Editor’s Note

Welcome to the middle of the year everyone, and what a whirlwind of celebration the last few months have been! As the realization that July was just on my doorstep and the last of the Hari Raya open houses officially done for the year, thoughts of the monsoon season to come left me with an aching desire to make the most of the remaining ‘summer’ and all the calm-watered, blistering sunshine goodness, that the dry months bring. This year has been particularly hot with temperatures soaring well beyond the normal thirty degrees celsius range we islanders are accustomed to, and fiercer thunderstorms that clearly have much to say. And perhaps what better way to channel this than a literal celebration of nature?

In this issue, you will hopefully find inspiration to get out there and discover new ways to enjoy or rekindle your connection to this beautiful island. Bolstered by the keen eye and sharp wit of contributor Gary Stanyard, you’ll find some stellar hikes around Brunei for all levels of fun; camping and nature enthusiasts will enjoy reading our special outdoors section where we share some of our favourite selections of accommodations and campsites around Borneo, including a new island retreat that promises a very comfortable beachside stay just outside of Kota Kinabalu city. Those preferring to sit back and lean into nature via the big screen will relish the round up of nature-themed movies that our team has selected. My personal favourite of the bunch, the 14 Peaks documentary, has been a good watch whenever inspiration to persevere was needed.

It wouldn’t do without something food-related and our BIG Appetite special scours the land for some of the tastiest Nasi Lemak around - a dish as ubiquitous as its cheap cousin, Nasi Katok - the former enjoying a slightly more elevated status with its combination of fragrant, oiled rice and plethora of accoutrements. Beyond our shores, we dive into the rising global influence of Asian-backed brands like MUJI who spearheaded the worldwide trend of living and loving all things simply. Perhaps, with a little inspiration from the wilderness of Borneo, you can also find moments of joy this quarter.

Borneo Insider’s Guide magazines are distributed to:

@b.i.g.magazine

BIG: Borneo Insider’s Guide @bigborneo

Publisher CHMP MEDIA

Editor Ying Chia

Contributor

Gary Stanyard Designer

Aqilah Hj Abu Bakar

Marketing Manager

Yasmin Jamal

Brunei | biG contact@borneoinsidersguide.com

T: (673) 2331031

F: (673) 2231031

Unit 49, Second Floor

Haji Munchit & Hajah Dayang Rapiah Complex Kg Jaya Setia, Berakas, BB2713 Brunei Darussalam

You can also find Borneo Insider’s Guide magazines at the Brunei International Airport

26-27 Brunei's Hidden Gems: Five Hiking Trails to Explore

BiG SPECIAL

28 Bakuls of Borneo

BiG GETAWAY

30-31 A Place of All Seasons

BiG Beyond

32-33 Adventure is Out There!

34-35 Livin' In The Sunshine

BiG Talk

36 Hamdi Matussin

37 Alif 'AlifChief' Ahmad

BiG Appetite

38-41 Plateful of Flavour

42-45 Restaurant listings in Brunei

46-47 Restaurant listings in Borneo

BiG SCREEN

54-55 Somewhere Out There...

56 Movies to look out for this quarter

ASIACRAFT EXPO

Expect a sourcing and buying dream for art and handicrafts, textiles and lifestyle products here. You’ll find unique traditional and modern-day crafts alongside priceless antiques, or indulge in the live art shows, masterclasses and forums designed to inspire and inform.

6 Borneo.Insider’s.Guide calendar

Finally making a comeback after COVID-19 is the event that has been recognised as one of the World’s 50 Best Running Races by Runner’s World magazine. Whether you’re attempting the full marathon, half marathon or 10KM distance run, you’ll find a great challenge on their road routes around vibrant Kota Kinabalu.

This whimsical festival celebrates kites in their glory with activities like traditional kite making, flight demonstrations, the Asia Pacific Sportkite Championships and a special stunt-kite performance by former world champions from Japan, the Air-Rex Team.

When His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei celebrates his 77th birthday, the public can look forward to a royal address by His Majesty, a colourful parade and chances to personally meet the monarch during walkabouts across the four districts.

SEP 21-24

SABAH INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE, KOTA KINABALU

PARTNERSHIP SUMMIT 2023 www.bruneitourism.travel | www.sabahtourism.com | www.sarawaktourism.com

The longest running and largest consumer dive expo in Asia will host its Sabah edition for the opportunity to connect and network with water-minded people and businesses.

A celebration of joy and people, this tradition has been celebrated in East Kalimantan since 12th century AD. Revelers take part in the various activities and practices such as Beluluh which aims to purify one’s physical and spiritual self, and the ‘stretching of the dragon’ parade at the river.

BRUNEI, SABAH, SARAWAK

The birthday of Prophet Muhammad, the last prophet sent by God in Islam, is marked in Brunei by prayers the night before and the recitation of ‘zikir’ meditations. His Majesty The Sultan of Brunei typically leads a procession around the capital of Bandar on the morning of Maulud Nabi to honor of this holy day.