MUHIBAH November|December 2015

roya l b ru n e i a ir l in e s | Nov ember - D ecember 20 15

BY ROYA L B R U N E I A I R L I N E S | N ov em be r - De c em be r 2 01 5

2 5 Years o f RB ’s B run ei -Lo n do n S ervi ce

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IN THIS ISSUE

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COVER RB celebrates its 25th anniversary of service to London.

AWARD FOR BEST MAGAZINE Indian International Journalism Festival 2011

Editorial Board Advisor Royal Brunei Airlines Head, Corporate Communications Azhani Abu Daniel Editorial Muaz Roslan, Mahyuddin Zulkipli Editorial & Production General Manager Jacqueline W M Wong Editor Anis Ramli Editorial Assistant Kim Low Studio Director Lau Weng Leong Creative Director Michele Tee Digital Media Designer Tang Sze Yik Imaging Colourist June Lim Senior Account Executive Chu Pung Ping Coordinator Sa’adiah Hj Abas

Print Production Brunei Press Sdn. Bhd., Brunei Darussalam Imagery & PrePress DI Expressions Sdn. Bhd., Malaysia Publishing & AdSales Digital Impressions Lot 20010, Taman Alam Jalan Telanai, Beribi BE1118 Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei Darussalam T: +673 2654 851 F: +673 2650 276 E: muhibah@digital-impressions.org

FEATURES 08

Lively London Marking 25 years of Royal Brunei Airlines London service, United Kingdom.

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Urban Explorers Exploring Hong Kong three ways.

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Adventure Wild Into wild Tasmania.

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The Big Arctic Five Why Greenland is cool now.

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I Spy Dubai A different lens on Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

MUHIBAH is published by Digital Impressions. All rights reserved.

Copyright by Royal Brunei Airlines. Unsolicited materials will be returned only if accompanied by a self-addressed envelope and sufficient return postage. While every reasonable care is taken by the editor, no responsibility is assumed for the return of unsolicited material. The contents of this magazine are entirely the personal views of the author(s) and/or contributors and do not in any way reflect the views or opinions of the publisher.

The publisher disclaims all and any liability to any person arising from the printing, sale or use of the materials in this magazine.

The Editorial team reserves the right to edit and/or rewrite all materials according to the needs of the publication upon usage.

MUHIBAH is complimentary for passengers on Royal Brunei Airlines. It is also available on subscription at BND7 per copy, excluding postage.

Alternatively, log on www.muhibah.com.bn for e-MUHIBAH.

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David Kirkland/Brunei Tourism

38 70

46 50

Best of Brunei Pitcher Perfect.

Keistimewaan Brunei Periuk Kera Unik.

LIFESTYLE 54 56 58 60 62

Motoring Safer Holidays In Person MasterChef Asia The Buzz Best Holiday Reads Take 5 Florence Travel Diary

WELCOME ABOARD 05 06 64 66 67 68 70

Deputy Chairman’s Message Inside RB Selamat Datang Brunei International Airport Traveller’s Guide Route Map & Destinations Abode of Peace

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WELCOME ONBOARD DEPUTY CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

Our London team.

Dear Guests, Welcome aboard your flight today on Royal Brunei Airlines (RB). As always, whether you’re travelling for leisure or business, we wish you a very pleasant journey and we do hope you enjoy the warmth and hospitality of our cabin crew on today’s flight.

In this issue of Muhibah, we are very proud to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of our flights to London.

RB’s first weekly flight to London Gatwick took place on 21 November, 1990 and within less than a year on 14 May, 1991, RB increased its frequency to twice weekly to London Heathrow. Since 16 May, 2004 RB has increased its London flights to a daily service, with the full support of our loyal passengers and stakeholders.

Our London team is proudly led by Country Manager, Christina Vidos; Sales Manager, Adiel Mambara; and Station Manager, Daljit Jagota. With 25 years of dedicated service under their belts, all of our London team members are well equipped to meet the needs of our ever growing customer base in United Kingdom and across Europe.

warm spectrum of the uniform colours, ranging from olive to morning sky and fresh mint, together with the new vibrant office layout, are all designed to reflect the friendly and welcoming nature of the people of Brunei Darussalam and the RB brand.

RB’s successful makeover has received international recognition in the 2014 Global Rebrand 100 Awards.

London is the latest stop on the rebranding journey which is being rolled out across the entire RB network.

On page 8 of this magazine, please take a moment to walk with us down memory lane as we reflect on our time in London. This iconic destination holds a special place in the hearts of the Bruneian people and is surely one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in the world.

As always, I would like to conclude with a sincere word of thanks to you for flying with RB today and, for our part, we will continue do our best to earn your support in the future.

We plan to mark this milestone soon with the relaunch of our newly refurbished and rebranded London office.

It will be celebrated by staff, media and travel trade professionals and provide RB the opportunity to showcase our new heritage-inspired uniforms to be worn by our customer service and airport staff in London. The

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With warm good wishes, Dermot Mannion Deputy Chairman

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WELCOME ONBOARD INSIGHTS

INSIDE RB Roundup of Royal Brunei Airlines happenings.

A DAY WITH WU CHUN IN SHANGHAI RB organised a two-day roadshow in Shanghai, China from 12 to 13 September, 2015 at Super Brand Mall.

RB also took the opportunity to sign agreements at the event to extend Wu Chun’s role as RB’s International Brand Ambassador. Signing the agreement was Wu Chun and Mr Karam Chand, RB’s Chief Commercial and Planning Officer.

HM VISITS BRUNEI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, visited the newly refurbished Brunei International Airport on 19 September, 2015. During the visit, His Majesty stopped by RB’s Premier Check-In Lounge and the Cabin Crew administration office. His Majesty also took to the controls of RB’s Dreamliner, flying around Brunei with Captain Syarifah Czarena Suriany Syed Hashim, the first South East Asian female airline captain.

RB’S A320 CEO The first of RB’s two A320 CEO aircraft arrived in Bandar Seri Begawan on 26 September, 2015.

RB held a blessing ceremony to welcome the new aircraft attended

by RB management and staff.

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REBRANDING JOURNEY IN MANILA RB launched its newly refurbished and rebranded office in Manila’s Makati City, the Philippines on 13 October, 2015. Present at the launch was guest of honour, Her Excellency Datin Paduka Malai Hjh Halimah Malai Hj Yussof, Brunei’s Ambassador to the Philippines. RB also took the opportunity to introduce the new Philippines General Sales Agent (GSA), Avia-Rh Inc.

BRUNEI TRAVEL FAIR 2015 RB participated in the Brunei Travel Fair held from 26 to 27 September, 2015 at the Royal Brunei Recreation Club. The two-day fair was organised

by Abacus Brunei Sdn Bhd.

CELEBRATING EID-UL ADHA RB observed this year’s Eid-Ul Adha with the State Mufti’s Department on 26 September, 2015.

The first-ever overseas customer loyalty programme between Royal Brunei’s Royal Skies and REEBONZ, an online luxury lifestyle and products platform, proved to be a hit with 30 Royal Skies Elite members and Standard Chartered Bank Priority Banking customers who spent an exclusive 3D2N weekend at Royal Plaza on Scotts in Singapore and Reebonz SPACE. “This initiative is to leverage on Reebonz’s luxury brands to appreciate and reward Royal Skies Elite members for their loyalty,” said Ms Lim Guat Wen, RB’s Loyalty Manager. The ladies also won a return Business Class air ticket to Melbourne, return Economy Class tickets to Singapore and Bali, and 7 consolation prizes of 10,000 RS miles each.

The lucky draw prizes were sponsored by Reebonz Pte Ltd.

Information Department Brunei

RB’S ROYAL SKIES ELITE MEMBERS EVENT AT REEBONZ SPACE IN SINGAPORE

NATIONAL EXERCISE Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) took part in the recent national exercise, codenamed Eksesais Perisai Kebangsaan, organised by the Prime Minister’s Office from 5 to 7 October, 2015. His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, visited RB’s emergency centre to observe RB’s emergency procedures.

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Lively

LONDON This year marks 25 years of the BruneiLondon route for Royal Brunei Airlines.

Words EMMA RAMSAY

Samuel Johnson once said: “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life”. Indeed, there is no city in the world quite like London. It may be a 2,000-year-old settlement, yet to this day, London has managed to have the past fit with its present in such a smooth and suave way that all other cities can only look covetously.

This isn’t just another capital city; it’s a thriving metropolis with a unique personality. Visitors throng to its iconic landmarks, centuries of history, world-class shopping and achingly cool fashion, arts and food scenes.

As Royal Brunei Airlines celebrates its Silver Anniversary of the BruneiLondon service, here’s what you can look forward to in London within the next coming months.

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WINTER IN LONDON Spectacular illuminations, tasty treats and a winter wonderland await you now till the end of the year. Relive the magic of Harry Potter with Hogwarts in the Snow at the Warner Bros Studio (14 November – 31 January 2016).

Walk though the snow-covered studio and see the Great Hall come alive with the original props from the movies. At Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (20 November – 3 January 2016), you can ice skate, go on a giant wheel ride and visit the food market bursting with all kinds of treats and trinkets. And don’t miss out on a unique outdoor theatre at the Berkeley Hotel’s Christmas Cinema (1 – 26 December 2015), where festive classics are screened on the hotel’s rooftop garden. Snuggle up with your loved ones and keep warm with homemade hot chocolate and Moncler blankets.

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Craig Sugden

THRILLING THEATRE IN 2016 The soulful sounds of Motown, the high-heeled clicks of kinky boots and several whodunnit mysteries all take to the stage in Britain in 2016, as British theatre plans another funpacked stage entertainment. A limited season of Cats shows at the London Palladium (23 October – 2 January 2016).

Rehearsal For Murder (12 January – 26 March 2016) is one of stage and screen’s all time classic thrillers and was written by Ricard Levinson and David Link, whose work included the television series Murder, She Wrote. The Mouse Trap (25 January – 13 August 2016) tours Britain, giving audiences living in and visiting across the destination the opportunity to see this world-famous whodunit; a play about murder in which the identity of the murder is not revealed until the end. The Mouse Trap is Agatha Christie’s most famous stage mystery.

Motown, The Musical (2 March – 22 October 2016) retells the story of how with just US$800 borrowed from his family, Motown founder Berry Gordy goes from featherweight boxer to heavyweight music mogul, discovering and launching the careers of Diana Ross and the Supremes, Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Marvin Gaye and many more.

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EXCITING FOOD London’s food scene has given British food a new reputation. Gone is the stereotype of stodgy, overcooked food, and in its place are award-winning chefs serving fresh British produce that draw in food lovers from all over the world. The city is home to 60 Michelin-starred restaurants including some new listing for 2016 – Japanese restaurants, Araki and Umu, both located in Mayfair, Lyle’s in Shoreditch, Bonhams in Mayfair, Portland in Marylebone and the Dining Room at the Goring in Victoria.

The city also has fantastic street food and shortterm pop-up restaurants springing up all over the city. Apart from the Michelin-starred establishments, there are 25 new Bib Gourmands to look forward to in 2016, awarded to restaurants that offer good food at affordable prices while reflecting the continuing trend in Britain for competitively priced, less structured and more flexible dining. They are: the charcuterie and tapas bar Dehesa in Soho, L’Amorosa in Hammersmith, Shikumen in Shepherd’s Bush, and Blixen and Taberna do Mercado, both in Spitalfields.

HIDDEN GEMS Don’t just stick to the traditional tourist areas. Explore London’s residential ‘villages’, where you can experience the city as locals know it. Hampstead, Greenwich, Barnes, Highgate, Wimbledon and Richmond are packed full of beautiful houses, boutiques and restaurants.

Don’t miss the edgier areas like Brixton and Dalston too, which are home to dynamic culture and arts.

Royal Brunei Airlines flies London daily via Dubai.

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25 YEARS OF BRUNEI-LONDON SERVICE It was 25 years ago today on 21 November, 1990 upon taking delivery of the Boeing 767-200ER aircraft that Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) commenced their first scheduled passenger service connecting Bandar Seri Begawan and London-Gatwick. The service to London was via Singapore and Dubai, and was offered twice weekly. Even in the first week, bookings exceeded the expected level and by May 1991, RB announced that the twice-weekly flight to London had been granted landing rights in Heathrow.

The service developed further in 2010 when RB used its newly-leased Boeing 777-200ER to London Heathrow via Dubai. In the intervening period RB’s London service grew, offering value and convenience through its Betterfly rebranding, that included its first flight on the Dreamliner on 1 December, 2013. As RB, South East Asia’s first boutique-serviced airline, observes the 25th anniversary of its route from Bandar Seri Begawan to London this month, it celebrated the milestone by releasing BND999 seats for travel in December (23 to 29 December, 2015) out of Brunei for a return on 6 January, 2016 with a one-month validity period.

RB will mark the service anniversary in January 2016 by launching the rebranded office in London with a hi-tea event hosting the media, travel agents and the Brunei High Commission staff.

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URBAN Explorers Explore Hong Kong three ways.

Words LAILA CHANDRAN Images HONG KONG TOURISM BOARD

Hong Kong’s complex personality makes it one of the most intriguing cities to explore. Its MTR, the metro subway system, is envied by the world for its eďŹƒciency and certainly is the best way to get around. But, riding underground visitors could easily miss the oft neglected tales a living city has to over above ground. Then, there are the other modes of transport you can consider.

Here, doing Hong Kong three ways and what to expect from your urban adventure.

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VintageTRAMS

When on Hong Kong Island, get aboard one of the city’s historic trams to explore the bustling north corridor.

These trams let you take a step back in time on double-decker streetcars that have traversed Hong Kong’s busiest thoroughfares since 1904.

The rickety streetcars continue to be an affordable, inexpensive and fun way to get around. We suggest you grab a seat next to a window on the upper deck – not just for the best views – but so you could stick your head out safely and be a kid again. If you climb on board from Des Voeux Road, you’ll past scenes of street hawkers plying fake Louis Vuittons before trudging on to some of Hong Kong’s colourful neighbourhoods like Western district, Wan Chai, Happy Valley, Causeway Bay and North Point.

The scenes will take you from watching in chagrin laundry hanging from poles in derelict apartments to the luxurious high-rise in Happy Valley, famous for its racecourse.

Trams run daily from early morning until midnight. You get on the tram at the back and then pay the exact fare at the front when you alight. The best part is, no matter how far you travel, each tram ride costs a flat fare of HKD$2.30.

Ensure you have exact change or, simply use your Octopus card.

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BreathtakingFERRIES

Get your Hong Kong introduction by taking a rather zen ride on the Star Ferry to escape the frenziness. The ferries have been a regular mode of transport for locals (and now visitors) from Hong Kong to Kowloon since 1898. The classic Victoria Harbour crossing, especially when done at dusk, is one of the world’s most beautiful ferry crossings in the world. From Kowloon, see iconic Hong Kong landmarks start to glow with colourful lights and displays and the final blush of the setting sun that makes for a wonderful snapshot. Take a ride in the morning and it’s a surreal scene of 21st century urban warriors armed with their latest gadgets that look more suited in an Uber ride than on a traditional barge.

Ferries run regularly from 6.30am to 11.30pm. They are cheap to experience, but pay just a bit more to sit at the upper deck to take in better views of the island’s widescreen coastline. The ride is just under eight minutes, so if you still haven’t had enough, you can always get on the next ferry back.

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OnFOOT

Despite its seemingly chaotic street scenes, Hong Kong is an easy city to navigate on your own. There are largely pedestrian-friendly laneways, covered walkways, parks for a breather, cafes at every corner to rest tired feet, and cultural gems that include walled villages and former lawless enclaves for intriguing glimpses of daily life in Hong Kong.

Even if you can’t get out of the city for the Dragon’s Back Trail (dazzling vistas) or Shek O (lots of seafood shops), a stroll through any one of Hong Kong’s neighbourhoods will take you through a journey of history and modernisation.

The areas of Central and Sheung Wan, for instance, is constantly evolving.

The Western District with its modern metropolis landscape hides quiet backlanes with a feel of yesterday’s Hong Kong. Wander through dried seafood and Chinese herb shops and witness traditions of the past bursting through today’s life. Equally interesting is when you take the streets behind the markets of Kowloon. Escape the buzz of the peddlers and tourist to admire the city’s old architecture, residential areas cramped between commercial retail spaces where you may suddenly find a rare art gallery popping up.

Royal Brunei Airlines flies Hong Kong daily.

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Adventure

Wild One of the world’s last great wilderness areas is just a stone’s throw away in Tassie.

Words SURIANI ARIFF Images TOURISM TASMANIA

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01 Cradle Mountain is one of the most beautiful places on earth.

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Tourism Tasmania & Jason Charles Hill

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Alpine landscapes, pristine beaches, untamed forests, natural vaults of Aboriginal treasures and an extraordinary array of indigenous plants and animals make the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, one of Earth’s true natural treasures and one of the last great wilderness areas on the planet. While much of the area, which now encompasses 20 percent of the state, is superbly wild and tantalisingly remote, parts of it are easy to discover and experience, with an exciting range of sustainable outdoor activities suitable to all fitness levels to choose from.

The 1.4 million hectares that make up Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area encompass the iconic Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, Southwest National Park, Walls of Jerusalem National Park, Hartz Mountain National Park, part of Mole Creek Karst National Park, plus a number of other state reserves and conservation areas; an area so precious that it is one of only two places worldwide to meet more World Heritage criteria than any other.

02 Walking in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park.

03 Canyoning is a must do for lovers of adventure at Cradle Mountain.

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Graham Freeman

The 6-day Cradle Huts Overland Track Walk from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair is one of Australia’s most iconic multi-day bushwalks, led by experienced guides and taking in the true beauty of the World Heritage Area. Tasmanian Expeditions offer a range of thrilling adventures in Tasmania’s World Heritage Areas, from guided walks to rock climbing and rafting. The six-day Walls of Jerusalem bushwalking expedition takes in the spectacular mountain scenery and pristine wilderness of Tasmania’s only true alpine National Park.

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O&M St John Photography

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Matthew Newton

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Paul Flood

04 Kayaking lets you explore the remote and rarely visited wilderness.

05 Tour Mole Creek Cave for its underground streams, glow worms and rim pools.

Thrill seekers can discover a hidden side of Cradle Mountain as they explore the remote hidden canyons of Dove River led by experienced guides on the Cradle Mountain Canyons adventure. The company specialises in half day tours and full day tours, taking daredevils into otherwise inaccessible places and unveiling a unique insight into Tasmania’s wilderness. Rafting enthusiasts will revel in the excitement of the 10-day Franklin River Rafting Tour which takes in the haunting beauty of the wild and isolated Franklin River in the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. The adventure is a professionally guided experience on an expedition raft and includes quality rafts and white water equipment, delicious meals, camping equipment and return transfers from Hobart. No previous experience is necessary, but a thirst for adventure is highly recommended.

Visitors looking for an experience with a difference can see Tasmania’s spectacular underground wilderness with a tour of Mole Creek’s caves. Wild Cave Tours offer half and full day tours where visitors can truly experience the subterranean wonderland as they wade through underground streams and discover underground glow worm chambers. Meanwhile, the scenic flights offered by Tasmania’s small airlines and charter operators give visitors a true sense of the absolute vastness and wild beauty of the state’s Wilderness World Heritage Area. Par Avion conducts scenic flights from Hobart exploring the incredibly remote waterways and wilderness of the Southwest on a half day experience and also transport bushwalkers and their supplies to Melaleuca in the Southwest National Park.

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Lap Fung Lam

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06 Take a flight with Par Avion for the ultimate view of the area.

07 Discover native Tasmanian fauna and flora at Trowunna Wildlife Park.

Roaring 40s Wilderness Tours is a premium ecotourism operation, offering sea kayaking tours in Tasmania’s Southwest World Heritage Wilderness Area.

Its comfortable Forest Lagoon Camp is open to short stay visitors; the perfect option for visitors who are travelling without camping gear but still seeking an authentic wilderness experience. The campsite features comfortable yet affordable accommodation in five twin-share platform tents and meals are offered in the open air dining shelter nestled into the surrounding rainforest where resident wildlife come and go as they please. This beautiful part of Tasmania features some of the most rewarding short walks in the state and for those new to bushwalking, experience guides are available by prior arrangement.

Visitors can base themselves in the state’s capital and still get back to nature with the many day touring options within easy reach of Hobart. Adrenalin junkies will get a kick out of abseiling at the Gordon Dam which, standing at 140 metres high, is Australia’s longest vertical abseiling experience. The two and a half hour drive from Hobart to Gordon Dam meanders through the magnificent southwest wilderness to reach Strathgordon, nestled between Lakes Gordon and Pedder. Taking it down a notch, a number of short walks are located within easy driving distance of Hobart. Around one and a half hours from the city, the Hartz Mountains National Park offers visitors breathtaking views of remote mountain ranges as far as the southern coast and boasts picturesque waterfalls and small glacial lakes.

Visitors can download Tasmania’s Parks and Wildlife Service’s new 60 Great Short Walks app, a wonderful resource with a wealth of information about day walks from all around the state. The app can now be downloaded for free from the iTunes Store and features beautiful photographs, simple maps and essential safety tips.

Royal Brunei Airlines flies Melbourne daily for connections to Hobart.

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Par Avion Wilderness Tours

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THE

BIG ARCTIC FIVE There is no doubt nature comes ямБrst to mind when thinking about Greenland.

Words GRACE LOOI Images VISIT GREENLAND

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In recent years Greenland has captivated more and more people who have chosen the country as a perfect destination. Which is not surprising. After all, Greenland offers a good story, a beautiful and different nature and a colourful culture. There are its enormous icebergs in the Arctic Circle region, the spectacular green fields and fjords in South Greenland, the whizzing dog-sledding trips in North and East Greenland, and the multicoloured houses you can see in every town along the coast.

And of course, the imposing silence adds to the charm of the country.

With only 56,000 residents and roughly the same number of annual tourists spread over an area of the size of Western Europe, a Greenland experience can feel very personal.

Whether you travel on your own or are on an organised tour, you will never bereft of these moments. Called The Big Arctic Five, these are the signature experiences that will make your visit the envy of many.

First of the five is the rolling, mythical and magical Northern Lights. They will surprise and amaze you; and in the middle of nature in Greenland is the perfect place to experience the phenomenon. Here, where the mountains and the snow are illuminated by the green and red light show, the Northern Lights dance in the night sky, and it is a sight to behold. The phenomenon begins from early spring. Also known as Aurora Borealis, it actually occurs year round but it is not seen in the summer in Greenland because of the midnight sun. It often appears around midnight and is best experienced on a dark, clear night sky from September until the beginning of April. If you are travelling during that period, you can see the Northern Lights throughout the country, but in South Greenland the Northern Lights can already be seen from the end of August.

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Another aspect that fascinates visitors is Greenland’s ice sheet. Icebergs are the ice sheet’s unique masterpieces. They come in all imaginable shapes and sizes, and the colours shimmer from white to blue to green with yellowish and reddish tints depending on the light that hits them. For example, from the glow of the midnight sun that shines 24 hours a day north of the Arctic Circle.

The further north you go, the longer the period of midnight sun. You can walk on the ice at Kangerlussuaq and sail to glaciers throughout most of Greenland almost all year round. Ilulissat Icefjord is world famous because of its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tens of thousands of ice floes as far as the eye can see are the first sign that you are approaching the east coast of Greenland and slowly, but surely, a dramatic mountain landscape is revealed with pristine mountain peaks and glaciers known as the Greenlandic Ice Sheet.

Visitors coming to the country from Denmark sometimes also choose to drive out to the ice at Kangerlussuaq and walk the last bit onto the ice to see it close up. It is a once in a lifetime experience, but it is also possible to do it elsewhere in Greenland if you sail, fly in a helicopter or hike to the ice.

To sail in Greenland is in itself a great experience and it becomes even greater when a whale appears right next to the boat. Humpback, fin and minke whales can be seen along most coastlines and often the whales swim quite close to towns and settlements. The sea around Greenland is ideal for whales, because it contains plenty of nutrition, food and offers great depths that whales can frolic in. In the summer months, whales such as humpbacks, often go close to the shore in search of food.

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Qeqertarsuaq, located on Disko Island, is a well-known spot for playful humpbacks in high summer, and many other Greenland whales also visit the site a little earlier the year – typically from May to June. However, the towns of Uummannaq, Aasiaat, Maniitsoq, Nuuk and Sisimiut, and the towns in South and East Greenland are some of the other places to visit when it comes to the sea’s largest mammals.

If you sail with the coastal ship from Arctic Umiaq Line, the regional routes from Disko Line or a cruise with, for example, Hurtigruten, you can almost be sure to see whales during the voyage. One’s first encounter with a whale is unforgettable and if you are lucky enough to be able to follow the whale for a while, don’t forget to lower your camera sometimes to enjoy the view with your naked eyes. It would be such a shame if you see most of it through a lens or the screen on the camera, because the memory of the meeting is certainly special.

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Greenland’s other famous experience is dog sledding in winter for a drive out into the endless, snow-covered mountain landscapes. Sled dogs territory is in towns above the Arctic Circle, in Greenland’s west coast, and in all towns in the east coast. The season starts in February and lasts until April. Dog sledding takes place in several countries in the Arctic, including Sweden and Norway, but no other destination can match Greenland when it comes to authenticity: the dog sled and sled dogs are in fact deeply embedded in Greenlandic culture and it is just as much a part of the country’s history as the kayak. The dog sled continues to play an important role today as a means of transport for hunters and fishermen. Visitors can also opt for a hunting excursion that can be anything from a day trip to weeklong sled trips with cosy cabins for accommodation.

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Finally, no visit to Greenland will be complete without immersing yourself in the local culture. And the best way to do that is to meet its locals. Greenlanders are a welcoming and energetic people, who have lived off nature and in the middle of it for generations. Nature’s greatness instils calmness in the people’s temperament and a respect for the elements that is admirable. In many ways Greenland is a country that has managed to retain its identity as an “original” country with an indigenous people.

On the whole, hospitality in Greenland is the foundation of any home. It rubs off on people’s attitude towards the country’s guests and in many towns there are good opportunities to get close to people. If you want to visit a Greenlandic home, you can come to a “Kaffemik” in many towns and settlements. Kaffemik is a Danish word for coffee get-together. In fact, it is not coffee that is the focus, but being together.

The hosts serve homemade cake with coffee and tea, and then you can talk about your daily lives and the local community – an insight that can neither be read about in books nor tourist guides.

Royal Brunei Airlines flies London daily via Dubai for connections to Nuuk.

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I Spy DUBAI Look closely and you’ll see a city that is more than just skyscrapers.

Words EMMA RAMSAY

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Cities are packed full of fascinating stories, breathtaking scenes and hidden gems. Because of this, we often take that beauty for granted, forgetting to look around and take it all in.

Every aspect of life can be unique, beautiful and surprising in its own way, but sometimes we need to take a fresh look from a unique perspective for us to truly appreciate it.

Dubai makes an excellent case study.

Pigeon-holed for too long as a desert-city-turned-decadentplayground, first time visitors may be forgiven to think Dubai is just skyscrapers and shopping. For many, the city’s landmarks are all too familiar; but when armed with a determination to seek out the novel and unique, Dubai’s everyday life can unfold and play out like a new storyboard.

Here, ten of the Middle East region’s best social media influencers, in association with Gulf Photo Plus, give a glimpse of Dubai like never before. From the rustic lanes of Bastakiya in Bur Dubai to the chic and funky Box Park along Al Wasl Road, the awe-inspiring iconic skyline of Sheikh Zayed Road to the vibrant Deira fish market, everyday Dubai scenes are given a microscopic twist. The results will make every guest to the city – and perhaps even the locals – re-examine their surroundings and appreciate more of life’s less-than-obvious intricacies.

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The pop up malls of Boxpark Shipping containers are turned into functional shops, making Dubai’s Boxpark a refreshing retail and dining option. This offbeat outdoor concept is often seen as a hip, modern setting that engages Dubai’s growing eclectic community. The aesthetics of its bright and funky containers – that come alive in the evenings – are often a crowd puller.

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Rustic charm and history in Bastakiya Dubbed by National Geographic as “Dubai’s most engaging neighbourhood”, the diminutive Bastakiya quarter is a mini maze of restored merchant houses, art galleries, cafes and boutique hotels. It was built in the late 19th century by wealthy pearl and textile traders from Bastak in southern Iran (hence the name).

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The hustle and bustle of Deira fish market It may be a tourist hotspot, but Deira has long defined the heart and soul of the locals. Housed in this large warehouse are two markets. The fruits and vegetables section is a kaleidoscope of colours, with fruits piled high amid exotic herbs and spices.

The seafood section is a seeming cacophony of shouts and cries. Being among the fishmongers can be both dynamic and downright intimidating.

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Peace at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary Many may flock to see the stars of the sanctuary in winter – the pale pink flamingos. But among the mangroves, saline lagoons and tidal estuaries are two hides, or camouflage shelters, that allow visitors to catch a sight of more than 270 avian varieties that alight in Ras Al Khor. These include Broad-billed Sandpipers (July to April) and Greater Spotted Eagles (October to April).

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Awesomeness over Sheikh Zayed Road The main artery of the city is also the longest road in the Emirates, stretching from Al-Silah in Abu Dhabi before ending in Ras al-Khaimah at the Oman border. Sheikh Zayed Road is considered Dubai’s iconic superhighway and is best enjoyed at night. Visitors wanting the best shot should head to Level 43 of Four Points Sheraton. Here, the Rooftop Lounge & Terrace offers a spectacular and panoramic 360 degree view of Dubai’s skyline.

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The art enclave of Alserkal Avenue Once a marble factory, this is now the hub for all things artsy and creative. Think galleries, coffee shops, furniture stores, photography art houses and yes, there’s even a classic car dealership. Considered the region’s densest arts districts, the artworks on display highlight artists from Muslim countries with shows that often border on the whimsical.

And it helps too, that programmes are often exuberant, providing a great excuse to check out the neighbourhood.

Images are courtesy of Canon Middle East’s #ComeandSeeMyArabia campaign.

Royal Brunei Airlines flies Dubai daily.

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FEATURES BEST OF BRUNEI

01

01 Nepenthes raesiana can grow a pitcher up to 35cm in length.

02 Nepenthes gracilis, the common lowland pitcher plant.

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Pitcher Brunei’s beguiling and beautiful meat-eating plants.

Images DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY, BRUNEI DARUSSALAM & DR ULMAR GRAFE

Perfect They are popularly known as ‘monkey cups’, but there is no monkeying around when the pitcher plant’s cup lures its victim inside.

It can be a deadly trap.

The pitcher plants, belonging to the genus Nepenthes, are some of the most extraordinary plants in the world. Its sweet-smelling nectar lures insects into the pitcher, where a deadly pool of highly acidic digestive enzymes break down insects and other small animals in its trap.

Quite similar to how our stomach’s digestive enzymes break down food, really.

The plant’s “carnivorous syndrome”, a term coined

by Darwin, is a natural predisposition of plants that live on nutrient-poor soil. They have taken up a carnivorous lifestyle to obtain nitrogen and minerals from their prey, a key ingredient to make plants proteins and DNA. While romanticised visions of monstrous Venus flytraps making meals from humans have been the inspiration for fiction and children’s storybooks, study on pitcher plants have revealed that there are more to them than their meat-eating tags.

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FEATURES BEST OF BRUNEI

03

Brunei Darussalam is home to some 15 Nepenthes species; of which four are endemic to the highlands of Temburong. Known locally as sumboi-sumboi, the pitcher that gives the plant its name are actually modified leaves. The rims become very wet when water touches it, giving new meaning to the term “slippery when wet”.

While there are great variations in the structure of its pitchers between species, the trap comprises four basic units: the lid, the collar-shaped pitcher rim (peristome), the upper waxy zone and the lower glandular zone, both within the pitcher.

The lid forms the roof on top of the pitcher, assisting to attract insects and preventing too much rainwater from entering and diluting the digestive fluid within. The peristome attracts prey with its contrasting colouration and large quantities of sugary nectar, often emitting a sweet scent. When the peristome is dry, insects may rest on it safely; but when it’s wet with rain or dew, it turns extremely slippery.

And this is when insects and other prey slip into the pitcher pool.

Pitcher plants can grow stems up to six metres long.

Some species have flowers that grow one metre tall, hold two litres of flesh-digesting liquid and traps more than 40 centimetres deep. The Nepenthes rajah of Borneo, for instance, is large enough to drown a rodent.

While the fluid may be deadly for insects and small animals, locals in Brunei have turned to it for medicinal purposes. Fluid from young unopened pitchers is used to clean wounds or treat incontinence.

The aerial parts of Nepenthes spp. (Tropical Pitcher Plant) are extracted for use in the treatment of kidney stones, hypertension, fever and cough. More recently, endophytic bacteria isolated from the plant have been found to have therapeutic properties and produces bioactive compounds with pharmaceutical implications.

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03 One of the world’s largest extra floral nectaries belongs to the Nepenthes bicalcarata.

04

04 Nepenthes veitchii.

The best places to see a wide variety of Nepenthes species in Brunei are the open white sand habitats along the coastal highway between Tutong and Telisai, and the kerangas and peat swamp forests of Belait.

The sub-montane and montane forests of Temburong are the only places in Brunei where some of the spectacular highland species can be found, such as Nepenthes veitchii, Nepenthes lowii, Nepenthes stenophylla and Nepenthes tentaculata.

Despite the century-long scientific interest, pitcher plants still hold many secrets today.

Distinct varieties and species rely on different trap components and have evolved specific trap adaptations to target different prey.

For example, few studies have found that the Nepenthes hemsleyana is a favourite daytime roost. The plants benefit from the bat’s nitrogen-rich faeces. Such a study helps scientists discover the mutualism aspect of pitcher plants which was undiscovered before.

In Brunei, all other Nepenthes except for the Nepenthes gracilis (common roadside pitcher plant) are regarded as high value as their occurrence is either very restricted (Nepenthes hispida, Nepenthes albomarginata, Nepenthes hemsleyana, Nepenthes mirabilis, and Nepenthes bicalcarata) and/or they are of interest to collectors; thus subject to over-collection.

Furthermore, all pitcher plants species in the genus Nepenthes are regarded as threatened and listed in Appendix II of CITES, thus are restricted from being moved across national borders. Sadly, the habitat of lowland Nepenthes species is under threat from coastal, industrial and urban development. It is time that we safeguard these natural habitats so that the plants can continue to flourish in the wild.

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FEATURES BEST OF BRUNEI

01

Periuk

Kera

Mengenali tumbuh-tumbuhan karnivor di Brunei yang menakjubkan.

Imej JABATAN PERHUTANAN, NEGARA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM & DR ULMAR GRAFE

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02

01 Nepenthes hemsleyana.

02 Nepenthes mirabilis.

Lazimnya dikenali sebagai Periuk Kera, nama tumbuh-tumbuhan ini langsung tidak membayangkan bahaya yang menanti mangsa yang malang sehingga ia terperangkap di dalamnya.

Sesungguhnya ia adalah perangkap maut semulajadi!

Periuk Kera, dari genus Nepenthes, adalah antara jenis tumbuh-tumbuhan yang paling luar biasa di dunia. Nektar manis yang harum berfungsi memikat serangga ke dalam bahagian kendi tumbuh-tumbuhan ini, yang berisi enzim pencernaan yang sangat berasid. Enzim ini akan mencernakan serangga dan binatang-binatang kecil yang terperangkap, serupa dengan fungsi enzim pencernaan di dalam perut manusia.

Sindrom karnivor Periuk Kera adalah sifat yang semulajadi bagi tumbuh-tumbuhan yang hidup dalam persekitaran dengan tanah yang kurang nutrien.

Tumbuh-tumbuhan ini terpaksa bertindak sebagai karnivor untuk mendapatkan bekalan nitrogen dan galian dari mangsa mereka, yang diperlukan untuk protein dan DNA tumbuh-tumbuhan. Jauh berbeza dengan mitos-mitos dan kisah-kisah dongeng tentang Periuk Kera gergasi yang menjadikan manusia sebagai mangsa, kajian ke atasnya menunjukkan banyak lagi perkara menarik selain dari sifat karnivor tumbuh-tumbuhan ini.

Setakat ini terdapat 15 spesies Nepenthes di Negara Brunei Darussalam; empat daripadanya hidup di kawasan tanah tinggi Temburong. Dikenali oleh orang tempatan sebagai sumboi-sumboi, strukur kendi yang memberi nama kepada tumbuh-tumbuhan ini sebenarnya terbentuk dari dedaun yang diubahsuai.

Bahagian tepi dedaun ini menjadi sangat licin apabila basah. Terdapat pelbagai jenis struktur kendi yang terbentuk dari dedaun Periuk Kera, namun semuanya mempunyai persamaan komponen asas iaitu bahagian penutup, bahagian tebing bukaan berbentuk kolar baju (peristom); dan di dalam kendi adalah zon atas kendi yang berlilin, dan bahagian zon bawah yang berkelenjar.

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Bahagian tudung membentuk bahagian struktur atap kendi yang membantu untuk menarik perhatian serangga dan juga memastikan tidak terlalu banyak air hujan memasukinya sehingga mencairkan kelenjar di dalamnya. Bahagian peristom menarik perhatian serangga dengan warnanya yang memikat serta nektar manis yang harum. Apabila peristom kering, serangga boleh hinggap di atasnya dengan selamat. Namun apabila menjadi basah dengan embun atau air hujan, peristom akan menjadi sangat licin.

Apabila ini terjadi, serangga akan mudah jatuh ke dalam bahagian kendi.

03

Panjang batang Periuk Kera boleh tumbuh sehingga enam meter. Sesetengah spesies mempunyai bunga setinggi satu meter yang mampu menampung enzim kelenjar pencernaan sebanyak dua liter dalam ruang sedalam 40 sentimeter. Malah spesies Nepenthes rajah yang boleh dijumpai di Borneo, mampu memerangkap dan melemaskan seekor rodensia.

Cecair enzim ini sememangnya berbahaya kepada serangga dan haiwan-haiwan kecil, namun bagi penduduk tempatan di Brunei, ada yang menggunakannya untuk tujuan perubatan. Cecair dari Periuk Kera yang muda dan masih boleh terbuka, digunakan untuk luka serta merawat inkontinens, iaitu ketakupayaan seseorang untuk mengawal pembuangan tinja atau air kecil. Bahagian rerambut sesetengah spesies Nepenthes digunakan untuk merawat batu karang, darah tinggi, demam dan batuk.

Pada masa kini juga, bakteria endoďŹ tik yang diasingkan dari tumbuh-tumbuhan ini dipercayai mempunyai nilai-nilai perubatan, menghasilkan bahan bio-aktif yang mungkin boleh digunapakai oleh industri perubatan farmasi.

03 Nepenthes hemsleyana dan kelawar berbulu.

Merlin D. Tuttle

04 Nepenthes albomarginata dengan peristom gegelang putih seakan-akan baldu.

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Tempat terbaik untuk melihat kepelbagaian spesies Nepenthes di Brunei terletak di kawasan pantai pasir putih di lebuhraya pesisir pantai yang menghubungkan Tutong dan Telisai, serta kawasan paya Belait. Kawasan hutan di Temburong pula satusatunya kawasan di Brunei untuk melihat spesiesspesies tanah tinggi paling luarbiasa seperti Nepenthes veitchii, Nepenthes lowii, Nepenthes stenophylla dan Nepenthes tentaculata.

04

Periuk Kera masih menyimpan seribu satu misteri pada hari ini walaupun kajian saintiďŹ k ke atasnya telah dilakukan selama satu abad. Spesies yang berbeza menggunakan komponen perangkap yang unik dan evolusi menyaksikan kepelbagaian adaptasi jenis perangkap yang dikhususkan untuk menangkap mangsa yang disasarkan. Sebagai contoh, beberapa kajian mendapati spesies Nepenthes hemsleyana adalah tumbuhantumbuhan yang lazim digunakan sebagai tempat bertenggek untuk kelawar pada waktu siang. Pada masa sama, spesies ini mendapat manfaat dari najis kelawar yang kaya dengan nitrogen. Kajian seperti ini membantu para saintis untuk mengenal pasti aspek kesalingan dalam sesetengah jenis Periuk Kera yang tidak diketahui sebelum ini.

Semua jenis Nepenthes di Brunei, kecuali Nepenthes gracilis (Periuk Kera biasa yang lazim dijumpai), adalah spesies penting yang dianggap bernilai kerana mereka hanya hidup di beberapa kawasan terhad sahaja dan menarik minat para pengumpul Periuk Kera (Nepenthes hispida, Nepenthes albomarginata, Nepenthes hemsleyana, Nepenthes mirabilis, dan Nepenthes bicalcarata).

Oleh yang demikian, spesies-spesies sukar ditemui ini menghadapi risiko kepupusan yang berkait.

Dalam pada itu, semua jenis Periuk Kera dalam genus Nepenthes dianggap terancam dan disenaraikan dalam Apendiks II CITES, sekaligus terpelihara dengan larangan dipindahkan menyeberangi sempadan antarabangsa.

Malangnya, habitat spesies Nepenthes di kawasan tanah rendah kini menerima ancaman dari pembangunan pesisir pantai, industri dan bandar.

Sudah tiba masanya kita bersama-sama menjaga dan menyelamatkan habitatnya supaya tumbuhtumbuhan ini akan terus subur berkembang dalam persekitaran semulajadi.

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LIFESTYLE MOTORING

Holidays SAFER

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The year end is a good time to rethink road safety for you and your family.

School holidays mean many, including families, are planning on road trips of all kinds. Check out our guides and tips for safe driving to prepare you for a smooth ride and safe arrival at your destination.

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AFE DRIVER A safe journey begins with you, the driver.

There are many ways in which you can ensure the roads are safe for you – as well as for others – to drive.

Attentiveness: An attentive driver focuses only on the driving. This means, don’t try to multi-task by talking on the cell phone, drinking coffee or fiddling with the radio. When you’re not committedly focused on the driving, it can cause you to daydream. “Highway hypnosis” happens, for instance, on long road trips, where you may think about the upcoming vacation or just the stress at work.

Stay attentive by keeping your eyes and your mind on the road and be alert of your surroundings. Check out your map or go through your Waze before starting on the journey to anticipate the roads ahead; allocate plenty of time to reach your destination; adjust mirrors, radio, car seat and other controls before driving; be alert of other drivers and road users; and ensure the passengers equally respect the driver and do not distract him/her from taking their eyes off the road.

Defensiveness: Taking up defensive driving is the best way to protect yourself and others. It prevents you from underestimating other road users and to be ready for any unexpected incidents. Some safe driving precautions to consider include slowing down during inclement weather, not following the vehicle in front of you too closely, checking your mirrors frequently, looking out for pedestrians, and to expect the unexpected.

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AKE YOUR CAR SAFE We’re all looking for a “safe” car. But what it means really is not buying top-of-theline car with all the best safety features.

There are several ways to turn your car safe for driving especially for long trips.

Child-proof: Children in the car can be 12 times more distracting than mobile phones. Before you drive, take some time to create zones for kids. Seat them in the back. Explain to them their “territories”, i.e. that they should stay securely buckled in their seats, no crossing over to the driver or co-driver’s zones, etc. Go traditional. Refrain from over-dependence of electronic gadgets and in-car TV/video. Let them play with toys or tell them stories to keep them occupied. Let’s create a culture of conversations with our children as opposed to silence on cell phone games.

Don’t forget to pack an emergency kit, too: band aids, flashlight, ointments and medication.

Prepare parents: Prepare your young passengers with snacks, books, activities they can do while on the journey, and schedule pit stops for toilet breaks and stretching of legs. Have a food and drinks basket placed within their easy reach so they do not distract the driver or other passengers during the drive.

Give your children a pep talk about the trip weeks or days before taking it up, including the dos and don’ts during the drive, expected behaviours and the rewards, so they are mentally prepared for it. Stop for breaks to let them stretch their legs (and driver to ease fatigue) and enjoy the scenery. Or try new experiences, such as a small town stall or a dip in the river.

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AR CHECKS A week before you set off, give your car a onceover to ensure the car you’re driving is road-worthy.

Check the exterior: Check all wiper blades for wear or splitting, the windscreen washer fluid level and ensure the washer jets work. Have your tyres checked for condition (including the spare) for correct pressures and legal tread depth. Check all the exterior lights are working correctly.

Check the interior: While packing for the holidays, don’t forget to safely store the jack, wheel brace, a warning triangle, a fire extinguisher and a high visibility vest in the car. You may want to think about bringing a spare set of keys in case you accidentally lock yourself out or lose them.

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LIFESTYLE IN PERSON

ASIAN

Asia now has its first ever MasterChef and the judges speak to MUHIBAH about the excitement of the first season.

MasterChef Asia has certainly created a buzz among foodies and fans of the original series. This regional competitive cooking game show, based on the original British show MasterChef, kickstarted its first season on 3 September, 2015 bringing a unique pan-regional flavour to the screen while keeping to the format of pitting aspiring home cooks from across Asia against each other for the title of the first ever MasterChef Asia winner.

Presiding over the kitchen, and guiding the 15 contestants throughout their kitchen capers, are judges Susur Lee, Bruno Ménard and Audra Morrice. Menard, a three-Michelin-starred chef, was clearly excited to be a part of the show. “Being a 56

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work pays off. He says, “It’s important that young chefs know that it’s really hard at the beginning but, if you stick with it, work hard and suck it up, it will eventually pay off.”

As the three walk about the MasterChef Asia set, one can see many similarities to the Australia set. While the restaurant and MasterClass areas are visibly missing, the workstation, the clock and the pantry remains the same, occupying an area of 600sqm. Throughout filming, the judges were clearly there to provide guidance as well as fair and constructive feedback. Ménard comments, “It is important that the contestants understand that as mentors, we will push their skills to the limit so that these home cooks realise they could go further than they thought.”

Indeed, the success of MasterChef has always been the passion and surprises home cooks bring to the table.

Unprofessional cooks that prevail, bringing their best to the judges, with the pressure of being under the spotlight of the camera at all times – all these make for a good format and exciting television. “Being in this competition is not something you can specifically train for because you don’t know what you have to create,” Audra explains. Her advice to participants is to have a good understanding of flavours and how different ingredients work together.

“When you couple this with flexibility in your thinking, you’ll have your food set up well.”

MasterChef Asia judge is a new step in my career,” he says.

“I am able to show and more importantly, share my expertise and passion for cooking. If I can inspire at least one person to dedicate his or her life to cooking, I will consider it a mission accomplished.”

Fellow judge Audra agrees with Ménard. A MasterChef Australia finalist herself, Audra knows only too well the pressures of being in the competition, but also the excitement of the moment. “It always amazes me that you could give 10 people the same ingredients and you will get 10 different dishes,” she says. For her, cultural differences are what make food exciting. She believes dishes reflect more than just where participants come from. “What they cook also tells me who they are or who they want to be. The back stories they bring to the competition as they cook are for me, incredibly heart-warming.”

For fellow judge Lee, his extensive technical knowledge and expertise in Asian food brings incredible excitement to the table. But he’s also quick to remind contestants that hard

Episode 4 perhaps best reflected MasterChef’s philosophy. Filmed at Singapore’s famous Lau Pa Sat hawker centre, contestants set up their own stalls cooking three ethnic cuisines: Malay, Chinese and Indian. It is here that the participants had to think hard and outside the box to impress not only the judges, but also the public.

If it were just about the food, MasterChef would have long been TV history. As Ménard pointed out, the competition goes beyond cooking. “It actually is about the sense of national pride each brings to the competition, because they all are representing their respective countries.” That alone, he says, is able to bring about a great range of skills, techniques and flavours since contestants come from diversified backgrounds.

The home cooks participating in the MasterChef Asia Season 1 include one contestant each from China, India, Taiwan and Vietnam; two from Indonesia; and three from Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore.

MasterChef Asia airs Thursdays, 9pm (SIN/HK) on Kristal Astro Lifetime channel 709.

For more information, visit www.lifetimeasia.com.

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LIFESTYLE THE BUZZ

BEST HOLIDAY

READS From an underground social work in the Middle East to football lessons for the corporate world, taking in words of wisdom from a comedian and adventure tales, we tell you which books to curl up with this year end.

LEADING: LEARNING FROM LIFE AND MY YEARS AT MANCHESTER UNITED Sir Alex Ferguson After 27 years with Manchester United Football Club, and 38 years as a manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, the greatest soccer coach of all time, analyses the pivotal leadership decisions he has made.

With friend and collaborator Sir Michael Moritz, he draws out lessons anyone can use in business and life to generate longterm transformational success.

THE MARBLE COLLECTOR Cecelia Ahern When Sabrina Boggs stumbles upon a mysterious collection of her father’s possessions, she discovers a truth where she never knew there was a lie. The familiar man she grew up with is suddenly a stranger to her. A thought-provoking novel about how the most ordinary decisions we make can have the most extraordinary consequences.

WILD WORLD Lonely Planet A pictorial guide with compelling portraits of the world in which we live. Thumb through breathtaking images of the natural world carefully curated

by Lonely Planet’s photography experts that bring the world’s wildest corners into your home.

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PENANG HERITAGE FOOD Ong Jin Teong Discover the recipes for the classic and forgotten dishes of Penang, and also the rich influences that created its unique culinary heritage. Author Ong gives a background of each dish and how his grandmother and mother prepared them.

PRINCESS: SECRETS TO SHARE Jean Sasson An underground Middle East social work is being carried out

by Princess Sultana, first introduced by Sasson in Princess: More Tears to Cry, as she rescues women who are the enslaved victims of brutal physical and psychological abuse. Read the stories of abused women fighting to heal and fight for their rights, and of those from Pakistan, Syria and Northern Lebanon who suffer from the ongoing war in the region.

ONCE UPON A MIAO Jian Goh A graphic fun novel that sheds some light on growing up in Kuching, Sarawak. The author, represented as a cute tabby cat, tells some really funny stories through the manga-like animation juxtaposed with comedic episodes from his own life.

It’s Kuching in a nutshell told by a true Malaysian.

THE MAP TO EVERYWHERE Carrie Ryan & John Parke Davis This fantastical new series combines adventure, magic and hilarity with treacherous skies and dangerous waters of the Pirate Stream. Share Master Thief Fin’s heart-pounding escapades and meet a colourful cast of characters that will have you set sail through this wholly original and unforgettable tale.

YES PLEASE Amy Poehler In her first book, one of our most beloved funny folk delivers a smart, pointed, and ultimately inspirational read. Full of the comedic skill that makes us all love Amy, Yes Please is a rich and varied collection of stories, lists, poetry (Plastic Surgery Haiku, to be specific), photographs, mantras and advice. It’s also full of words to live by.

All books are available for purchase in major bookstores. MPH members get 10% discount.

Alternatively, enjoy free delivery* when you purchase at:

* Terms & conditions apply.

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

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LIFESTYLE TAKE 5

FFlorence abulous Maintaining its old-world charm amidst progression, Florence remains the home of Renaissance history.

Images KIM LOW

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SEE

SHOP

The Galleria degli Uffizi has the world’s greatest collection of Italian Rennaissance art, bequeathed to the city by the last scion of the Medici family. A more modern venue would be the Salvatore Ferragamo Shoe Museum, Florence’s famous son who dressed some of the world’s known celebs and world figures.

Even in medieval times, the city of Florence is known for its fine craftsmanship. Visit Alberto Cozzi for its beautiful marbled paper products – they even offer personalisation services! And for exquisite leather goods, head to Roberta for a great selection of gloves, bags, and other items.

DO

STAY

Take in the view of the city on foot or by bicycle to access the city’s beautiful historical buildings crammed in every nook and cranny. Fans of Dante Alighieri can see his works easily on the streets. For a panoramic view, walk across the Arno river through the Ponte Vecchio and head up to the Belvedere to be rewarded.

Villa Le Maschere is a stately hotel in the Mugello valley near Florence. This country villa has art and nature creating a magical backdrop to its 65 bedrooms and suites. You experience personalised service, including free transfers to downtown Florence. The beautiful grounds make for a relaxing time.

Royal Brunei Airlines flies Dubai daily for connections to Florence.

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LIFESTYLE TRAVEL DIARY

A world of adventure and new experiences await you when you fly with Royal Brunei Airlines. Make your trip even more memorable with free flights, seat upgrades and other privileges with Royal Skies, our frequent flyer programme. Not yet a member?

Register on www.flyroyalbrunei.com/royalskies

WHAT’S

ON

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

25-29

Nov

TIMES SQUARE WEDDING FAIR

From

Nov

Enjoy an experiential wedding planning event and shopping adventure all under one roof as Times Square Shopping Centre hosts this five-day wedding fair. Get inspiration and the perfect wedding guide from the best in the business. See collection and meet designers.

Start planning for your big day hassle-free here. www.tsqbrunei.com

onwards

MY BALLOON ADVENTURE Witness a breathtaking sunrise with the backdrop of Putrajaya and be welcomed with complimentary breakfast on a fun hot air balloon ride. Pick and choose from different packages to kickstart your day at leisure. Starting from RM850 per person, you will also get a time lapse video of your flight and a keepsake photo. www.myballoonadventure.com

MALAYSIA UNITED KINGDOM

WONDER.LAND Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland-inspired musical tells the story of an unhappy girl who finds escape in a virtual world.

Words by Damon Albarn are accompanied by lyrics from Moira Buffini. Presently staged at the London’s National Theatre. www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/wonder.land

23-28 Nov

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Feb 2016

2

Dec

AN EVENING WITH OPRAH 2015 Oprah will take to the stage, bringing her personal story and insights to life in a one-of-a-kind intimate evening with her Australian fans. In Melbourne, Oprah will be at the Rod Laver Arena. She’ll also be in Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney. So book your tickets now! www.daintygroup.com/tour/oprah-tour-2015

AUSTRALIA UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

1921 Nov

WAREHOUSE421 Discover Emirati arts and culture at Abu Dhabi’s Warehouse421. In this three-day celebration, visitors can look forward to art installations, workshops, creative markets, cuisines and other cultural initiatives that highlight local artists, artisans and traditions. www.warehouse421.ae

INDONESIA SINGAPORE

14&15 Nov

INDONESIA COMIC CON Bringing in the best of pop culture from both East and West, Indonesia Comic Con is set to fire up fans.

To be held at Jakarta Convention Center, fans can expect the latest in comics, anime, toys, collectibles, games, TV, film, and entertainment.

With pop culture icons as well as cosplayers attending, you can be sure that it’ll be a blast! www.indonesiacomiccon.com

26TH SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) celebrates independent cinema in the region by telling the Asia story in film. Taking place across various venues, this year’s festival will feature two well-known works from the 1900s – Eric Khoo’s Mee Pok Man and Yonfan’s Bugis Street. www.sgiff.com

26-6 Nov

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SELAMAT DATANG Selamat Datang means ‘Welcome’ in Malay, and your seamless journey begins here.

Business Class The Royal Brunei Airlines 787 Dreamliner Business Class cabin features “Contour” seats that reclines to a 180 degree flat bed, along with a plush duvet and larger pillow, offer a peaceful rest. Each seat is equiped with a 15.4 touchscreen LCD Monitor with Panasonic eX2 in-flight entertainment system; as well as in seat power connecter. The Business Class cabin lavatories are also equipped with bidets for passengers convenience.

Economy Class Comfort Royal Brunei Airlines 787 Dreamliner Economy cabin offers comfortable seats with semiarticulating recline and adjustable headrest, and with very spacious leg-rooms for passengers comfort. Each seat is intergrated with the Eco 9-Inch personal touch screen

monitors filled with great entertainment content. Each seat also comes with a USB port as well as shared power supply.

SkyShow Inflight Entertainment Royal Brunei’s SkyShow Entertainment system gives passengers a number of entertainment options throughout their flight.

A library of hit movies, classic Hollywood films and TV and audio programmes for all ages are available onboard. Refer to the Impian entertainment guide located in the seat pocket in front of you for the list of movies, TV and audio programmes.

For Business Class seats; the sockets for earphones and channel/volume remote control are located in your seat armrest.

Seatback-mounted personal screens are only available on our Boeing 787s. Elsewhere, passengers can avail our service, sit back and relax with our overhead movie screens.

For more information, please contact your nearest Royal Brunei Airlines office.

JOURNEY THROUGH THE DECADES As Brunei Darussalam’s national carrier, Royal Brunei Airlines serves not only as the coming of age of this tiny Sultanate, but today cements itself as a serious competitor in the region.

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Cuisine Everything we serve has been carefully chosen for freshness and flavour. In fact, there’s nothing you can’t enjoy even when dining at 35,000 feet. Our award winning menu has been meticulously created by our Royal Brunei Catering chefs, combining both Western and Oriental flavours using the best seasonal and fresh produce available.

For our Business Class passengers on long-haul flights, you can now select your desired meal times. Our ‘Dine upon Request’ service is available throughout the flight up until 90 minutes before landing. Passengers on all classes also enjoy our ‘Food Fit to Fly by’ service menu that features healthier and lighter meal options, complemented by our award-winning cabin service from our crew.

Special Meals Royal Brunei offers a variety of tasty culinary solutions to suit our passengers’ special dietary requirements. Special meals can be

1970s

1980s

> The maiden Royal Brunei Airlines flight to Singapore left Bandar Seri Begawan on a Boeing 737-200 on 14 May, 1975.

> RB added a Boeing 737, the quick change convertible aircraft, to its fleet.

This aircraft allowed for either an allpassenger or an all-cargo configuration, or a combination of both.

> Two Boeing 737 aircraft were put into service flying five times a week to Singapore, two times to Hong Kong, and seven times to Kota Kinabalu. > Services to Bangkok and Manila were added.

> RB accepted the delivery of its Boeing 757 aircraft that featured a redesigned livery combining Brunei’s traditional royal colours on 16 May, 1986.

ordered when you make your reservation; please confirm your request at least 24 hours before boarding your flight.

Alcohol-free Environment Policy Royal Brunei Airlines operates alcohol-free flights to all destinations.

Hand Luggage For your safety and comfort, you may store your hand luggage in the overhead lockers or under the seat in front of you. Please do not hesitate to ask our cabin crew for help in stowing your luggage properly. Be careful when opening the overhead luggage compartments, as items dislodged by aircraft movement may fall on you or fellow passengers.

Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAG) Various countries have implemented restrictions on the carriage of liquids, aerosols and gels in compliance with new guidelines set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Passengers transiting through airports and carrying any liquids, pastes and gels in containers over 100ml may be asked to dispose of the items at security checkpoints.

These restrictions may affect your ability to carry duty-free purchases onboard the aircraft.

Customers are advised to check with duty free personnel before making their purchases. All liquids, aerosols and gels must be carried in containers of no greater than 100ml/3.3oz capacity (approximately 100gm in weight) and placed in a transparent, resealable plastic bag. The plastic bag must be removed from carry on baggage and presented to security

personnel at the checkpoint for inspection and separate x-ray screening.

Exceptions to the new regulations are medicines and dietary supplements needed during a flight, including baby food. Proof of need may be required.

Use of Electronic Equipment Electronic devices such as Citizen’s band (CB) radio, remote-controlled devices (such as radio controlled toys), and transmitting devices that emit radio frequencies are not to be used at any time during the flight. These devices may interfere with the aircraft’s electronic equipment, compromising aircraft safety and endangering the lives of passengers and crew.

The following devices may be used on board, except during take-off, initial climb, approach and landing; mobile phones (which must be

1990s

2000s

2010s

> RB took delivery of the first of three leased Boeing 767200ER aircraft in June 1990 and set a long distance world record for twin-engine commercial airlines.

> RB took delivery of two new Airbus A319 aircraft in August and September 2003.

> In October 2012, RB launched a rebranding journey with a new logo and livery.

> Two more Airbus A320s were delivered in December 2003 and January 2004.

> RB launched “A betterfly”, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and commenced its first commercial flight from Bandar Seri Begawan to Singapore on 18 October, 2013, followed by flights to Dubai and London on 1 December, 2013 and to Melbourne on 2 April, 2014.

> The delivery of Boeing 767-200ER aircraft enabled RB’s route to extend to London Gatwick in November 1990. > Twice-weekly flights to London Heathrow began in May 1991. The route became a daily service on 1 December, 1996. > RB employed the use of a Fokker 50 aircraft to service Miri and Labuan in Malaysia, two destinations that were significant to the growth of Brunei’s oil and gas industry. > The opportunity to expand regional connections saw RB establishing a service to Surabaya in 1997.

> In January 2010, RB introduced Royal Brunei Holidays, a revamp of its Golden Touch Holidays, which offers passengers value-for-money holiday packages available locally and abroad. > Direct services to Shanghai were re-launched in March 2010. > RB’s newly-leased Boeing 777-200ER aircraft took off on its first commercial flight from Bandar Seri Begawan to London via Dubai in June 2010.

> RB unveiled its new heritage-inspired uniforms on 21 February, 2014.

> RB commenced four-times weekly flights to Melbourne in March 2011.

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switched to flight mode), personal computers, FM receivers, calculators, electronic shavers, audio and video recorders, hand-held computer games, and playback devices..

Lithium Batteries The abundant stored energy that makes lithium batteries practical also makes them dangerous when they are not packed and carried properly. Royal Brunei takes the initiatives to increase the safety onboard with the carriage limitations (from industry initiatives, ICAO and IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations guidance) to mitigate against the risks of the hazards.

Low and medium powered rechargeable batteries in equipment and limited quantity of spares are recommended as carry on baggage. All spare units must be in the original packaging or packed to insulate the terminals. Medium and large nonrechargeable must be carried as cargo/ freight in accordance with current Dangerous

Goods Regulations. High-Powered batteries are not permitted onboard passenger aircraft.

Information of safe carriage of lithium batteries on-board RB flights are also available at the RB websites www.bruneiair.com.

Non-smoking Policy Royal Brunei Airlines operates non-smoking flights to all destinations.

Reconfirmation Reconfirmation is not required except for passengers travelling to and from the Middle East. Please reconfirm your departure flight at least 72 hours in advance with the local Royal Brunei Airlines office or your travel agent. Failure to do so could result in the cancellation of your reservations.

Online Booking Fly through the airport. You can now book online at www.flyroyalbrunei.com, check in online and print your own electronic ticket

(e-ticket). Online check in is available 24 hours before flight departure and closes 60 minutes before departure time.

Check In Check in counters at the Brunei International Airport are open three hours before flight departure. Passengers are advised to check in at least two hours before departure to allow for security and baggage checks.

Check in counters will be closed 45 minutes before departure, after which no boarding passes will be issued. Royal Brunei Airlines also advises its passengers to reach the boarding gate 20 minutes before the flight departs to avoid missing their flights.

Passenger Comments Your comments and suggestions will help us enhance our services. Please e-mail us at: feedback@rba.com.bn.

BRUNEI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Brunei International Airport’s computerised passenger and cargo handling facilities can handle 3 million passengers and 50,000 tonnes of cargo a year. Among the facilities offered at the airport are the Airport Prayer Hall (Surau Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Brunei Darussalam), telephones and Free Wi-Fi services, restaurants and shower facilities for passengers who want to rest or freshen up before their flight.

For customer comfort and convenience, RB Service Centre is located on the Departure Hall area. Passengers can make reservations, ticket purchase, book tour packages and redeem Royal Skies miles. The Customer Service Centre at the Brunei International Airport operates 7 days a week, from 8am to

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9pm Mondays to Saturdays, and 8am to 5pm on Sundays; except for Friday midday break from 12noon to 2pm.

prior to their flights. Complimentary massage chairs, shower rooms, ablution areas and High Definition TV are available.

Our Business Class and Royal Skies Elite passengers can now enjoy the service of our RB porters at departure curb-side for baggage assistance and trolley service to the check-in counters. The premium checkin lounge offers our Business Class and Royal Skies Elite passengers with a relaxed check-in experience.

Duty-free shops offer consumer goods at competitive prices. There are several outlets, including a money changer located at the departure/transit hall. On sale are portable electrical goods with international warranties, designer goods, perfumes and confectionery. Brunei International Airport is a smoke-free airport.

RB Economy class passengers and groups booking may proceed to RB check-in counter Row B.

A mobile application app has been developed by the Department of Civil Aviation to help passengers/visitors experience the newly refurbished Brunei International Airport seamlessly through the ‘iFLYBRUNEI’ app on the smartphone.

Business Class and Royal Skies Elite passengers are able to access the SkyLounge

STAYING FIT At Royal Brunei Airlines, your health, safety and comfort is of prime importance to us. For your general well-being onboard our flights, we would recommend the basic inflight exercises.

Ankle circles While seated, raise one foot and draw a circle with your toes. Rotate clockwise for 15 seconds and repeat the same counterclockwise. Repeat with the other foot. You can do one foot at a time or both simultaneously.

Knee lifts Lift and hug your knee to your chest as close as you can. Hold for 15 seconds. Alternate knee. Repeat 10-15 times for each knee.

Shoulder roll Relax shoulders then hunch them forward.

Rotate gently 10-15 times.

Neck roll With shoulders relaxed, drop ear to shoulder and gently roll neck forward and back, holding each position about five seconds. Repeat five times.

Upper back flex Stretch hands forward, then pull back slowly as far as possible. Repeat 10-15 times.

Trunk flex With both feet on the floor and stomach held in, slowly bend forward and walk your hands down the front of your legs toward your ankles. Hold stretch for 15 seconds and slowly sit back up.

TRAVELLER’S GUIDE Brunei Visitor Information Visas* Austrian, German, Malaysian, Singaporean, British nationals with the right of abode in the United Kingdom, The Netherlands and New Zealand nationals are exempted from the requirement to obtain a visa for visits not exceeding 30 days. American passport holders can enter Brunei Darussalam for three months without visas. For nationals of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Republic of Maldives, Norway, Oman, The Philippines, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand and The Principality of Liechtenstein — visas are waived for 14day visits. Nationals of Australia are issued visas on arrival at the Brunei International Airport for visits not exceeding 30 days.

All other visitors entering Brunei Darussalam must have visas obtainable from any Brunei Darussalam diplomatic mission abroad. These visas are normally issued for a two-week stay but can be renewed in Brunei. Visitors must hold onward tickets and sufficient funds to support themselves while in the country.

N.B. For more details, please contact your nearest Brunei Embassy or diplomatic representative.

Currency Bearer Negotiation Instrument Declaration Passengers entering or leaving Brunei who carry physical currency or bearer negotiable instruments valued at BND15,000 or more are required to complete a declaration form and submit it to a customs officer (if arriving in Brunei) or an immigration officer (if departing Brunei).

Duty-free Allowance* The import of the following products is subject to restrictions imposed by Brunei’s Customs and Excise Department.

Cigarettes: Passengers will be charged duty on cigarettes of $0.25 tax per stick, equal to $5 per pack of 20 sticks of cigarette, and $50 for one carton of 10 packs.

Other tobacco products - Import duty on other tobacco products has increased significantly. Passengers will be charged duty for the import of tobacco products.

Alcohol: Non-Muslim passengers may bring in two bottles of liquor plus 12 cans of beer for personal consumption only; and a reasonable quantity of perfumes.

Transportation The airport is about 11km from the capital. Taxis, car rentals and buses are available.

Currency The Brunei dollar is on a par with the Singapore dollar, which is also accepted in Brunei. Banks, hotels and many department stores will cash traveller’s cheques.

Language Malay is the official language but English is widely used. Other languages include Chinese and its dialect variants and other indigenous dialects. Although the official religion is Islam, other faiths including Christianity and Buddhism are practised.

Clothing Light clothing is advisable as the climate is generally warm and humid.

Women are requested to dress modestly in keeping with local customs.

* The visa and duty-free allowances are provided as a guideline and may change without notice.

Health Doctors provide private medical services for a nominal charge. There are a number of state health clinics and hospitals.

Credit Cards Hotels, department stores and other major establishments generally accept all internationally known credit cards.

Tipping Optional. Some hotels add a 10 per cent service charge to their room rates.

Telephones Overseas calls can be made from hotel rooms through the operator, or via international direct dialling (IDD).

There are also coin and phonecard operated public telephones.

Utilities Power supply is 220 - 240v, 50 cycles. The PAL and NTSC systems are used by local television. Tap water is generally safe to drink although some take the precaution of boiling it.

Media Radio Television Brunei has nightly news bulletins and a range of popular entertainment in both English and Malay.

Cable network and Malaysian television programmes can also be received. There are three local daily newspapers namely: Borneo Bulletin (English), The Brunei Times (English) and Media Permata (Malay). Other regional and international publications are also available at newstands.

Food For the adventurous, the food stalls offer Malay favourites, such as satay (barbecued meat on a skewer) and local dishes prepared with curry or coconut milk. Chinese, European and Indian cuisines are also available. All F&B businesses, including hotel restaurants, close for Friday prayer 12pm to 2pm.

For hotel guests, room service dining operates as usual.

Hotels Accommodation in the capital ranges from international standard to middle range hotels. Service apartments are also available at reasonable rates.

Shopping Department stores and shops offer goods ranging from cosmetics and stereos to local handicrafts such as the keris (an ornamental dagger), miniature brass cannons, and kain tenunan, a cloth woven with gold or silver threads.

Festivals and Celebrations National Day, 23 February, Hari Raya, the end of the Muslim fasting month, and His Majesty The Sultan’s birthday, 15 July. Other public holidays include Chinese Lunar New Year and Christmas.

Customs and Courtesy • In mosques, visitors should remove their shoes and should not pass in front of people at prayer. A woman should ensure that her head, knees and arms are covered before entering mosques. Robes are provided at the entrance to the mosque.

• A Bruneian shakes hands lightly and brings his hands to his chest. Members of the opposite sex do not shake hands.

• It is impolite to point with the index finger (use the right thumb instead) or to beckon someone with fingers and palm facing upwards. Instead the whole hand should be waved with palm facing downwards. The right fist should never be smacked into the left palm.

• Gifts, particularly food, are passed with the right hand.

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ROUTE MAP & DESTINATIONS

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AUSTRALIA MELBOURNE (MEL) TULLAMARINE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Airport-City 22 kms Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Bus AUD16 • Taxi AUD85 Airport Tax AUD38 Currency Australian Dollar (AUD) Language English GMT +10 RB OFFICE Level 10, 45 William Street Melbourne, VIC 3000 T: (61) 3 8651 1000 T: Toll Free Aust wide 1300 721271 E: melrba@rba.com.bn MCH AVIATION HOLDING AUSTRALIA PTY LTD Suite 6, 7-9 Mallet Road, Tullamarine Vic 3043 T: (61) 3 8318 5100 / 5109 M: (61) 4 3046 3324

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (BWN) BRUNEI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Airport-City 8 kms Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Bus BND1 • Taxi BND25 Airport Tax BND12, BKI: BND5 Currency Brunei Dollar (BND) Language Malay, Mandarin, Hokkien, English GMT +8 RB OFFICE RBA Plaza, Jalan Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan, BS 8811 T: (673) 2 212 222 / 2 240 500 F: (673) 2 244 737 AIR LOGISTICS SDN BHD Unit 6, Ground Floor, Madang Complex, Berakas BC3715, Negara Brunei Darussalam T: (673) 865 7913

CHINA HONG KONG (HKG) CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT Airport-City 32 kms Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Taxi Kowloon HKD300, Hong Kong HKD400 Airport Tax HKD120 Currency Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) Language Cantonese, Mandarin, English GMT +8 GENERAL SALES AGENT DEKS AIR (HONG KONG) LTD Room 1804-5, Jubilee Centre, 18 Fenwick Street, Wanchai T: (852) 2529 3883 F: (852) 2527 7300 E: hkgres@rba.com.bn AIR LOGISTICS LIMITED 1205A, 12th Floor, Tower II, Cheung Sha Wan Plaza , 833 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong T: (852) 2328 0278 F: (852) 2328 0221 M: (852) 9161 1747 / 9181 9146

SHANGHAI (PVG)

SURABAYA (SUB)

PUDONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Airport-City 35 kms Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Bus CNY50 • Taxi CNY160 Airport Tax CNY90 Currency Chinese Yuan (CNY) Language Chinese (dialects include Mandarin, Shanghainese) GMT +8 PASSENGER SALES AGENT BEIJING LONGWAY INTERNATIONAL Room 0, 22nd Floor, Zhiyuan Building, No.768 Xietu Road, Luwan District, Shanghai, China Post code: 200023 T: (86) 21 5302 7288 F: (86) 21 6304 7686 E: shasales@rba.com.bn AIR LOGISTICS GROUP Room 1631, No. 333, North Chengdu Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai, China 200040 T: (86) 21 2215 7645 M: (852) 9161 1747

JUANDA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Airport-City 17 kms Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Taxi IDR29,500 Airport Tax IDR150,000 Currency Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) Language Bahasa Indonesia, English, Madurese GMT +7 GENERAL SALES AGENT PT DEKS AVIATION INTERNUSA Wisma BII, 6th Floor #606, Jalan Pemuda No: 60-70, Surabaya 60271, Indonesia T: (62) 31 535 6377 F: (62) 31 535 6166 E: subrba@rba.com.bn AIR LOGISTICS GROUP Suite 3K, 3rd Floor Wisma Soewarna, Soewarna Business Park, Block E, Lot 1 & 2, Soekarno Hata International Airport, Jakarta 19110, Indonesia T: (62) 21 5591 2839 F: (62) 21 5591 1662 M: (62) 81 653 6501

INDONESIA BALI (DPS) NGURAH RAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Airport-City approximately 16 kms Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Bus IDR25,000 • Taxi IDR70,000 - 90,000 Airport Tax IDR150,000 Currency Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) Language Bahasa Indonesia, English GMT +8 GENERAL SALES AGENT PT DEKS AVIATION INTERNUSA Suite #3, Lobby Level, Kuta Paradiso Hotel, Jl Kartika Plaza, Kuta, Tuban Bali (ID) T: (62) 361 757355 F: (62) 361 757785 E: dpsrba@rba.com.bn AIR LOGISTICS GROUP Wisthi Sabha Builing, 2nd FI, Room 19, Ngurah Rai International Airport, Tuban 80361, Bali, Indonesia T: (62) 361 936 3345 F: (62) 361 936 0284

JAKARTA (JKT) SOEKARNO-HATTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Airport-City 50 kms Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Bus IDR7,000 • Taxi IDR150,000 Airport Tax IDR150,000 Currency Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) Language Bahasa Indonesia, English GMT +7 GENERAL SALES AGENT PT DEKS AVIATION INTERNUSA Wisma Tamara, 6th Floor #668, Jalan Jend Sudirman Kav 24, Jakarta 1290, Indonesia T: (62) 21 520 6338 F: (62) 21 527 9990 E: jktrba@rba.com.bn AIR LOGISTICS GROUP Suite 3K, 3rd Floor, Wisma Soewarna, Soewarna Business Park, Block E, Lot 1 & 2, Soekarno Hata International Airport, Jakarta 19110, Indonesia T: (62) 21 5591 1311 F: (62) 21 5591 1662 M: (62) 81 2165 799 22

MALAYSIA KUALA LUMPUR (KUL) KUALA LUMPUR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Airport-City 80 kms Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Bus Luxury RM25 • Taxi Budget MYR70-80, Limo MYR100-120 Airport Tax MYR51 Currency Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) Language Malay, English, Cantonese, Tamil, Mandarin GMT +8 RB OFFICE Lot 25, 1st Floor, UBN Tower (Shangri-la Shopping Arcade), P.O. Box 99, Jln P. Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur T: (60) 3 2070 7166 / 2070 6628 F: (60) 3 2070 6899 E: kulrba@rba.com.bn APPLE AVIATION SDN BHD No 57-59 (3FL), Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia T: (60) 3 2145 2029 / 2143 8877 F: (60) 3 2143 8876 M: (60) 12 388 5319

KOTA KINABALU (BKI) KOTA KINABALU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Airport-City 8.5 kms Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Taxi MYR13.50 Airport Tax MYR26 To/ Transit via Brunei: MYR20 Currency Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) Language Malay, Mandarin, English GMT +8 RB OFFICE Lot BG - 3B Ground Floor, Block B, Komplex KWSP, Jalan Karamunsing, 8000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah T: (60) 88 242 193 / 6 E: sskkoff@rba.com.bn APPLE AVIATION SDN BHD No 57-59 (3FL), Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia T: (60) 3 2145 2029 / 2143 8877 F: (60) 3 2143 8876 M: (60) 12 388 5319

PHILIPPINES

THAILAND

MANILA (MNL)

BANGKOK (BKK)

NINOY AQUINO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Airport-City 9 kms Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Bus PhP13 • Taxi PhP120 Airport Tax PhP750 Currency Philippine Peso (PhP) Language Tagalog, English GMT +8 GENERAL SALES AGENT AVIA-RH INC 4/F Le Rose Building, 832 A. Arnaiz Avenue, San Lorenzo Village, Makati City, Philippines.

T: (63) 632 886 7513 F: (63) 632 886 7494 E: mnlres@rba.com.bn AIR CARGO PARTNERS CORPORATION True North GSA Inc., Unit 26 Cargo Village Complex, Ninoy Aquino Avenue, Paranaque City Metro Manila, Philippines 1700 T: (63) 2 500 9114 F: (63) 2 854 0244

SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT Airport-City 25 kms Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Bus BHT150 • Taxi BHT200-250 Airport Tax BHT700 Currency Baht (BHT) Language Thai, English GMT +7 GENERAL SALES AGENT DEKS AIR THAILAND 4th Floor, C.P. Tower, 313 Silom Road, Bangrak 10500, Thailand T: (66) 02 638 3050 F: (66) 02 638 2969 ABDA CARGO INTERNATIONAL 999 Moo 7, B-FZ Cargo Terminal, Room 302, 3rd Fl, Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangphli. Samutprakarn 10540 Bangkok, Thailand T: (66) 2134 2305 / 6 F: (66) 2134 2307 M: (66) 86 392 1132

SAUDI ARABIA JEDDAH (JED) KING ABDUL AZIZ INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Airport-City 25 kms (from North Terminal); 15 kms (from South Terminal) Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Taxi SAR50 Airport Tax SAR50 except Haj & Umrah pax, diplomats and escorts for human remains Currency Saudi Arabian Riyal (SAR) Language Arabic, English, French GMT +3 GENERAL SALES AGENT ELAF AVIATION Al Nakheel Centre, Madina Road Jeddah 21414, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia T: (9662) 665 7143 / 661 2679 / 665 7908 E: jedrba@rba.com.bn LEISURE CARGO FZCO Saudi Airline Cargo Terminal Building, Jeddah, K.S.A (SITA DXBFBAB) T: (966) 56 512 5101 M: (966) 56 512 5101

SINGAPORE SINGAPORE (SIN) CHANGI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Airport-City 20 kms Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Bus SGD1.40 • Taxi SGD18 Airport Tax SGD21 Currency Singapore Dollar (SGD) Language Malay, English, Mandarin, Tamil GMT +8 RB OFFICE 81 Clemenceau Avenue, #03-13, UE Square Shopping Mall, Singapore 239917 T: (65) 6235 4672 E: sinrba@rba.com.bn AIR-ABDA (S) PTE LTD Room 234-236, SATS Airfreight Terminal 3, 105 Airport Cargo Road, Singapore 819462 Airmail Transit Centre, P.O.Box 0846, Singapore 918154 T: (65) 6543 2290 / 2260 F: (65) 6543 2296 M: (65) 9679 2259 / 9641 0393 / 9651 3944

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES DUBAI (DXB) DUBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Airport-City 4 kms Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Taxi AED20 + 50 fils for every 500m Airport Tax AED30 Currency Dirham (AED) Language Arabic, English GMT +4 RB OFFICE Centurian Star, Shop Number 3, (new RB office), Opp. Deira City Centre, Deira, Dubai, UAE T: (971) 4334 4884 (Reservation) / 4686 (Sales) F: (971) 4334 4585 E: dxbres@rba.com.bn, dxbrba@rba.com.bn Tower 400 (UNB Building), Shop 7-10, Al Soor Area, Sharjah, UAE (SHJBI0301) T: (971) 6005 24444 / 6575 8575 Oman Road, Nakheel, Shaikh Saqr Bin Mohammad Al Qasmi Street, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE (RAKBI0301) T: (971) 7227 2847 / 7228 9987 Al-Ain Tower, East 4th Road, Almouror, Electra Street, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, UAE (AUHBI0301) T: (971) 2815 3444 / 2815 3450 M-201, Paris Gift Palace Building, Zayed Bin Sulthan Street, Al-Ain, UAE (AUHBI0301) T: (971) 3764 1410 / 1990 LEISURE CARGO Office No 3069, Air Cargo Terminal Building, Dubai Cargo Village, P.O. Box 293051 Dubai, United Arab Emirates (SITA DXBFBLT) T: (971) 4 286 9666 F: (971) 4 286 9995 M: (971) 55 954 6066 Office No. M25 Freight Gate-4, Dubai Airport Free Zone, P.O. Box 54385, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (SITA DXBFBLT) T: (971) 4 299 7924 F: (971) 4 299 7989 M: (971) 55 221 6289

UNITED KINGDOM LONDON (LHR) HEATHROW AIRPORT Airport-City 35 kms Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Bus GBP7 • Taxi GBP40 Airport Tax F & J Class Pax: GBP80; Y Class Pax: GBP40; PSC: GBP9 Currency Pound Sterling (GBP) Language English GMT +0 RB OFFICE 49 Cromwell Road, London SW7 2ED, England, United Kingdom T: (44) 207 584 6660 E: lonrba@rba.com.bn AIR LOGISTICS LIMITED Cargo Terminal 4, East Midlands Airport, Castle Donington, Derby, DE74 2SA (SITA LONALXH) T: (44) 0 1332 850021 / 7885 875184 F: (44) 0 1332 811961 E: airlogistics@airlogistics. co.uk / operations@ airlogistics.co.uk / sales@airlogistics.co.uk 2nd Floor, Building 558, Shoreham Road West, Heathrow Airport Hounslow, Middlesex TW6 3RN T: (44) 0 208 759 8686 F: (44) 0 208 990 9005 M: (44) 7713 506614 E: sales@airlogistics.co.uk

VIETNAM HO CHI MINH CITY (SGN) TAN SON NHAT AIRPORT Airport-City 7 kms Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Bus VND8,000 • Taxi VND160,000 Airport Tax USD20 Currency Vietnam Dong (VND) Language Vietnamese, Mandarin, English, French GMT +7 GENERAL SALES AGENT DEKS AIR VIETNAM SERVICE Ground Floor, Citilight Tower, 45 Vo Thi Sau St., Dakao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: (84) 8 3820 7327 F: (84) 8 3820 7329 E: SGNRBA@rba.com.bn 7th Floor, 163 Ba Trieu St. Ba Trieu St., Le Dai Hanh Ward, Hai Ba Trung Dist, Hanoi, Vietnam T: (84) 4 3820 2828 F: (84) 4 3974 3595 AIR CARGO LOGISTICS VIETNAM CO. LTD Air Logistics Limited, Room 06, 2nd Floor, New TCS Building, 46-48 Hau Giang Str., Ward 4, Ho Chi Minh City T: (84) 8 3848 8567 M: (84) 9 0380 7939 Air Cargo Logistics Vietnam - HCM City, Unit 206 - New TCS Building, 46 Hau Giang Street, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: (84) 8 7305 0988 Ext 8400 F: (84) 8 3547 0004 Room 1308A, 13rd Floor, Dao Duy Anh Tower, No. 9 Dao Duy Anh Street, Phuong Mai Ward Dong Da District, Hanoi City T: (84) 4 3577 2454 / 3577 0942 F: (84) 4 3577 2146 M: (852) 6892 4588 / (84) 9 0380 7939 E: hansales@airlogisticsgroup.com

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

69

WELCOME ONBOARD

CAPITAL ATTRACTIONS

ABODE OF PEACE

Small in size but big in attractions, Brunei’s capital has lots to offer.

Brunei Darussalam is a country rich in culture and heritage.

It is a small, peaceful, prosperous kingdom on the northern shore of the ecologically-rich island of Borneo. Come and discover Brunei, a Kingdom of Unexpected Treasures.

Brunei is arguably best known today as an oil producing country. The nation became independent in 1984 and, thanks to its large reserves of oil and gas, now has one of the highest standards of living in the world. Its population of just over 408,000 is made up of two-thirds ethnic Malay, with the remainder being Chinese, Indian and other indigenous groups.

The Sultanate has four districts: Brunei-Muara (which includes the capital Bandar Seri Begawan), Temburong, Tutong and Belait. ‘Darussalam’, the Arabic word for ‘Abode of Peace’ describes Brunei’s Islamic history that dates back some 1,500 years.

Today, Brunei remains the world’s only Malay Islamic Monarchy with an unbroken royal lineage that has ruled the nation for the past 600 years.

www.bruneitourism.travel For more information on Brunei, email: info@bruneitourism.travel Images DAVID KIRKLAND/ BRUNEI TOURISM

Brunei-Muara

1 2 3

THE OMAR ‘ALI SAIFUDDIEN MOSQUE

Brunei Darussalam’s iconic landmark, the mosque was completed in 1958 and is named after the 28th Sultan, the late Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien, who is referred to as the Architect of Modern Brunei.

ISTANA NURUL IMAN

The official residence of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. Although not open to public, except during Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, its golden domes and vaulted roof can be viewed from Kampong Ayer.

LAPAU AND DEWAN MAJLIS

The Royal Ceremonial Hall features an exquisite golden dome and hosts all of the Sultanate’s traditional royal ceremonies.

MUSLIM PRAYER TIMES in Brunei Darussalam November 2015

Muharam 1437 / Safar 1437 Date Hijriah Day

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2

3

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5

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19

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26

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28

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19

20

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24

25

26

27

28

29

30

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

Tue Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Tue Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Tue Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Tue Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun Mon

Sun Mon

Sun Mon

Sun Mon

Sun Mon

Imsak

4.37

4.37

4.37

4.37

4.37

4.37

4.37

4.37

4.37

4.37

4.37

4.37

4.37

4.37

4.37

4.37 4.38 4.38 4.38 4.38 4.38 4.39 4.39 4.39 4.39 4.40 4.40 4.40 4.40

Subuh

4.47

4.47

4.47

4.47

4.47

4.47

4.47

4.47

4.47

4.47

4.47

4.47

4.47

4.47

4.47

4.47 4.48 4.48 4.48 4.48 4.48 4.49 4.49 4.49 4.49 4.50 4.50 4.50 4.50

4.51

Syuruk

6.05 6.05 6.05 6.05 6.05 6.05 6.06 6.06 6.06 6.06 6.06 6.06

6.07

6.07

6.07

6.07 6.08 6.08 6.08 6.09 6.09 6.09

6.29 6.29 6.29 6.29 6.29 6.30 6.30 6.30 6.30 6.30

6.31

6.31 6.32 6.32 6.32

Doha Zohor Asar

6.31

6.31

6.33

6.33

6.11

4.41

6.10

6.10

6.10

6.11

6.11

6.12

6.12

6.33 6.34 6.34 6.34

6.35

6.35

6.35 6.36 6.36

6.37

6.37

12.05 12.05 12.05 12.05 12.05 12.05 12.05 12.06 12.06 12.06 12.06 12.06 12.06 12.06 12.06 12.06 12.07 12.07 12.07 12.07 12.07 12.08 12.08 12.08 12.09 12.09 12.09 12.10 12.10 12.10 3.26

3.26

3.26

3.26

3.26

3.26

3.26

3.26

3.27

3.27

3.27

3.27

3.27

3.27

3.28

3.28

3.28

3.28

3.29

3.29

3.29

3.29 3.30 3.30 3.30

3.31

3.31

3.31

3.32

3.32

Maghrib 6.03 6.03 6.03 6.02 6.02 6.02 6.02 6.02 6.02 6.02 6.02 6.02 6.02 6.02 6.02 6.02 6.02 6.03 6.03 6.03 6.03 6.03 6.03 6.03 6.04 6.04 6.04 6.04 6.05 6.05 Isyak

70

7.14

7.14

7.14

MUHIBAH

7.14

7.14

7.14

7.14

7.14

7.14

7.14

7.14

7.14

7.14

7.15

7.15

7.15

7.15

7.15

7.15

7.16

7.16

7.16

7.17

7.17

7.17

7.17

7.18

7.18

7.19

7.19

4

THE ROYAL REGALIA BUILDING

7 8 9 10

BRUNEI MUSEUM

The museum is home to a collection of royal regalia, including the royal chariot, gold and silver ceremonial armoury, the jewel encrusted crowns used during the coronation and a replica of the throne, which is used by the Sultan on state occasions.

5 6

ISTANA DARUSSALAM

Located on Jalan Sumbiling, this wooden palace captures the architectural heritage of old Malay palaces. Visitors may view only from outside.

THE SULTAN HAJI HASSANAL BOLKIAH FOUNDATION COMPLEX

The capital’s most popular shopping venues, it combines both traditional Malay and modern architecture.

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

Brunei’s national museum spotlights Brunei’s role in Southeast Asia’s history. The Islamic Art Gallery has historical pieces of Islamic art and a commendable Quran collection.

Temburong

11 12 13

ULU TEMBURONG NATIONAL PARK

Explore Brunei’s lush virgin forest through lofty canopy walkways, scenic hiking trails and a thrilling river ride to the park on the Temburong River.

BRUNEI ARTS AND HANDICRAFTS CENTRE

Brunei’s ancient and traditional arts and crafts – kain tenunan, silver & brass ware, wood carving and basketry – are showcased in this centre, aimed to preserve its rich legacy.

Tutong TASEK MERIMBUN

Brunei’s largest lake that curves in an ‘S’ has an island in the centre accessible via a wooden walkway and various facilities for picnics and recreation.

TAMU KIANGGEH

The Tamu, or open air market, on the banks of the Kianggeh River is a popular local market for traditional dishes, fruits, vegetables, flowers and handicrafts.

Belait OIL & GAS DISCOVERY CENTRE

An ‘edutainment’ facility, this interactive science centre aims to make science exciting and accessible to all with more than 100 hands-on exhibits in themed areas to explore.

KAMPONG AYER

The world’s largest water village that is home to more than 30,000 people living on unique wooden houses on stilts over the Brunei River.

December 2015

Safar 1437 / Rabiulawal 1437 Date

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Tue Wed

Thu

Tue Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Imsak

4.41

Hijriah

Fri

Sat

Tue Wed

Thu

Fri

4.41 4.42 4.42

4.43

4.43

Sun Mon

4.43 4.44 4.44

4.45

4.45

4.45 4.46 4.46

Sat

Sun Mon

4.47

4.47 4.48 4.48 4.49 4.49 4.50 4.50

Sun Mon

Tue Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

4.51

4.51

4.52

4.52

4.57

Tue Wed

Thu

4.53

4.58 4.59 4.59 5.00 5.00

5.01

5.01

5.02

6.21

6.23 6.24 6.24

Sun Mon

4.53 4.54 4.54

4.55

5.02

5.03

5.03 5.04 5.04

5.05

6.25

6.25 6.26 6.26

Subuh

4.51

4.51

4.52

4.52

4.53

4.53

4.53 4.54 4.54

4.55

4.55

4.55 4.56 4.56

4.57

Syuruk

6.13

6.13

6.14

6.14

6.14

6.15

6.15

6.16

6.16

6.17

6.17

6.18

6.18

6.19 6.20 6.20

Doha

6.38 6.38 6.39 6.39 6.40 6.40 6.40

6.41

6.41 6.42 6.42

6.43

6.43 6.44

Zohor

12.11 12.11 12.11 12.12 12.12 12.13 12.13 12.13 12.14 12.14 12.15 12.15 12.16 12.16 12.17 12.17 12.18 12.18 12.19 12.19 12.20 12.20 12.20 12.21 12.21 12.22 12.22 12.23 12.23 12.24 12.24

Asar

3.32

6.51

6.27

6.52

6.52

3.35

3.37

3.37

3.38

3.38

3.39

3.39 3.40 3.40

3.41

3.41

3.42

3.42

3.43

3.43

3.44

3.44

3.45

3.45

3.46

3.46

6.07

6.07 6.08 6.08 6.09 6.09 6.09

6.10

6.10

6.11

6.11

6.12

6.12

6.13

6.13

6.14

6.14

6.15

6.15

6.16

6.16

6.17

6.17

6.18

6.18

6.19

Isyak

7.21

7.21

7.22

7.25

7.25

7.26

7.26

7.27

7.27

7.27

7.28

7.28

7.29

7.29

7.30

7.30

7.31

7.31

7.32

7.32

7.33

7.33

7.23

7.23

3.37

6.51

3.34

7.22

3.36

6.47 6.48 6.48 6.49 6.49 6.50 6.50 6.50

6.27

6.07

7.20

3.36

6.47

6.23

3.34

7.20

3.35

6.45 6.46 6.46

6.21 6.22 6.22

3.34

7.20

3.33

6.45

4.58

Maghrib 6.05 6.06 6.06 6.06 7.19

3.33

6.19

7.24

7.24

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

71

MIND TEASERS

Crossword Puzzle 1

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26 20

18 21

7

Cover to Cover 8

9

2. Homer’s epic Odyssey is the most translated book. How many languages has it got?

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28

There’s no better time than now to curl up with a good read as you wind down the year. But before you start, test your knowledge on some book trivia.

1. What is the best-selling non-fiction book of all time, with 3 billion prints?

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5. Who has sold more children’s books than any other author?

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6. Name the world’s best-selling fiction writer who wrote 78 crime novels that sold more than 2 billion copies.

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3. Dr. Seuss wrote his first book in 1936 while crossing the Atlantic on a luxury liner whose engines annoyed him so much. Name the ship.

4. A.A. Milne, the author of the Winnie the Pooh series, used his son as inspiration for the character Christopher Robin. True or False?

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22

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10

7. Who’s memoir sold more than 200,000 copies in its first day of publication, more than any other non-fiction title.

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8. Who wrote the world’s first novel, The Tale of the Genji, in around 1008?

Sudoku © Boatload Puzzles, LLC

© Copyright 2008 Sudogo.com

Answers 1. The Qur’an 2. 250 3. Kungsholm 4. True 5. R. L. Stine, the author of the Goosebumps series 6. Agatha Christie 7. Hillary Clinton, Living History 8. Murasaki Shikibu 9. William Wells Brown, Clotel or, The President’s Daughter 10. Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1771

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E L A T E

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16 13 6

7

D E L A N O

I N E N E R C O A

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L E M E U D I L E A L I T I C E I E R

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48

A L O N G

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7 9

1 4

2 7

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8

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5 6

3

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9 8

49

S E N S E

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E D A U T E

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6

26 Feel 29 Classified ___ 30 Gets up 32 Visible to the audience 35 Name word 36 Franklin ___ Roosevelt 39 Imitate 41 Paradise 42 Destitution 43 African antelope 44 Pull apart 45 Raised railroads 47 Co. abbr.

48 Agent Smith’s nemesis 49 Historic time

M I M I C

1 Health farm 2 ___ capita 3 Extreme anger 4 Christmas glitter 5 Gladden 6 Tinter 7 Small arrow 8 Act like 9 Luau garland 10 Munch 11 Payable 17 Sandwich store 19 Orchard fruit 20 Be nosy 21 Brownish gray 22 Ceremonies 24 More frosty 25 Accompanying

46

Down 34 Lack of secrecy 36 Lions’ homes 37 Coins from Mexico 38 Come out 40 Knife or fork 43 Small bomb 46 Bangor’s state 50 Nothing 51 Mild exclamation 52 Not outer 53 Raises 54 Culmination 55 Hot chocolate

52

1 Ill will 6 Ike’s monogram 9 Guided 12 Jeopardy 13 Sweet potato 14 ___ de toilette 15 Sports locale 16 Learned 18 Frighten 20 Actress Meryl ___ 23 Pseudonym 27 Metal spike 28 Tiny speck 31 Not home 32 Classic song 33 Charged particle

7 9 1 3 6 2 9 6 8 5 6 8 1 1 3 2 4 8 7 3 8 7 5 1 6 1 5 9 7

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Across

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D D Y A E R A R T P P A R L D I E S S E N S E E D

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E D E N

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O N S T A G E

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10. Where was Encyclopaedia Britannica, the first English-language encyclopedia, published?

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S P I T P E R I A R E N S S T R E N A I L O U T O P E N P E S O U G R E N N I L U P S

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9. Name the first African American author and the novel he wrote in 1853.

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40

11

1 6 3 8 3

7

4

9 5 4 8

1

5 9

8 2 3

7

5

6

2

1

6

3 2 4 8

6 9 5

9 7 4 1 3

9 5

6 1

4 8 7 7 2 4 2 1

5 9

6 3

7 9 4 1 8 3 6 2 8 7 5 2

Solutions 72

MUHIBAH

Priority.

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