thought that street fashion – at that time appropriated by a generation of slackers – would ever hit the Paris Fashion Week runways or grace the cover of a magazine. Today, while the street fashion formula remains the same (caps, oversized t-shirt, jeans and sneakers), the difference now is that it carries heavy-hitting labels such as the likes of Supreme and Huf, with the idea that if you can dress yourself up fashionably, you can dress yourself down just as fashionably.

t e c i e h str C B

ecause sometimes we see some of the best looks on the street, not on the runway, here are some of our favourite local street fashion brands.

Uneek Skateshop The granddaddy of local streetwear fashion, Chom dedicates his love of skateboarding by designing streetwear clothes and promoting skate culture. His oft-occupied store is stocked with the Uneek brand of

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shirts and shoes, along with quality skateboard gear and accessories, and a big chunk of his rack is dedicated to other local brands. One of the first streetwear brands in Brunei, Uneek’s greatest contribution to streetwear is their dedication to promoting local streetwear fashion.

With Uneek, it’s not about the design, it’s a mindset: if you wear a Uneek t-shirt, you’re showing your support for local skate culture and local streetwear brands. And if you

support Uneek, then you’re alright by us.

•• Uneek Skateshop is located at 1st Floor, The Souq, Airport Mall, Kg Jaya Setia, BSB. Or you can find them on Instagram (@unksk8).

ODD Apparel Company The ODD Apparel brand was established when the two founders had a conversation about street fashion and culture, and inspired with the idea of forming their own brand, learned

all they could about the business before finally launching the brand in 2015. ODD, or “Our Demonstration in Diversity”, is all about living with the right attitude and the promotion of love of art, acceptance and respect.

And if you think conveying that kind of message to the world is a lot to ask of a t-shirt, the ODD Apparel guys are certainly up to the task. Their designs are edgy but minimalistic – you won’t find any loud colours from ODD – just geometric symbolism and feel-good taglines, and is

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1. Empat 2. Bad Medicine 3. ODD Apparel 4. Uneek

Skateshop 5. Adi Yusri in an

Oblimag tee

for local junior graphic designers looking to enhance their skills.

Doing it for the locals but with big plans to expand further, you can already see Bad Medicine tees worn regionally, and Hal intends to collaborate with both local and international artists in the future.

Because like he says: “Everyone needs a dose of Bad Medicine.”.”

•• A Bad Medicine shop will be open in the near future but in the meanwhile, find them on Instagram (@badmedicine.bn).

Empat

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geared toward progressive and street fashionable local youths.

Hopefully the duo will diversify their ideas a little further to attract a more regional market, but we’re definitely expecting big things from ODD. •• Check out all the ODD things on Instagram (@oddapparel.bn).

Oblimag Short for The Oblivious Magnificent – these cats are certainly not oblivious to cool design. Owner and creative director Adi Yusri launched the

brand in July 2014 with the aim to provide alternative apparel for those living and breathing the subculture lifestyle in Brunei.

Designs are flawless: using a t-shirt as his canvas, Adi Yusri manifests wild ideas into reality, and the illustrations on Oblimag’s t-shirts highlight different forms of self-expression: street art, photography, the independent music movement and of course, its main customers: skateboarders.

•• You can find Oblimag tees and other accessories at Uneek Skate Shop, or you can

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check them out on Instagram (@oblimag).

Bad Medicine Freelance graphic designer Hal might have been inspired by 80’s rock gods Bon Jovi’s song by the same name, but there’s nothing ‘bad’ about Bad Medicine whatsoever. Geared toward active local youths and musical talents, Hal designs the old school way – on a messy notepad, covered in doodles. But he doesn’t take all the credit for the fuzzed out, unique graffiti designs on his graphic tees – the brand is also all about creating opportunities

Probably best known as the streetwear brand seen on the waves rather than the ramps, Empat has a strong following in both the surfing and skating community. Originally known as KM26 (the highway number for Tungku Beach), founder Izzi Adi renamed the brand Empat in 2016 to encapsulate the four elements: air, water, earth and fire – which correlates in Greek mythology to certain values like passion and drive, and open communication – the very embodiment of the brand. Local thrill-seekers who don the Empat tee are more than adventurers, they are a part of a surfing and skating community in Brunei who support Izzi’s tireless drive to promote extreme sports in Brunei and internationally, and in doing so encourage a growing industry of local professional athletes and give Brunei international recognition. In a few short years since its inception, Empat is now more than a brand: it’s a lifestyle.

•• Exciting things are coming up ahead for Empat, which includes manufacturing recycled textile fabrics for their merchandise. While a shop is in their future plans, in the meanwhile check them out on Instagram (@empat.co).

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ALL IN THE

DETAILS Great style is in the details. A fashionable person is never without the right shoes, the right handbag and the right jewellery – accessories are what you need to create a total look. In this issue of BiG, we turn to the little details that make up a perfect outfit, and present you with some of our favourite accessory designers.

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biG trail

Zippy & Zesty

Jenny is no new kid on the block. Growing up with a seamstress mother introduced her to the world of tailoring, but it wasn’t until she was older that she decided to fashion her own bags. From totes to clutches to pouches to nappy bags (a recent collaboration with NeedsBMajor means you can get monogrammed Zippy & Zesty bags too), Jenny painstakingly designs and creates each bag, resulting in a homemade design that’s just simply: zippy, and zesty.

•• Jenny also takes custom-made orders so get in touch with her for your own unique creation. Connect with her on Instagram (@zippynzesty) or email her directly at zippynzesty@gmail.com.

Haus von Jimmy R “Avant-garde” isn’t a word that should be thrown at any fashionista that thinks outside the box, but is absolutely appropriate when you look at the thick chains and delicate pendants on a Haus von Jimmy R piece. Owner and designer Jimmy wears many hats in the Haus von Jimmy R brand – from designer to stylist to PR – and with his non-confirmist approach launched a collection of jewellery that will make you sit up and take notice.

The busy 22-year old might have only just found his footing in the fashion industry but it’s the right step forward, and we’re excited to see what else this young man has up his sleeve.

•• For more information, visit his website at hausvjimmyr. wixsite.com/website/ collections, or connect with him on Instagram (@hausvjimmyr) or Facebook (Haus von Jimmy R).

Alora Collection

Changgih Designs This brand is more than the accessories they design. Founded

by Bethany Dawson and Jo Moss, the two friends embarked on a journey that led them to Changgih Designs – a social enterprise with around 30 local artisans under their wing – who create tribal designs inspired by stories, symbolism and the history, tribes and people of Sabah. And know that by buying a Changgih Designs product, you’ll be doing some good for the community of Sabah - 10% of all proceeds are set aside for community building programs.

•• The brand will soon be launching a clothing apparel for their Spring/Summer collection. Check out what they have at their online store (www.changgihddesigns.com) or connect with them online through Instagram or Facebook (@changgihdesigns).

Pungu Borneo Pungu Borneo is a brand that started out with Bidayuh-inspired jewellery, given a contemporary update by the proprietor, Lucille Awen Jon, who has been making her own jewellery since childhood. The brand has recently gained recognition after various celebrity endorsements, including that of Daphne Iking and At Adau. Lucille has even been invited to present at various events, most notably the Bidayuh necklace-making workshop at Rainforest World Music Festival 2017.

•• For more information, connect with them on Instagram (@punguborneo) or Facebook (Punguborneo).

Handbags, scarves and jewellery, but what about that fashion accessory for your face? Alora Collection’s humble beginnings began with Sunday car boot sales and Bandarku Ceria booths and a simple mission: to make the latest in fashionable sunglasses available in Brunei. Products are sourced overseas and picked out meticulously by their team, and as of today, if you’re looking for a certain pair of trendy shades, you’re going to find it at Alora.

•• Buy a pair of sunglasses from Alora Collection online at www.alora-collection.com or connect with them on Instagram (@alora.collection) or Facebook (Alora Collection).

Enya Bijoux Yusrina Abdullah does everything from designing to creating to marketing her famous pieces of jewellery.

Modern by design with a slight vintage twist, an Enya Bijoux creation is a mixture of delicacy and edgy, whether it’s a simple piece of jewellery of a bridal statement piece, and will brighten up any outfit.

Today, Yusrina is branching out towards a home and lifestyle range, and a new collection of jewellery featuring freshwater pearls.

•• Take a look at Yusrina’s handcrafted designs at The Collective Makerspace (2nd Floor, Spg 68, Jln Batu Bersurat, BSB) or connect with her on Instagram (@enyabijoux).

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focus

Behind the Fashion Producing the right image for your brand is more than striking the right pose in front of a pretty wall and snapping a photo with a smart phone. While that would work well enough to garner likes for a social media post, producing the right image for your brand and getting the public to connect with that image takes more help than you can imagine. Make-up, stylists, photography, models – these are the essential elements that make up a good photoshoot. BiG goes behind the scenes and meets a few people that work tirelessly to produce the perfect image for your brand.

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Mujahid Johar Mujahid (Jay) Johar’s passion for photography started with his love affair with a city. Namely, Geneva, when he visited the city a few years ago with an entry-level Canon DSLR, and thus began an obsession with architecture, lines and symmetry – a theme that remains prevalent in his current work. An English & Drama teacher by day, after work he dedicates his time to honing his many skills: as an illustrator, a theatre actor, a writer, a ukulele player, and a photographer.

Why fashion photography? “Fashion 32

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photography is a discipline of photography that’s inherently very stylistic. Aesthetics is key, which appeals to my artistic sensibilities.”

On fashion photography as art. “Great fashion photography doesn’t just aim to sell pieces of clothing. They represent ideas and lifestyles. They evoke real emotion from its audience. There is a lot of technique and craft that goes into photoshoots and the subsequent post-processing.”

•• Check out Jay’s works on his website, mujahidjohar.com, or follow him on Instagram (@mujahidjohar).

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Dragons & Pixiedust Muaz Al-Rashid is fabulous – when meeting him in person, that much is clear. His face is a perfect representation of the cosmetic image that he creates, but there isn’t a facial yardstick that you can find that can represent the extent of the magic he can create as a make-up artist.

Muaz has done make-up for weddings, photoshoots, fashion showcases, short films and commercials. And if you want to truly understand what magic

he can do – look closely at the make-up on the theater artists of a Relentless Entertainment production, and be prepared to have your mind blown.

On the importance of hiring a professional makeup artist. “A professional make-

any situation or pressure you’re put under. And the one thing you should always have in mind in any circumstance is that you should always want to deliver your best work – because to me, that is what being an artist is about.”

up artist comes with experience and knowledge, they would immediately know how to work with and on different people.”

•• Check out Muaz’s work on Instagram and Facebook (@dragonsandpixiedust).

On keeping the right mindset for different photoshoots. “You definitely

Ephemural Media

need to learn how to adapt to

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1. Jeera styles a model’s outfit

during a photoshoot 2. Social influencer Bash Harry

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poses for Mujahid Johar 3&4. Model Sarah (3) and Muaz of Dragons & Pixiedust (4) 5. Izzy taking photographs of a model behind the scenes 6. An EMA model walks down a runway 7. Models & crew of Empowered Model Agency (EMA)

It’s true that with the social media of today, getting your brand seen has now been reduced to the click of a ‘Post’ button. But in a world of people doing the exact same thing, how do you make your brand stand out? This is where Ephemural Media, a fashion media company helmed by Jeera and Izzy, steps in. A power couple with valuable experience in the regional fashion industry (Jeera is a fashion influencer and blogger while her husband Izzy is a fashion photographer who has worked for the likes of Fashionvalet), the pair is uniquely qualified in helping local fashion designers kickstart their brand into the regional media sphere.

How it started. Izzy: “Out of the desire to make fashion photography more than just a passion. At the time we felt that we had built up enough qualities - such as technical skills, artistic appreciation and knowledge – to be able to produce images that we knew could not be found anywhere in Brunei.”

Why fashion media? Jeera: “Because we appreciate the artistic expression afforded by the industry, and the themes which have helped to shape and reflect changes in society.”

•• Check out their portfolio on www.ephemuralmedia.com,

or connect with them on Instagram (@jeeradoesfashion and @izzy_osman).

Empowered Model Agency Brunei’s first ever modeling agency was conceived in a kitchen between two friends, Hasnol and Serena, in March 2017. A nationwide casting call for potential models began and by April, the pair had their first batch of models. But if the idea of modeling is finding someone with the right face and the right height, the duo is here to dispel that notion. Like its namesake, the idea of Empowered Model Agency (EMA) is to empower youths by providing them a platform and a safe space to fully understand their potential.

What EMA is about.

Serena: “Our vision and mission is to embrace the beauty and diversity in our society.”

About the importance of having a modeling agency. Serena: “We need a modeling agency to help with the creative side and push forward with a client’s vision and campaign. Without that support system, how can the fashion industry move forward? ”

•• Find out more about EMA by connecting with them on Instagram (@empoweredmodel. agency) or you can contact them via email (Empoweredmodel. agency@gmail.com).

Read up more of the conversation on www.borneoinsidersguide.com

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biG focus

Redefining Street Fashion with KAVA With no technical knowledge or background in the industry, there’s no denying that the KAVA girls have the odds laid out against them—but they’re determined to make it out victorious and triumphant. But believe it or not, the year-old fashion brand KAVA is not the only thing that these busy girls are keeping afloat; Siti Nazmah or Nazy, founder of KAVA, is a degree student majoring in business administration. And when best friend of 15 years and business partner Ikmalina Yunos, otherwise known as Kimmy, isn’t churning out sketch after sketch of their latest collections, she’s also the CEO of Itsy Bytes, a game development company which specialises in augmented and virtual reality apps.

Sheyenne Siah

I

t’s clear that wearing many hats is nothing new to these girls who are accustomed to juggling their different roles and responsibilities on a daily basis. While the success story of a “girl boss” is no longer a rarity in Brunei (thank God!), it doesn’t make it any less impressive or special, especially in an increasingly female-empowerment driven world. Sitting down with us on a sunny Thursday afternoon, Nazy tells us more about the street brand which designs garments for all genders ranging from outerwear and

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pants to skirts and t-shirts as well as head accessories.

Inspired heavily by Japanese minimal street fashion, with strong traces of hip-hop elements from Kimmy’s end, Nazy describes the ideal KAVA individual as someone who has a certain enthusiasm for fashion and is looking for something different outside basic cookie-cutter fads.

With the monochromatic look down pat, the designer herself projects the aforementioned aesthetic as she frequents flowy yet structured allblack, which she hopes will

contribute to creating a fresh recognisable identity for Bruneian urban fashion.

While they didn’t walk away with the final prize during the 2017 AirAsia Runway Ready Designer Search competition, she believes that as one of the eight finalists, they still came away victorious in terms of the experience and honest feedback from experts coming from all walks in the fashion industry.

In a show of support for the local e-commerce platforms, KAVA will largely remain an online affair for the moment.

However, while Nazy stresses

that they intend for their brand to remain home-grown on the most part, she doesn’t intend to limit KAVA to the Bruneian market and welcomes the idea of collaboration with international brands if it will shine a global spotlight on KAVA.

Catch KAVA on their way up on their Instagram at @KAVA.bn or contact them at hollaatkava@gmail.com.

Read more of our conversation with Nazy on www.borneoinsidersguide.com

biG feature

made in

borneo

H

er inspiration begins with the intricacy of kain tenunan and the craft that goes into it. “I’m always amazed by the designs of our kain tenunan – that process of making it from scratch, making motif patterns on a graph paper and into a woven textile,” she explains.

Zakiyah designs the motifs on a grid on her computer, and modernises the traditional motif by adding up modern elements in vibrant or pastel colours.

Zakiyah puts a lot of thought and hard work into the design of her prints. Her creations feature a unique blend of bold colours or soft hues on geometric shapes or delicate floral designs set against the backdrop of traditional patterns. The result is a fusion of modern and traditional, and is casual enough to wear at the office but dressy enough to use on special occasions.

But designing is not her only role in ZZ Scarves - she also runs the business side of things.

Juggling a day job and a booming side business isn’t for the fainthearted, but Zakiyah never sees her brand as ‘work’.

“If it’s something that you love to do, no matter how hard

Turning Traditional Trendy In a small room equipped with a large printer and presser, Zakiyah Zaini sits behind her desk at work with her latest creation. The petite young lady is already making waves in Brunei for her brand of headscarves, ZZ Scarves, which features the unique blend of traditional Bruneian motifs with contemporary geometric designs. A graphic designer by day, Zakiyah utilises her skills by designing her own patterns onto textiles, and sees her prints as a way of promoting Bruneian culture by turning it into a modern look.

or complicated it gets, you will always have the spirit to run the business. I love doing what I do and I also love designing, so I don’t mind the sleepless nights that come with it because this is my passion. And luckily I don’t have to do all the work; Md Farhan Iskandar, my partner and fiancé, helps with the logistics and production of my headscarves.”

As for the future of her brand, Zakiyah is not afraid to dream big.

“InsyaAllah, there will be a Zakiyah Zaini clothes line as well with blouses and casual attire. And I

don’t plan to limit my brand to the local market – I hope to bring my products outside of the country and promote our local products not just regionally, or even just in Asia, but on a global scale. Maybe one day it’ll be in Harrods!”

World domination aside, Zakiyah intends to keep the local spirit in her designs. “I just want to create something that can be appreciated by everyone,” she says. “And maybe inspire the feeling of pride and patriotism when wearing my prints. After all, my brand is 100% made in Brunei!”

You can find Zakiyah Zaini Scarves at Arabesque Showroom located on the 1st Floor of the Airport Mall in Kg Jaya Setia. You can also check out her designs on her website: www.bit.ly/ZakiyahZaini.

Zakiyah also accepts custom orders. Contact her at 673-8810667 or email her at zzscarves.bn@gmail.com for your own unique design.

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Abidin Din

BiG buzz

Celebrating Brunei’s Flora & Fauna at the Brunei Nature Festival W

ith its famed natural splendour and jungles graced with an impressive ecosystem of flora and fauna, Brunei’s greenery reels in keen wildlife enthusiasts from all walks of life.

Yet it is a wonder that not all of us are as acquainted with our local treasures as we should be. In an effort to create awareness on the Green Jewel of Borneo to locals and visitors, the Brunei Nature Festival 2018, organised by Sunshine Borneo Tours & Travel and the Ulu Temburong National Park Resort, was launched to provide guests with a glimpse into the splendid untouched wonders of local rainforests.

With the theme “The Wild Side of Temburong”, the three-day

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event, held from 9 to 11 February, aimed to promote ecotourism and generate a wider appreciation of nature and wildlife in Brunei.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Apong, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, who then presented prizes to the winners of the “Flora, Fauna and Landscape of Temburong” themed photography competition.

Exciting activities such as bird watching, nature talks, a bird call mimic contest as well as drawing and colouring contests for children kept event-goers knees deep in wildlife awareness all weekend. Along with a photo exhibition featuring unique

wildlife in their original habitat, one of the other main highlights of the event was the night tunnel walk. From the atrium of the Airport Mall itself, visitors were invited to experience through a simulation, the out-of-thisworld sensations on a nighttime rainforest walk while getting up close and personal with some of the usual nocturnal wildlife in a striking visual display.

The Brunei Nature Festival was a success as it motivated and urged Bruneians to get to know more of the rich untouched foliage in Brunei as well as to appreciate the green gems that places such as Ulu Temburong National Park are overflowing with.

Contact Ulu Ulu National Park Resort at 673-2446812 or 2446813, or connect with them online on Instagram (@ulu_uluresort) and Facebook (@uluuluresort) or visit their website: www.uluuluresort.com.

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Planning Ahead in Style Hamli Metalli

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e’ve all been there: walk into a stationery shop or flip madly through the stack of free diaries at your office only to find yourself dissatisfied with all of the layouts. Well there’s a new trend in town, and it might just be the solution in organising the chaos in your life, your way.

Organiser of the Planner Market, Lisa Omar Ali, said of the hobby, “Planner hobbyists create planners as a hobby.

Some people colour as their me time just as some do planning as their me time. You sit down, place stickers here, and schedule plans for what you want to do.”

The Planner Market took place at the Mabohai Shopping Complex on 14 January 2018, flooding the popular shopping complex with planner hobbyists seeking tools to organise their lives better (and prettier!). The third of its kind to be held in

Brunei, the Planner Market featured IG vendors selling planners, stickers, washi tapes, accessories, pens, all to help the fellow planner hobbyist in creating, embellishing and decorating his or her planner spreads. And for those just tagging along with their planning hobbyist friend, there were also other items for sale including food and beverages, artwork, toys and more.

Follow Lisa Omar Ali on Instagram (@bpcpaperie) for more updates on events coming soon!

Kajal Beauty House Grand Opening Three women were present as guests of honour at the grand opening of Kajal Beauty House on 18 January 2018. Guests of honour Pg Datin Hjh Yura Alaiti PSN Pg Hj Md Yusuf (spouse of the former High Commissioner of Brunei to India), Ungku Datin Hjh Fanzah Hj Osman (President of the International Women’s Club of Brunei), and Dr Prema Sundapandi (spouse of the current President of the

Bandar Seri Begawan Indian Association) in company with owner Hjh Mehrun Nisa Abdul Rahman – officiated the opening with the cutting of a beautifully decorated cake followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Kajal (which translates to ‘kohl) Beauty House marks the first business venture for 71-year old Hjh Mehrun Nisa Abdul Rahman, who admirably decided to pursue a passion

she had in her youth after the passing of her late husband in 2015.

Guests present were also treated to a tour of the premises, beauty services and a delicious Indian meal during the event.

•• Kajal Beauty House is open daily from 7am to 9pm. Connect with them online on their website (www.kajalbeautyhouse.com) and on Instagram (@kajalbeautyhouse).

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Seeing Green at The “Samarangi Village Run” A

s children, countless hours were spent with an Enid Blyton book in hand as we avidly fantasised about embarking on our own adventures with our fairy-folk friends. While we have yet to stumble upon a sweet little cottage with honeysuckle and roses hanging over the front door, little did we know that we’d find a setup just as mesmerising in the heart of Borneo, specifically in the Eco Ponies Garden in Mukim Lamunin. As the host for The Samarangi Village Run, the Eco Ponies Garden would not be out of place in our favourite

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children’s books, with charming hand-painted sign boards, rustic ornaments and wooden kiosks decorating the farm stay.

In collaboration with InTurn and the Creative Core BN, the first Samarangi Village Run was held on February 4 as part of the recent efforts to promote the area through the Tutong District Tourism Promotion. Officiated by the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, the main objective of the two-part event was to showcase the natural beauty and

hidden gems of the district in hopes of attracting both local and international tourists.

The first part of the event sent participating teams of The Village Run scurrying to checkpoints scattered throughout the area where they deciphered riddles and completed mini-missions in order to earn the crucial ingredients needed to progress to the latter half of the race. After receiving the locally-produced ingredients, the participants were then engaged in the more hands-on segment of the gastronomical adventure: the

Cook Off. During the cooking competition, all teams were tasked with recreating three traditional Tutong dishes which were then evaluated by guest judges, including Chef Rezal from the Indonesian Chef Association.

However, the Village Run was not the only happening part of the day; the Village Market was also a huge hit, offering fresh and unique local produce for sale. Aside from exploring the captivating natural space and taking in the beauty of theEco Ponies Garden, guests were also invited to partake in Arts & Crafts workshops being held in the vicinity. With Islamic calligraphy, rubber stamp making and facepainting, to name only a few of the art-related activities available, there was much for eventgoers to be entertained by. As dusk took over, local musicians Tropical Hornbills, Raudhah and Faddie the Sape Player graced the evening stage amidst fairy lights and gentle rain fall.

The successful pioneer event was made possible with the support of Progresif, 1Produk1Kampung, the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

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Highlighting Local Gastronomic Delights

Have an Award-winning Food Experience at Radisson Hotel

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resh off the success of last year’s event, the Brunei Gastronomy Week 2018 was held from 23 February to 11 March 2018 and featured nine food and beverage establishments who were given the task to elevate national cuisine into Michelinstars status meals. While last year’s event saw participating restaurants and hoteliers elevating our local comfort food, this year innovative skills were used to the hilt to transform leaf-wrapped food such as Pais Daging and Pulut Panggang into a dish fit to be served to a king.

The event, held in conjunction with Brunei’s 34th National Day celebrations, was officiated

by Dato Seri Setia Awg Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, in an earlier ceremony on February 14.

The objective of the event was to celebrate and create awareness of Bruneian cuisine, to encourage hotels and restaurants to continue serving local cuisine as part of a fine dining experience, and to prove a unique Bruneian gastronomical experience to visitors and locals alike. radissonbrunei

radisson_hotel_brunei

BiG getaway

Taipei Treasure

With accessible options for travelling from Borneo to Taiwan, it is the perfect time to explore the beautiful metropolis capital of Taiwan, well known for its myriad offerings ranging from food to culture and shopping set amongst Japanese colonial lanes, busy shopping streets and contemporary architecture. On my last visit to Taipei in January this year, I had the pleasure of staying at the stunning Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel - the tallest hotel in the city offering notable features that include Taipei’s tallest heated rooftop swimming pool.

Wan Zainal Abidin

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pened in late 1994 as Shangri-La’s first outpost in Taiwan and located within the city’s Taipei Metro Complex in Da’an District, the hotel has been given a new lease of life with its recently completed extensive renovation program to upgrade its 420 guestrooms and suites, the Horizon Club Lounge, the hotel lobby as well as the Lobby Court and the Cake Room. The new look blends perfectly with the hotel’s elegant surroundings that have warmly welcomed guests from all walks

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1

of life, including celebrities and heads of states.

The Horizon Club rooms offer a sanctuary of never-ending luxury, featuring flat screen LCD televisions in the living rooms and bathrooms, designer bath amenities, complimentary WiFi, daily fresh local fruits and a fully stocked refreshment bar. Guests who stay at the Horizon Club rooms are also given access to The Horizon Club, a separate lounge where guests can kick back and relax while enjoying complimentary food and

beverage throughout the day coupled with uninterrupted views of the city’s grandest dame: Taipei 101.

The dedicated concierge staff attended to my requests to book seats at sought-after dining venues in Taipei (it was, after all, a few months away from the Michelin Guide Taipei launch) and surprisingly managed to reserve seats at some of the hottest tables at such short notice, and I commend them highly for their warm service and devotion to their job. Not that the hotel itself

is short on memorable dining options, on the contrary, I had two unforgettable meals at the hotel’s Marco Polo Restaurant and Shang Palace.

Located on the 38th floor, Marco Polo offers spectacular views of Taipei and the iconic Taipei 101 from the adjoining Marco Polo Lounge where one can adjourn for postprandial drinks. Set amidst a modern interior, one can indulge in an extensive halal modern Italian menu prepared by Chef Davide Mastrageli from Rome, whose

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TAIPEI MUST-DO’S Eat a bowl of noodles No trip to Taipei would be complete without tasting a bowl of their famous Taiwan beef noodles. Generous chunks of braised beef and tendons are served with springy noodles in a rich beef broth complete with a selection of side dishes, and there’s no better place to sample it than at Yong Kee Beef Noodle Shop that has been serving this perennial favourite since 1963!

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1. The hotel lobby

of the ShangriLa’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel 2. Premier Room 3. Marco Polo Restaurant 4. Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel 5. Shang Palace

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extensive experience in the kitchens of Michelin-starred restaurants around the world shine through the enticing variety of Italian dishes served here. Shang Place, Shangri-La’s signature Cantonese restaurant, is definitely the place to enjoy stylish Canton dishes in modern and opulent settings, with a creative Cantonese menu that includes their famous Fruitwood Roasted Duck wrapped in pancakes. Luckily for the denizens of Taipei, the hotel has a wealth of outstanding restaurants and bars. As a matter of fact, Shangri-La Taipei must have the most restaurants and bars in a property that I have ever encountered in my travels!

Apart from sensational dining experiences, Shangri-La Taipei offers unparalleled facilities to cater for events. The hotel’s flexible meeting spaces can

accommodate small boardroom meetings to large social events, and their two spectacular ballrooms are the wedding and conference locations of choice.

The Qi Shiseido Salon and Spa on the 40th floor is dedicated to pampering guests with a variety of therapies, treatments and wellness programs, while the Health Club on the 6th floor is equipped with state-of the-art workout equipment and extensive spa facilities.

The next best thing about staying at Shangri-La Taipei is being able to experience what it’s like to live in the heart of bustling Da’an District – an area teeming with the latest in food, fashion and luxury retail. Nothing beats the idea of shopping till you drop, heading up to your room and recovering in cushy surroundings in the highest hotel room in Taipei, while the twinkling lights of tree-lined Tun Hwa South Road shimmer from below.

Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel, Taipei 201 Tun Hwa South Road, Section 2, Taipei 10675, Taiwan Tel: 8862-23788888 Website: www.shangri-la.com/taipei

Street eats Taipei is well known for its street food. While some dishes like the stinky tofu is not for the faint-hearted, I was hooked on the scallion pancakes from Tian Jin Onion Pancake on Yongkang Street. Thin flaky pancakes are fried a la minute and eaten plain or filled with a variety of offerings.

Drink tea Bubble Milk Tea or Boba Tea was literally invented in Taiwan.

Found in every corner of Taipei, this ice cold sweet milk tea filled with chewy tapioca pearls and other ingredients is a favourite among locals and tourists. Drop

by Chun Shui Tang to pay homage to the birthplace of Boba Tea. Buy a book Buy a book from Eslite Bookstore – what must be the best bookshop in the world. Eslite Bookstore at Xinyi offers seven floors of books, magazines, stationeries and everything in between. The Dunnan store is open 24/7 to cater to nocturnal bookworms.

Go sightseeing Taipei is well known for its historic sites and its modern marvels, and architectural fiends will have endless buildings to visit. Some of the must-visits include: Taipei 101 – once the tallest building in the world; Dr Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall to see artifacts from the life of the revered scholar; and the National Concert Hall to marvel at the intricacy of traditional Taiwanese architecture.

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advertorial

Ideal Café & Grill Keeping Traditional Values in a Modern World

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his year, Ideal Café & Grill celebrates its 22nd anniversary. They began when the Managing Director of Ideal Group Holdings, YB Hj Awg Ahmad Morshidi, went on a pilgrimage and observed fellow pilgrims enjoying a healthy dish of grilled chicken. Ideal sold its first grilled chicken in 1996 and by 1997, the first Ideal Café & Grill opened its doors to the public on 3rd February at Gadong Properties Centre. And the rest, as they say, is history.

But it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for Ideal – one of

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the pioneers of local franchises in Brunei. However with a lot of hard work and a shrewd understanding of the dynamics of running a family business, Hjh Dyg Norizmah Hj Awg Ahmad Morshidi has managed to keep the beloved eatery thriving and in demand in a modern world, all the while upholding her family’s traditional values for the company.

From keeping their signature green and yellow shades to treating their staff like family, Hjh Izmah comments, “Brand values are important to my family because we did it from scratch.

While I do want to change because I’m from a younger generation, I feel Ideal is blessed when we don’t change.”

Hjh Izmah is currently General Manager, a job that requires her to put on a lot of hats, from marketing to running daily operations of all six branches across the nation to making tough decisions. But as a family unit, they share the same ideals, and their success can be owed to their shared dedication to providing a high standard in both food and service.

“We prioritise our customers.

I always make sure the staff

knows that customer service remains a priority, and we will serve them no matter what.”

“We always do in-house training, where we introduce the company and what we have been doing. This is so they can form a connection with Ideal, and I always tell them, when you work at Ideal, work with love, work with passion. Don’t work just for the money. So that when you leave us, you will remember us and how much you learned from us.“ Maintaining the food quality of a franchise that has spanned three generations is another kettle of fish (or chicken), but remains an important factor in Ideal.

Judging by their stream of loyal customers, taste and quality remains the same today as it was in 1996. “We have customers who have eaten with us since they were young and now and have children of their own! It’s amazing, and I’m always happy to see our regular customers.”

“We try to be healthy. Our food is MSG-free, we minimise use of oil and we make our own chicken stock. I think that’s why people like to come and eat here. They don’t feel fat afterwards!”

As for the future of Ideal, currently there are talks of plans to expand into an international franchise and other ideas in place. Until then, Ideal will continue paving the way for other local franchises, as it has done for three generations.

Find the nearest Ideal Cafe & Grill by visiting their website: www.idealcafeandgrill.com.

Read more of our conversation with Hjh Izmah on our website: www.borneoinsidersguide.com

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Eat, Drink

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Brunei

All restaurants in Brunei are closed for prayers between noon and 2pm on Fridays.

NON HALAL

Mr Baker’s Bakeshop Gourmet 1st Flr, Mabohai Shopping Complex, Jln Kebangsaan (Mabohai) Open daily: 10am-10pm Tel: 2242343 IG: @mrbakersbakeshop FB: @MrBakersBakeshopBrunei

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r Baker’s Bakeshop has added another dimension to their business - glamour. The new Mr Baker’s Bakeshop Gourmet on the first floor of Mabohai Complex is a reminder of the elegant café scene one finds in art and culture-rich destinations in Europe. The new outlet exudes opulence with their Spanish-inspired floor tiles, black-base wall panels with brass inlays and matt brass chandeliers with lampshades illuminating the dessert displays.

The decor is pared down Art Deco with a touch of whim from the tropical garden wallpaper and if you look closely, there are little mischievous monkeys partially hidden behind the leaf motifs.

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The glass displays showcase tempting confections such as their signature New York cheesecake, chocolate tarts, apple crumble, and fluffy pastries and crispy puffs. Pair your desserts with a selection of premium tea or their gourmet coffee brewed from beans roasted by Singapore-based Common Man Coffee Roasters.

The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a view of the busy street flanked by verdant trees that complement the equally lush interiors. The elegant ambience makes for a lovely place for a leisurely indulgence in sweet treats that taste as good as they look.

Jia Xiang Wei Shi Fang #1, Blk F, Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap Open daily: 7.30am-6.30pm (Fridays open until 12noon only) IG: @jiaxiangwi.bn

aiwanese cuisine has come to town and is now available at Jia Xiang Wei Shi Fang.

Jia Xia Wei means hometown flavours and comfort food is what you’ll find here. What we like as we enter the restaurant is the spacious feel, tables are not too close to each other, and the Chinese accents in their décor gives an injection of Eastern culture. Wooden birdcages with light bulbs within hang from the ceiling and the restaurant’s signature dishes are written in calligraphy on planks of wood in two neat rows on the wall.

Jia Xiang Wei is a snacking place, they have a small selection of light snacks that include dumplings, Chinese pancakes and steamed rolls, and for tummy-fillers, they have a beautiful braised pork rice bowl and claypot yam noodles in a steaming thick gravy. For something uniquely Taiwanese, they have a Kinmen starchy bean noodle ‘tau mee’ which you can order with peanut sauce or curry.

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Chai Hung Restaurant & Catering #1, Grd Flr, Blk E, Pg Hj Menudin & Anak-Anak Bldg, Jalan Baru Bersurat Open daily: 7.30am-9.30pm Tel: 2423822 FB: CHAI HUNG

f you have five friends with you and all of you want to eat laksa, Chai Hung has just the thing for you. Their humungous bowl of Kuching laksa feeds all of you and then some. The bowl of noodles is covered with big prawns, fried bean curd, hardboiled eggs, fish cake and a fiendishly red broth that contains a fragrant blend of chili and spices. Chai Hung offers a variety of halal Chinese food and while their laksa is most popular, their signature pepper lamb and kung po fried mee hoon is not to be missed either. The owner, Henry, says many of his customers also like their salted egg chicken and their buttermilk or sweet sour sauce dishes.

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Eat, Drink Sarawak Irene Chan

Chomps Miri

ICE+ Garden Located in Saradise, one of the newest commercial areas to open up in Kuching, ICE+ Garden is not any runof-the-mill dessert joint. The dessert café is owned by friends with a love for quality cold confections. ICE+ Garden serves the unexpected combination of both Taiwanese and Italian cold desserts. Everything served in the café is self-manufactured, from the sumptuous gelato to the delightfully delicate snow ice creations.

The proprietors of ICE+ Garden hold firmly to the philosophy that their desserts should be free from additives, and have opted to use only ingredients of the highest quality.

Their best-selling product is the Sea Salt Peanut Snow Ice which comes with a scoop of New Zealand Milk Gelato. Unassuming as it is in appearance, it is a must-try item – the interplay of unexpected flavours and textures make it an unlikely gourmand experience.

Lvl 1, Sublot 21, Lot 19544, Saradise Kuching, Off Jln Stutong, Kuching Open daily: 11am-11pm IG: @icegardenkuching FB: @icegardenkuching

Opening its doors in July 2016, Chomps is a relative newcomer to the Miri food scene. Despite that, it is already making some serious waves among both casual diners and discerning foodies, with its bold and contemporary approach to Western cuisine.

Manna Patisserie Not many bakery cafés can claim to be headed by a pastry chef professionally trained at Le Cordon Bleu like Manna Patisserie, Boulangerie and

Its laid-back, café-styled interior belies some seriously good eats – the establishment prides itself on serving some of the freshest beef and lamb this side of Sarawak, air-flown in directly from New Zealand.

Staffed and run by a hip, young crew, Chomps aims to broaden local palates by reworking classic dishes – expect a novel culinary

Café can. Specialising in breads and pastries, this café also offers a cosy space that is beautifully illuminated by copious amounts of natural sunlight.

Whilst they are known best for their crusty, European-styled bread, their signature croissants are also very popular and are

experience that still retains enough familiar elements to be reassuring while dining at Chomps.

Lot 2117, Blk 9 Miri-Pujut, MCLD Miri Open daily: 5pm-11pm (SunWed)/5pm-12am (Thurs-Sat) Tel: 6016-8702090 IG: @chompsmiri FB: @chompsmiri

also available as part of their wildly popular croissant set meals which feature croissant sandwiches.

Another item of note on their menu is the Japan Premium, which is a burger that uses a croissant in the place of the traditional burger bun. For those favouring something sweet, the café has recently started offering chocolate bon-bons in various flavours.

Grd Flr, Lot 11368, Tabuan Height Phase 7 Commercial Centre, Jln Song, Kuching Open daily: 8am-10pm Tel: 6082-505747 IG: @mannakitchenkch FB: @mannakitchenkch

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Eat, Drink Sabah

NON HALAL

Ichizo Ramen

Pamela Fletcher

NON HALAL

Sabah Chilli Pan Mee P

an mee is a popular breakfast staple made of flat noodles torn into shreds and served in a soup with fried anchovies, minced pork, mushrooms and a leafy vegetable. The dry version is now becoming equally popular and at Sabah Chilli Pan Mee, you can get it with a huge helping of fragrant chilli sambal to fire up your meal.

Sabah Chilli Pan Mee is located at a corner lot of Lintas Plaza with indoor and outdoor seating to cater to the breakfast and lunch crowds. Instead of flat noodles, you get a bowl of springy noodles tossed in black

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soya sauce with fried anchovies, minced pork, onions and a poached egg on top. For best results, use your chopsticks to break and stir the silky egg yolk into your noodles, then add the chili sambal to your liking.

Apart for the chilli pan mee, there are other spicy and nonspicy options such as the dry curry, Sichuan spicy, and fried pork and century egg dry pan mee.

Also on the menu are a couple of rice dishes with minced pork and curry chicken, and side dishes of fried wonton, spring rolls and more. While it can get pretty busy during rush hours and parking can

be scarce during the day, it’s worth making a trip here for a fiery taste of the traditional pan mee. Fast and efficient service with friendly staff, the restaurant is great for a quick lunch or a longer sojourn during quieter hours to dig into all the spicy goodness on offer.

Lot 1, Grd Floor, Blk A, Lintas Square, Kota Kinabalu Open daily: 10am-9pm (Mon-Fri); 9.30am-9m (Sat & Sun) Tel: 6088-278626 FB: @sabahchillipanmee

A quintessential Japanese comfort food, ramen is both heartwarming and addictive with its chewy wheat noodles and a soup base infused with meat or seafood, and seasoned with soya sauce, miso or salt. Chicken ramen is often lighter than its porcine cousin but wait till you try collagen chicken ramen.

Boiled for up to 10 hours to extract the collagen from the cartilage and skin around the chicken wingtip, the resulting broth is rich and creamy with an almost glossy sheen to it.

Ichizo Ramen at Suria Sabah Shopping Mall has concocted its own recipe of collagen chicken ramen served with a generous amount of tender chicken slices and Japanese noodles, and then topped with nori seaweed and sliced scallions for a spicy accent.

The soup has a slightly sticky consistency to it and there are three varieties of broth: Signature, Spicy and Soya Sauce (served with alcohol) and side dishes of chicken thigh karaage, chicken gyosa and chicken chasau rice among others.

Ichizo Ramen shares space at the food hall but stands out with its distinctive decor with comfortable seating and layout for solo diners or families.

Expect some waiting time during peak hours but ordering is fast, and the friendly staff don’t keep you waiting long.

1st Flr, Suria New Food Hall, Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, Kota Kinabalu Open daily: 10am-10pm Tel: 6088-288800

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Your fav

restobar is ever ready to serve you

SO Lip Smacking Food & SO Thirst Quenching Drinks.

Cheers to burps & hics!

Outskirts Eatery

T

rying out the local cuisine is part and parcel of any travel experience, although it might not always be the easiest thing to do.

Newly opened Outskirts Eatery is located in Penampang, about a half hour drive from the city, in a standalone building along a winding road through a picturesque countryside. That said, it’s still worth the effort to Waze yourself there for a real taste of traditional Kadazan cuisine from bambangan to pinasakan, tuhau, hinava, ikan masin, telur masin, sayur kampung and hinompot. These are essentially the basics found in most Kadazan kitchens in the old days and consist of fried, salted and marinated fish, preserved wild fruit, local vegetables, salted egg and rice wrapped in leaves.

The traditional set is served on a woven tray and the leaf-wrapped rice harks back to the days when people would spend the whole day out in the fields or forest to hunt for food and had to take a packed lunch with them.

While its traditional set is raking in rave reviews, curry dishes on the menu particularly the Coconut Curry and Coconut Tom Yam have been slowly building up a fan base. Served in a hollowed-out fresh coconut, you can taste the subtle nuttiness coming through the spiciness of the dish. There are a few western inspired dishes like fried chicken with cheese sauce on its limited menu.

This small family-run restaurant is simple, homely and welcoming, with a couple of nature inspired hand painted murals on the walls to give the place a pop of artistic flair. The staff is well trained to talk you through the menu and the overall ambience is one of warmth and friendliness - just like home.

Jalan Putatan/Ramayah, Penampang Open daily: 10am-10pm (opens till 11pm on Fridays) Tel: 6016-2903636 FB: @TheOutskirtsEatery

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biG listings

Brunei

1 Spg 15, Jln Gadong (673 871 9946)

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

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

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

Grd Flr Jln Setia Square Berakas, Kg Jaya Setia (673 233 9230) Chop Jing Chew Freshly made Roti Kahwin perfectly paired with a teh tarik 10 Spg 5 Jln Gadong, Kg Menglait (673 242 4132)

Gwad Basha Arabian Restaurant Arabic cuisine at its finest #1A&1B Heng Thai Property Centre Spg 22 Jln Dato Ratna, Kiarong (673 245 0009) – call for other branches Restoran Makan & Soto Rosmini Our favourite soto hang-out

Mei Kong Coffee Shop A trip to Brunei isn’t complete without sampling their famous kolo mee 108 Jln Pemancha, Bandar Seri Begawan(673 224 0688) Kaizen Sushi served fresh on your table plus a variety of other Japanese cuisine Yayasan Complex Waterfront Side, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 222 6336) – call for other branches Pondok Sari Wangi Restaurant Serving the best of Indonesian cuisine 12-13 1st Flr Blk A Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 244 5043) – call for other branches

Geo Eats “Home is where the heart is”–but the people behind Geo Eats know that home is also where the good food is. As the name suggests, Geo Eats is a home-based eatery which specialises in whipping up comfort dishes originating from all over the world. And by “all over the world” we mean all over from their mouth-watering Mexican hotplate fajitas to their Singaporeanstyle mee rebus to their lavish Turkish breakfast platter. However, it’s not just their entrees that keep customers coming back for more.

From their wide variety of molten lava treats to their ube cheesecakes, you can be sure to end your international meal on a sweet note. Drop by to satisfy a craving you never knew you had. #13 Spg 381 Kg Jerudong Tel: 673-8271 381 IG: @Geoeatsbn FB: @Geoeatsbn

ADVERTISERS

GALLERY Casbah London Kebab

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

OPEN DAILY ; #G2a Grd Flr Times Square Complex, KG JAYA SETIA (673 234 3001) (Times Square Branch) or #204 Spg 210 Kg Lambak, JLN BERAKAS (673 880 3183) – Call for other branches Deals

This modern, refreshing and contemporary restaurant offers set menu for dinner for a gastronomic experience.

OPEN 7pm onwards (Mon-Sat), closed on Sundays and public holidays; Radisson Hotel Jln Tasek, BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (673 224 4272) Ideal Café and Grill

Homegrown fast-food brand Ideal Café & Grill has been serving Brunei its signature grilled rotisserie chicken since 1996, when it first started off selling its homemade grilled chicken in a modest stall. The restaurant chain remains strong as ever today, serving customers their farmfresh, freshly grilled rotisserie chicken in restaurants in five different locations, and remains a local favourite.

OPEN DAILY 9am-10pm; Goodwood Building Kg Menglait, GADONG (673 245 5595) – Call for other branches 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 48

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG listings Thien Thien Restaurant Purveyors of arguably the best Nasi Ayam in town 10 Grd Flr Mas Panchawarna Complex (673 222 2435) – call for other branches Ximply Chriz Café Divine desserts, great coffee and scrumptious meals 8 Blk A Regent Square, Kiulap (673 223 4918) Taste of Asia Vietnamese pho, Thai tom yam, Japanese sushi, Korean kimchi and Bruneian ambuyat – this list covers most of our favourite Asian delights.

Ahan Thai 10 Blk B Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 245 2852) All Seasons Restaurant 17 1st Flr Times Square Shopping Centre, Kg Jaya Setia (673 233 8068) Aminah Arif 2 & 3 Blk B Grd Flr Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kiulap (673 223 6198) – Call for other branches Aneka Rasa Blk A #16 &17 Grd & 1st Flr Bgn Begawan Pehin Dato Hj Mohd Yussof, Kg Kiulap (673 223 1728) Anjung Layar Luncur (Nur Wanita Serasa Branch) Simpang 287, Pantai Serasa (673 277 1879) Ar Ruhma Restaurant 329 Blk D Bgn Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 242 7847) Axtivo Restaurant Spg 13 Hj Uthman Complex, Berakas (673 233 5642) Babu’s Kitchen C44 Blk C Grd Flr Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 245 7868) Bali Pit-Stop 15 &16, Spg 150 Grd Floor, Block A Bangunan Habza, Kiulap (673 720 9992) Chatterbox Kopitiam 2 Grd Flr Bgn Hasbullah 2, Gadong (673 820 1212)

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

Rice Bowl 72 T.C.Y Building, Batu Bersurat (673 863 0665)

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

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

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

Sameer Restaurant & Catering G1 Grd Flr Sg Akar Sentral, Berakas (673 233 6613)

Great Taste Restaurant Grd Flr Setia Kenangan II, Kg Kiulap (673 234 1123) Impian Rasa Restaurant #5 Bgn Pg Hjh Rafiah Spg 607 Jln Jangsak, Gadong (673 265 3858) – Call for other branches Kaka Restaurant 2 & 3 Spg 100 Jln Jerudong (673 267 2333) – Call for other branches La Mee #1B & 1c Grd Flr Spg 41-1-12, Jln Kiarong (673 243 0113) Lee Loi Fatt Blk A #7 Grd Flr Serusop Complex, Kg Delima Satu (673 234 2384) – Call for other branches Mangrove Paradise Resort Spg 912 Kg Sungai Belukut, Jln Kota Batu (278 6868) MY Favoureat Restaurant 9 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Munchit & Hjh Rapiah, Kg Jaya Setia (673 233 9410) MyTown Eating House Grd Flr The Crown Princess Complex, Jalan Tutong (673 224 1880) Nyonya 3 Grd Flr Bgn Hasbollah, Gadong (673 244 7090) Old Time Kopitiam G2 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Ibrahim, Kg Menglait (673 244 8282) PappaRich Blk G Grd Flr Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 243 2333) Pho Hoa Restaurant #6 Grd Flr Blk B Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kg Kiulap (673 223 6218) Pho Real 1st Flr Times Square Food Court, Kg Jaya Setia

Seasons Restaurant Lvl 2 The Centrepoint, Gadong (673 242 2291) Seafood Palace #1, 2 & 3 Blk B An-Nuha Building, Kg Tanjung Bunut (673 267 1299) Seaworld Neptune 8 Spg 791, Jerudong (673 261 2613) Sate House Unit B9, Block B, Setia Kenangan II, Spg.150, Kiulap, Bandar Seri Begawan Spicy Curry & Wraps from Arabic to Indian cuisine, check out these restaurants if you like a spicy kick to your meals.

Sugar ‘n’ Spice Ground Floor Block B, Simpang 150-513-18, Bangunan Setia Kenangan II Kampong Kiulap, Brunei BE1518

ADVERTISERS

GALLERY

Spices Restaurant #1 Grd Flr Blk A Aman Complex, Jln Muara (673 233 0081) The Wrap #2 Jerudong Park Food Court, Jerudong

variety of cuisine from their ala carte menu or sumptuous buffets.

Ya Nur Restaurant #7 1st Flr Bgn Hj Tahir 2, Kg Menglait (673 871 9986)

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

Zaika Restaurant A4 Lot 308 Bgn Maju Jln Bunga Raya, Kuala Belait (673 334 7430) Gwad Basha Arabian Restaurant 1A & 1B Heng Thai Property Centre, Spg 22, Jalan Dato Ratna, Kiarong (673 245 0009)

The Empire Hotel & Country Club Atrium Café

The Atrium Café is located on level 3 of the main Atrium building, nestled amidst The Empire’s signature grand marble columns and offering a spectacular view of the sea.

Buffet breakfast and á la carte lunch are available from Monday

Amsarra Shawarma & Espresso Grd Flr Airport Mall, Kg Jaya Setia Bombay Palace Restaurant #9 Grd & 1st Flr Blk B Bgn Pg Mainuddin & Anak2, Batu Bersurat (673 242 7313) C’Fu Curry House Restaurant Spg 103 #5 & 6 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Md Salleh, Gadong (673 245 7000) Delhi Darbar Restaurant & Catering Spg 38 Jln Jerudong (673 267 2826) Le Taj 2-3 2nd Flr Seri Kiulap Complex, Kiulap (673 223 8996) Lotus Family Restaurant 27B Grd Flr Delima Jaya Complex, Berakas (673 234 2049) Rajah’s Restaurant 3 Grd Flr Blk A Bangunan PAP Umi Kalthum, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 224 0379)

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biG listings

Raw Coconut Bistro Coconut lovers around Brunei, rejoice! Another addition to the coconut craze has made its way to the local market. Raw Coconut Bistro promises to keep your taste buds happy with its specialty premium coconut shakes and raw coconut ice cream. However, don’t be fooled by their name; they’re much more than your average singlefood vendors. Their vast menu also has a range of rainy day comforts such as banana fritters, waffles and flavoured French fries. However, for the brave at heart, we suggest their premium ice-cream with a side of dried guava chili, wasabi or chili sambal to name only a few of the unusual toppings available. With desktops provided and readily available WiFi, this comfy bistro is bound to keep you glued to your seat for hours on end. #22 Grd Flr, Bgn Awg Hj Ahmad Bin Awg Hassan & Anak-Anak, Kiulap Tel: 673-223 0319 IG: @rawcoconutbn FB: Raw Coconut Bistro

ADVERTISERS

GALLERY to Friday, offering a variety of international and local cuisine.

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

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

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

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

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

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

OPEN DAILY 7am-9pm Spaghettini

Fine dining at its best, this restaurant offers authentic Italian and contemporary Mediterranean cuisine in divine settings, with a Daily Mediterranean à la carte dinner from 6pm to 10pm. A private

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biG listings

Ayam Lepaas Originating from Aceh, Ayam Lepaas is the latest chicken-loving joint in a town whose love for wings knows no bounds.

Featuring classic Indonesian dishes such as empal goreng (a fried beef specialty- perfect for meat lovers!) and puyuh goreng (a tasty fried quail dish which we were told is a favourite among elderly customers), their famed fiery sambal that comes in four levels of spiciness is just the icing on the cake. Ayam Lepaas is a hit with families looking to cure their hearty cravings at a place which has it all.

Grd Flr Citis Square, Kg Jaya Setia Tel: 673-234 1443 IG: @ayamlepaasbrunei FB: @ayamlepaasbrunei

DISCOVER YOUR FLAVOR thecoffeebeanbrunei coffeebean_brunei

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biG listings

ADVERTISERS

GALLERY room is available upon request for special occasions.

OPEN DAILY 6am-6pm Zen Pavilion

Located just beyond Pantai Restaurant on Level 1, Zen Pavilion offers customers an exclusive dining experience, watching chefs prepare excellent dishes on the teppanyaki grill with flare and offering some of the most authentic Japanese cuisine. Daily à la carte dinner is available.

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

t-Lounge by Dilmah Among the meadows of cafés in Brunei, a lone tea lounge blossoms for tea enthusiasts in the country. The t-Lounge by Dilmah in Little Soho serves the Dilmah range of fine teas from Sri Lanka and tea-based beverages with a menu of light cuisine. To make sure you appreciate the individual uniqueness of their teas, a little education on the types of teas on offer, appropriate brewing times for each type and tea pairings with the food they serve are all part of the dining experience at t-Lounge.

One can certainly have a long tea journey here just to sample all the types of tea they have. For connoisseurs, their signature tea blends that go from mild and gentle to bright and medium, and strong and robust, are brewed at your table with a timer for you to keep track of the strength. If you like frothy versions with milk, let their t-Kitsch range soothe your thirst while giving you a little punch with added herbs and spices.

1st Flr, Blk B, Little Soho, Jln Batu Bersurat< BSB Tel: 673-2456128 IG: @tloungebydilmah_brunei FB: @tloungebn

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Zest

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

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

Western Food Italian pizzas, American steaks and burgers, British cottage pies – we list down the restaurants that serve the best from the west.

Bello Café L1/12 Seri Kiulap Mall, KIULAP (673 223 3989) Buccaneer Steak House 92-93 (B) 94 Grd Flr Jln McKerron, Kuala Belait (673 333 0406) Charcoal BBQ & Grill Restaurant Grd Flr Le Gallery Suites Hotel, Jln Tutong (673 222 1171) – Call for other branches

Cheezbox Café External Café, Ramp A, The Mall, Gadong (673 242 5506) Countrypatch Café 3 Grd Flr Blk D Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kiulap (673 223 2368) – Call for other branches De’ Olde Cottage 2 Grd Flr Blk C Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 242 6982) – Call for other branches Deli-Bites Royal Brunei Recreation Club (Poolside Terrace), Jln Terunjing Lama, Berakas (673 877 928) Flapjack House #6 Bgn Majid Mohamad Jln Pasar Baharu, Kg Kiarong (673 245 0987)

biG listings Magnum Café 18 & 19 Grd Flr Citis Square, Kg Jaya Setia (673 239 2555)

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

It’s a Grind Coffeehouse 1, Grd Floor, Bgn AlWarasah, Muara Town (673 277 2424) – call for other branches

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

Swensen’s #2.34-2.36 2nd Flr The Mall, Gadong (673 245 1864)

Kapra Coffee #26 Grd Flr Blk C Spg 440, Jln Muara (673 234 5656)

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

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

Savy’s Brasserie 204 Lvl 2 Mabohai Shopping Complex, Mabohai (673 224 0829)

Fratini’s Restaurant #1 Grd Flr The Centrepoint Hotel, Gadong (673 245 1200) – Call for other branches Home Kitchen

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

by Aranda Café #17, Blk E, Atiya Complex, Spg 100, Jln Jerudong (673 899 7333) Magherita Pizzeria #5 Blk A Scout Complex Jln Gadong, Kg Mata-Mata (673 868 8884) Paddington House of Pancakes 3&4 Blk C Spg 58, Jln Berakas, Kg Serusop (673 233 1668) Pastamania #9 Grd Flr Blk H Abdul Razak Complex, Gadong (673 245 7441) – Call for other branches Pepper Lunch Brunei C9/10 Grd Flr Setia Kenangan II, Kg Kiulap (673 225 3000) Qasehmaisara Café House #206-209 2nd Flr Plaza Athirah, Jln Kubah Makam DiRaja (673 278 9898) RMS Diner A5 Lot 308 Bgn Maju Jln Bunga Raya, Kuala Belait (673 334 7455) RBC Lifestyle Cafe Waterfront, Jln McArthur, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 222 0815) Rovansil Restaurant #36-38 1st Flr Citis Square, Kg Jaya Setia (673 233 7129) Red Canopy Café #5 Blk C Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 245 3878)

Wing-It #16 Grd Flr Citis Square, Kg Jaya Setia (673 722 4999) Coffee & Cafes Gourmet, premiumgrade, specialty coffee – this list accommodates the best of the burgeoning local coffee industry.

Another Café #2 Grd Flr Blk A Bgn Hj Abd Rahman & Hjh Siti Ajar, Kiulap (673 223 3593) Baristas by Modesto Grd Flr Food Arena Seri Q-Lap Mall, Kg Kiulap (673 223 7771) Beanery & Co #81 A/1 Grd Flr, Jln Bunga Rambai, Kuala Belait (673 334 7772) BELLUNO Café #2 Blk C Kiarong Complex, Kg Kiarong (673 242 9010) Brew Café & Bakery #47 Grd Flr Blk C Gadong Central, Menglait (673 242 7554) Caffé Verve #6A Spg 68, Jln Batu Bersurat (673 875 7382) Countrypatch Café 3 Grd Flr Blk D Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kiulap (673 223 2368) – call for other branches Fleur-de-lys L1/1 Seri Q-Lap Mall, Kiulap (673 223 1777) – call for other branches Games & Lattes Café #E9 Grd Flr Blk E Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap (673 223 5200) Gloria Jean’s Coffee G17 Citis Square, Berakas (673 233 8452) High Frequency Lifestyle Café 1st Flr Unit 5 Blk B Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 242 8262)

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

Ner Dee Café #F11 1st Flr Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap (673 721 4977)

Senja Restaurant 8&9 Grd Flr Seri Kiulap Complex, Kiulap (673 223 5313)

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

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

Piccolo Café #11 Jln McArthur, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 224 1558) Rack & Brew #9 Blk H 1st & 2nd Flr Abdul Razak Complex, Gadong (673 729 9668)

Tarindak d’Polo Royal Brunei Polo & Riding Club, Jerudong (673 261 2500) Tarindak D’Seni Brunei Arts & Handicrafts Centre, Kota Batu (673 224 0422)

Rafia’s VK Café G13 Citis Square, Kg Jaya Setia (673 890 6990)

Go Green Healthy and vegetarian friendly options

Ran’s Coffee 1st Flr the Centrepoint Hotel Abdul Razak Complex Terminal 1 T1-05, Gadong (673 869 7700)

Brunei Detox Bar 9 Grd Flr, Abdul Razak Complex, BE3519, BSB BE3519

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

RBC Express Fast Food #1 Grd Flr Blk A, Bangunan Hj Matussin, Kg Kiulap (673 223 7253)

The Energy Kitchen Grd Flr, Fitness Zone Kiulap, Palm Garden Hotel, Kg Kiulap BE1518 (673 223 3323)

Non-Halal Options

The Healthy Habit Blk A, Setia Kenangan II, Kg Kiulap BE1518 (673 223 1030) TienSing Vegetarian & Catering Restaurant 21-22 Bangunan Hj Hassan II, Jln Gadong, Kg Menglait (673 245 4988) Quick Eats Fast and delicious meals for those on the go

Danes Café #102, Bgn Batu Bersurat, Jln Batu Bersurat (673 242 8914) Golden Leaf Coffee House Blk 1 Grd Flr PAP Hjh Norain Building, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 222 0422) Phongmun Restaurant 2nd Flr Teck Guan Plaza Jln Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 222 9561) Sui Heng Restaurant Grd Flr Hj Munchit & Hjh Rapiah Complex, Kg Jaya Setia (673 233 8321)

Bento Brothers #B19 Blk B Bgn Habza Spg 150, Kg Kiulap (673 223 6800) Nasi Katok Mama Express 3 Blk A Grd Flr Kompleks Madang, Madang (673 864 1681) Pan & Wok #28A Grd Flr Airport Mall, Kg Jaya Setia (673 234 2836)

The Krema Coffee #D31 Lim Eng Ming Complex Blk D, Kg Kiulap (673 897 3600) The Library Café #6 Blk C, Bangunan Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap Sweet As Sara Unit 7A, Ground Floor, Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap (673 888 9169) Divine Dining Exquisite meals in beautiful settings – perfect for special occasions Atrium Café The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 241 8888) Dynasty Restaurant Grd Flr Centrepoint Hotel, Gadong (673 243 0185) The Horizons Seafood Restaurant Waterfront, Jln McArthur, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 223 3400) I-Lotus 20 Spg 12-26 Perumahan Rakyat Jati, Kg Rimba (673 242 2466) Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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

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

Eat (Sabah) Bar Tzar Bistro Lot 12 The Waterfront Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 260 211) Bella Italia 69 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 313 366) Borneo Wild Treasure Lot 27-0 Blk C Lrg Bundusan Square1D, Kota Kinabalu (6088 732 222) Brass Monkey Lot 1-0 Lorong Lintas Plaza 4, Kota Kinabalu (6088 261 543) Cabo Lot 32-0, Lorong Lintas Plaza 3, Kota Kinabalu (6088) 252 182) - Mexican cuisine Café De Vie Lot D-0-6 Lorong Metro Town 3, Kota Kinabalu (6088 393 863) Circle Restaurant Le Meridien Hotel, Kota Kinabalu (6088 322 222) Emperor’s Delight Lot 6 Grd Flr Jln Pantai, Kota Kinabalu (6088 288 686) Fong Ip Café Lot 100 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 213 618) 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 488 833) Grand Port View Sea View Restaurant 16 Jln Tun Fuad Stephen, Kota Kinabalu (6088 538 178) Hana Japanese Restaurant Lot S21&S22 Blk E City Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 538 178) 54

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Hot Rod Sausage House No 1-G-02 Blk A Warisan Square, Kota Kinabalu (6016 804 3999) Hut Steak House & Restaurant 29 Blk E Damai Plaza, Kota Kinabalu (6088 238 558) Jothy’s Fish head Curry & Banana Leaf Blk 1 Lot G9 Api Api Centre, Kota Kinabalu (6088 261 595) K. Sanba’s Curry Specials Blk F Lorong Plaza Utama 1 Alamesra, Kota Kinabalu (6016 833 2308)

Kampung Nelayan Taman Tun Fuad Bukit Padan, Kota Kinabalu (6088 256 001) 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)

Omma’s Oven This small bakery in the heart of busy Lintas Plaza is a real gem for those craving wholesome breads and bagels to start off their mornings.

The shelves are lined with everything from stoneground wholemeal bread to combinations of olive and herbs, and green tea and cranberry.

Their bagels are a firm favourite with a choice of smoked salmon, egg and chicken ham or cranberry and walnuts. A host of other breakfast goodies, including scones, toasts, pancakes and granola as well as tarts for a sweet treat, offer something for everyone in the family.

Lot 19-0, Lorong Lintas Plaza 3, Lintas Plaza 3, Kota Kinabalu Tel: 6088-312 686 IG: @ommas.oven FB: @ommas.ovenkk

Korean Club Restaurant 4 Jln Aru, Kota Kinabalu (6088 232 213) Kudos Bistro 69 Gaya Street (inside Jesselton Hotel), Kota Kinabalu (6088 313 366) La Fuente G-816 Grd Flr 1 Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 488 000) La Safran Grd Flr, The Peak Vista, Blk B, Lorong Puncak 1, Tg Lipat, 88400 Kota Kinabalu Tel: (6088 266 489) - non-halal French cuisine Little Italy Grd Flr Hotel Capital Jln Hj Saman, Kota Kinabalu (6088 232 231) Mad Ben Café Lot 121, Jalan Gaya, 88000 Kota Kinabalu (6088 255 073) - classic western food

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

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

Mdm Ing Fish Noodle Lot 21 Towering Koidupan Perdana Jln Tambunan, Penampang (6016 831 8726)

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

Mr Ho’s Fine Foods L-72-G Grd Flr Blk L KK Times Square Phase 1, Kota Kinabalu (6088 222 623) Nagasaki Japanese Restaurant No 19 Grd Flr Bangunan Harrison Jln Hj Saman, Kota Kinabalu (6088 216 623) Nam Chai Restaurant Bah Kut Teh 10 Blk D Bdr Nam Tung, Sandakan (6089 612 603)

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 346 954) Open Kitchen Grd Flr, Unit 8, Blk 1, Metro Town, 88300 Kota Kinabalu Tel: (6088) 254 161 - Asian food incorporating health conscious ingredients

biG listings Pancake House Concourse Flr 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 448 110) Lot G94-94A Karamunsing Complex, Kota Kinabalu (6088 319 168)

Restoran Makanan Sedap No 1-0-1 Blk B Jln Kolam Centre Phase 2 Jln Lintas, Kota Kinabalu (6088 247 459)

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

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

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

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

Pasta Pasta 108 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6014 371 4665) Peppermint Vietnamese Cuisine No. 85 Grd Flr Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6012 802 4582) Port View Seafood Village Lot 18 The Waterfront Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 221 753) Restaurant Baba & Nyonya Recipe Blk E Grd Flr Grand Millennium Plaza, Penampang (6016 810 8206)

Sakura Japanese Restaurant G-23A & G-25, Oceanus Waterfront Mall Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, 88000 Kota Kinabalu (6088) 273 604 - Japanese cuisine Santola Café Lot 14 Blk B Damai Point, Kota Kinabalu (6088 260 188) Seng Hing Restaurant Ruang Sinsugan 2, Kota Kinabalu (6088 211 594) Seremban Seafood Restaurant Lot 126 Blk O Plaza Permai, Kota Kinabalu (6088 484 922)

Toscani’s Lot 14 The Waterfront Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 242 879) Vino Vino Bistro Unit J-57, 1st Flr, KK Times Square, 88100 Kota Kinabalu (6088) 486 363 - non-halal European fare with extensive wine collection Wah San Restaurant D2-G Blk 17 Jln Pryer, Sandakan (6089 212 626) Yamagoya Ramen Lot 109 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 253 701)

Yoshimi Japanese Restaurant Warisan Square, Kota Kinabalu (6088 488 388) Yu Kee Bak Kut Teh 74, Jln Gaya, 88000, Kota Kinabalu (6088 221 192) - All pork dishes served in herbal soup

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

Aroma Café 126 Jln Tabuan, Kuching (6082 417 163)

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

Asian Express Restaurant G40 The Spring, Kuching (6082 414 088)

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

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

Café Café at Original Carwash Lot 211-214, Section 9, KTLD, Rubber Rd, Kuching (6082 256 396) - Asian and western fare including Nyonya and Foochow cuisine

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)

Café Min Xin Lot 1126-27 Riam Comm Centre, Miri (6085 628 839)

Bla Bla Bla 27, Jln Tabuan, 93000 Kuching (6082 233 944) - Chinese-inspired fusion dishes

Capital Restaurant 86 Jln Keppel, Bintulu (6086 331 160)

Black Bean Coffe & Tea 87, Ewe Hai Street, 93000 Kuching (6082 420 290) - Most aromatic shop in town with the finest brews

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

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

Carvery Restaurant Jln Abell, Kuching (6082 239 449)

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

The Loop House Deliciously crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside is what makes Loop House churros simply irresistible. Made fresh as you order, and rolled in cinnamon sugar, chocolate or cheese dusting, the churros can be perfectly paired with a cup of strong coffee as you take a break from shopping at Citymall where you’ll find this cozy little nook on the first floor. For plain churros, choose from their chocolate, salted caramel or blueberry sauces for an equally satisfying treat, or even a scoop of ice cream for a sugar rush.

M-1-4, 1st Flr, City Mall KK, Lrg City Mall, Kota Kinabalu Tel: 6016-832 8200 IG: @loophousekk FB: Loop House - City Mall Chicken Clinic

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A cup of ice-cream from WheyChillin

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

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

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

Fratini’s Restaurant 2512 Jln Boulevard 3, Miri (6085 431 115)

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

Earthlings Coffee Workshop Coffee shop, roaster, academy Lot 45, Grd Flr, No.1, CityONE Megamall, Jln Song

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

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

Cuppa-Kap Coffee Jln Song, Kuching (6019 8869636) Da Mi Xiang Gu Tou Bao Restaurant Tabuan Hts Comm Centre, Kuching (6082 458 952) 56

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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

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

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

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

Fisherman Restaurant 4 Jln Chew Geok Lin, Sibu (6084 316 888)

Golden City Restaurant 87, Jln Ong Chu Seng, Saratok (6083 436 139) Highlands Seafood Restaurant 298 Jln Tj Bt, Bintulu (6086 318 828)

Hock Chu Leu Restaurant 28 Jln Tukang Besi, Sibu (6084 316 524) Imperial Duck Restaurant 313 Jln Padungan, Kuching (6082 336 313) James Brooke Bistro & Café Western and signature local cuisine by the waterfront Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 93100 Kuching (6082 412 210) Jubilee Restaurant 49G Jln India, Kuching (6082 245 626)

Khan’s Bilal Restaurant 229-G Jln Maju, Miri (6085 418 440) Kim Bay HK Macau Restaurant Boulevard Shopping Mall Jln Datuk Tawi, Kuching (6082 239 308) Koreana Restaurant 10002 Jln Tun Jugah, Kuching (6082 575 072) Kuching Noodle Porridge House 115-1 Wisma Saberkas, Kuching (6082 426 005)

biG listings Teo Seafood 787 Jln Kg Buntal, Kuching (6082 846 532) The Banquet 4560 Jln Datuk Tawi Sli, Kuching (6082 451 414) The Dyak Restaurant Indigenous Dayak cuisine Sublot 29, Grd Flr, Panovel Commercial Complex, Jln Simpang Tiga, 93300, Kuching (6016 868 0071) The Junk Western fare 80, Jln Wayang, 93000 Kuching (6082 259 450) Tian Xian Relish Restaurant 313 Jln Melaka Raya, MC (606 288 1120) Tong Lok Restaurant 1367 Jln Buangsiol, Limbang (6085 216 188) Tong Xin Court Restaurant 151 Lrg Datuk Abang Abd Rahim 5a, Kuching (6082 482 252)

A dish of pinakbet at Pinoy Cuisine, Kuching L.L. Banana Leaf 7G Lorong Rubber 1 Jln Rubber, Kuching (6082 239 404) 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) Lyn’s Thandoori Restaurant 7 Jln Song Thian Cheok, Kuching (6082 234 934) Mango Tree Restaurant Jalan Crookshank, Kuching (6082 235 353)

Map Restaurant Bang Terminal, Kuching (6082 459 087)

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

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

Orion Tropical Jln Merpati, Miri (6085 417 417)

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

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

Merry Restaurant 187 Jln Song Thian Cheok, Kuching (6082 240 118) Metro Café 781 Jln Bangkita, Limbang (6085 215 488) Min Hua (89) Restaurant G 13 Jln Bintang Utara, Bintangor (6084 693 240) Momoyama Wisma Phoenix, Kuching (6082 420 561) My Little Kitchen Home cooked style Scandinavian food inspired by the owner’s grandma’s recipes 56, Upper China Street, D’tea Pavilion, Friendship Park Jln Song, Kuching (6016 858 6669)

Patz Dayak Home Cook Special New Full 3 Foodcourt, Stutong (next to Giant Hypermart, Tabuan Jaya) (6016 864 4763) Pin Pin Café 18 Jln Krokong Bau (6082 763 486) Pinang Nyonya Non-halal nyonya cuisine 18, Grd Flr, 2nd Precinct, Jln Setia Raja 93450 Kuching (6082 459 162) Popular Corner Seafoods Restaurant Bda Shahida Commercial Centre, Bintulu (6086 319 688) Portico 17A Lorong Park Lane, Kuching (6019 819 8046)

Pot & Grill Restaurant 9 Jln Tun Abd Rahman Yaakub, Kuching (6082 425 525) Rejang Restaurant 6 Lrg Lanang 2 Sibu (6016 860 2636) Robata Yaki 493 Jln Rambutan, Kuching (6082 235 372) Rock Road Seafood Restaurant 1230 Jln Rock Bt 2½ , Kuching (6082 241 575) Sajian Warisan Restaurant 537 Jln Gartak, Miri (6085 429 911) Salleh’s Corner Café RPR Phase 2 Shoplot Jln Astana Petra Jaya, Kuching (6012 807 8033) Sea View Restaurant G Pusat Tmn SDagang, Bintulu (6086 334 929) Seventy2 Restaurant 894 Jln Permaisuri, Miri (6085 366 318)

Shabu-kun Restaurant 253 Jln Tj Bt, Bintulu (6086 317 311) Sheraton Restaurant 37 Psn Brooke, Sibu (6084 336 341) Sin Lung Sheng Fu Tiao Qiang Restaurant 10788 Jln Simpang Tiga, Kuching (6082 231 260) Sin Soon Chin Restaurant 2415 Jln Boulevard 2, Miri (6012 808 5456) Sri Menanti Coffee House Restaurant 15 Lrg Pahlawan 7b, Sibu (6084 218 196) Surabaya Restaurant 288 Jln Bendahara, Miri (6085 411 239) Sushi Kin The Spring, Kuching (6082 245 355) Sushi Tie-tts Wisma Sanyan, Sibu (6084 342 875) Ten-Ichi Japanese Restaurant 317 Jln Padungan, Kuching (6082 331 310)

Topspot Bukit Mata Seafood Centre Halal seafood centre with seafood fresh off the boats Jln Padungan, Bukit Mata, Kuching (6019 889 9838) Tribal Stove Blk H Jln Borneo Taman Sri, Kuching (6082 234 873) 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) Yun Yan Restaurant Stutong Comm Centre, Kuching (6082 366 115) Zhun San Yen Vegetarian Food Lot 165 Jln Chan Ann, Kuching (6082 230 068) Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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biG essentials

BRUNEI Banks Banks in Brunei Darussalam are usually open Mondays to Fridays, 9am - 4pm and on Saturdays, 9am 11am. Some banks have branches with later closing times. Islamic banks follow the same operation hours except on Fridays when they are closed for prayers between 11am - 2.30pm.

Cash withdrawals and deposits can be made from Automated Teller Machines (ATM) that can be found in various shopping complexes and bank branches all over the country. ATM cards affiliated with the international Plus or Cirrus systems are accepted at most ATMs.

Credit cards VISA and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards in hotels, restaurants and major shopping complexes.

Some establishments accept American Express.

$

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

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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

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

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

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

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

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

Taxis Information

Centre

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

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

Water

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

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

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

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

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

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

My name is …

Excuse me Yes No How much?

Where is the toilet?

I want to go to …

Turn right Turn left

Selamat pagi

Jalan terus

Selamat petang

Lapangan Terbang

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

Drink Maafkan saya Walk Ya Chicken Tidak Beef Berapa?

Seafood Di mana tandas?

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

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

Belok ke kiri

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

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

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

MEDICAL SERVICES RIPAS Hospital 2242424 Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) 2611433 Gleneagles JPMC 2611212 Tutong Hospital 4221336 Ext 991 Kuala Belait Hospital 3332366 Ext 991 Temburong Hospital 5221526 Ext 127

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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biG essentials

Tourist Information Centre

SABAH Banks

Banks open from 9am to 4pm from Mondays to Fridays and are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. ATM machines are available 24 hours. Major shopping malls also have ATM machines and are available during operating hours.

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

$

Money Changer

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

SARAWAK Banks

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

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

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

Telecommunications

Buses

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

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

Air Travel

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

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A free city-tram service is available for sightseeing around Kuching with pick up points at designated hotels. A daily bus service between Kuching and the airport operates from 6am-7pm and takes 40 minutes. The main intercity bus terminal is at Penrissen Bus Terminal southeast of Kuching. Ask Tourism Information Centres for bus timetables; a ‘green bus’ in the Kuching area goes to Santubong (SCV).

Air Travel

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

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

Licensed money changers can be found at the airport, shopping malls, hotels and major banks. Some money changers may not accept foreign currency in small denomination or notes with a date or serial number that they don’t approve of.

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Taxis

Taxis are available at both airport terminals and cost about RM30.00 to get to the city.

The journey takes between 10-15 minutes. Within the city, taxi stations are located next to major shopping malls and hotels. Long distance taxi services can be found next to Padang Merdeka.

Buses

Money Changer

$

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

Cybercafés offer very affordable rates for internet services.

Telecommunications

It is possible to make IDD phone calls at payphones using coins or call cards.

Prepaid calling cards are also widely available by authorized dealers at shopping malls.

Most major hotels have WIFI facility either in their guest rooms or public areas.

An increasing number of restaurants now have WIFI zones too. Cybercafés offer very affordable rates for internet services.

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

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

Express Boats and Ferry Services A boat service locally known as tambang is available for the short trip across Kuching River to the riverside villages on the other side and along the river for sightseeing. Fast and comfortable express boats connect coastal towns (Kuching, Sibu, Kapit) and villages on the major rivers in Sarawak.

The Express Ferry Terminal in Kuching offers trips to Sibu and onwards to Kapit for upriver journeys. Take a bus from Sibu to Miri for ferries to Brunei and onwards to Labuan island and Kota Kinabalu.

Taxis

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

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

BEACH ESSENTIAL

TI MO

TRUNKS

YA N G O N

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

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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FASHION IN FILMS

To some, the fashion industry is just putting an outfit on a skinny model, slapping on some Louboutins and taking an arty photo.

Needless to say, it’s not nearly as easy as that. Behind-the-scenes looks into the fashion industry has received some silver screen attention, so whether it’s an insightful documentary about the world’s most fashionable publication, a hilarious mockery of the fashion industry or a classic movie with iconic looks, these are some of our favourite fashionable movies that every fashionista (and non-fashionista) could learn from.

Pauline Chan

Clueless (1995) Zoolander 2 The September Issue (2009)

The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

Starring Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt Directed by David Frankel

The Devil Wears Prada is an eye-candy for fashion devotees and is rumoured to be based on legendary Vogue magazine editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour.

It is an inspiring story of a simple, style-challenged young girl, Andrea, who becomes an assistant to a powerful chief of a fashion magazine, and after much personal sacrifices and suffering under her demanding boss, she blossoms into a sharp and sophisticated woman with the help of an in-house stylist.

Many fashion designers allowed their clothes and accessories to be used in the film, which will make you go ga-ga over the gorgeous clothes.

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Starring Anna Wintour, André Leon Talley, Patrick De Marchelier Directed by R.J. Cutler

If you have seen The Devil Wears Prada, then get the inside scoop on the real world of high fashion in The September Issue. This documentary goes behind the scenes of Vogue Magazine and follows editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, and her team of editors as they prepare for the 2007 fall fashion issue. Why all the attention on this particular issue? The September 2007 was a whopping 820 pages goliath and although it was the biggest issue published at that time, five years later, the September 2012 issue would beat it by 96 pages. The documentary features a slew of fashion designers, models, celebrity photographers and editors in the fashion industry.

Starring Owen Wilson, Ben Stiller, Penélope Cruz Directed by Ben Stiller

Wilson and Stiller are back from the success of the first Zoolander to reprise their roles as your notso-typical fashion models who are years behind time in their fashion choices. Retired and out of touch with the world, they are cajoled by a secret agent to resurface and help her crack a conspiracy to kill off celebrities. Lots of slapstick humour and inexplicable gags, this movie features cameos by numerous stars, fashion designers and models who appear as themselves, sucked into the plot in one way or another. There are a few chuckles but you really have to be the type to enjoy deplorable comedy to sit through this one.

Starring Alicia Silverstone, Brittany Murphy, Paul Rudd Directed by Amy Heckerling Being a teenager is tough, especially in Beverly Hills.

Cher (Silverstone) is a high school student who appears to be a shallow and self-centred teenager only interested in clothes, cars and expensive things. As the film progresses, we see her mature and show a deeper side that cares about people and their feelings. If you like Jane Austen’s novel ‘Emma’, you’ll find parallels in this entertaining teen-flick where Cher helps others find love while she herself is clueless about her own destiny. Silverstone is excellent as the young matchmaker with a good heart who comes of age in a superficial society of rich kids and their teen problems.

Coco Before Chanel (2009) Starring Audrey Tautou, Benoît Poelvoorde Directed by Anne Fontaine There have been many movies made about the French couturier who made Chanel a name associated with wealth and status. Born Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel in 1883, she was placed in an orphanage when her mother died. The film takes us from her life as a singer in clubs where she was called ‘Coco”, to her associations with two men who helped her start her business, first as a milliner and later as the revolutionary designer who gave us the trademark interlocking C, collarless jacket and the little black dress accessorised with strands of pearls.

biG screen

Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009)

Starring Isla Fisher, Hugh Dancy, Krysten Ritter Directed by P.J Hogan

Isla Fisher plays a journalist who is addicted to acquiring sartorial possessions and shops uncontrollably, leaving her with a pile of debt.

While trying to get a foot into a fashion magazine, she accidentally lands a job writing a column for a financial magazine instead, giving advice on money management in her own innovative way. She finds admiration and success dishing out advice that she herself does not abide to on her column, while dodging a credit card debt collector who is hot on her heels. The movie is fun, enjoyable with beautiful fashion to boot, and Isla Fisher proves to be a delight as the desperate yet adorable shopaholic.

Mahogany (1975) Starring Diana Ross, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Perkins Directed by Berry Gordy When Diana Ross starred in Mahogany, she was at the height of her career and was just about the most famous African-American woman in the world, being one third of the 1960’s singing sensation, The Supremes, and in this movie, she sings the memorable theme song Do You Know Where You’re Going To. Diana Ross plays Tracy Chambers, a girl from the slums of Chicago who aspires to be a fashion designer. She leaves behind her socially conscious boyfriend who doesn’t support her ambition for success in the vacuous world of fashion. So off she goes to find fame and fortune in Rome.

The movie may be a bit camp with cornball dialogue, outrageous costumes and over-the-top performances, but this is one classic movie that you watch because of the funky 70’s retro feels and the lady diva herself.

Starring Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard, Buddy Ebsen Directed by Blake Edwards

Hepburn plays Holly Golightly, a flighty party girl who aspires to a life of glamour and wealth through her associations with those who can pay for her lifestyle, until she meets a writer who falls in love with her and changes her priorities. Several of Hepburn’s costumes in the movie have inspired looks that are copied the world over whenever anybody wants to ‘channel Hepburn’. The visual of her in a hugging black shift dress wearing a tiara, her neck covered in strings of jewellery and her hand holding a long slender cigarette holder, is one of the most unforgettable images that keeps popping up in art and cinema. From this charming movie comes the Oscarwinning song Moon River, performed by Hepburn herself.

Sex and the City (2008) Starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis Directed by Michael Patrick King A long-awaited film version of the classic TV show based on the anthology of columns by Candace Bushnell, the movie is centered around New York City writer Carrie Bradshaw and her long-awaited marriage to Mr Big. But when she’s jilted at the wedding, she finds herself coming to grips with her personal problems with the help of her three best girlfriends: Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte. The famed TV show made a huge impact on pop culture and the fashion and glamour of Manhattanites, and no one was able to look at a pair of Jimmy Choos without thinking of Carrie Bradshaw. But while the TV show was about the trials and tribulations of four single women in Manhattan, the film was more of a fashion runway. Not that we’re complaining: everyone looked fabulous, and we remain as inspired as ever by their wardrobe choices.

American Gigolo (1980) Starring Richard Gere, Lauren Hutton, Hector Elizondo Directed by Paul Shrader Richard Gere stars as Julian, a high-end Hollywood male escort with a clientele of mostly elderly upper-class ladies. Life is good for the handsome man until one of his clients is found dead, and he finds himself accused of a murder he didn’t commit. It has been almost 40 years since the release of American Gigolo and since its release up until today, the movie has never been about the protagonist or the plot - it was about the rise of Giorgio Armani. From the initial stages of the movie production, it was confirmed that Julian would be dressed exclusively in Armani, and Richard Gere’s effortlessly sexy and confident portrayal of the character spawned a generation of well-dressed men in tailored Armani suits. Today, the movie remains a touchstone for the term ‘clothes make a man’ and an inspiration for dapperly dressed gentlemen everywhere.

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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biG screen

Movies to look out for this quarter MAY MAY

Avengers: Infinity War Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Robert Downey Jr, Benedict Cumberbatch

Solo: A Star Wars Story Starring: Alden Ehrenreich, Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke This Star Wars movie centres on a young Han Solo and his adventures as a smuggler with his trusty friend Chewbacca, and along the way, they meet the young Lando Calrissian. This standalone instalment is set prior to the events of the original 1977 film and stars Alden Ehrenreich as Solo and Woody Harrelson as his mentor.

APR

Starring practically everybody awesome in the Marvel Universe! When one nasty threat becomes too big for the Avengers to handle, they call in some help. Watch the Guardians of the Galaxy, Dr Strange and Spiderman team up with members of the Avengers to defeat the evil Thanos who is hell bent on destroying the universe once he gets his hands on all the Infinity Stones.

APR

JUN

Incredibles 2 With voices of: Holly Hunter, Samuel L. Jackson, Craig T. Nelson When super mum Elastigirl is busy out and about saving the world, it is up to dad, Mr Incredible, to babysit the youngest member of the family, Jack-Jack, who is a dangerous handful now that he has manifested super powers at the end of the first movie in 2004.

JUN

A Quiet Place

Rampage

Starring: Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Noah Jupe

Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Naomi Harris, Jeffrey Dean Morgan

A couple learns that silence is imperative in the farmhouse that they live in with their three children.

One little sound could mean the end of them. A Quiet Place sees real-life husband and wife, Blunt and Krasinski, try to protect their kids and stay alive in a home where a hellish threat will hunt and attack them at the slightest sound.

A zoo experiment has gone wrong and a gentle gorilla turns into a raging ape and tears through the country, causing mayhem and destruction. Primatologist (Johnson) has to find an antidote to not only stop the charging monkey from destroying the world but to save this creature who was once his friend.

Ocean’s Eight Starring: Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Sandra Bullock Danny Ocean’s estranged sister, Debbie, attempts to pull off the heist of the century at New York’s annual Met Gala. But first, she needs the perfect crew, stunningly played by a starstudded cast that includes Rihanna and Sarah Paulson.

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Starring: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jeff Goldblum

JUN

The lab-grown dinosaurs are back to cause desperate running and screaming. When Isla Nublar’s dormant volcano threatens to blow and kill everything on the island, Owen (Pratt) and Claire (Howard) return to the island to rescue the dinosaurs from extinction but discover a conspiracy that could disrupt the natural order of life on earth.

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Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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Discover Brunei’s Premier School Jerudong International School ( JIS) is an academically selective, fully accredited, thriving school with 1700 day and boarding students aged 2 -18 years from 55 countries. Nestled close to the coast, JIS boasts well-qualified academic staff in state-of-the-art facilities on its 120 acre campus. It is a leading British international School in South-East Asia preparing students for I/GCSEs, A-Levels and the IB Diploma. JIS will be holding “Summer Camps” in July and our first “Performing Arts Camp” July 9-14 with the theme of “Wonderland”. Contact us!

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