BiG Magazine January-March 2021 by CHMP MEDIA

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Editor’s Note @b.i.g.magazine BIG: Borneo Insider’s Guide Before we begin there are two matters I would like to address. In my capacity as the new kid on the block to oversee this longrunning publication, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my appreciation to outgoing managing editor, Intan Daniel, for her contributions during her tenure with the Borneo Insider’s Guide. It’s only been a few months but you are sorely missed already. Secondly – Greetings Borneo! What a year it’s been, huh? Looking back at how tumultuous 2020 proved itself to be, it is a relief that a light at the end of the tunnel has finally manifested. Despite the ongoing roll out of Covid-19 vaccines, I urge my fellow residents of Borneo (brothers and sisters all) to be patient, stay vigilant and continue practicing your well-established routines for staying safe. Not just for yourself as an individual, but for your family, friends, and society as a whole. As we kick-start a year wherein movement restriction orders are still in place throughout a sizeable chunk of the island, many among us have sought refuge or entrenched themselves deeper in the digital realm. Coupled with my fascination on the evolution of social media platforms and their increasingly more sophisticated use in this modern era, I have spent the past couple of months picking several brains in order to gain a better perspective on the matter. Many are those whose lives have been altered as their personal passions, pursuits and pastimes have enabled them to make a living as these regular John & Jane Does have been transformed – often over a short period of time – into well-recognised online personas. Specifically, of interest to me is the love-hate relationship, and positive-negative connotations associated with the term Influencer. Some people admire it, some people despise it, but more often than not (it may surprise you) it is these individuals themselves that society has lumped this label upon who strive to distance themselves from it. An all-encompassing term, it shrouds their true nature. For these are content creators, journalists, foodies, artistes, fashionistas, and more, who have simply harnessed their creativity to survive the Human Rat Race. So grab yourself a cup of coffee, a pot of tea, a slice of cake (or whatever tickles your fancy), and enjoy our offerings this quarter as my team and I celebrate our BiG 15th anniversary in the best way we know how – brainstorming more content for our partners, advertisers, and more importantly, our loyal audience. Yes, I mean you, who is reading this right now. Till next we meet, stay safe Borneo.

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@bigborneo Publisher

CHMP MEDIA Editor

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Adriane Jaafar Editorial

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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.

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BiG Focus

32 contents

BiG BUZZ Ears to the ground, this is what’s been buzzing around town and the region 28 Getting artsy-fartsy with the veterans and the next generation 30 Strategising the future of travel BiG FOCUS Here are some contents - For the Gram! 32 Locales of interest in Brunei 34 Sightseeing in Sabah 35 Destinations in Sarawak 36 Places to check out in Kalimantan

26 BiG Getaway

BiG ANNIVERSARY 6 Editorial messages past and present BiG SPECIAL 8 Chinese New Year Horoscope’s financial predictions BiG SCOOP Things we want, seen, and heard this quarter 12 BiG finds around Brunei 13 One-of-a-kind accessories in Sabah

14 When Barbie went to Sarawak BiG ICONS 15 Popular social media platforms in use around Borneo BiG FEATURE: 16 Picking the brains of Bornean Influencers BiG GETAWAY Reminiscing over past travels prior to Covid-19 26 Tokyo Treasure

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

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

BiG APPETITE We try the food so you can follow suit 37 Food influencers share their thoughts 38 Sabah & Sarawak food reviews BiG SCREEN Our latest round of recommended films 54 Stuck at home? So is this bunch. 55 Movies to look out for this quarter BiG Buzz

37 CONGRATULATIONS and heartfelt wishes to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the people of Brunei Darussalam on the 37th Anniversary of the country’s National Day

23 February 2021 From the Management & Staff:

UOB Brunei Branch Co Reg No. RFC00000683 Units 10 & 11, Bangunan D'Amin Jaya, Lot 54989 Kg Kiarong, Bandar Seri Begawan BE131B, Negara Brunei Darussalam Tel: 2225477 / 2220380 / 2222210 Fax: 2233695 United Overseas Bank Limited Co Reg No.1935000262Z Email: uobbsb@brunet.bn Incorporated in Republic of Singapore with limited liabilities UOB Asset Management (B) Sdn Bhd Co Reg No. RC/00006952/2007 FF03 to FF05, First Floor, The Centrepoint Hotel, Gadong BE3519, Negara Brunei Darussalam Tel: 2424806 Fax: 2424805 Website: uobam.com.sg UOB Asset Management (B) Sdn Bhd is a wholly-owned subsidiary of UOB Asset Management Ltd Co Reg No. 198600120Z based in Singapore, the fund management arm of United Overseas Bank Limited, Singapore. It is a Capital Markets Services licence holder under the Securities Markets Order, 2013.

A Reason

biG editor’s messages

PAULINE CHAN

to Celebrate Just like that, in the blink of an eye, 15 years has transpired since the very first issue of BiG Magazine was published for audiences across the Island of Borneo. That’s a decade and a half of vocal brainstorming sessions, detailed research, meticulous planning, and serious hotfooting from locale to locale, event to event. That’s 5,479 days of presenting our readership with a diverse array of content covering multiple facets of travel and lifestyle on the third largest island on our planet, the tropical paradise many of us call humid home sweet humid home. In tandem with this milestone every managing editor past and present took the time to share a small nugget of their experience with a publication that left a big impression on their lives.

When I joined BiG in 2009, I was just a contributing writer, providing bits and blurbs, my role was minimal. Later that year, I suddenly found myself handling most of the writing, editing, minor photography using a pocket-sized automatic camera, advertising sales, door-to-door magazine delivery and working on the layout with a part-time graphic designer till the wee hours of the night. I was in – what the Chinese called – a ‘one-leg kick’ position, that means, with one leg, I had to kick everything into place! When I re-joined in 2012 after a couple of years away, I returned to a more vibrant environment, there were a few more legs to run amok with me and we had a great run together. We celebrated BiG’s 10th anniversary in 2016 with the most memorable party in the park, and now, they are 5 years older and still serving society with their wonderful stories from around Borneo. Thank you Wan Zainal for the memories, and congratulations to BiG Magazine on 15 years of perseverance and presence in our hearts.

WAN ZAINAL

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

March January //

2016

RSARY ANNIVE

So as many of you who have joined us on our journey over the years will know, I have quite a passion for travelling around the world. During my adventures before I founded BiG, I often would meet people asking questions about Brunei, and it was at this point I realised Brunei doesn’t actually have a publication showcasing different aspects of life here. I have also always believed that if we are going to publicise Brunei, then the island in its entirety should be marketed to the world as a package. So with the help of a part time designer, we began selling our beautiful island to the world by writing about what Sabah has, what Sarawak has, Kalimantan too, so that people can see all four places in one visit. The original plan was to target tourists and it was a pleasant surprise to learn locals were picking up the magazine and enjoying it too, which led to our rebranding BiG into what it is today. I would very much like to see us expanding our reach via more platforms as we continue to publish our magazine, hopefully, for many more years to come.

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biG editor’s messages

TIWIN ESTELLA AJI During my time with BiG, I was very keen on creating interesting covers, and my most memorable one was the issue, of which the cover story was on legends of Borneo – mythical stories that have been passed down through generations. For the cover, we commissioned a local artist for a hand-drawn scene that featured key elements of the legends. I still remember how excited I was when we received the first copies of that issue. Another highlight setting up the official website – back then it was a magazine only, I don’t even think we had a social media presence! And of course, I was with BiG during its 5th anniversary, where we held a fab party at Radisson. Moving forward, I’d love to see the BiG brand expand into events so that there’ll be even more exciting places to be in Borneo.

INTAN DANIEL As a fan of BiG magazine, the opportunity to join the team in 2013 was one I jumped at. The Supreme Leader, otherwise known as Wan Zainal, is a progressive boss with a head of zany ideas, and believes in the importance of evolving with the times. While BiG was already a perfectly great magazine in design and content, the team put their heads together to come up with a brand new look which resulted in the great re-design of the magazine in 2016. The result is something I still take pride in to this day, and I’m happy that I was able to play a part in the evolution of this much loved magazine. Just one of what I’m sure will be many more to come. I was there for just seven years; a true treasure of an experience where I was able to eat all kinds of food, meet all types of people, travel to many different places, OLD work with some great people I still call my SAME and ESS 15 years old, with 15 more to come. GOODNfriends. Happy Birthday, BiG!

NEW! LOOK

ROZMAN MASHOR So, I’m the newbie here with a fresh three months under my belt only and while I may not have much to say currently from an internal perspective, that doesn’t mean I haven’t spent a fair amount of time as an observer staring through the window with ample curiosity, prior to my arrival. Having spent the past three years managing another publication, and regularly bumping into members of the BiG Team at multiple events, I can readily admit to having been excited at the prospect of joining them late last year. Within the Brunei context this industry is challenging and difficult, even at the best of times. Believe me when I say what you just read easily qualifies as one of the biggest understatements you will encounter this year, and 2021 has only just begun. So the simple fact that the Borneo Insider’s Guide has been around for a decade and a half (and no, we are not running out of steam anytime soon), this is an accomplishment that is admirable and worthy of respect. Well done, Wan Zainal, for kick-starting this journey 15 years ago. You should be proud.

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG special

special

Astrology is an ancient pursuit that has persisted to modern day society with the Chinese approach viewed as the official Asian Zodiac. This 12-year lunar calendar scheme stars representatives from the Animal Kingdom who all raced to see who would arrive first at the Jade Emperor’s party. There are many among us that place emphasis on each animal’s attributes, personality type and abilities. As the world embraces a new normal and struggles to contain the financial fall-out, check out how your Zodiac sign plans to adapt economically.

O X

You just can’t keep a good Ox down. An honest, hardworking beast: If you are willing to put in twice the effort and double down on your responsibilities, you will be rewarded in kind. Especially when it comes to finances and relationships. For now though, stay focused on economic recovery to ensure a good harvest! Lucky Colours: Yellow, Green & Blue

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

It’s transition time! Especially regarding your career, which needs to be made a priority, to determine what direction you wish to go in. New professional and financial possibilities may emerge, so save your money and control your desire to spend whenever possible to enjoy a good year ahead. Lucky Colours: Yellow & Brown

R A T

T I G E R Development, knowledge and evolution is the name of the game, as tigers will orientate towards a better lifestyle as you learn more and more, especially if you self-reflect spiritually. If you are in debt, this is the ideal year to erase those deficiencies. You will be all the better for it. Lucky Colours: White & Silver

Predictions for this year sound pretty good with passion, warmth, love and all-around joy of life on the agenda. Rabbits often are happy to take secondary roles but in this instance, don’t! Be bold and take a risk, call more attention to yourself and you are likely to be rewarded financially. Lucky Colours: Blue & Silver

R A B B I T

With the right attitude expect some relief this year, as your sentimental life is made free of tension and restraint, allowing for freedom of expression. Approach all business challenges with a disciplined and organised mind, and they can be easily overcome if you pursue good analysis and strategy. Lucky Colours: Green & Brown

D R A G O N

S N A K E Have an idea up your sleeve? A business proposition you were never able to put into play? Well this year is a good one for anchoring yourself and concretising on old ideas that previously could not be put into play. Communicate well, be efficient and avoid unnecessary risk-taking.

If you are a business owner then you may want to consider expansion as this is a good year for financial growth. Be observant, pay attention and do not let work opportunities pass you by, especially during the beginning of the year. This is when you are most likely to experience success and accomplishments. Lucky Colours: Purple & Gold

H O R S E

G O A T Unexpected surprises are on the menu as well as chances for making strange or rebellious acquaintances. A unique year for evolving in all spheres of life, business and finance is sadly not your strong point in 2021. Be careful with your money, and if you are an artisan, focus all your energy on creativity. Lucky Colours: Yellow & Gold

Lucky Colours: White & Grey It’s our time to shine people! (writer is a monkey). Don’t be shy, embrace your extrovertedness, and miss no opportunity to showcase your talent, ambition, capabilities and passion. This is a good year to further your career, as well as build the means for additional side income. It’s all about mindset! Lucky Colours: Pink & Gold

M O N K E Y

R O O S T E R Change is upon you. Get organised, be efficient and disciplined, and this will be a year for regaining power and personal authority. There is a strong chance for reducing your reliance on others, and developing your own source of income. Put friends and family first, and karma will likely come knocking.

Be it personal or professional you will be afforded opportunities to progress, possibly in a new direction. There is major risk of losing money and falling into debt if you do not plan everything with great care. Pay attention to ventures that may fail, don’t overlook projects you know are profitable. Lucky Colours: Silver & Gold

D O G

P I G If you’ve never invested before, now is a good time to learn. As long as you focus intensely, your financial prospects are favourable. From the very outset of the year developments will be positive. Play your cards right and you could leave so good an impression that a promotion or much wanted transfer could occur. Lucky Colours: Silver & Gold

Lucky Colours: Blue & Gold

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

casbahlondonkebab casbahlondonkebab www.casbahlondonkebab.com

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

scoop Barked to Purrfection Two words for you animal-lovers out there: Purrfect. Barkery. Brunei’s first ever pet bakery, born in the midst of a harrowing pandemic, was masterminded when the owners adopted their puppy BonBon; love at first sight ensued and they began baking nutritious homemade dog treats for BonBon to enjoy. Armed with duly done research and an online course in animal nutrition, Purrfect Barkery’s fully customizable menu is prepared with the nutritional needs, allergies and medical conditions of their canine and feline clientele in mind. Their best-selling menu adorably consists of yummy treats disguised as “human food” (think cakes, “popsicles” and soufflé pancakes!) and heart-warming seasonal specials like Halloweenthemed treats, organic mooncakes and a hi-tea series. If you’re a pet owner but don’t own a dog or cat, good news, they’re in the process of expanding their clientele as we speak! And as if we don’t have enough heart-eyes already, for every cake or treat ordered with them, $1 will be donated to local stray shelter, Love Paw Sanctuary. A win for our four-legged friends is a win for us! •• IG: @purrfectbarkerybn FB: @purrfectbarkerybn

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

From A Stitch To A Store

Here at BiG, we love a good success story! Hazwan Suhaini, the gentleman behind Gentleman Stitch, wasn’t born with a measuring tape hanging from his neck. But in 2017, armed with a fresh degree and a fascination for fashion details, he signed up for a year-long tailoring course where he spent six months with a local designer, an experience which saw him attending KL Fashion Week 2018. Fast forward two years of perfecting his trade later, Hazwan now owns Gentleman Stitch where he provides rental and tailoring services, readymade items and accessories such as ties, bowties, cufflinks, pocket chiefs and even buttons. A tried-and-true believer in the beauty of bespoke (whether it’s for your cara Melayu, kurta, jubah or wedding menswear garments) this savvy tailor lists Malaysian Tailor Bon Zainal, Savile Row Tailors and the Kingsman film franchise as his inspirations. •• Stadium Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, VIP Parking area (below the big stairs) Open: Tues-Sun (11am-7.30pm) Tel: 673-7147965 IG: @gentlemanstitch.bn

Berry Beautiful Dried flowers? Hard glitter? Metallic surfaces? It sounds like the rock & roll party of our dreams but it’s actually what runs though the veins of Berry Boat’s resin jewellery. Run by Melanie Berry, a crafty 20-year-old designer who takes photos, paints and now, runs her own jewellery line, Berry Boat has been making crystal-clear waves since April last year with her one-of-a-kind accessories. What strikes you first when shopping through her designs is the realization that no one piece is the same. “I think owning something that’s rare just holds more meaning,” Melanie believes, which is why she welcomes personalized orders from customers looking to own something uniquely theirs. Keychains, earrings, phone casings and whatnot, if it’s resin you’re looking to adorn yourself with, Berry Boat is one vessel you’ll want to jump aboard! •• IG: @berryboat.atelier W: www.berry-boat.com

Art That Celebrates Heritage If we were to describe Kertaspapel’s artwork, it would be “cute but with a backbone”. A colourful venture which folk artist Zariq Hanif now runs with her boyfriend, Manila-based artist and activist AR Con, Kertaspapel aims to capture Borneo’s bountiful cultural heritage with rich illustrations bearing equally captivating background stories. “My artwork is not merely a painting but also a documentation. None are produced without stories or facts which are the backbones which give soul and add value to them.” Their debut series Folks Below The Wind depicting the Sabahan ethnic groups garnered positive reception from sentimental locals who felt a rush of pride at seeing the apt portrayal of their tribes, which eventually led to a further two series. A trip down their Instagram feels like a bite-sized education in itself with well-researched captions accompanying their signature watercolour artwork. Be sure to also check out Gadis, their first ever embroidery series celebrating the essence of the traditional Malay woman. Excitingly, Kertaspapel’s recent rebranding means that we’ll be seeing even more folk art encompassing other ethnic groups in Malaysia and Philippines. For your own piece of Bornean folk art, Kertaspapel accepts commissions (and ships all over Borneo!).

IG: @kertaspapel W: www.kertaspapel.com

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG scoop

Happiness in Flowers and Threads Yuk Mei has a knack for making beautiful things with her hands. And with her crafty hands, she’s come up with the brand Haru Haru, which translates to “every day” in Korean because “the idea of someone carrying and using something I created every day makes me excited”. When she’s not busy making her signature bouquets, fresh flower fruit baskets, intricate gift boxes or decorating parties with fantastic balloon garlands, she’s weaving neat macramé keychains and embroidering art into cards and frames. “I’m not just selling flowers and keychains but happiness as well”, Yuk Mei says, so if you’re looking to have a dash of happiness and good cheer come your way, you’re welcome to put her creating skills to the test because this chick can create! •• Tel: 6010-4092258 (Whatsapp) IG: @haruharu_handcraftngift/ @haruharuflorist

Dolled Up Borneo-Style When photos of a Barbie doll clad in full-on traditional Iban costume went viral last May, Wesley Hilton’s quarantine hobby sashayed into a full-blown business. And yet, many are still unfamiliar with the intricacies that actually go into creating these famed Borneo Dolls. Giving regular dolls a complete transformation from hair and make-up (Wesley’s signature touch) down to researching and designing the accessories and costume details from scratch, the final product is a stunning showcase of Borneo’s ethnic aesthetic. With 12 tribes to choose from, the Kumang doll is a bestseller, adorned in the Sugu Tinggi headgear, Marek Empang glassbeads and an authentic pua kumbu skirt making the traditional Iban costume.

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

While he also accepts non-Borneo related commissions, as a true-blue Iban who cultivated his love for traditional costumes from his stint as a dancer and who grew up in a longhouse himself, Wesley’s heart lies in the richness of the culture that raised him. “Through these dolls, I hope to spark awareness, especially amongst the younger generations, on the importance of preserving our traditional costume and embracing the diversity of ethnicities in Borneo”. •• IG: @wesleyhilton FB: Borneo Doll by Wesley Hilton W: wesleyjhilton.wixsite.com/mysite

biG feature

Social Media 101: Know your platforms They were few in number once upon a time but today social media platforms are a dime a dozen and can be found either occupying a specific niche, aimed at a target audience, or running similar strategies as part of efforts to edge ahead of one another. Here are our noob observations of the more popular platforms in use around the island.

Twitter

LinkedIn A social space to be sure, this platform is the go-to for everyone’s professional needs. Display your resume and brag about yourself, search for jobs, search for staff, actively hunt down opportunities instead of waiting for destiny to open the door for you. This is merely the icing on a useful platform utilised by many.

For the verbally confident who believe that their mind-blowing opinions can make a difference to whomever reads them: this is the land of the witty and the humorous, the obnoxious and the ignorant. If you thought birds, tweeting a dawn chorus was annoying then stay away. This is a 24/7 insight into the Human mind.

Facebook The big daddy of the modernera, Facebook was unleashed on the world 17 years ago and made a heck of an impact. It has since dwindled in popularity across Borneo with small pockets of resistance actively using the platform to stay in touch with friends around the world. This is where the trolls live.

Youtube Initially an independent site prior to swearing its allegiance to our Grand Overlord Google, this video-sharing platform is a seemingly endless vault of fun and great content. However, it can unfortunately be used to shine a spotlight from time to time on personas that tend to forget what the word ‘public’ means.

Instagram The cool kid on the block celebrated its 10th birthday just four months ago and is immensely popular as it continues to whip up new features that sink its claws ever deeper into our collective souls. This is often also the influencer’s weapon of choice. Prefer imagery to words, then this is the place to be because … cats.

In every group of friends there is that one person who has the uncanny knack to get along with absolutely everybody. Sharing personal collections of whatever tickles your fancy from arts & crafts, home and style inspirations, recipes, and so much more; this is the curated visual discovery engine that can do no wrong.

TikTok Think Karaoke for the digital age and you’ve more or less hit the nail on the head. This outlet for physical and creative expression is often dominated by brief dance routines, singing, and comedy. As it continues to steamroll ahead in popularity, even our furry animal friends are getting in on the action.

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG feature

Under the Influence

feature

ith the digitised world offering a plethora of opportunities, creatives have transformed themselves into online personas – more often than not, inadvertently – and have garnered attention for their pursuits in the process. The term Influencer has been used since the mid-1600s, though it wasn’t until the modern-day era that it actually became a job title. The term itself conjures up a mixed love-hate reaction with the public often slapping this label on individuals who themselves often reject it for the simple fact it overshadows who they truly are. We at BiG took the opportunity to catch up with a number of creatives from around the island: from bloggers, content creators, and entertainers, to foodies, fashionistas, and health advocates; this is what we learnt from our brain-picking.

UNTAPPING PEOPLES’ UNAWARENESS RANO ADIDAS 79K Followers He’s been around forever and often spotted at events of interest nationwide, but despite a successful, ongoing career as an online journalist, Rano Adidas does not perceive himself as one, stating he began as nothing more than a blogger. Part of the pioneering generation of social media users in Brunei, Rano armed with a wide smile corrects us on the terminology. “We are called the OGs,” he says shaking with mirth. Describing the path he walks, Rano shares he started with “IRC for sure, and then we had E-circles, which went bust during the Internet bubble back in ‘99, but I was more engaged and involved in MIRC and ICQ. They were recommended by friends plus it was quite relevant because there were a lot of Bruneians on the platform as well.” Refusing the job title of journalist once more he insists “Social events. That is

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

basically my forte and most of the time I just do editorials for clients who may want coverage for the launch of a car or maybe a food review. I think for me it is more about untapping other peoples’ unawareness. So, people can see and be exposed to something that might make them think ‘oh this is something new’, while sometimes a client might ask me to help remind people on something they may already know.” Regarding paid partnerships with corporate clients, as well as who approached who, “People always say it’s a chicken and egg, right? For my case I built up my reputation first. Before, I was trying to prove that this is doable, that this is my master plan that I envision, but I think in 2007 it started to shift. So, there was a balance for a while, but now I have become so busy that I’ve forgotten about the old days when I was hustling to get clients on board. What I’ve realised is this journey is more about public relations. I create a good rapport

with not just my clients but with foreign envoys and government ministers, which has opened up a new ball game.” Touching on the term ‘influencer’, “Nowadays people can selfproclaim to be influencers, but in my case, I’ve heard people say ‘hey there’s that blogger’ and I quite like being called a blogger even though nowadays I’m more into social media. The thing is you can’t please everyone. In this line of work, it comes with the package.” Attributing the number of followers he has to his sense of accountability, Rano highlights that once you have built up a reputation you need to account for what you say, be aware of taboo topics, and to make life that much easier, stay away from politics. Thanks for the advice OG!

@ranoadidas Rano Iskandar @ranoadidas Rano iskandar www.ranoadidas.com

@anakbrunei reedamalik @anakbrunei www.anakbrunei.org

media coverage during a boom of rapidly surging popularity.

WORDS OF THE WISE ANAK BRUNEI 10.1K Followers Part of the pioneering generation of social media users in Brunei: Reeda Malik, known online as AnakBrunei had his first brush with social media during his Australian university days. An appreciation for how Kuwaiti nationals were able to get messages out to the rest of the world via IRC channels during the Gulf War led to an interest in MIRC when it became mainstream. Registering a Brunei channel that regularly experienced visitor numbers upwards of 30,000, he was initially the BKid. This ‘Brunei Kid’ moniker evolved as “I wanted to pursue a more mature and Malay representation of myself online”, culminating in the AnakBrunei handle in synchronicity with the creation of his blogsite. A sought-after handle full of inherent responsibility, Reeda grins as he recounts being “approached by a few people over the years who wanted to buy the name off me” to no avail. Initially a photoblog: a progression ensued from selling his uploaded images, to selling advertising space. He then ventured into providing social

Averaging 10K followers on his favourite platform, Instagram, he admits to resisting its sweet temptations “for the longest time”, utilising Twitter in its stead until he finally succumbed. A humble fellow whose focus has also evolved, he says “Perhaps 10 years ago it would have mattered to me that I had that kind of following, but nowadays not so much. I would rather use my influence for things that are important to me, for my own satisfaction, instead of selling influence. If you go through my feed nowadays, you’ll see I prefer to share wisdom, messages of positivity and spirituality. It’s something I use to remind other people and myself to be a better person”. With many possibilities associated with this new way of life, Reeda shares a word of warning that society has already begun showing indications of a gradual move toward a potential Black Mirror scenario wherein an individual’s very survival hinges on their popularity. With monetary gains more readily available to influencers with legions of followers it can be a tricky tightrope to walk. “Common sense and good business acumen”, Reeda assures everyone is key to staying on the right track. Coming straight from a person who has played this game long and well, we agree a little introspection is good from time to time.

SOCIAL MEDIA IS COWBOY COUNTRY NADZTHENADZ 27.1K Followers “It’s nice to be important but it is more important to be nice”. A simple statement by Nadzri Harif a few months back, yet an accurate reveal into his psyche. Encapsulating the spirit of positivity, Brunei’s modern day poster child for the term public figure is a ridiculously outgoing persona whose joviality has helped place him on the radar of many. A health and fitness instructor, witty radio deejay, a much soughtafter event emcee, aspiring magician featured on Asia’s Got Talent, a brand ambassador. These are just five of the cards spilling out of his sleeve, which make for great sources of content to market himself with online. Multiple birds, one stone. “I think my first brush with social media was definitely IRC, then Friendster. I remember chatting with people there who are still friends today, which is crazy.” Developing his style in the digital sphere, “I think I started getting a bit of traction with followers around a magic reality show I did in Indonesia. I felt the numbers started picking up, but I really feel I had a sense of confidence doing this on a South Korea trip for the 40th Cuckoo Anniversary. I feel the most eye-opening part was during a bus ride when I got to chat with Mirul (@AdliTube). He was a game changer in my life that helped me to shift gears.” It wasn’t until Under Armour approached him to become a brand ambassador that he realised how this could play out in the long run. The laughter begins in earnest as he recounts, “Oh. Really? Me? That’s weird. These other people weren’t free? They weren’t

available? How far down the list am I?” So it did start with Under Armour and it was actually kind of cool as I just had to put content on Instagram. After that people started reaching out and I started feeling more confident. At one point you feel like you have imposter syndrome and wonder am I really the right person to say these things. So early on I set up guidelines for me. I would only promote products that I genuinely use and enjoy, and promote brands that have similar goals that I have. I didn’t want to be like every Tom, Dick and Harry that took every opportunity out there. I wanted to be very specific with who I was and what I was talking about.” With an honesty is the best policy approach, Nadzri informs clients that “One: the social media world is cowboy country and what you think will go viral doesn’t, and what you think won’t actually does. Two. I can’t promise you that this content will go viral, get you a million likes, and more followers, but I can promise you that I will get the information out in the best way I can. In a way that is relatable and doesn’t feel like a commercial.” With an up and coming generation of influencers looking to emulate their predecessors, Nadzri says “If your ultimate goal is to make a living from social media only, to make money, gain fame and recognition, that’s not a good ultimate plan. I just wanted to make content, and I can tell you that if you just focus on that, people are going to notice you and will want to engage with you.” With his track record, we believe him.

@nadzthenadz Nadzri Harif @NADZtheNADZ Nadzri Harif

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MODERN MALAY HUMOUR ADLITUBE 25.4K Followers

@_amiruladli Amirul Adli (Adlitube) @_AmirulAdli ADLITUBE

Growing up in a heavily digitalised world within which he has integrated seamlessly with, twenty one-year-old Content Creator, Amirul Adli, has experienced a good measure of success at a young age. “I started with Youtube back in 2014, but then began doing daily videos in 2015 until 2017. Then Instagram came to the show with their one-minute videos. I had just gotten into PTE Meragang in 2017, and I didn’t have time to make Youtube videos, which can easily go up to 90 minutes whereas Instagram is one minute. So, I started focusing on making brief relatable Malay humour videos. I had begun checking it out in 2014 but it wasn’t until 2017 that I committed to making videos commercially and for fun on this platform.” A modest individual

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who placed himself down on the lower rungs of the ladder of societal status; Amirul remembers his first encounter working in a professional context. “Funnily enough I was invited by the media team of a Malaysian lipstick company to cover the artist Izara Aishah’s product launch here in 2017”. Rocking up to the event he notices prominent bloggers in attendance and wonders why he is rubbing shoulders with people he considers heavyweights, because “I’m just a kid who makes Youtube videos, and I didn’t know what to do. So, I took an opportunity to call the artist, asking if I could make a simple Q&A video with her, to promote her product. That was the starting point. Afterwards I realised people were calling me saying ‘oh you’re an influencer,’ and I was like ‘apakan tu? Bah manasaja lah.’ Inspired by AmericanPalestinian Youtuber, FouseyTube, whose videos focused on “pranks and funny stuff”, Amirul created his AdliTube persona in recognition. Sharing his experience thus far, Amirul advises up and coming influencers in his age range to “be consistent in your posts, you need to look at all the trends, and keep adapting. Just recently TikTok came along and I thought I should give it a go, and now I have even more followers. So even though Instagram is still my favourite platform, you need to keep adapting.” Balancing sponsorships and paid partnerships with his final years of high school education, Amirul credits his parent’s support, while we credit his work ethic, a quality that will continue to see him go far.

THIS IS THE REAL ME CARAUMEL 17.3K Followers Never expecting to get sucked into social media to begin with; the friendly songstress and competitive gamer Raudhah – better known as Caraumel – wonders to herself if making such a statement may come across as cliché. This is based on the understanding that there are those in society with large followings who deliberately state the same thing as a method for portraying themselves as humble in order to amass a bigger fan base. Merely a passing thought, Raudhah continues by sharing that all she wanted to do was sing. Nothing more, nothing less. “When I first started I was just posting singing covers. Before, they used to be just 15 seconds, but one day I had gotten 300 followers overnight, and I was surprised when I found out, and this happened twice! So I thought … maybe I’m doing something right?” she says with a puzzled expression both innocent and amusing. It was genuinely confusing to her because “I’m not being mean but there are times when you read the comments and you feel people are just being nice,” as opposed to real. In no way does this translate as her being ungrateful, just amazed that people outside her social circle would want to follow her, an act that she has come to appreciate. Despite being told in high school she could sing, belief in her talent was cemented further during an optional theatre module she took as part of her mathematics studies at Universiti Brunei Darussalam. Assigned to the singing section by the lecturer, and after their

first play she received enough positive feedback that she felt this was what she was meant to do. “I don’t refer to myself as an influencer, I just accept it because people call me that. I feel like you are automatically an influencer when you gain a certain number of followers and you get invited to do coverage at a lot of events. I am thoughtful and careful about what I post, but to be honest, if I post something that someone doesn’t like they are free to un-follow me. I’m straight forward like that.” Preferring Youtube to Instagram, Caraumel unfortunately lacks both the time and a dedicated crew to help her realise ideas for content creation on that platform. Until then she continues to let everyone know that influencers are not the perfect people many followers sometimes believe them to be. “That’s why I like real content, about issues like anxiety and depression, to be open and to realise its okay to be vulnerable to your followers. I used to be scared about showing my imperfections, but now I’m okay letting people know this is the real me.” We have nothing but love for that sentiment.

@Caraumel @Caraumel

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BOOKS FOR TOYS BASH HARRY 15.8K Followers

@bashharry Bash Harry @heybash Bash Harry www.heybash.com

NABEELA FADZIL 23K Followers Like many others across the island slapped with the label influencer courtesy of the waves made within the digital sphere; one of Brunei’s resident fashionistas, Nabeela Fadzil, inadvertently found herself in this same position due to her own passion for fashion.

Incredibly well spoken and armed with a natural confidence that many others would spend a lifetime shoring up: the opinionated Bash Harry is a heck of a lot of punch in a small package. Despite not being the biggest fan of the term ‘influencer’ – there is little wonder why this modern-day status-title has been thrown at this 23-year-old digital content creator.

Known by the moniker Lipstickmyname, she recounts how “It all started in 2015 when I started posting my outfits every weekend because I work Monday to Friday. I think it started getting traction in Malaysia because I was getting emails from brands wanting to work with me. Then I branched out to blogging but Instagram is my main platform because people don’t want to read, I think, but just scroll through photos. In early 2015 I had 700 followers, but by the end of the year I had around 10,000.”

A beauty, fashion, travel and lifestyle blogger who uploads Youtube videos once a week on average in accordance to her self-imposed, well-maintained schedule; this disciplined law graduate has gone from being on her high school debate team to a slam poet, public speaker, and writer. With a book entitled ‘Oh My Darling: Words in Books I’ll Never Write’ released this month, she shares her passion for everything literature. “When I was younger I wanted to be an editor of a magazine,” she tells the BiG Team (nods of approval ensue). “That’s one thing I really wanted to do when I was very, very young. I think as I’ve grown older social media and digitisation obviously came forward, so starting a blog was kind of a bit like that anyway, I am however also the editor of the Janji Journal. It’s a literary journal for the art scene, which me and my co-founder May Cho, and my sister who is the creative lead founded to bring more visibility to writers in Brunei. So you know there’s not a lot of places where upcoming writers can showcase their work and we wanted a place where writers who wanted to create more theatrical or abstract stories

IN HER ELEMENT

can be. So we were excited to do this.” When enquired where this passion sprung from, Bash smiles as she says, “My mum will tell you that my first toys were books,” (high fives ensue), and the rest is history. With initial aspirations to join the United Nations due to her advocacy for human rights issues, this Pelangi FM radio deejay that looks up to Human Rights Lawyer, Amal Clooney, is so much more than meets the eye.

Rewinding back to the days of her initial foray, Nabeela reveals the role another platform played in providing inspiration. “Before Instagram there was Tumblr, and it always had these fashion blogs where they posted favourite styles and stuff, and I wanted to sort of do something similar on Instagram, but I didn’t really take it seriously. It was just like ‘Oh this is what I’m wearing today’, you know. Then I started to get people direct messaging me and asking for my email. So initially I did everything for free because you know you need to build up that portfolio, work with many brands. It was when I reached 10K that I started charging.”

Unfortunately more often than not people take for granted the amount of time it takes to present niche content in a fashion (pun intended) that will captivate peoples’ interests. A want for compensation is only logical given the sheer amount of personal time invested but wait! Another beast rears its head. “We realised that clients were starting to become demanding. Yes, I would get outfits for free but I would be given clothes and told ‘I want a post this week, a post next week’. Initially I was like okay let’s see how this goes, and after a while I thought no, no, no, you are going to have to pay me for this.” It can be just too much at times. Viewing herself more as a content creator than an influencer, Nabeela states that the term itself is heavy. “I think it’s quite a controversial term, which is why there are many who don’t want to be affiliated with it. I enjoy creating content, I get to be creative because during the day I work in investment. When I first started the endgame was to be an online brand for my apparel, not to develop an ‘influencer brand’, just to see what people were into and feed that research into designing clothes for others. This is taking a lot of my time though, so I’m just kind of riding the wave.” With a production house in China and the advent of Covid-19, “My apparel has not moved at all this year.” Called @InYourLmn (element), where the last three letters are also an acronym for her handle Lipstickmyname; we wish her success in light of a more favourable global outlook for 2021. @lipstickmyname lipstickmyname @lipstickmyname Nabeela Fadzil

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I LOVE TO TALK! FARISH AZIZ 63K Followers Jumping on the social media bandwagon of the new millennium because it was trendy at the time, the KK12FM (89.5) Station Manager, Farish Aziz, recalls Friendster as his first platform. A new tool in the digital sphere, “It was fun and more of a building of connections with your friends back then, though nowadays social media has evolved into something more business oriented.” So much so, that “when I started my career as a host and actor in KL, stations wanted to ensure you had a good online presence.” This proved to be win-win as it “indirectly

use “is very popular. Personally I use Instagram more, but am also quite active on Twitter. Of course, Facebook too for looking into gossip,” he says with a humorous grin. A fan of experiencing life outside of the comfort zone, this chatty sports enthusiast loves Track & Field, and football, is passionate about helping out with youth empowerment and charity. He attributes this to a Sabahan ‘ketinggalan’ mentality of giving back however you can. Having moved to Kota Kinabalu after a stint of hosting and acting gigs for television in Kuala Lumpur, the 37-year-old family man lauds social media as a “Useful tool, especially during

complements my personal and professional life. You just need to be smart on what to and what not to share.”

this pandemic. Many SMEs and businesses based from home have been able to survive Covid-19 thanks to social media.”

In Sabah social media

Farish then ponders an inquiry posed to him. “Am I an influencer? Maybe” he replies and points out that it is a term made to complement social media. “I’m a positive person hence I love to see it as a positive word. Do not let the word ‘influencer’ eat you up. Be grounded and careful with that title. You are responsible for your actions. That’s the dangerous side of being an influencer, if you think it is just a platform to showcase your feelings and thoughts, a platform of ‘free speech’, then you need to rethink. It is a powerful platform. With great power comes great responsibility.” We couldn’t agree more, Uncle Ben.

@farishaziz Farish Aziz @FarishAziz

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HELP WHEREVER YOU CAN MASSY LIGHT 5.4K Followers An ultra marathoner forced to give her pair of hiking shoes a break courtesy of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Sabahan foodie-loving traveller known as Maslight online, attributes her status as a tourism socialite to her father’s influence. I source my inspiration “from my late dad. He always helped out the local industry in any way he can, and even though my ways might be a bit different, I do try to help where I can. I learned about historical landmarks, local food and delicacies from exploring the world with him, locally and internationally.” In her early forties, this IT company staff member is a true blue asset to the Malaysian state, promoting outdoor activities as well as writing about hiking trails and locales of interest to aid domestic and international tourism efforts. Open to engaging in paid partnerships and sponsorships in areas of relevance, this Kota Kinabalu native has worked with domestic tourism brands as well as local products and services to further shine a spotlight on her home.

@Maslight Maslight – Food, Lifestyle & Travels @maslight maslight.blogspot.com

After an initial brush with mIRC and the lesser-known cross-platform messenger known as ICQ, which was mainly for personal journaling, Maslight embraced Friendster and MySpace to a degree. This helped open up an appreciation for modern-day platforms for which this bright smiled individual shares positive reflections from her daily life. While she believes that social media in her home state “is not as happening as in other places of the world we still try to promote what we can within our scope. Instagram is more direct and straight to the point in comparison with Facebook, which can generate more viewers. TikTok is quite famous these days here, but I am just sticking to what I am familiar with. With a strong belief that “human beings in general should be selfless in what they do online or offline, I don’t feel the need to please everyone, but do feel the need to help where I can, even if it is as small of a gesture as sharing a post. I choose to be active and happy, I guess the vibe is infectious.” Maslight’s vibe or Covid? We choose the vibe.

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@k.e.n.w

LOVE & APPRECIATE YOURSELF CARLDEVSTARR 98.4K Followers Social Media to the rescue! With the ongoing pandemic, those among us with an extensive reach have continued to make a living, even if to a lesser degree than before. The trendy Sabahan native, Carl Devson, is one such individual, who is “currently doing social media gigs for a living due to PKP,” (Movement Control Order). At a young age of 20, the influencer known online as Carldevstarr, has banked on his popularity within the digital sphere to get by, despite not liking the label thrust upon him. “I do not like calling myself an influencer. I would much rather people just call me Carl. I feel like that term would restrict my actions.” Like many among the Gen-Z community, “I have been familiar with social media since I was in high school. It was exciting to see people making a living out of it. I started experimenting by posting comedy videos regularly, and people seemed to like it. From there on I used the platform to provide my audience with inspiration and entertainment. I don’t actually have a specific theme,” but if anything, “I do always tell my followers to always be yourself and love yourself before anyone else.” Believing that influencers should set a good example in society because youngsters tend to imitate those they look up to, he admits to sometimes feeling the pressure in front of the camera. With a large following “It feels

good and scary at the same time. Some of my followers can be a little obsessed and sometimes I may do something that hurts them in a way,” however on the flip side of that coin, “It is a good feeling knowing they are going to have your back when you’re at your lowest.” Inspired by Bretman Rock on IG and Youtube, as well as having a propensity for selfcare, beauty, and spreading positive energy, “Often times makeup and skincare brands came to me proposing deals due to my personality relating to what they are marketing. Covid-19 has forced me to postpone or cancel jobs with some brands, and severely affected my income, but I believe this is a good time to learn how to save and spend well.” Honest and well-grounded, Carl shares that while you can’t please everyone and you can expect negative comments from time to time, “It’s a reminder that I can keep improving myself. Being a personality figure means you have no privacy, everything is monitored, and everything you do is going to be the topic of debate, but that’s what you pay for,” if you develop a strong online persona. “My only advice to the youth is don’t believe everything you see, especially regarding body shape and skin. Most of what you see is unreal or edited. Don’t sacrifice your wellbeing to look like an internet celebrity. Love and appreciate yourself.” Well said, Carl.

@carldevstarr DevstarGaming

PASSION IS THE SOUL K.E.N.W 13.7K Followers Being on social media is one way of enjoying and living modern day life, but as the Sabahan influencer, Ken Wong, keenly points out, “It’s not the only way”. This is one of the downsides of both the active pursuit and current maintaining of commercial relationships within this digital sphere, the fact that “you tend to spend a lot of your personal time to produce and create content.” It’s not all bad as he also states “Benefits? Yes, you get to enjoy what you are doing and you pick up perks along the way.” Based in Kota Kinabalu but originally hailing from Keningau, the 33-year-old who is employed within the media and communications industry has learnt to diversify the nature of his content after initially restricting himself to purely food and travel. “Life’s a melting pot,” so why not. Initially encountering social media in high school via the Friendster, Zorpia and ICQ platforms, Ken utilised these channels for expanding upon his networks as well as building up contacts and friends. With a passion for photography, travel, good

food, and regular trips to the gym, it didn’t take long before entities with similar styles and beliefs approached him with proposals for establishing a professional relationship. “Consistency to create and deliver quality content is the key.” With pros and cons playing out in Sabah, it is tough at the moment as the state relies heavily on tourism. “During pre-pandemic times, booming tourism made the industry pretty competitive in terms of quality and price. Therefore tourism players are looking for different ways to promote their products. Being badly hit by the pandemic, many cut costs, some couldn’t sustain. However at the same time we see more and more industries investing in digital marketing for survival,” Ken shares. Believing that everyone is an influencer in their own right, “I am happy to share and spread positive vibes in the social media sphere,” which is something that all of us can do with very little effort truth be told. However, for those of us a little bit more in the limelight, “I think being an online personality figure requires one to be vigilant, at least. If he/she thinks twice before taking a step, then I don’t think privacy is an issue.” You don’t need to think BiG when just a little bit of common sense goes a long way.

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@sarawakbloggers Sarawak Bloggers @SarawakBloggers Sarawak Bloggers Society

ONE FOR ALL, ALL FOR ONE SARAWAK BLOGGERS SOCIETY 1.2K Followers

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Led by experienced blogger, Cyril Dason, a group of friends in 2007 went on to establish the Sarawak Bloggers Society: A body aimed at uniting the state’s social media users under a single umbrella with the goal of promoting smart and good use of social media through various online and offline activities, in an increasingly digitised world.

In less than two years, the community expanded rapidly and was formally registered in 2009 under the Registrar of Societies Malaysia. “Back then blogging was big, and we had active members throughout Malaysia and Brunei. Membership back then was rather loose, so we do not have an exact count of members. However,

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our biggest members were from Kuching and Miri”, a spokesperson says, before adding a list of events the grouping has organised in the past.

the first won the Best Social Media Gathering of the Year (2013) in the Digi WWWOW Internet For All Awards. Celebrating individuals who have aspired and worked hard to make the internet a better place for all its online denizens and visitors. Meanwhile, “Both #TwtUpKch and #LiveKCH were platforms to bring social media offline, in which we encourage content creators online to come mingle using their preferred social media platform during a one-day festival. We also wanted to increase unity among participants, and point out that social media can be used for positive things as well. #TetherKCH was done to improve content creation among our members. All three events are practically free for all social media users and members of the public, so we do see it as our way to give back to the community. So far, all three-signature events under us were supported by both the private and public sector. We have always welcomed government support and paid partnerships, which will benefit our members. When such an opportunity arises, we always think about how it can benefit our members first and create a win-win situation. If you are not looking for such things, then making new friends, or sharing ideas related to social media is always welcomed. We are always eager to learn. When we first started, there was a lot of negativity about blogging. Some establishments refused bloggers, and some only

saw bloggers as a threat to their businesses. It had nothing to do with resistance, but rather some ill practices by certain bloggers who were not only demanding but also very vocal when showing displeasure. It tainted the blogging industry in Sarawak for a while, but we started advising our members on these things, and things started to improve. Now, the challenge is not about perception or misconception, but more on getting the content creators to realise what’s the next step after they had published their content.” Sharing their thoughts on the different connotations that today’s society has attached to the term ‘influencer’, the grouping shares that “We think the term

‘influencer’ is a title one gives to another person who can influence their followers into making a decision on something. It should not be self-claimed. That is why we prefer to call our members content creators. With that in mind, I wouldn’t call Sarawak Bloggers and its members’ influencers, because it is for you, the public, to decide if we are worthy of that title. If you command influence over someone, regardless if it’s one person, or a group of people, you are obligated to society. That said, influencers should show good example and help stand up for those who are less influential. Social media is a

powerful platform for a lot of things, which can either make or break someone. Be mindful of what you post or do on social media, and always remember that there’s no such thing as privacy once it’s online. Key benefits of joining the society includes the ability to expand knowledge and networking in social media, and the eligibility to participate in events organised by the society from time to time. Members are also given priority to participate in exclusive events with Sarawak Bloggers partners and affiliates which include special events, concerts, parties, product launches, and trips,” just to mention a few. With a holistic perception, the society hopes in the future, to see Sarawak Bloggers helping members improve their social media content creation so that Sarawak in general will have more and quality content creators. “Covid-19 has disrupted Sarawak’s growth in a lot of areas, most notably tourism. However, it has also accelerated the use of social media and internet among the community to see how these platforms can be used to our advantage. The Sarawak Government has been quick to use social media to dispel fake news and keep the public well informed of the whole Covid-19 situation as well, so I think that’s really great. In the end, the society goes on to conclude that the Sarawak Bloggers has been rather quiet for a couple of years but we will be utilising 2021 to improve our membership drive and activities so that we can ensure the society remains relevant to the everchanging landscape of social media.”

The events: Tweet-Up Kuching (#TwtUpKCH), HashtagLive Kuching (#liveKCH) and Tether Kuching (#tetherkch), of which

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Indigenous Kadazan-Dusun women garbed in traditional attire for the Unduk Ngadau Beauty Pageant, use one of their smartphones as they pose for a wefie during a previous celebration of Sabah Harvest Festival or ‘Pesta Kaamatan’. Occurring during the entirety of May, the festivities are the highlight of the month and involve competitions ranging from traditional folk sports and the hitting of a ceremonial gong, to a singing contest and beauty pageant. The 2020 festival had to be cancelled due to the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, with some competitions being held virtually via live streaming online. Secretary-General of the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association expressed his hope that this year will see the festival celebrated with gusto.

Craig Ansibin Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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Wan Zainal Abidin The Okura Tokyo

TOKYO T REA S UR E With the launch of direct flights to Narita via Royal Brunei in 2019, Bruneians have been taking the opportunity to explore this beautiful metropolis capital of Japan, well known for its myriad offerings ranging from food to culture, set amongst busy shopping streets and contemporary architecture. I visited Tokyo earlier this year and had the pleasure of staying at the historical The Okura Tokyo. In 1962, the original Hotel Okura Tokyo Main opened as a first-class hotel that gained worldwide recognition for its blending of traditional Japanese beauty with the very best in accommodation, cuisine and service. It closed its doors in August 2015, and reopened as The Okura Tokyo in 2019.

he Okura Tokyo is the top-tier brand of the Hotel Okura group and offers luxurious accommodation options in two buildings on the spacious central Tokyo property, half of which is dedicated to showcasing beautiful landscaping and greenery. Located within their property is the Okura Garden - an urban oasis that captures the beauty of each season and incorporates the Japanese garden tradition of using rocks and raked sand to express water themes. Also within the grounds is The Okura Museum of Art, which was originally established in 1917 as Japan’s first privately operated art museum.

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I stayed in the smaller of the two buildings, the Okura Heritage Wing, which is a 17-storey structure with refreshing views of the gardens, decorated with distinctly classical Japanese interior décor elements and at a spacious 60 square metres, boasts one of the largest standard rooms by Tokyo standards. The larger Okura Prestige Tower is a 41-storey structure offering rooms smaller in size but also accented with refined Japanese aesthetics.

1. A view of the surroundings from within

the aesthetic domain of one of the Heritage Rooms 2. Step into the lobby and enter a world of Zen-like tranquility and elegant relaxation 3. All-day modern dining at The Orchid 4. Only the best of Japanese fine dining from the expert chefs at Yamazato 5. The refined Okura Heritage Wing

The hotel has recently enjoyed a whole new lease of life when it underwent extensive renovations upgrading its public areas and its 508 guestrooms and suites, all the while retaining the design of traditional Japanese beauty and cherished simplicity of its former hotel, which has welcomed guests from all over the world including celebrities and heads of state since its first opening. Legacy decorations from the original main building now adorn The Okura Toyko, and faithful reproductions of the distinctive hexagonal Okura lantern ceiling lights, lacquered tables and chairs, the world 3 map and the clock displaying global time zones are featured in the new lobby of The Okura Prestige Tower, including the wall tapestry and shoji paper windows. Celebrated architect Yoshio Taniguchi, son of the original designer of the original Hotel Okura Tokyo Tokyo’s lobby Yoshiro Taniguchi, was tasked to recreate these historical vignettes throughout the new property – a nod to the Okura legacy.

Much to the delight of many discerning Tokyoites, even the restaurants from the original hotel were recreated in the new property. The beloved Yamazato Japanese restaurant made its much awaited comeback, along with its renowned tea rooms together with the hotel’s reborn teppanyaki restaurant, Sazanka, and a sophisticated

reinterpretation of the original Orchid Bar. I had the most delicious French toast for breakfast at Nouvelle Époque at the Heritage Wing – their signature restaurant that served French cuisine accented with Japanese seasonal ingredients. Additionally, there is an all-day dining restaurant, Orchid which serves an international array of dishes and Toh-Ka-Lin which offers delicious Chinese cuisine. To literally cap it all off, on top of the Okura Prestige Tower, Starlight offers guests three vantage points to enjoy the magnificent nightscapes of Tokyo from either The Bar, The Lounge or The Chef’s Place while indulging in the most delicious snacks, small plates, or just a nightcap. Apart from sensational dining experiences, The Okura Prestige Tower offers unparalleled facilities to cater to business functions and social gatherings with no fewer than 19 rooms spanning a wide range of capacities. This includes one of Tokyo’s largest ballrooms, The Heian Room which accommodates up to 2,000 guests, making it the choice location for weddings and conferences. The hotel’s wedding facilities extend to include the top floor Sky Chapel which offers stunning views of Tokyo; the classically elegant Grand Chapel and a traditional hall for Japanese Shinto weddings. For Okura denizens, the rebirth of the Okura Health Club, which earned a solid reputation for providing personal health care for over 40 years in the original property, is the feather in the cap of the reopening of this grand dame. In addition to the state-of-the-art workout equipment, there is the Annayake Spa – a French cosmetics and beauty brand that is dedicated to pampering guests with a variety of therapies, treatments and wellness programs. The spa made its debut to Japan on the 27th floor of the Prestige Tower. The next best thing about staying at The Okura Tokyo, apart from experiencing the luxurious hospitality of the Japanese brand, is to be able to sample nostalgic Hotel Okura Tokyo – bravely reincarnated and indistinguishable from the outside thanks to the many anodyne modern glass towers that dominate the bustling metropolis.

THE OKURA TOKYO 2 Chome-10-4 Toranomon Minato City, Tokyo, Japan www.theokuratokyo.jp

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Trick or Threat: A Striking Exhibition

buzz

Loreng Dinamika:

A gathering of Brunei’s greats One of the many forms of Humanity’s innate ability to creatively express its personal views and understanding of its external environment and its deepest innermost self, via individual perspective and raw emotion is the pursuit we know simply as that threeletter word called art. Its very being also takes multiple forms, but on October 18, the Loreng Dinamika Art Exhibition commenced at the Mabohai Shopping Complex and involved the gathering of several of Brunei’s most renowned veteran painters. Additional paintings by the Guest of Honour, Pg Dato Paduka Hj Asmalee Pg Ahmad, and the Brunei Museum’s curator, Hj Rahim Ahmad, were also exhibited. Some of the artworks depict the natural environment that our much-loved Sultanate is famed for worldwide, as well as the structures that can be found here. Some have been produced in clean

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and clear tones while others are abstract representations that cleverly depict the artists’ unique view of the world around them. Others still are a wild and sometimes chaotic riot of colours, or a seamless blending of hues, that may make no sense to one viewer while simultaneously evoking strong emotion and feeling from another. Organised by Astera Consultants, the gathering was made all the more interesting when the Guest of Honour arrived. The venerable artist regaled the audience with his life story, of how he first developed an appreciation for art. In a summarised 1-hour long tale of the past seven decades of his life, which was peppered with anecdotes and plentiful moments of wide-eyed smiles and laughter, he recounted several fascinating stories. With visitors from different generations and walks of life in attendance, several artworks sold to collectors, this event was a success.

Creative Space Art Gallery & Studio has long established itself as a harbinger of new talent and fresh artwork within the local industry, and The Trick or Threat exhibition by new blood Nafis Rozan is no exception. Making his debut with 17 striking pieces, the painting and installation exhibition explores the relationship between art and body language, an intense narrative that stems from his Muay Thai training. A multidisciplinary artist, 20 year old Nafis fixates on the intricacy of body movement and the pentup moments leading up to a denouement where one either tricks their opponent with a feint or poses a threat with action and physical contact. “Trick or Threat is derived from my mindset when I spar with

someone which is why I was inspired to create art which revolves around body language and movement”, he mentions. Boasting a bold colour scheme influenced by some of his favourite art by Jean-Michel Basquiat, the entire installation was awashed in vivid hues of red, orange and electric blue representing the graphic emotions of heat, fear and pentup energy. Within the exhibition there was also an interactive wall where visitors had the option of adding their own art—a wall which, in the spirit of performative art during opening night, Nafis christened with a straight punch. Chills? Us too.

Get updates on upcoming exhibitions by following @creative.space.brunei on Instagram and Creative Space Brunei on Facebook.

ack in my pinched-penny youth in a generation that celebrated the laidback mishmashed just-rolled-out-of-bed look, I considered myself a thrifting connoisseur. At that time, mass consumerism was for a certain breed of people, and the leftovers sought ways to express themselves through attitude and fashion. The plaid shirts we wore didn’t come from a Uniqlo, but usually came from a market, in a basket, indistinguishable amid a small mountain of other plaid shirts. Thrifting has seen a rise in popularity once again and these days, the art of thrifting has more to do with the need to stand out from a sea of H&Ms, a conscientious effort to stem rampant mass consumerism and fast fashion that has taken us all over, and the thrill of buying something unique at a price that costs less than the pizza you had for lunch the other day. GETTING INTO THE THRIFTING BOAT? HEED THESE GOLDEN RULES:

Keep an open mind

When thrifting, looking for a particular item is like finding a needle in a dusty haystack. Have a rough idea of what you want, but keep yourself open to other options too. See a nice skirt but two sizes too big? Keep an open mind, and get a belt to go with it. The whole point of thrifting is celebrating your finds, and if your find happens to be a pair of suede leopard-print flats that you didn’t think you needed before you set eyes on them, then celebrate that!

TheThrif t

The Art of

Be In The Right Mood

Fast fashion is so popular these days because it’s got all the basics laid out in easy, browsing-friendly patterns in a clean, brightly lit, spacious store. You’re not going to find this when thrifting. You will be digging through clothes. You will be lifting up folded t-shirts to see what’s going on underneath. You will be poring through old denim jeans. You might be elbowing people out of the way while you’re at it. Thrifting is not for amateurs, and if you’re not in the right mood to go all in, then it’s best if you just sit it out.

Wear something easy to change in and out of

Okay this rule might be for the more militant thrifters, but hear me out: not all thrift shops have fitting rooms. In Brunei, thrifting tends to come in the form of pop-up markets, and you’re

even less likely to find a fitting room there. Wear shoes that are easy to take on and off. Wear something tight or form-fitting enough if you want to do an impromptu trousers size check. Wear a t-shirt that’ll be easy to throw another top over.

Bring cash

It’s fast becoming a paper-free society, but some thrift shops haven’t received that memo yet.

Bring reusable bags

Intan Abu Daniel

Aftercare

It’s yours now, but remember, it was someone else’s first. Most thrift stores will wash every item before it goes on sale, but why attempt the guesswork? Wash every item you bought, and if you can’t wash it, then air it out. And if it’s really necessary, dry-clean it. Can’t wait for the next thrift popup? Check out these thrifty sellers on Instagram who might have what you’re looking for:

Most thrift stores either won’t offer carry bags or give you a single-use plastic one. And you should be considering using reusable bags for every kind of shopping anyway!

Kloth Thrift @klothrift

Think unisex

Thriftsmith Collective @thriftsmith.co

Way back when, I found some of my best stuff in the men’s section. Plus that oversized look is totally in nowadays.

Vintish Bloom @vintishbloom Lambak Hills @lambakhills The Treasures Unknown @thetreasureunknown

Thriftitude.co by Din @thriftitude.co

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TravelRevive: An Industry

RE IMAGINED In what proved to be a highlight of the collective Human spirit of perseverance in the face of adversity, Singapore showed the world on November 25-26 that through the use of technology, innovation and sheer determination, no pandemic will impede a global will for economic recovery. This fact was proved when a collaborative effort between the Singapore Tourism Board, and ITB Asia – the region’s largest

travel trade show – hosted a two-day special gathering between industry professionals from the MICE, travel, leisure, and business sectors. Taking place at the Marina Bay Sands, rigorous protocols and safety measures were implemented to ensure hygiene and cleanliness was at a maximum for the attendees able to join in person. In a darkened Grand Ballroom, the event commenced when a hologram projection onto a

panel revealed the sudden appearance of Dr. Christian Goke, the Chief Executive Officer of Messe Berlin GmbH. Welcoming the delegates, he goes on to state that “TravelRevive is the first pilot tradeshow to trial a newly developed hybrid event: A prototype for safe business events, safe itineraries and digital enablers in Singapore. As a travel trade show, we are glad to take this first step with Singapore Tourism Board in shaping the future

of the travel industry and defining what the new normal will be for events.” With close to 1,000 attendees joining virtually from over 100 countries to share knowledge, bridge gaps, and reimagine the future of travel, Dr Goke expressed his appreciation to all. “You delegates reinforce industry confidence that events and travel can take place in a safe manner,” with Travel Revive experiencing the largest number of international delegates to attend an event since Pandemic began. With his science fiction inspired disappearance occurring just as sudden as his arrival, the event commenced in earnest. Over the two-day duration panel discussions took place on topics inclusive of ‘Doing Business Differently’, ‘Digitising Events in the New Normal’, ‘What Will Make Travel Safe Again’, ‘New

Prospects for Corporate Travel’, ‘The Future of Hotels Post Covid-19’, ‘A Test for MICE’s Business Model’, as well as ‘Storytelling Strategies for Destinations in a Changing Media Landscape’, just to note a few. Industry experts present both physically and virtually chimed in their opinions. The Co-Founder and CEO of bd4travel, Andy Owens, stated the “importance of businesses making their digital experiences more human”, and a need to “stop treating customers as a segment” by personalizing their experiences from end to end because “relevance changes and what was interesting in January is no longer interesting in May. People want what is closer to real time.” The COO of Jublia, Errol Lim, added that with the advent of new hybrid events such as this “There

needs to be a bigger emphasis on audience engagement and interaction”, and that the event organisers after the end of Travel Revive will have to continue to innovate and think up solutions “to contend with a new group of data-savvy attendees who through this experience have been data educated in the digital domain and will need justification for their future participation.” The CEO & Co-Founder of City Wonders, Simone Gozzi, highlights that even though the New Normal is a scary term, he is optimistic that 2024 will see a return to 2019 levels. “Once the world recovers, prior customers will have the same interests as before. The biggest risk right now is overreacting. We are

going through the biggest disruption and crisis this industry has seen in 50 years. Operators panic and there could be confusion that leads to questioning models and behaviour. Customers are not behaving now how they used to and that’s not their choice. They are following guidelines and restrictions, and there is a risk we make the wrong decision based on how they are acting right now which is not in line with how they usually think. Crowds will come back gradually and in low volumes. The key element to success is to use this time to restructure processes, making sure cost structure is flexible, retain key people who have invested in you. With the conclusion of the pilot hybrid event: The Singapore Minister for Trade and Industry, Chan Chun Sing; Head of Hotels (Singapore), Kwee Wei Lin; the Managing Director of Messe Berlin (Singapore), Katrina Leung; and the Executive Director for Exhibitions & Conferences at the Singapore Tourism Board, all added their sentiments that the future of business events and corporate travel is on the right path for reimagining and revival.

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Evergreen & Domes of Gold.

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Symbols of Faith The Kingdom of Unexpected Treasures as its name suggests is exactly that, and provides an array of locales that are gramworthy to be sure. From the pure golden domes of the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in the picturesque capital, to the symbol of spiritual authority that the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque encapsulates, these houses of worship are just as aesthetic as they are meaningful. Consider going on a mosque hunt for the gram for that extra content.

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For the Gram! An unofficial clarion call by advocates worldwide for social media in general, and the Instagram photo platform specifically, it can easily be considered a weird day should you not spot at least a few individuals poised and ready to click click away at anything that catches their eye – be it their gorgeous surroundings or their even more gorgeous selves. Better yet, with social distancing measures still in place across most of Borneo, now is a great time to recon a picturesque site and grab that selfie! Personally, I’d be happier if this repository to all of Humanity’s accumulated wealth of knowledge within my pocket was used more often toward improving myself, but nope. Despite the generation gap between myself, and those in sync with the technology of the modern era I too find myself yelling (internally anyway) “For the Gram!”

When Gold meets Red This sole community house of worship for the Chinese community in the Sultanate is impossible to miss with its bold red hue appearing quite striking in an urban area of white and greys. Pass through its entranceway for yet more cultural and gold-hued backdrops to pose against.

In the Jungle, the Mighty Jungle Isn’t this what makes Brunei the gorgeous green jewel it is reputed to be? As we are unable to travel abroad help support domestic tourism efforts and go on an environmental quest for the Gram! You may be spoilt for choices it’s true, but just think of the positive green-friendly messages that content created here could tell the world.

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Posing with History The Royal Regalia in addition to being a museum of history and culture also sports a number of displays and centerpieces magnificent and large enough to woo any visitor and influencer, whispering its sweet seductions to pull out that phone and snap away. What are you waiting for?

Rolling in the Grass The next-door neighbor to the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, this 12-hectare parkland honouring the Sultan’s Golden Jubilee is a landscaped haven for small groups of friends, couples, and solo travellers seeking a locale that blends the natural with the man-made. Sophisticated and spacious, the only problem newcomers have is deciding where to take their selfies. Here’s our recommendation: Everywhere.

Posh Enough? This 7-Star hotel offers a smorgasbord of exterior and interior areas of specialty that you could spend hours at snapping selfies for both yourself and your horde of followers. From the landscaped gardens, pool and beach leisure areas, to the regality of the lobby and dining areas, content here is a lavish, stylish, affluent and modern affair.

Go Chasing Waterfalls Brunei is only considered small with regards to urban development as it is still a growing nation, however, you know what’s not small? The sheer amount of jungle within which, numerous hiking trails have been trodden leading to hidden waterfalls, pools, and vistas that will catch your breath. The Teraja Waterfall is just one of many nationwide. Be careful not to drop your phone!

Size Matters In tribute to the current monarch’s 60th birthday, this gleaming monument was erected to symbolise long life for a much-loved king. Situated in a prominent position on one of the bridges at the Golden Jubilee Park, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll to get there. Once there it’s all business as you commence snapping. That perfect self-photo requires serious work after all.

Cup of Culture anyone? In the vicinity of the noddingdonkey oil town of Seria stands a most unexpected find. Viewed as being fantastically weird by both locals and foreign visitors, the district’s giant kettle (referred to as a Tekuan) and teacups can be found at the centre of a small roundabout. Just be extra careful when choosing an angle for this unique backdrop, especially if it involves crossing the road.

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That’s a big mountain Click.

It goes without saying that when you’re standing against the backdrop of a solitary peak in Sabah, standing roughly 4,000 metres taller than you, while emerging 2,000 metres above the rest of the range it calls home - you need to grab a selfie.

What Do I Snap First? Standing Tall Wherever You Pose Against a scenic surrounding of differing hues of green from the soft rolling hills to its neighbouring forestland, you can plan the angle of attack for a great snapshot of Mount Kinabalu long in advance. With a variety of staycation lodges in the vicinity such as Bayu Senja, the Kinabalu Pine Resort, Kundasang Guest House, and more situated around the Crocker Range, the lodges offer multiple angles of approach while doubling as nice landscape imagery too.

The Very Tip While the lodges scattered around Mount Kinabalu are two hours driving distance from the city inland; sticking to the coast for a little over three hours will bring you to the very Tip of Borneo itself, overlooking the pristine blue-green sea. Even with the surrounding area of Kudat famous for its unspoilt beaches, it’s the jagged tip of Borneo’s northernmost face that you really should upload shots of onto your various platforms.

Follow the Rules Along with the scattering of staycation lodges ganging up on big brother Mount Kinabalu, is the aptly named Kundasang Selfies Garden. With one simple rule of the land that anybody armed with a smartphone is bound to follow, the command to snap shot after shot is one order that we are happy to receive. It’s less a requirement and more an expectation, really.

Kind of the piece de resistance for Instagrammers both local and foreign is a piece of paradise on Earth known as Le’one Koko Elf. This sweet spot was made for the Gram with a Sunset Catcher area to chill at and a sequence of stone-tiered bleachers full of cushions and giant teddy bears called the ‘Bears Pillow Hut’. High in demand is the City Circle, an aesthetic nest offering one heck of a view and opportunities for cinematic shots. Providing you have the courage, pass your phone to a friend to click away while you ride the Mega Swing.

Colourful Creativity Sabahan Style Don’t worry it isn’t all about nature out here, as the Pillars of Sabah in Kota Kinabalu offer a glimpse into the more creative side of locals. An inspiring community art project with the support of the city council, this gritty urban area features loud and vibrant graffiti and murals that hint at the soul of the city. Click!

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Oooh

a Kitty!ck. A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words Better yet, a well-planned or spontaneous wander around Kuching will inevitably bring you face-to-face with some pretty cool and clever artwork. From large murals and small-scale graffiti, a lot of these creative adornments boost the atmosphere of streets, alleys and the faces of shop houses, telling a story of culture and beliefs in Sarawak from the unique perspective of the artist. You can easily spend hours walking around and whipping out your smartphone upon stumbling on yet another story-rich image of life here.

You’re Going to be Here a While

Honestly, when in Sarawak with the intention of taking snapshots for the Gram, is there a more obvious place to begin than the City of Cats? From the main 6-cat monument and the world’s first cat museum, to the statues of cats spread throughout the city both outdoors and in, as well as at various temple gardens, every location is purrfectly photo worthy if you share BiG magazine’s affection for our little feline friends. We’re not done yet, as this city has more to offer our modern-day innate need to click and post images of ourselves at the sights we see.

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Let Nature Tame You Should you feel the need to pay tribute to Mother Nature on your social media platforms, then a visit to the Culvert Hotel Resort is a definite recommendation. Integrated within its natural surroundings, tubular lodges with their spherical entry points sit in rows by a section of forest, while the poolside area is a peaceful and secluded getaway from everything hectic. With aesthetically designed wooden decked facilities and the iconic Mt Santubong looming over all in the backdrop, be sure to snap that selfie before you forget, as you drift off into relaxation.

Completed a little over 3 years ago, a sinuous and serpentine S-shaped suspension bridge now spans a breadth of the Sarawak River, passing by the equally gramworthy Darul Hana Musical Fountain as well as the Floating Mosque. So many sights undoubtedly pre-empts the so many clicks that follow.

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Here Be Dragons.

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Naga & Lembuswana & Guardians, Oh My! Well, to be honest, you already had me at dragons. However, personal interests aside, with these old physical testaments to artistic and cultural pursuits rearing their heads proudly in Tenggarong, why wouldn’t you want to pay the area a visit. Sounds like there’s enough to snap shot at for some interesting content for uploading, while learning a bit about the area too. The capital of the Kutai Kartanegara Regency in the East Kalimantan province of Indonesia: Tenggarong is raw and expansive, and the Kumala Island next to the Mahakam River plays host to a stone temple with statuette carvings depicting dragons and Lembuswanas. The twin serpentine dragons at the pool section are particularly epic and striking, and if they are not worth whipping out your phone for, then what is?

Dragons? An old tribal structure made of stone? A Lembuswhat? Wait a minute: So you are telling me that according to local Kutai mythology, a Lembuswana is a legendary beast described as being a fierce lionheaded horse covered in shimmering fish scales, with sweeping Garuda wings, a powerful trunk at the front just like an elephant, with a penchant for blingy headwear courtesy of its crown? Welcome to Kalimantan.

We are the Lampions

Copper Beasties, Wooden Haven

If you head over to prefect’s official capital of Samarinda, be sure to stop by the Mahakam Lampion Garden. Fairly busy in the early evening time during the weekends, the puffy and various designed lampions look better as the dusk-twilight transition begins, emitting their bright yet warm amber glow. A nice familythemed venue that is quieter during the week, this will be your best time to capture uninterrupted selfies with this cute host of characters and objects.

Need more interesting backdrops? Then by all means check out the staycation Ladang Budaya Cultural Centre, a locale with spear tip-like wooden lodgings packed so close to one another they resemble sharp upraised teeth on a lower jaw. You can also find stylish spherical gazebos, and better yet, copper sculptures of a dragon and a Lembuswana atop a giant hornbill. Go on then, who doesn’t like a pictorial shout-out to mysterious mythology.

Once Home to 19 Kings Not enough beasties? Then you can head over to the Mulawarman Museum nearby for yet more shots. Constructed by the Dutch way back in the 1930s, this structure was once the power base for which 19 Sultans reigned and contains historical statues and antiquities from three separate Mainland Chinese Dynasties. A Balinese puppet theatre also calls this building home, so have no doubt there is plenty to see. 36

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biG appetite @thanislim Thanis Lim @thanislim Thanis Lim www.thanislim.com

appetite

Thanis Leaidming

ed R Recommend

Gzul Yuusloouf s Foodie

hen it comes to food there are few names in Brunei synonymous with everything delicious to the extent of the reputation that Thanis Lim has built himself. With a 17-year running blogsite dedicated to culinary delights across the island and the wider world, the multiple guides that this foodie extraordinaire has produced online are recommended to expatriate teachers at both international schools by their employers. After all, one of the best ways to familiarise yourself with any nation is the search for good food, and Thanis so far has not let his readership down. Even his two separate Melbourne food guides have drawn in comments from Australian residents hailing his research and articles as being spot on. On that note however, Thanis shares some insight into the technical obstacle posed by ever-changing algorithms used by different platforms. “Lately the new algorithm has been killing us influencers, I tell you. Usually a post can get 2K, 3K likes easily but now it has dropped to 400, 500. My friends have been asking me when they scroll down their feed, ‘How come I don’t see you posting?’ I’ve been posting! It’s the algorithm, and it has been quite negative against influencers. Imagine I have 100K followers but how many of those followers actually see my content. Now, it depends on a bit of luck. It has been like this since March. Our likes, our IG story views have dropped and are significantly less.” When asked for potential solutions, Thanis lists two possibilities … sort of. “Oof, even I am clueless. It’s a roll of the dice. You can post content that a lot of people are going to like and share, but that is unpredictable. Another way you can hack it is if you have a lot of influencer friends and you get them to share and like your content so that more people can see.” Fortunately, “Talking about blogs though, websites are very different from social media. It’s all about Google Analytics. If you write good articles then Google Analytics will pick it up, and then it will be featured in the top 3. Most of my articles about travel are top 3 in the world. For example, you google Taipei food guide, or you type best ramen in Japan, I’m actually top 3, sometimes top. So, it cycles around. This is how I get good commission for my work.” For example, klook.com contacted Thanis to say “So obviously you have one of the top Google rankings. Would you like to affiliate with us? I said yeah, why not. So, I insert their code into my website, and if you visit and click on any of the klook banners and buy something, I get a commission.” Merging a lot of his interests under lifestyle, “A lot of people think that I’m all about food but actually I’m stronger on the travel side,” and so it becomes easy to understand how the pandemic has drastically affected the commissions he earns from his collaborations. “Now all zero, because no one is travelling.” As far as origin stories go, “Well my mum was a really good cook and it helped me develop a general love of food. Manga was a good passion also. You know those cooking Manga? I read cooking Manga in my younger days and it got me hooked on food. When you read Manga, they tend to be very full on, passionate. I wanted to be like that also. You see the people eat food and they get really emotional.” It’s safe to say that in a BiG way, Thanis easily qualifies for this category, especially given his track record to back it up. I get pretty emotional about food too, so I understand completely.

@gzulyusofofficial

Gzul Yusof

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love foodies. Their gallivanting in search of tasty morsels is viewed at BiG as being a public service of sorts, and there are many in society who would agree. Not all of us have the will or energy to do the legwork and are happy to be provided with picturesque referrals online. The warm and friendly Gzul Yusof is one such culinary adventurer. His upbringing led to an enthusiasm for food that enabled him to earn a passive income from eateries seeking his assistance with freelance marketing work. “My mum did catering work as a family business when I was young,” so exposure to commercial cooking was always there. “Most of my secondary school life was spent helping her. We would supply small quantities to Brunei River Cruise,” for example. “My first proper use of social media was as a foodie during Ramadhan in 2009, and since then companies have approached me to promote them also. After taking part in an Indonesian food and travel event, myself and Thanis were offered to join Master Chef Asia 3-4 years ago.” Due to a conflict of interest “I rejected the offer because I had to pick, ‘do I want to sacrifice this influencer life or sacrifice my day job and career’, and I also thought there were more talented chefs in the region,” that deserved that chance. In a moment of seriousness, Gzul shares some advice for potential influencers who travel. “Timing is very important and for security reasons I never put up posts until the next day,” especially after an invitation to Morocco led to a worrying experience. “When me and my friends were at Chefchaouen, I put up a post with the hashtags ‘Morocco and Chefchaouen’. Afterwards this guy came to us saying, ‘Oh you’re Gzul, you’re Ariffin, you’re Maurina’. I thought how in the world did he know, and he said by checking specific hashtags he saw our posts. I deleted all the hashtags because he kept trying to follow us, and we knew he had an agenda. You have to be very careful.” Apart from that, “you just need to be disciplined and punctual when covering events for clients. If anything negative happens it will affect your name,” and with it, opportunities for continuing this kind of life. Sit back and let that digest everyone.

Aori Ramen

NON HALAL

Good restaurants need not be decked with an overly complicated menu selection. Sometimes, all it takes are a handful of tried and tested hearty dishes that will surely warm the hearts and bellies of many – and that’s exactly what Aori Ramen has done. Aori Ramen is one of the few local Japanese restaurants that has opted to keep their menu ramen-focused, which is more like how Japanese restaurants are in Japan. Most of the other local Japanese restaurants would usually opt to serve a mix of sushi, ramen and yakitori dishes together under one establishment. There are basically four basic ramen types that are offered on the menu: Miso Ramen, the signature Aori Ramen, Aori Ramen Lite and Mazemen Ramen (dry variety). Each ramen dish comes with two to six kinds of toppings ranging from marinated bamboo shoot and marinated soft-boiled egg to barbecued marinated pork and chicken katsu. What makes Aori Ramen’s ramen memorable are perhaps the thick and flavourful homemade broth and the firm and springy ramen served in it -- a reminiscence of the cult favourite Ichiran Ramen in Japan that’s got people queuing up at lunch time. In addition to slurpy ramen dishes, Aori Ramen also serves rice dishes, such as the Chicken

Super Ono It’s often difficult to maintain a healthy diet, especially if you are living in Sabah where there is good food all year round. Thankfully, there is an easy, tasty and affordable way to eat healthy. The answer lies in Super Ono’s hearty bowl of poke! For the uninitiated, the poke (rhymes with ‘OK’) originates all the way from Hawaii. A bowl of poke is made up of diced raw fish and is served either as an appetizer or as a main course. It is one of the main dishes of Native Hawaiian cuisine. For Japanese food lovers, the poke may also remind you of sashimi in a bento box. Although a bowl of bento is made to be highly customizable, the main ingredients of a traditional poke bowl are cubed sashimi-grade salmon or bluefin tuna, served on top of steamed white rice and topped with cubed avocado, edamame, shredded seaweed and fried shallots. 38

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Katsu Curry Rice, Maze Gohan Rice and the Tamago Kake Gohan, which is a popular Japanese breakfast meal consisting of cooked Japanese rice topped or mixed with raw egg and soy sauce. Of course, no ramen house is complete without the iconic gyoza (Japanese dumpling) that is prepared by pan-frying and steaming. It’s worth noting that Aori Ramen invests a lot in its aesthetics by incorporating an authentic Japanese design in its earthy-toned interior. For those who prefer to have lunch alone, the restaurant also has an individually-partitioned counter seating that caters for private ramen-slurping enjoyment and zero conversation -- also inspired by the Ichiran Ramen franchise. Depending on the time of the day and the weather, this restaurant also would sometimes serve up a breathtaking view of sea and sky. Definitely worth a dine-in visit.

The B Side

Nestled in the somewhat-secluded suburban area of Lido Plaza, a trendy and high end new 24-unit commercial shoplot located merely 15 minutes’ drive from the Kota Kinabalu city centre, The B Side presents •• an eclectic mix of food and art together in an ultra Lot Level 1, 11 Jesselton Mall, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, modern yet understated setting. Sabah With minimalist industrial wooden decor and Open daily: 12pm-8pm strategically placed Star Wars paraphernalia, Tel: 6011-65588639 The B Side makes a quaint little place to Instagram: @aoriramenkk hang out over Sunday brunch or a fun first date. Each month, The B Side features the works of local artists and these include photographs, paintings and even cosplay costumes as well as other creative props. Equally enticing as its artsy concept is The B Side’s food At Super Ono, however, selection, serving a wide range you can opt to have of Western and Asian fusion baked tuna or salmon, food, artisanal coffee and gourmet baked chicken, shrimp pastries. One of their signature dishes or smoked duck as your would be the Creamy Soft Shell Crab Nova Renata choice of protein, in case Pasta, which is lightly seasoned and topped you don’t like having your operating with a generously portioned deep-fried soft fish raw. You can also procedures shell crab, a tuft of alfalfa and crab roe. The deepchoose your preferred (SOPs) to minimize the fried soft shell crab is everything you’d imagine a soft base, ranging from green spread of COVID-19. In shell battered crab to be: crunchy, chewy and tasteful! salad and white rice to case you are not in the Other notable dishes include the Beef Burger, Duck brown rice and quinoa. area (as parking is also Orange Salad and for those who are more adventurous, Top that with fresh notoriously hard to find the Kimchi Pasta. vegetables and lowat Plaza 333), you can The B Side is also famous for its all-day breakfast sodium seasoning of your always order in your poke menu that by itself also offers a wide variety of dishes choice and you’ve got bowl via the MoreFun app. to choose from. A particular crowd-pulling breakfast yourself a healthy meal! •• favourite is the Eggs Benedict, which comes with a side This small establishment Super Ono (KK) serving of salad and salad dressing that tastes just beckons patrons to Lot 7, 1st Floor, perfect. Although The B Side is a new establishment come eat healthy with Block A, Plaza 333, run by young baristas and chefs, the quality of its its ‘summer in California’ Lorong Plaza 333-1 food served--in terms of freshness, seasoning and themed interior – complete Penampang, Sabah. preparation--is impressive! with an surfboard-looking Open: 11am-9pm When it comes to coffee and sinful desserts, The ironing board that hangs (closed on Mondays) B Side takes the cake. Must-tries include the Piccolo just above the counter. Tel: 6016-718 3373 Latte roasted coffee, Cafe Mocha, the signature Matcha At any one time, the Instagram & Facebook: Latte and the Chocolate Truffle Torte that simply offers establishment can only @superono.kk a mouthgasmic burst of Nutella to your taste buds! accommodate between 10 Coffee lovers and experts agree that The B Side offers to 15 people, taking into some of the best coffees in town, and the cakes are consideration the standard homemade perfection.

eat , drink S a b a h

••

The B Side 21, Lido Plaza, Jalan Nosoob Hungab, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Open: 10am-11pm (closed on Mondays) Tel: 6088-532950 Instagram & Facebook: @thebsidekk

NOMS Miri

NON HALAL

Since their opening at Marina Square in last February, NOMS has been serving a steady stream of Western and Asian dishes to their rise of returning patrons. With a menu peppered with the flavourful likes of bacon fried rice, grilled angus beef steak and sous vide duck leg, you’d think their hearty dishes would be the focus of each meal but their selection of specialty beverages (white rabbit cold brew, anyone?), mocktails and coffees are also definitely something to write home about. Whether it’s weekend brunch or a lengthy catch-up dinner, NOMS also makes for an obvious choice as an event space for larger groups of people, thanks to its modern warm décor and sleek furnishings making for an incredibly welcoming atmosphere. Nothing brings people together like good food as they say!

••

Grd Flr, Lot 1934, Jln MS 2/2, Marina Square 2, Marina Park City, 98000 Miri (same row as Tokio Marine) Tel: 6014-3753754 (Whatsapp for pre-orders or deliveries) / 6085-427417 IG: @noms.sarawak FB: NOMSmiri

Mark & Bernson Café Lounge

eat , drink

NON HALAL

With new eateries popping up everywhere all the time, it can be a bit of a headache to find just one to settle on. But while you’re working up an appetite, may we suggest unwinding first at Mark & Bernson Café Lounge? With a solid menu of coffees that even the pickiest coffee drinkers will find pleasing, and a deep, rustic feel to its interiors to match, this café lounge is an obvious choice for anyone looking to take a breather from their day. Want something with a sweeter kick than their Americano or Irish coffee? Try their honeycomb affogato or iced caramel macchiato for taste. And if you’ve already gotten comfortable and would

Sarawak

like some food to go with your coffee, then you’re already in the right place! Whether it’s a luscious chicken burger or a hearty wrap you’re going for or even a chilled slice of creamy burnt cheesecake, Mark & Bernson has you covered on all ends.

•• Lot 3549, Ground Floor, Al-Bayt square, Block 5, MCLD, Jalan Miri Pujut, 98000 Miri, Sarawak. Tel: 6017-8020016 IG: @mark_bernsoncafe FB: @MarkBernsonCafeLounge

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Brunei

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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 2339230)

Thien Thien Restaurant Purveyors of arguably the best Nasi Ayam in town 10 Grd Flr Mas Panchawarna Complex (673 2222435) – call for other branches Ximply Chriz Café Divine desserts, great coffee and scrumptious meals 8 Blk A Regent Square, Kiulap (673 2234918)

Chop Jing Chew Freshly made Roti Kahwin perfectly paired with a teh tarik 10 Spg 5 Jln Gadong, Kg Menglait (673 2424132)

TASTE OF ASIA VIETNAMESE PHO, THAI TOM YAM, JAPANESE SUSHI, KOREAN KIMCHI AND BRUNEIAN AMBUYAT – THIS LIST COVERS MOST OF OUR FAVOURITE ASIAN DELIGHTS.

Gwad Basha Arabian Restaurant Arabic cuisine at its finest #1A&1B Heng Thai Property Centre Spg 22 Jln Dato Ratna, Kiarong (673 2450009) – call for other branches

Ahan Thai 10 Blk B Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 2452852)

Restoran Makan & Soto Rosmini Our favourite soto hangout 1 Spg 15, Jln Gadong (673 8719946) Mei Kong Coffee Shop A trip to Brunei isn’t complete without sampling their famous kolo mee 108 Jln Pemancha, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 2240688) Kaizen Sushi served fresh on your table plus a variety of other Japanese cuisine Yayasan Complex Waterfront Side, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 2226336) – 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 2445043) – call for other branches 40

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Bali Pit-Stop 15 &16, Spg 150 Grd Floor, Block A Bangunan Habza, Kiulap (673 7209992) Chatterbox Kopitiam 2 Grd Flr Bgn Hasbullah 2, Gadong (673 8201212) Eco Dermaga Kafé 2 Building, Waterfront, Jln McArthur, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 7295999) Farmbasket Snack Bar A1, Grd Flr Blk A, Urairah Complex, Spg 88, Kiulap (673 2234666) – Call for other branches Gurkha Palace 47 Jalan Bunga Melor, Seria Town (673 3221474) Gratitude Café Grd Flr Serusop Complex, Kg Delima Satu (673 2341123)

All Seasons Restaurant 17 1st Flr Times Square Shopping Centre, Kg Jaya Setia (673 2338068)

Great Taste Restaurant Grd Flr Setia Kenangan II, Kg Kiulap (673 2233913)

Aminah Arif 2 & 3 Blk B Grd Flr Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kiulap (673 2236198) – Call for other branches

Happy Dean Restaurant No 3, Grd Flr, Zainuddin Complex, Spg 11, Anggerek Desa, Berakas A (673 2340885) – Call for other branches

Aneka Rasa Blk A #16 & 17 Grd & 1st Flr Bgn Begawan Pehin Dato Hj Mohd Yussof, Kg Kiulap (673 2231728) Anjung Layar Luncur (Nur Wanita Serasa Branch) Simpang 287, Pantai Serasa (673 2771879)

Impian Rasa Restaurant #5 Bgn Pg Hjh Rafiah Spg 607 Jln Jangsak, Gadong (673 2653858) – Call for other branches Iron Chef Unit 5&6, Lvl 1, HuaHo Manggis Mall (673 2338888)

Ar Ruhma Restaurant 329 Blk D Bgn Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 2427847)

Kaka Restaurant 2 & 3 Spg 100 Jln Jerudong (673 2672333) – Call for other branches

Axtivo Restaurant #12, Grd Flr, Hj Uthman Complex, Spg 13, Kg Jaya Setia (673 2335642)

Kitaro #2 Yong Siong Hai Building, Gadong (673 7323377 | 2457373)

Babu’s Kitchen C44 Blk C Grd Flr Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 2457868)

La Mee #1B & 1c Grd Flr Spg 411-12, Jln Kiarong (673 2430113)

Lee Loi Fatt Blk A #7 Grd Flr Serusop Complex, Kg Delima Satu (673 2342384) – Call for other branches Mangrove Paradise Resort Spg 912 Kg Sungai Belukut, Jln Kota Batu (673 2786868) MY Favoureat Restaurant 9 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Munchit & Hjh Rapiah, Kg Jaya Setia (673 2232828) MyTown Eating House Grd Flr The Crown Princess Complex, Jalan Tutong (673 2241880) Nyonya 3 Grd Flr Bgn Hasbollah, Gadong (673 2447090) Old Time Kopitiam G2 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Ibrahim, Kg Menglait (673 244 282) PappaRich Blk G Grd Flr Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 2432333) Pho Hoa Restaurant #6 Grd Flr Blk B Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kg Kiulap (673 2236218) Rice Bowl 72 T.C.Y Building, Batu Bersurat (673 8630665)

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 2343001) (Times Square Branch) or #204 Spg 210 Kg Lambak, JLN BERAKAS (673 8803183) – Call for other branches

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Despite new coffee shops popping up around town, the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf undoubtedly remains the most popular purveyor of caffeine in Brunei with 12 branches throughout the country. This global coffee chain continues to brew their specialty coffee and their ever-popular Ice-Blended coffee drinks for the masses. OPEN DAILY 8am-11pm; G26 Grd Flr Times Square Shopping Centre, Jln Jaya Setia, BERAKAS (673 2337358) – call for other branches

Riwaz A contemporary Indian restaurant that serves up traditional Indian cuisine with a modern twist!

Sapphira Cake House 3 Grd Flr Seri Anigma, Kiulap (673 2232021)

OPEN 6.30pm – 10.30pm (closed Mondays); Radisson Hotel Jln Tasek, BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (673 2244272 ext 8873)

Seasons Restaurant Lvl 2 The Centrepoint, Gadong (673 2422291)

Tasek Brasserie A perfect spot to dine with family and friends in the heart of the city, Tasek Brasserie provides casual dining in a relaxed atmosphere. Customers can enjoy light snacks and a cool mocktail while lounging at the outdoor pool, or dine on the variety of cuisine from their ala carte menu or sumptuous buffets.

Seafood Palace #1, 2 & 3 Blk B An-Nuha Building, Kg Tanjung Bunut (673 2671299) Seaworld Neptune 8 Spg 791, Jerudong (673 2612613) Sate House Unit B9, Block B, Setia Kenangan II, Spg.150, Kiulap, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 2231017)

OPEN DAILY 6am-6pm; Radisson Hotel Jln Tasek, BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (673 2244272)

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Soto Pabo #9A Spg 222, Kg Pintu Malim (673 8686388) Sulbingsoo Korean Dessert Cafe Unit B7, Grd Flr, Shakirin Complex, Kiulap (673 2234271) SPICY CURRY & WRAPS FROM ARABIC TO INDIAN CUISINE, CHECK OUT THESE RESTAURANTS IF YOU LIKE A SPICY KICK TO YOUR MEALS.

Spices Restaurant #1 Grd Flr Blk A Aman Complex, Jln Muara (673 2330081) Ya Nur Restaurant #6 & #7, 1st Flr, Kompleks Hj Tahir 2, Gadong (673 8719986) Zaika Restaurant A4 Lot 308 Bgn Maju Jln Bunga Raya, Kuala Belait (673 3347430)

Sugar ‘n’ Spice Unit B1, Grd Flr, Purnama Complex, Kiulap (673 2332493 / 8810493)

WESTERN FOOD ITALIAN PIZZAS, AMERICAN STEAKS AND BURGERS, BRITISH COTTAGE PIES – WE LIST DOWN THE RESTAURANTS THAT SERVE THE BEST FROM THE WEST.

Amsarra Shawarma Grd Flr Block A, 1Riverside, Jalan Gadong (673 7318545)

Bello Café L1/12 Seri Kiulap Mall, Kiulap (673 2233989) – Call for other branches

Armash Restaurant No 5, Grd Flr, Bangunan Tian & Chuan, Kg. Kiulap (673 2672574) – Call for other branches

Buccaneer Steak House 92-93 (B) 94 Grd Flr Jln McKerron, Kuala Belait (673 33 0406)

Bombay Palace Restaurant #9 Grd & 1st Flr Blk B Bgn Pg Mainuddin & Anak2, Batu Bersurat (673 2427313) C’Fu Curry House Restaurant Spg 103 #5 & 6 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Md Salleh, Gadong (673 2457000)

Charcoal BBQ & Grill Restaurant Grd Flr Le Gallery Suites Hotel, Jln Tutong (673 2221171) – Call for other branches

Delhi Darbar Restaurant & Catering Spg 38 Jln Jerudong (673 2672826)

Countrypatch Café 3 Grd Flr Blk D Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kiulap (673 2232368) – Call for other branches

Le Taj 2-3 2nd Flr Seri Kiulap Complex, Kiulap (673 2238996) Lotus Family Restaurant 27B Grd Flr Delima Jaya Complex, Berakas (673 2342049) Rajah’s Restaurant 3 Grd Flr Blk A Bangunan PAP Umi Kalthum, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 2240379) Saffron Restaurant 8 Blk C Shakirin Complex, Kiulap (673 2235888) Sameer Restaurant & Catering G1 Grd Flr Sg Akar Sentral, Berakas (673 2336613)

Cheezbox Café External Café, Ramp A, The Mall, Gadong (673 2425506)

De’ Olde Cottage 2 Grd Flr Blk C Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 2426982) – Call for other branches Fleur-de-lys L1/1 Seri Q-Lap Mall, Kiulap (673 223 1777) – Call for other branches Fratini’s Restaurant #1 Grd Flr The Centrepoint Hotel, Gadong (673 2451200) – Call for other branches Home Kitchen by Tree-Bit Café D8 & D9 Lot 11620 Grd Flr Jln Gadong, Kg Mata-Mata (673 2429366) Kitchen of Jasmine by Aranda Café

NOW THAT’S AMORE! When the moon hits your eye, like a big pizza pie, that’s Amore! The only thing that makes me exclaim louder than this lyric from American entertainer, Dean Martin, is the act of shoveling Italian goodness into my ever-growling belly. From the squid-ink pasta and a meatball pizza, to a four-cheese pasta, the Bella Amore eatery that opened its doors for business in July 2020 is a rather cute establishment. A little reminiscent of a generations-old family-run business on the Sicilian coast, the brothers overseeing operations are jovial and hospitable beyond the call of duty, injecting their family’s enthusiasm for food into their offerings. Even their mother bakes cookies to accompany hot beverages for that extra personal touch. With desserts such as the matcha tea cheesecake available, do give them a shot if you’re looking for something new!

Unit 4, Ground Floor, Block C, Sempurna Complex, Jalan Batu Bersurat Tel: 673-2457355 IG: @bellaamorebn FB: Bella Amore Italian Cuisine

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SOTO GAGAWI Making waves at their previous location at The Box Telanai, Soto Gagawi has made a steaming hot comeback, this time with their very own place in Batu Besurat. The local establishment, whose name stems from the Bruneian-Malay term for the iconic wooden spatula—an indispensable kitchen tool in every Bruneian household—was welcomed back with the open arms of a sotoloving society who’s only too ready to indulge again in their tasty bowls. Returning customers can expect the usual rich beef broth that they’ve come to know and savour, made thick and aromatic with quality ingredients from the family’s own recipe. Aside from a well-rounded menu of soto staples (shout-out to their Soto Gagawi 5 Rasa!), they also have a simple assortment of kampung dishes such as their nasi lemak and chicken curry with lepat.

B10, Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat IG: @sotogagawi Tel: 673-8375885

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T’S COFFEE With travel plans on hold at the moment, we get our international kicks where we can which is why newly opened T’s coffee in the Promenade Samakaya complex is an absolute godsend when it comes to getting our Vietnamese coffee fix. A glimpse into Vietnam’s broad coffee culture, T’s coffee menu makes for a pleasant surprise with hard-tofind offerings such as authentic Vietnamese egg coffee, Vietnamese milk coffee and yogurt coffee. And don’t even get us started on their selection of banh mi, soft Vietnamese baguettes filled with a variety of flavourful and savoury meats. Fluffy bread with a delectable crisp crust encasing hearty fillings such as spicy lemongrass chicken, meatballs and eggs and ham makes for the perfect Vietnamese coffee companion we never knew we needed.

No 6, Blk D, A1 Lower Grd Flr, 1 SKH Supermarket, Spg 561, The Promenade Samakaya, Jln Muara Tel: 673-7171089 / 673-7173260 IG: @vietnamese_product FB: @vietnamese.product

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GALLERY THE EMPIRE BRUNEI

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 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 room is available upon request for special occasions. OPEN DAILY 6am-6pm Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG listings #17, Blk E, Atiya Complex, Spg 100, Jln Jerudong (673 8997333) Magherita Pizzeria #5 Blk A Scout Complex Jln Gadong, Kg Mata-Mata (673 8688884) Pastamania G9A & G10A, Grd Flr, Times Square Shopping Centre, Spg 13-29, Jln Berakas ‘A’ (673 2338061) – Call for other branches Pepper Lunch Brunei C9/10 Grd Flr Setia Kenangan II, Kg Kiulap (673 2253000) PEZZO Grd Flr Times Square Shopping Centre, Kg Jaya Setia (673 2440068 | 7182323) Qasehmaisara Café House #206-209 2nd Flr Plaza Athirah, Jln Kubah Makam DiRaja (673 2789898) RMS Diner A5 Lot 308 Bgn Maju Jln Bunga Raya, Kuala Belait (673 3347455) RBC Lifestyle Cafe Waterfront, Jln McArthur, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 2220815) Rovansil Restaurant #36-38 1st Flr Citis Square, Kg Jaya Setia (673 2337129) Red Canopy Café #5 Blk C Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 2453878) Ricardo’s #19 Jerudong Park Food Court Phase 2, Kg Jerudong (673 7276455) – WA only Sorriso Restaurant & Pizzeria #14 Blk B Grd Flr Regent Square, Kiulap (673 2233030) Swensen’s #2.34-2.36 2nd Flr The Mall, Gadong (673 2451864) Wing-It #16 Grd Flr Citis Square, Kg Jaya Setia (673 7224999) COFFEE & CAFES GOURMET, PREMIUM-GRADE,

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SPECIALTY COFFEE – THIS LIST ACCOMMODATES THE BEST OF THE BURGEONING LOCAL COFFEE INDUSTRY. Balkony #10 Block C Shakirin Complex Kiulap (673 2230191) Beanery & Co #81 A/1 Grd Flr, Jln Bunga Rambai, Kuala Belait (673 3347772) BELLUNO Café #2 Blk C Kiarong Complex, Kg Kiarong (673 2429010) Bloom Cafe by Mr Baker Grd Flr Block A 1Riverside, Jalan Gadong (673 8768770)

Brew Café & Bakery #47 Grd Flr Blk C Gadong Central, Menglait (673 2427554) Caffé Verve #6A Spg 68, Jln Batu Bersurat (673 8757382) The Collective Wildflower Café Grd Flr Royal Brunei Recreational Club (RBRC), BSB Chocolate Origin Grd Flr Block B, 1Riverside, Jalan Gadong (673 2221865) E.A.T. Bakery Grd Flr Blk B, Little Soho, Spg 73-5-8, Jln Batu Bersurat, Kg Pengkalan Gadong (673 8664608)

TASTE OF TEA Our love for dessert drinks knows no bounds so when photos of a decadent-looking crunchy Biscoff milk tea made its way unto our Instagram feed, best believe we were next in line for a “Taste of Tea” at Aman Hills. Spoiler alert: we were not let down by the hype. While, sadly, their Lotus Biscoff drinks are part of a limited edition series, don’t sleep on their other menu offerings! Other irresistible selections include an indulgent avocado smoothie and wait for it… their famous cheesy creamy Belgium chocolate—a mouthful in name and a great mouthful in nature. But if it’s subtle flavours you’re craving, we also personally recommend their signature milk tea starring their luscious sweet potato and taro balls, freshly made to soft, chewy perfection down to the very last sip.

Unit A4, Grd Flr, Aman Hills Shoplots (opposite Farmbasket) Tel: 673-8373373 IG: @ tasteofteabrunei

biG listings Fleur-de-lys L1/1 Seri Q-Lap Mall, Kiulap (673 2231777) – call for other branches Games & Lattes Café #E9 Grd Flr Blk E Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap (673 2235200) Geo Eats No. 13, Spg 381, Kg Jerudong (673 8271381) Gloria Jean’s Coffee G17 Citis Square, Berakas (673 2338452) Happy Cream Unit 1, 1st Flr, Bgn Majid Mohd, Jln Pasar Baharuddin, Gadong (673 8158587) High Frequency Lifestyle Café 1st Flr Unit 5 Blk B Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 2428262) It’s a Grind Coffeehouse 1, Grd Floor, Bgn AlWarasah, Muara Town (673 2772424) – call for other branches Kapra Coffee #26 Grd Flr Blk C Spg 440, Jln Muara (673 2345656)

Kitchen of Jasmine by Aranda Café #17 Blk E, Atiya Complex, Spg 100, Jln Jerudong (673 8997333)

Sweet As Sara Unit 1, Grd Flr, Blk A, Spg 150, Wisma PH Apong, Kiulap (673 8889169)

Ner Dee Café #F11 1st Flr Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap (673 7331783)

DIVINE DINING EXQUISITE MEALS IN BEAUTIFUL SETTINGS – PERFECT FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS

Peppermint Café #209B, 2nd Flr, Wisma Jaya, Jln Pemancha, BSB, BS8811 (673 8622848)

Atrium Café The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 418888)

Piccolo Café #11 Jln McArthur, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 2241558)

Dynasty Restaurant Grd Flr Centrepoint Hotel, Gadong (673 2430185)

Rack & Brew #9 Blk H 1st & 2nd Flr Abdul Razak Complex, Gadong (673 7299668)

The Horizons Seafood Restaurant Waterfront, Jln McArthur, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 2233400)

The Krema Coffee #D31 Lim Eng Ming Complex Blk D, Kg Kiulap (673 8973600) The Library Café #6 Blk C, Bangunan Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap t-Lounge by Dilmah 1st Flr Blk B Little Soho, Jln Batu Bersurat (673 2456128)

I-Lotus 20 Spg 12-26 Perumahan Rakyat Jati, Kg Rimba (673 2422466) Le Keris L2/22, 1st Flr, Seri Q-Lap Mall (673 2230149)

Lobby Lounge The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 2418888) Pantai Restaurant The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 2418888) Savy’s Brasserie 204 Lvl 2 Mabohai Shopping Complex, Mabohai (673 2240829)

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Senja Restaurant 8&9 Grd Flr Seri Kiulap Complex, Kiulap (673 2235313) Spaghettini The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong (673 2418888) Tarindak d’Polo Royal Brunei Polo & Riding Club, Jerudong (673 2612500) Tarindak D’Seni Brunei Arts & Handicrafts Centre, Kota Batu (673 2240422) GO GREEN HEALTHY AND VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY OPTIONS Brunei Detox Bar 9 Grd Flr, Abdul Razak Complex, BE3519 Mituo Vegetarian Restaurant #11 Block B Grd Floor PAP Norain Complex, Batu Satu (673 2222821) Pureland Vegetarian Restaurant #15 Blk B Grd Flr Bgn Hj Awg Ahmad bin Hassan & Anak-anak, Kiulap (673 2236503) The Healthy Habit Blk A, Setia Kenangan II, Kg Kiulap BE1518 (673 2231030) TienSing Vegetarian & Catering Restaurant 21-22 Bangunan Hj Hassan II, Jln Gadong, Kg Menglait (673 2454988) QUICK EATS FAST AND DELICIOUS MEALS FOR THOSE ON THE GO Burgers & Grills F20, Jln Tengah Bangunan, Bowling Alley Seria, Kpg Pekan Seria (673 3221434) Chickilicious Unit 20, Grd Flr, Blk B, Spg 150, Regent Square, Kiulap (673 823 7518)

Zen Pavilion Located just beyond Pantai Restaurant on Level 1, Zen Pavilion offers customers an exclusive dining experience, watching chefs prepare excellent dishes on the teppanyaki grill with flare and offering some of the most authentic Japanese cuisine. Daily à la carte dinner is available. OPEN 6pm-9pm (closed Thursdays) – advance booking is required

Zest A stylish café located at the Atrium on Level 5, enjoy a hot beverage with a selection of pastries, cakes, savoury treats, confectionary and chocolates, made fresh daily with the finest quality ingredients. OPEN DAILY 24 hours (midnight-6am for Empire Hotel residents only)

NON-HALAL OPTIONS My Fried Chicken Grd Flr, Freshco Food Junction, Times Square, Kg Jaya Setia

Danes Café #102, Bgn Batu Bersurat, Jln Batu Bersurat (673 2428914)

Nasi Katok Mama Express No 3 Blk A Grd Flr Kompleks Madang, Madang (673 8641681)

Golden Leaf Coffee House Blk 1 Grd Flr PAP Hjh Norain Building, Jln Batu Satu (673 2220422) – Call for other branches

Pan & Wok #28A Grd Flr Airport Mall, Kg Jaya Setia (673 2342836) RBC Express Fast Food #1 Grd Flr Blk A, Bangunan Hj Matussin, Kg Kiulap (673 2237253) Wayback Burgers Unit B10-11 Setia Kenangan II Spg 150 Kiulap (673 2236882)

Phongmun Restaurant 2nd Flr Teck Guan Plaza Jln Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 2229561) Sui Heng Restaurant Grd Flr Hj Munchit & Hjh Rapiah Complex, Kg Jaya Setia (673 2338321) Hua Hua Restaurant Grd Flr, Blk B, Bangunan Urairah, Kiulap

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG listings

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) 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 61 543) CAFÉ DE VIE Lot D-0-6 Lorong Metro Town 3, Kota Kinabalu (6088 393 863) CAFÉ HARU 7, Lorong Gunung Juo, Taman Far East Kota Kinabalu (6010 935 1233) 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)

KOREAN CLUB RESTAURANT 4 Jln Aru, Kota Kinabalu (6088 232 213) 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) MAI YAI THAI ORCHID RESTAURANT Lot 13 KK Waterfront, Kota Kinabalu (6088 234 841) MDM ING FISH NOODLE Lot 21 Towering Koidupan Perdana Jln Tambunan, Penampang (6016 831 8726) MR HO’S FINE FOODS L-72-G Grd Flr Blk L KK Times Square Phase 1, Kota Kinabalu (6088 222 623) NAGASAKI JAPANESE RESTAURANT No 19 Grd Flr Bangunan Harrison Jln Hj Saman, Kota Kinabalu (6088 216 623)

GAM TONG HONG KONG RECIPE Lot G-823 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 488 833)

NAM CHAI RESTAURANT BAH KUT TEH 10 Blk D Bdr Nam Tung, Sandakan (6089 612 603)

GRANDCHAMPS CAVE & SHOP Unit S3A, Ground Floor, Block B, The Peak Vista, Kota Kinabalu (6088 261 886)

NAN YANG CHIC KUT TEH Grd Flr Lot 47 Jln Pantai, Kota Kinabalu (6016 833 5722)

HANA JAPANESE RESTAURANT Lot S21&S22 Blk E City Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 538 178)

NATURAL KITCHEN Lot No B10 & B11, Suria Sabah Shoppin Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 487 180)

HUT STEAK HOUSE & RESTAURANT 29 Blk E Damai Plaza, Kota Kinabalu (6088 238 558)

NISHIKI JAPANESE RESTAURANT Shop 4 Grd Flr 63 Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu (6088 230 582)

JOTHY’S FISH HEAD CURRY & BANANA LEAF Blk 1 Lot G9 Api Api Centre, Kota Kinabalu (6088 261 595) 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) 46

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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 (6088 254 161) PANCAKE HOUSE Concourse Flr 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 448 110) Lot G94-94A Karamunsing Complex, Kota Kinabalu (6088 319 168)

PARTY PLAY 117 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 311 210) PASTA PASTA 108 Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6014 371 4665) PEPPERMINT VIETNAMESE CUISINE No. 85 Grd Flr Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6012 802 4582) PORT VIEW SEAFOOD VILLAGE Lot 18 The Waterfront Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 221 753) PUSAS THE SMOKEHOUSE Ground Floor, S6, Jalan Signal Hill The Peak Vista, Kota Kinabalu (6088 299 199) RESTAURANT BABA & NYONYA RECIPE Blk E Grd Flr Grand Millennium Plaza, Penampang (6016 810 8206) RESTORAN MAKANAN SEDAP No 1-0-1 Blk B Jln Kolam Centre Phase 2 Jln Lintas, Kota Kinabalu (6088 247 459) SAILORS Lot 36 1st Flr Grand Millennium Plaza, Penampang (6088 731 960) SAKURA JAPANESE RESTAURANT G-23A & G-25, Oceanus Waterfront Mall, Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, 88000 Kota Kinabalu (6088 273 604) SANTOLA CAFÉ Lot 14 Blk B Damai Point, Kota Kinabalu (6088 260 188) SENG HING RESTAURANT Ruang Sinsugan 2, Kota Kinabalu (6088 211 594) SEREMBAN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT Lot 126 Blk O Plaza Permai, Kota Kinabalu (6088 484 922) SUANG TAIN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT Lot 12 Blk A Grd Flr SEDCO Complex, Kota Kinabalu (6088 223 080)

SUPUL KOREAN BBQ RESTAURANT Lot S-1-8 1st Flr City Mall, Kota Kinabalu (6088 448 844) TOSCANI’S Lot 14 The Waterfront Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 242 879)

BEEI JING RESTAURANT SDN BHD 157 Jln Kg Nyabor, Sibu (6084 330 955) BISMI RESTAURANT 27 Jln Sommerville, Bintulu (6086 331 835)

THE B.E.A.N CAFÉ Lot 8-1, Lido Plaza, Jalan Nosoob, Penampang (6088 703 884) Café with a sofa lounge serving coffee and drinks, sandwiches, toasts, waffles, and desserts

BITES BY THE BATIK 38 Jln Pandungan, Kuching (6082 422 845)

THE B SIDE Lot 21, Ground Floor, Lido Plaza, Jalan Nosoob Penampang (6088 715 453) – Hipster café offering all-day dining and specialty coffees

BLACK BEAN COFFE & TEA 87, Ewe Hai Street, 93000 Kuching (6082 420 290)

VINO VINO BISTRO Unit J-57, 1st Flr, KK Times Square, 88100, Kota Kinabalu (6088 486 363) 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)

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) ASIAN EXPRESS RESTAURANT G40 The Spring, Kuching (6082 414 088) BEE HIONG RESTAURANT CAFÉ 157G Jln Muhibbah, Lawas (6085 285 137)

BLA BLA BLA 27, Jln Tabuan, 93000, Kuching (6082 2330944) –

BOARDRIDERS CAFÉ Plaza Merdeka Jln Pearl, Kuching (6082 237 526) BOULEVARD RESTAURANT 2228 Jln Saberkas, Lutong (6085 653 175) BUENAS FILIPINO LECHON & RESTAURANT 329 Jln Tj Batu, Bintulu (6086 310 860) CAFÉ CAFÉ AT ORIGINAL CARWASH Low 211-214, Section 9, KTLD, Rubber Rd, Kuching (6082 256 396) CAFÉ MIN XIN Lot 1126-27 Riam Comm Centre, Miri (6085 628 839)

Oil Town Comm Complex, Miri (6085 424 000) EARTHLINGS COFFEE WORKSHOP Coffee shop, roaster, academy Lot 45, Grd Flr, No. 1, CityONE Megamall, Jln Song EAST COURT CHICKEN RICE 867 Jln Club SAman (6083 326 818) EDEN EVERISE Wisma Nation Horizon, Block C, Kuching (6016 888 4522) ESCOBAR SF3 Damai Cenral Pantai Damai Santubong, Kuching (6014 288 1160) FAC BRAVO RESTAURANT 7778 Jln Sultan Iskandar, Bintulu (6086 316 920) FARLEY RESTAURANT 1721 Jln Salim, Sibu (6019 816 3052) FEAST & FURIOUS CAFÉ 244, Jln Tunku Abdul Rahman (6016 2620916) FISHERMAN RESTAURANT 4 Jln Chew Geok Lin, Sibu (6084 316 888) FRATINI’S RESTAURANT 2512 Jln Boulevard 3, Miri (6085 431 115) FU LAI SIANG RESTAURANT 108 Jln Pekan Bt Niah, Bt Niah (6085 737 168)

CAPITAL RESTAURANT 86 Jln Keppel, Bintulu (6086 331 160)

GOLDEN CITY RESTAURANT 87, Jln Ong Chu Seng, Saratok (6083 436 139)

CARVERY RESTAURANT Jln Abell, Kuching (6082 239 449)

HIGHLANDS SEAFOOD RESTAURANT 298 Jln Tj Bt, Bintulu (6086 318 828)

CASABELLA MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT Crown Square, Kuching (6082 346 612) CHEF AT HOME Lorong Green 1 Blk 10, Kuching (6016 858 5159) CHUAN HONG RESTAURANT 123 Jln Council SAman (6083 322 466) CROWN DYNASTY RESTAURANT Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Bintulu (6086 335 908) CUPPA-KAP COFFEE Jln Song, Kuching (6019 8869636) DA MI XIANG GU TOU BAO RESTAURANT Tabuan Hts Comm Centre, Kuching (6082 458 952) DYNASTY CHINESE ESTAURANT

HOCK CHU LEU RESTAURANT 28 Jln Tukang Besi, Sibu (6084 316 524) IMPERIAL RESTAURANT Grd Floor, Imperial Hotel, Lot 827, Jalan Pos 98000 MIRI (6085 431 888) IMPERIAL DUCK RESTAURANT 313 Jln Padungan, Kuching (6082 336 313) JAMES BROOKE BISTRO & CAFÉ Jln 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)

biG listings 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) 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)

MOMOYAMA Wisma Phoenix, Kuching (6082 420 561) MY LITTLE KITCHEN 56, Upper China Street, D’tea Pavilion, Friendship Park, Jln Song, Kuching (6016 858 6669) NAM HOI RESTAURANT 110 Jln Penrissen Bt 7, Kuching (6082 612 379) ORION TROPICAL Jln Merpati, Miri (6085 417 417) PADUNGAN RESTAURANT 268 Jln Tunku Abd Rahman, Kuching (6082 233 417)

LOK THIAN RESTAURANT 317 Jln Padungan, Kuching (6082 3313 310)

PATZ DAYAK HOME COOK SPECIAL New Full 3 Foodcourt, Stutong (next to Giant Hypermart, Tabuan Jaya) (6016 864 4763)

LU LAI VEGETARIAN 3641, Lrg 2 Off Jln Rock, Kuching (6082 242 863)

PIN PIN CAFÉ 18 Jln Krokong Bau (6082 763 486)

LUCKY RESTAURANT 65C G Pekan Marudi, Marudi (6085 755 562)

PINANG NYONYA 18, Grd Flr, 2nd Precinct, Jln Setia Raja 93450, Kuching ( 6082 459 162)

LYN’S THANDOORI RESTAURANT 7 Jln Song Thian Cheok, Kuching (6082 234 934) MENAWAN RESTAURANT Grd Floor, Imperial Palace HotelLot 1120 Blk 7 Jalan Sehati MCLD 98000 MIRI (6085 432 299)

POPULAR CORNER SEAFOODS RESTAURANT Bda Shahida Commercial Centre, Bintulu (6086 319 688) PORTICO 17A Lorong Park Lane, Kuching (6019 819 8046)

MANGO TREE RESTAURANT Jalan Crookshank, Kuching (6082 235 353)

POT & GRILL RESTAURANT 9 Jln Tun Abd Rahman Yaakub, Kuching (6082 425 525)

MAP RESTAURANT Bang Terminal, Kuching (6082 459 087)

REJANG RESTAURANT 6 Lrg Lanang 2 Sibu (6016 860 2636)

MARCO POLO RESTAURANT 116A BDA Shahida, Bintulu (6086 332 458)

ROBATA YAKI 493 Jln Rambutan, Kuching (6082 235 372)

MEDAN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT 56, Jln Mdn Setiaraja, Mukah (6084 874 145)

ROCK ROAD SEAFOOD RESTAURANT 1230 Jln Rock Bt 2½ , Kuching (6082 241 575)

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)

SEVENTY2 RESTAURANT 894 Jln Permaisuri, Miri (6085 366 318) SHABU-KUN RESTAURANT 253 Jln Tj Bt, Bintulu (6086 317 311)

JAPANESE RESTAURANT 317 Jln Padungan, Kuching (6082 331 310) TEO SEAFOOD 787 Jln Kg Buntal, Kuching (6082 846 532)

SEAFOOD CENTRE Jln Padungan, Bukit Mata, Kuching (6019 889 9838) TRIBAL STOVE Blk H Jln Borneo Taman Sri, Kuching (6082 234 873)

AL-YEMEN RESTAURANT

SIN LUNG SHENG FU TIAO QIANG RESTAURANT 10788 Jln Simpang Tiga, Kuching (6082 231 260)

THE DYAK RESTAURANT Sublot 29, Grd Flr, Panovel Commercial Complex, Jln Simpang Tiga, 93300, Kuching (6016 868 0071)

SIN SOON CHIN RESTAURANT 2415 Jln Boulevard 2, Miri (6012 808 5456)

THE JUNK Western fare 80, Jln Wayang, 93000, Kuching (6082 259 450)

SRI MENANTI COFFEE HOUSE RESTAURANT 15 Lrg Pahlawan 7b, Sibu (6084 218 196)

TIAN XIAN RELISH RESTAURANT 313 Jln Melaka Raya, MC (606 288 1120)

XIN TSUI SIANG KITCHEN Wisma Nation Horizon Blk D, Kuching (6082 414 616)

TONG LOK RESTAURANT 1367 Jln Buangsiol, Limbang (6085 216 188)

YUN YAN RESTAURANT Stutong Comm Centre, Kuching (6082 366 115)

Dubbing itself as East Malaysia’s first authentic Arab cuisine restaurant, Al-Yemen is a glittering gem when it comes to doing what it does best— Arabic food. Hummus, falafels, tabbolah, chicken mandy and a variety of biryani, the list of mouth-watering Middle Eastern cuisine goes on and on. With a kitchen that works hard to create quality authentic dishes from scratch (including vegetarian-friendly options!), their prices are also surprisingly easy on the pocket and worth every spice-laden bite—perfect for a meal shared between family and friends. Affordable dishes served in generous portions and enjoyed in a chill venue with a bustling Middle Eastern theme? Don’t mind if we do!

SUSHI TIE-TTS Wisma Sanyan, Sibu (6084 342 875)

TONG XIN COURT RESTAURANT 151 Lrg Datuk Abang Abd Rahim 5a, Kuching (6082 482 252)

ZHUN SAN YEN VEGETARIAN FOOD Lot 165 Jln Chan Ann, Kuching (6082 230 068)

441, Jalan Merdeka, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak Tel: 6082-233 543 IG: @alyemenrestaurant.kch FB: @alyemenrestaurantofficial

TEN-ICHI

TOPSPOT BUKIT MATA

SHERATON RESTAURANT 37 Psn Brooke, Sibu (6084 336 341)

SURABAYA RESTAURANT 288 Jln Bendahara, Miri (6085 411 239) SUSHI KIN The Spring, Kuching (6082 245 355)

THE BANQUET 4560 Jln Datuk Tawi Sli, Kuching (6082 451 414)

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)

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)

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

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.

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

TOURIST

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).

BUSES 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.

KALIMANTAN Banks

In Pontianak, banks open from 8am 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 While major credit cards such as Mastercard, Visa and American Express are accepted in establishments in the bigger cities, it is advisable to carry cash in small denominations especially around remote areas.

$ Money Changer

Licensed money changers can be found in most cities and major banks.

AIR TRAVEL

The Supadio International Airport is the main airport of Pontianak and West Kalimantan, and is located 17km away from the city limits. The airport serves direct domestic flights to other cities in Indonesia, and is also the terminal for international flight carrier AirAsia.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

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It is possible to make IDD phone calls at payphones using coins or call cards. You can also register for a SIM card at most telecommunications shops or at the airport. Most major hotels have WIFI in guest rooms or public areas, and an increasing number of restaurants also have WIFI zones.

Taxis

Taxis can be found at the international airport, shopping malls and other public places.

Ferry Services The Pontianak Crossing Port allows ferry connection to other cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan and Batam.

TOURIST INFORMATION For more information, visit: www.indonesia.travel/gb/en/destinations/kalimantan Unit1.45B, First Floor, The Mall, Abdul Razak Complex, Gadong, Brunei Darussalam BE3519

Tel: +673 245 7700 www.missha.net

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.

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 the airport terminal 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

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

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hara

The Royal Regalia Building Jalan

Syariah Courts

Tamu Selera (Hawker Stalls)

ma Secretariat Building

H tre Cen

Tourist Information Centre Place of Interest

n Om Sulta

Jal

Public Toilet

nS ton ey

Chinese Temple

Dewan Bahasa (Library)

4 SirTaman Omar Ali Saifuddien

Yayasan SHHB Complex

3 Jalan Tutong

Jala n Su mb i ling

DST Yayasan Branch

Jalan

Istan a 10 mins 1 Former Royal Customs & Excise Building / Art Gallery

11 Tamu Kianggeh

10 Raja Ayang Mausoleum 10 mins

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

2 1968 Coronation Arch

Ma an Jal

Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

5 mins

sjid

8 Dewan Majlis and Lapau 5 mins

7 The Royal Regalia 10 mins

a Om

li S r ‘A

u aif

ien dd

1968 Coronation Arch

10 mins 5 mins 3 4 Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Taman Haji Sir Muda Mosque Omar Ali Saifuddien

9 Timepiece Stone Monument

Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery

5 The Secretariat Building 6 Lapau Lama Building

5 mins

Public Transport

Jalan Roberts

DST Yayas an

Ston ey

Hotel Police Station

Takaful IBB Building

Jalan Pretty

Water Taxi Bank/ ATM/ Money Changer

Bus Terminal

Raja Ayang Mausoleum ien Time Piece d d u Saif Stone Monument ar Ali

Pearce

Jala

Brunei Hotel

PGGMB Building

Jalan

Kianggeh Jetty

KIANGG

6 LapauinLga/ Builtdory is

Restaurant

Tamu 11 Kianggeh

Bandar Seri Begawan & Brunei Stamp Gallery

Jala n Be

Trader's Inn

SUNGAI

ggeh Kian ngai n Su General Post Office

ajlis an Mpau Dewd a an L

Radisson Hotel

ab an B Jalan Pengir

Jalan McArthur

Jalan

Jala

Istana Nurul Iman

Kota Batu

Jalan Elizabeth Dua

Kampung B

MAP

m Jalan Ka

erangan

Belia Pusat Centre) (Youth

DarulIfta

Kiarong

Jubilee Hotel

an James

BANDAR

pu n g

Capital Residence Suites

WALKING

Badiah Hotel

uR aja

Es an Jal

City Grand Hotel

Batu Bersurat

Shop

Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque

SEE GADONG MAP

Tungku hraya Lebu

DST Airport Mall Branch

Batu Satu

SUNGAI BRUNEI

Tourist Information Centre Public Transport

RIPAS Hospital

M e n t er i

Placeof Interest

nan

an Pe rda na

KgAyer Cultural and Tourism Gallery

Brunei International Airport

aha

Ja Tasek Lama l an

t nTu

Leb uhr aya

ert

SEE BANDAR MAP

la Ja

RoyalBrunei Airlines GolfClub

Restaurant Hotel

Jal

Mabohai Prime Shopping Complex Minister Office Building

Dermaga Diraja Bandar Seri Begawan

Bank/ ATM/ Money Changer

National Stadium

KgJaya Setia

Times Square Hotel

Shop

Edinburgh Palace

Brunei Arts& Handicraft Centre Kampong Ayer

tor Jalan Ca

DST Airport Mall

ianggeh

TasekLama Recreational Park

Orchid Garden D'Anggerek Hotel

eribi Jalan Per ahaanB us

Airport

ban gsaan

Jala n Me nter i Bes ar

ara JalanMu

Jala nU tam aB era kas

Serusop & Delima

Jala

e nK

Jalan

Embassy Row

International Convention Centre

saan Kebang

Jalan Pemancha

MAP

Jal an Sub ok

JalanKgK

HuaHo Manggis Mall

atu aB Kot an Jal

SERI BEGAWAN

Mentiri Utama Jalan

BANDAR

biG navigator

GADONG

MAP

SUNGAI MENG

Rizqun International Hotel

Block J

Fish Market (Gadong Wet Market)

AIT

Bangunan H Tahir A

Simpang 37

LAIT

ENGL SUNGAI M

Bangunan H Tahir A

Gadong Night Market (Pasar Pelbagai Barangan Gadong)

Hj Tahir Complex 2

Shop Bank/ ATM/ Money Changer

Sim

Block G

Block A

Block F Block B

Block C

O GC

Hotel

H KS

Block H

Jal a

nD aya n

iti

Ha m

Clinic

YONG SIONG HAI COMPLEX ida

Block D

Police Station

IT GLA

37 ng

U DA

Sim pa

dong Jalan Ga

Restaurant

LEX

O DC

D AB

Block E

The Mall, Gadong

LEX

The Centrepoint Jaya Hotel Hypermart

I ME

GA SUN

Sim pa

Guan Electrical

BAN HALIMGUNAN SAADIAATUL H

Jala n

Pas ar G a

don

Centrepoint

Public Transport

Hua Ho

SUN

GAI

KIULAP

MAP

gun

Ban

Bangunan Haji Abdul Rahman

Berib i

Qlap Complex

Public Transport DST Exclusive Dealers

N AYA KED

hma

Hj A

Bangunan Awg Hj Matussin Jalan

Berib

n Ko

Jalan

wg an A

Jala

Clinic

Bangunan Lim Eng Ming

g Yon l ap Man x Kiu Hau Comple mersial

BIBD Bank

Police Station

Baiduri Bank

Tian & Chuan Building

ing

Kampung Kiulap

ngan Build

IGS College

Setia Kena

Hotel

GAI

Seri Kiulap Complex

Shop

Restaurant

mplex

Kiulap Plaza Hotel

Wisma Pengiran Hj Apong

Bank/ ATM/ Money Changer

SUN

Seri Qlap Mall

Yong Clinic

lap

Regent Square

Shakirin Co

Post Office

Fitness Zone

GLA

mersial Kiu n Ko Jala

Setia Kenangan 2 Complex

Palm Garden Hotel

MEN

Bangunan Begawan Pehin Dato Hj Mohd Yusof

Urairah Complex Post Office

Lee Clinic

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG screen

Stay at Home, Disturbia (2007)

Home Alone (1990)

Directed by Chris Columbus Starring MacCaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern

After waking up one morning to discover that his family forgot to bring him along on their Christmas vacation to the French capital of Paris, eight-year-old Kevin McCallister unwittingly finds himself in the position of having to defend his three-storey household from the predations of two burglars. Having successfully burgled several houses in the area, drama ensues in this comedy when the robbers discover a determined youngster within a boob-trapped house that they would have been better off leaving alone.

Money Pit (1986) Directed by Richard Benjamin Starring Tom Hanks, Shelley Long and Alexander Godunov After purchasing a beautiful mansion for an incredibly low price from a con artist, Walter Fielding and his girlfriend Anna Crowley discover upon their move into the property that a whole host of issues have been glossed over. From several sections of the house collapsing, to electrical fires and an unwelcome raccoon, the renovations required to turn this residence into their future home quickly becomes a money pit as they struggle to secure the necessary funds, and all against the backdrop of additional drama from Anna’s previous marriage.

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

Directed by D.J. Caruso Starring Shia LaBeouf, Sarah Roemer and David Morse

When a teenager finds himself placed under house arrest following an assault charge, Kale Brecht is faced with the reality of having to spend three-months with an ankle bracelet that prevents him from straying beyond the boundaries of his home. Armed with a pair of binoculars Kale then takes to spying on the people within the immediate vicinity of his neighbourhood and things quickly go downhill after spotting a neighbour with a dented car fender matching the description of a serial-killer at large.

Start a business

A person’s house is their castle and it goes without saying that these structures are made all the more interesting courtesy of the wide variety of stories that they literally play host to courtesy of their inhabitants. With large swathes of the world still experiencing Covid-19 lockdowns and social distancing measures, there are many among us that find ourselves stuck at home in order to help flatten the curve. Those with a more entrepreneurial spirit have taken to pushing their home-based businesses with zeal during this time. In this issue of BiG we’ve decided to share a selection of home-based movies that highlight the dramas of home life as well as the pursuits of start-ups.

biG screen

Knives Out (2019)

Clue (1985)

Directed by Jonathan Lynn Starring Christopher Lloyd, Tim Curry and Lesley Ann Warren

Based on the popular board game, Cluedo, this classic ‘whodunit’ begins with six strangers arriving at a secluded New England mansion in 1954. When a seventh guest arrives who the mansion’s butler reveals has information that can lead to the potential blackmail of everybody in the initial group, prompting the new arrival to expose everyone within the household if he is arrested. This leads to the handing out of the game’s iconic weapons and a demand for them to murder the butler. When this plan then goes awry, the murder-mystery then begins in earnest.

Directed by Rian Johnson Starring Chris Evans, Daniel Craig and Jamie Lee Curtis This modern ‘whodunit’ film revolves around an eccentric and combative family, whose patriarch, renowned crime novelist Harlan Thrombey is found dead on his estate following his 85th birthday. When inquisitive and debonair detective Benoit Blanc is mysteriously enlisted to investigate the crime, a web of self-serving deceit is brought to the fore as he sifts through lie after lie while dealing with a Harlan’s dysfunctional family and loyal staff to uncover the hidden truth.

The Intern (2015)

Joy (2015)

Directed by Nancy Meyers Starring Robert DeNiro, Anne Hathaway and Rene Russo When a bored 70-year-old retired executive and widower applies to a senior citizen intern programme to keep himself occupied, he becomes immersed in the world of online retail when his candidacy for a fast-growing e-commerce fashion start up is accepted. Assigned to work under the CEO and barely having anything to do as he is viewed as being out of place, Ben Whitaker quickly impresses his much younger colleagues with his congeniality and wisdom, proving himself to be a useful and eventually indispensable member of the team.

Directed by David O Russell Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Edgar Ramirez and Bradley Cooper Based on a true story, Eastern Airlines ticketing clerk Joy Mangano has always had a knack for creating things that have led to other people other making fortunes based on ideas she came up with years ago due to a lack of access to manufacturing. A divorcee who is broke with a family to look after, everything changes when the persistent Joy is determined to break into the market with her revolutionary miracle mop, which leads her out of poverty to success.

The Start-Up Kids (2012) Directed by Valla Halldorsdottir & Sesselja Vilhjalmsdottir Starring interviewees Zach Klein, Jessica Mah and Ben Way A one-hour long documentary created by two Icelandic women, it follows the rise and success of web-based entrepreneurs in both Europe and the US. Containing interviews with the founders and investors of well-known and established companies inclusive of Vimeo, Soundcloud, Dropbox, inDinero, Kiip, Foodspotting and more, this is a commentary on how they started their companies and lives as entrepreneurs.

Borneo.Insider’s.Guide

biG screen

M O V IE S T O L O OK O U T F O R T HI S Q U A R T E R While COVID-19 is still wrecking release dates of our most anticipated film releases, we’re hopeful that soon the cinemas will safely open and everyone will be able to continue indulging in popcorn and the big screen. As of the time this was written, these were the updated release dates worldwide. They are subject to change.

JAN 15

TENET

Starring Janelle Monáe, Kiersey Clemons and Jena Malone

THE 355

Starring Jessica Chastain, Penelope Cruz and Lupita Nyong’o

Think ‘The Expendables’ but classier and led by a squad of all-female Oscar-winning Hollywood stars, whom are recruited from across the world. A reference to Agent 355 - the codename for America’s first female spy – this James Bond meets Ocean’s 8 mash-up sees the cast shooting things and stealing stuff as they take on a common foe.

Starring Ralph Fiennes, Rhys Ifans and Gemma Arterton

MAR 5

GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE THE KING’S MAN

FEB

The next Christopher Nolan directed film is always hotly anticipated – even if we’re not quite sure what it’s about. What we do know: in the world of international espionage, a secret agent (John David Washington) is tasked to stop World War Three. Before you lump it in the spy thriller genre, there is also a theme about time travel, or ‘time inversion’ in this case, and before you call it sci-fi, also remember that Nolan adheres to no genre. Like he did for the audience with Inception, walk into the cinema without a clue, and prepare to get your mind blown.

When a gathering of the worst tyrants and criminal masterminds of the 20th Century form a unified cabal with the intention to plot a war with a goal that could potentially wipe out millions of lives, the Kingsman agency is formed. From these stalwart defenders one man and his protégé rise to race against time to stop the cabal before it is too late.

FEB

A single mother and her two children move to an Oklahoma farm after being evicted from their home, where they learn about their family’s link to one of the original Ghostbusters, following a series of unexplained earthquakes. Set 30 years after the events of the Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II films of the 1980s, this is a highly anticipated film which you can expect some of the original cast to reprise their roles.

MORBIUS

ANTLERS

Starring Mckenna Grace, Finn Wolfhard and Carrie Coon

Starring Jared Leto, Michael Keaton and Adria Arjona

Starring Keri Russell, Jesse Plemons and Jeremy T. Thomas

Based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name, Dr Morbius attempts a desperate gamble as he tries to cure himself of a rare blood disorder, in order to save himself and those suffering from the same affliction. What initially appears to be a success proves to be anything but, as the remedy causes him to turn into a vampire.

After an elementary school student writes a particularly disturbing story for an assignment, his small town Oregon teacher and her local Sheriff brother become entwined in a dangerous mystery as they investigate a local legend with frightening consequences.

THE MANY SAINTS OF NEWARK

MAR 12

Starring Ray Liotta, Jon Bernthal and Vera Farmiga

This American crime drama is the prequel to the popular HBO drama series The Sopranos. Set in New Jersey in the 1960s and 1970s, this look into the formative years of gangster Tony Soprano highlights the racial tension and conflict that erupts between the Italian-American and African-American communities while set against the backdrop of the 1967 city riots.

MAR 19

THE MALL CINEPLEX @ LEVEL 3, THE MALL, GADONG 2422455 www.themallcineplex.com TIMES CINEPLEX@EMPIRE, EMPIRE HOTEL AND COUNTRY CLUB, JERUDONG 2610001 www.timescineplex.com/ empirePSBdualplex TIMES SQUARE CINEPLEX @ 4TH FLOOR, TIMES SQUARE SHOPPING CENTRE, BERAKAS 2341122 www.timescineplex.com THE ARENA CINEPLEX @ SERI QLAP MALL, KG KIULAP 2230138 www. arena-cineplex.com ONE CINEPLEX @ ONE CITY SHOPPING CENTRE Tel: 2338250 onecineplex.com AMAN HILLS CINEPLEX @ AMAN SHOPPING CENTRE Tel: 2335000 onecineplex.com TUTONG TIMES CINEPLEX @ BERJAYA COMPLEX, TUTONG 4220422 PSB DUALPLEX, SERIA @ F19, JALAN TENGAH, SERIA 3221437 www.facebook.com/PSBdualplex

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NATIONAL DAY

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