BiG Magazine October/December 2025 Issue

NextStep

Editor’s Note

October has rolled around in much the same fashion as technology has advanced upon us – seemingly taking forever to arrive yet somehow, we are in the throes of the end of year already! As a good mind ramble does, I was led to the idea of covering Borneo’s digitalisation efforts thanks to none other than a good noughties playlist that happened to include the likes of the one and only Backstreet Boys (they are currently in their Las Vegas residency era as we speak). Which got me thinking, about how it’s incredible that it’s been almost 26 years since Y2K never happened and we were all worried for not much really. I’m sure many of us thought 2026 would look more like a real-life version of the Minority Report, with floating screens and robot assistants, and while some of those things did come true, it’s been rather interesting to see how we have adapted so quickly to technology that advancements in Artificial Intelligence need to be bombastically different to be considered ‘innovative’ because almost nothing is anymore.

Borneo has of course jumped on to the bandwagon and adapted to the rapidly changing digital landscape – increased support for tech startups, fintech is all the rage, AI proves its use but also opens a bigger can of worms with unregulated use for unsavoury purposes, as well as unfortunately revealing we might all just be lazier than we would like to admit. Our feature checks out what each nation state is up to in the race to be digitally savvy. The last quarter of the year also included lots of travel for the BIG team including a Getaway to the delicious Shangri-La Rasa Ria property in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, and over to the outskirts of Sarawak for the annual Gawai festivities. We invite you to experience these when you can. Beyond the borders, we’ve curated a list of amazing travel around ASEAN, highlighting the unity and unique locations that make our region so special. If your favourite location didn’t make it to the list, I’d love to hear from you! Thank you again for another wonderful year of stories and we look forward to meeting you at the next issue.

Borneo Insider’s Guide magazines are distributed to:

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

BIG: Borneo Insider’s Guide @bigborneo

Publisher CHMP MEDIA

Editor Ying Chia

Designer Aqilah Hj Abu Bakar

Marketing Manager Yasmin Jamal

Contributor Aliyah Ming Tina Afiqah

Brunei | biG

borneoinsidersg@gmail.com

T: (673) 2331031 F: (673) 2231031

Unit 2&3, First Floor Wisma LCY Gadong, Spg 92, Jln Gadong, Kg. Pengkalan Gadong Mukim Gadong B, Bandar Seri Begawan BE 3719, Brunei Darussalam @b.i.g.magazine

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

BiG

BiG

BiG SCREEN

Bandar's capital lights up in celebration of HIs Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah's 79th birthday, with the beloved Time Piece Monument as witness. 'Cucul’ or fairy lights, are used to adorn surfaces and bring a welcome atmosphere of festivity and celebration in Malay culture. The annual decorations for His Majesty’s birthday also signal the start of the Perayaan (festival stalls) that draw crowds across the month of July.

SARAWAK REGATTA

EWAN LANE FESTIVAL KOTA KINABLU

Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu presents Ewan Lane Festival, a vibrant celebration of Kota Kinabalu’s dynamic urban culture. Showcasing the best of local music, art, sports, and lifestyle, the festival brings the community together in the heart of the city. Look forward to an exciting lineup of activities including skateboarding, 3x3 basketball, street soccer, arm wrestling, art and dance activities, Kaki Lima Market and more!

1 - 31

BRUNEI DECEMBER FESTIVAL

13-14

MUSIC FEST @ TIP OF BORNEO

TANJUNG SIMPANG MENGAYAU, KUDAT WATERFRONT, KUCHING

High octane action on the river returns with the annual Sarawak Regatta as teams from across Borneo meet on Kuching’s Sarawak River, for a race to remember. The blue-ribbon event is the coveted ‘Raja Sungai’ (king of the river) title in the ‘bidar’ category. This event has roots in the Brooke era, designed by the White Rajah himself to stop inter-tribal warring.

OCT 9-10

BORNEO BLOCKCHAIN CONFERENCE

BORNEO CULTURES MUSEUM, KUCHING

Join global and regional leaders at this 2-day event shaping the future of technology, sustainability, and economic growth in Borneo. Learn from keynote speakers, join panel discussions, explore open-source workshops, and connect with innovators driving real change. Set in the iconic building, that celebrates tradition while embracing the future, it’s sure to be thrilling and informative.

Fill your December with an array of captivating events spanning a wide range of themes as the much-awaited December Festival returns for the 9th year. Expect big savings on shopping, and lots of fun-filled events to keep the family entertained all month long.

16 SEPT - 15 NOV DEC DEC

Catch the waves and feel the rhythm at the Music Fest @ Tip of Borneo! The normally quiet town of Kudat, Sabah, comes alive with this exciting weekend that has fun, sun and sweet tunes for an epic two days of activity; a surf competition, live performances and bustling artisan market makes this the ideal weekend getaway for anyone wanting to explore the Tip of Borneo.

DOUBLE EXPOSURE EXHIBITION

16-19

BREW & BLOOM – A CELEBRATION OF COFFEE, MATCHA, AND MOMENTS

TINGGI-TINGGI CREATIVE HUB, KOTA KINABALU RIMBA POINT, EXHIBITION HALL & 1ST FLR, BRUNEI

Get ready for mind-bending photography and art that will make your brain work, as Sabah-based creative group, Found, explores how two people can look at the same world and come back with entirely different stories. Featuring 15 artists including the famed Malaysian street artist, Kenji Chai, and local Sabahan talents like Frida of Kakamot, and Charmaine Liau, it promises to leaving lasting imprints on you.

Join us for our first ever collaborative event with Borneo Insider's Guide (biG) Magazine 'Brew & Bloom', a four-day experience where coffee culture meets matcha magic! Discover a curated lineup of passionate local brewers, artisanal vendors, and interactive pop-ups celebrating coffee & matcha communities alike. Whether you're a die-hard coffee lover, a matcha enthusiast, or just someone looking to sip, shop, and unwind, 'Brew & Bloom' is the perfect blend of community and creativity! Expect cozy vibes, signature drinks, themed workshops, and community building, all in one beautifully brewed space. Let’s stir up something special this October.

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

OCT 25 - 26

BORNEO BIRD FESTIVAL

RAINFORST DISCOVERY CENTRE, SEPILOK

One of the largest nature festivals in Malaysia, a celebration of the magnificent birds of Borneo and its surrounding nature. This event has also created bonds among participants, both local and international, and is an overall excellent platform where nature enthusiasts gather in Kota Kinabalu.

OCT 19

MOUNT KINABALU INTERNATIONAL CLIMBATHON

KINABALU PARK, KUNDASANG

Experience the ultimate test of endurance and skill at the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon 2025, proudly hosted by the Sabah Tourism Board through subsidiary, Sri Pelancongan Sabah. This adrenalinefueled race set against the stunning backdrop of Kinabalu Park covers a grueling 26-kilometre trail that pushes even elite runners to their limits.

OCT 21 - 27

RUAI RUNDI MERATUS

DESA PIPITAK JAYA KEC. PIANI KABIN TAPIN, SOUTH KALIMANTAN

This Dayak festival merges nature, customs and the culture of the Meratus Mountains with a massive two-tothree-day campout to celebrate, and perform the commemoration ceremony of Youth Oath Day. You’ll also visit the Pipitak Jaya village and follow the path of the former Tapin River estuary. In the past, the Tapin River was the only access for the Dayak people to bring harvest or garden produce to the city of Tapin by Balanting Paring (bamboo rafting on a fast-moving river). Check for finalised dates.

HAVOC FOOD FESTIVAL

JERUDONG PARK, BRUNEI

It’s gonna absolute HAVOC as Viral vendors from Malaysia land in Brunei for the SIUK HAVOC Food Festival. Get ready for the ultimate street food vibes, games, and the first ever Hot Air Balloon at Jerudong Park!

5-9 NOV

26 OCT - 2 NOV

BORNEO SAFARI SABAH

Journey through the heart of Borneo in a thrilling 4x4 adventure with the BSS International Offroad Challenge, powered by Isuzu. Get involved if you love a bit of adrenaline! Whether that’s tackling the tough trails, providing essential support or just tagging along for the love of adventure, this is one not to be missed!

DEC

CHRISTMAS

Tis the season! A sacred time of reflection for some, a busy shopping and gifting spree for others, but regardless of how you choose to spend Christmas time, this public holiday is always guaranteed to be festive and fun.

ISB’s Art at Hart

It was a heartwarming night of celebration for students and parents at the Year 5 Art Exhibition recently, where the works of art were displayed in an interactive and immersive display at Hart Living furniture store in Kiulap. The special showcase of creative sarong prints themed ‘Tribes of the World’ featured artwork made by ISB’s Year 5 students, celebrating their creativity, cultural exploration, and artistic growth. As part of their creative process, the children broke down traditional patterns into simplified shapes to design repeatable printing templates. Using clay, cardboard, and PVA, they applied various printing techniques to produce bold, wearable works of art. Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda Muhammad Aiman is among the students with artwork featured at the event. In

Let Them Eat Cake!

his welcoming remarks, Dominic Morley, Executive Principal and CEO of ISB, said “At ISB, we believe in both inclusive education and academic excellence—a space where every child has the chance to thrive, express themselves, and excel in their own way. Art is a reflection of that philosophy, giving students the freedom to communicate ideas, emotions, and perspectives beyond textbooks. It teaches resilience, problem-solving, and confidence—the kind of excellence that shapes not just artists, but future leaders.” The event was also graced by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; Her Royal Highness

Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah; Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda 'Abdul Muntaqim; Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Muneerah Madhul Bolkiah; Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda Muhammad Aiman; and Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Faathimah Az-Zahraa' Raaihanul Bolkiah.

••

IG: @isb_brunei @hartliving.bn

Brunei’s first-ever Cake Picnic made a delightful debut with over 100 registered participants thronging the Colonnade at Jerudong Park, to meet, be merry, and eat cake. A lot of it. The highly anticipated community event brought together bakers, cake lovers, and creatives from across the country in a vibrant, pastel-themed celebration organised by Big BWN Project in collaboration with local cakepreneurs Hafi Kay aka. Midnight Baker, and Nona Manis. Following the success of the original Cake Picnic concept that first debuted in New York, U.S.A., each participant brought a whole cake to

share. In true picnic fashion, attendees enjoyed laid-back vibes, good company, and pictureperfect setups against the lush backdrop of Jerudong Park’s grounds. The picnic featured a structured cake-sharing rotation, exclusive merchandise, and a Prettiest Cake competition. More than just an Instagram-worthy experience, Cake Picnic Brunei embodied the spirit of Wawasan 2035 by empowering local entrepreneurs, fostering community pride, and promoting inclusive public gatherings with heart. “We’re so grateful for the overwhelming response and all the love from the community,” said the organising team. “This was a non-profit event created to spark joy, support local bakers, and bring people together, and we’re so proud of what Brunei created.”

••

IG: @bigbwnproject

They say teamwork makes the dream work, and with 16,415 visitors recorded for the first transnational ART BORNEO 2025 exhibition in West Kalimantan, you could say it was a whopping success! The exhibition adopted the theme “Bala Dingan”, a phrase from the Dayak Bidayuh language of Sanggau which means “a group of companions” (Bala: group, Dingan: companions). The spirit of kinship and solidarity transcended state lines with curators M. Faozi

Thriving

SOWING SEEDS of Growth in Art and Vibing

The masterclasses for Asia Inc Forum’s inaugural THRIVE2025 series have proved to be engaging and useful for participants as the event and dialogue facilitator rolled out a new format of programmes designed to create more engaging and impactful conversations between industries

Yunanda (Indonesia), Catriona Maddock (Malaysia) and Elroy Rahmantan (Brunei Darussalam) collating artwork submissions to the subthemes “Rhizome and Interconnection” and “Non-Utilitarian Ecological Consumption”. ART BORNEO 2025 invited both artists and the public to reflect on cultural, social, and ecological entanglements beyond hierarchy. Inspired by the rhizome—roots that grow horizontally without a central core—the exhibition envisioned art as a living, expanding network.

and invited guests. From masterclasses that brought unique business perspectives from regional charcters like Sam Neo and Ayala Maghfira, attendees overall found Thrive 2025 to be a wonderful initiative that helped them connect with relevant people of impact from the region. From Masterclasses

on personal branding to seminars targeting key areas of growth for Brunei like agriculture, logistics and food and beverage, as well as insightful community meet ups, THRIVE 2025 really lived up to its name.

•• IG: @asiaincforum

ART BORNEO 2025 presented works by 32 artists from across the island diverse body of work included painting, installation, sculpture, photography, film, research-based art, and documentary practices. Annisa Fitri Yusuf, Director of ART BORNEO 2025, explained that “Bala Dingan is our way of reweaving the artistic network of Borneo—not just as a gathering of artists, but as a convergence of shared experiences, ideas, and future possibilities. The 16,415 visitors are a testament to the enduring relevance of art and how connection can flourish from the periphery.”

•• IG: @artborneoconnection

A Forest Full

Sarawak’s Rainforest World Music Festival is certainly one of the biggest highlights of the year for all music lovers and the 28th edition this year was a thrilling whirlwind of musical genres, nationalities and people from across Borneo and the globe coming to celebrate the 28th edition of this beloved annual music festival that is supported by the Sarawak Tourism Board. Headliners this year were a truly international collection – The Earth, Wind & Fire Experience band (U.S.A.), Rob Ruha (New

Zealand), Ngauan (Malaysia) and viral Youtube sensation

Oytken from Siberia, were just a few of the musicians joining exciting local acts to entertain the crowds. The Rainforest World Music Festival always draws a crowd with this year being no different, and things were certainly in line with this year’s festival theme of “Connections: one earth, one love”!

••

IG: @rwmf.official

Of Great Interest of Connections Seeing‘Shrooms

Brunei’s annual HobbyFest returned this year with a ton of new vendors, games and displays! We especially loved the bigger effort that people made in dressing up or doing cosplay, and while anime and gaming culture still dominated the event there were wonderful new introductions to hobbies and activities like perfume making.

••

IG: @673hobbyfest

It was a fascinating look into the fungi of Brunei and Borneo at the recent “Mushroom Discovery Week: Spore to Science” – a three-day public outreach and research event that intersected at the world of science, education, and community engagement. With plenty of activities like workshops, exhibits and interactive foraging sessions on the programme, attendees were able to gain greater insight into these critical plants in Borneo’s fragile ecosystem. You can also look forward to the following releases; a mushroom species poster for the Tropical Biodiversity Centre in Sungai Liang and specimen additions

to the herbarium at University Brunei Darussalam (UBD).

A future publication on Brunei’s macrofungi is also touted to be in the works! The event was organised by UBD Botanical Research Centre, the Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research, in collaboration with the Forestry Department, Brunei’s Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism as well as Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).

••

IG: @ubd.botanicalgarden

We’re All Kindred Spirits

Festivalgoers at the annual WAK festival had a ball at this fast-growing and dynamic event that has become a beloved mark in Borneo’s event calendar. Each year, the programme has grown bigger and better as it bloomed from a grassroots movement into one of the region’s most anticipated cultural showcases. It has held true to its core value of ‘By the community, for the community’ and in the seventh edition this year, reimagined its WAK acronym to ‘We Are Kindred’ – and as the saying goes, sometimes you have to take a step back to move forwards, and WAK’s 2025 ‘Roots’ theme sees this event look at reflecting on and celebrating the deep cultural and historical roots that anchor us to our homeland, heritage and each other.

“The biggest sign of progress for us has been how the community has embraced WAK Festival as their own, while also being open to voices and influences from abroad. That balance between local and foreign content is what makes WAK such a dynamic platform,” the festival’s management shared. This year also sees the continuation of the weekend satellite events in Miri and Sibu, which give local communities in those cities the opportunity to experience WAK’s programme in their own way while remaining connected to the wider festival in Kuching city. This is the root of WAK’s success and it’s wonderful to see it being honoured, even as the event grows and expands in scale!

Inclusive spaces are a plenty – from largescale music festivals to intimate workshops, there’s a wider spectrum of Sarawak’s creative energy to experience while also spotlighting cross-cultural exchanges with international artists, according to festival management.

“One of the key changes this year is the emphasis on interactivity and participation. Rather than just being spectators, audiences are invited to engage directly, with local communities and with international creatives who are sharing their art, food, and culture.”

They pointed out that the expanded programme - which now has everything from trending pickleball tournaments, immersive dining theatre, and soulful Jazz performances to niche activities like pressed flower workshops and artful treasure hunts (Check out the Stinky Toe Trail!) - highlights the importance of community driven activity and Sarawak’s multi-cultural state as a meeting point for cultures and ideas.

2026 is sure to bring more exciting things to do in Borneo so make sure you stay up to date with WAK happenings through their social media.

•• IG: @wakfestival

Looking Back on Brunei

Attendees to the “The Face of Brunei: Tracing Memories” exhibition were treated to a look at Brunei Darussalam's socio-economic journey through valuable documents, photographs, and oral history recordings sourced from the National Archives. Many of these items have never been seen by the mass public before. The

exhibit was organised by the Brunei Museums Department through the National Archives Department, to celebrate International Archives Day which is typically observed annually in June. 2025’s theme of accessibility for all, highlighted the importance of openness and inclusive access to archival information for all levels of society. “Where museums often present physical objects and artistic expressions, the archives protect records and documents that offer reliable insights into the nation’s historical journey and institutional memory.” The event was officiated by Guest of Honor, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Nazmi bin Haji Awang Mohamad, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.

••

IG: @arkibbrunei

SUSHI So In with

The ‘I Love Sushi’ travelling exhibition landed in Brunei recently, giving our nation of Japanophiles an exciting look at the history behind this beloved form of washoku (Japanese cuisine). The travelling exhibit is a Japan Foundation initiative aimed at introducing the history and appeal of sushi, which is a popular food in Brunei and around the world. Featuring traditional Japanese art such as ukiyo-e woodblock prints depicting sushi in Japanese everyday life in the 19th century, a replica of a Japanese sushi restaurant, and the famous

Flower Power, Baby!

Labuan got a serious dose of flower power with the launch of the Borneo Flora Festival at the Labuan Watersports Complex. Over 100,000 visitors clocked in for the five-day event that even garnered a visit from Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, as an officiating spokesperson for the event. The flower festival showcased the uniqueness and beauty of Borneo's flora through various themed garden exhibitions, with 31 participations from government agencies, private, international, community, higher education institutions and schools including flower enthusiasts from Brunei and Kalimantan, Indonesia. Thanks to the efforts of organisers and

perbadananlabuan

volunteers from the private and public sector, 250,000 units of seasonal flowering trees were sowed and planted just for this momentous occasion! Special plants like the largest world’s largest pitcher plant (Nepthenes Rajah) were also on display, as well as a towering statue of ‘Tombiruo’ constructed from driftwood - a powerful symbol and reminder for humans to respect nature, uphold taboos and maintain harmony with nature. With such a resounding success, the Borneo Flora Festival is expected to bring colourful joy to the island of Labuan again next year!

••

IG: @perbadananlabuan @tourismmalaysialabuan

FB: Jabatan Wilayah Persekutuan

realistic plastic food molds seen outside most Japanese restaurants, it was a fun and light-hearted way for Bruneians to learn more about the significance and details about sushi in Japanese culture. The exhibition and its opening ceremony were held at the Malay Technology Museum, and representatives from the institution welcomed more initiatives like this to encourage people to come and visit the venue. Yang Mulia Pengiran Sr Mohammad Iskandar bin Pengiran Haji Petra, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Corporate), Ministry of Education,

was Guest of Honour for the opening ceremony event, with His Excellency Kikuta Yutaka, Ambassador of Japan to Brunei, also in attendance.

••

IG: @japanemb_brunei

Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan

Soaring arias, soulful violin solos and an atmosphere of celebration and cheer – what a night it was at the celebration of the 127th anniversary of the Philippine’s’ independence and nationhood. The diplomatic reception held at Tarindak d’Polo, Royal Berkshire Polo and Riding Club, highlighted the theme of freedom, future and history, to underscore the Philippines’ journey as the first modern democracy in Asia. In her opening speech, Her Excellency Marian Jocelyn R. Tirol-Ignacio, the Philippine Ambassador to Brunei, spoke of the historically warm, fraternal and excellent

@Pinoy

bilateral relations of the two countries.

The evening’s program included a concert of Filipino traditional and contemporary music presented by Del Mar Virutuoso Music School, offering attendees a musical journey to accompany the seated dinner. Yang Berhormat Pehin

Datu Lailaraja Major General (Retired) Dato Paduka Seri

Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Defense, was present as Guest of Honour.

•• IG: @phinBrunei

SkateGo Day 2025

Go Skate Day was its usual day of fun, a little falling and lots of laughs! Brunei’s skateboarding and BMX community came together for the annual friendly competitions and banter cohosted by Uneek Skate Shop, this year at the Tamu Serambangun, Tutong District.

•• IG: @unksk8shop @mpk.panchortutong

30 Years with TAIB

In honour of 30 years of innovation and growth, Perbadanan TAIB and its subsidiary group of companies held their first showcase to celebrate and showcase their latest offerings in Syariahcompliant finance, takaful, and travel services. The event

reflects the Group’s ongoing mission to deliver inclusive Syariah-compliant solutions that support financial wellbeing, health preparedness, and long-term national development. These include Insurans Islam TAIB Holdings Sdn Bhd, Darussalam Holdings Sdn Bhd and TAIB Filling Station Sdn Bhd. The TAIB Group Showcase was officially launched by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II, in his capacity as Chairman of Perbadanan TAIB’s Board of Directors. Attending the event was also other Board members of Perbadanan TAIB and its subsidiaries and Syariah Advisory Committee of Perbadanan TAIB and Insurans Islam TAIB Holdings Sdn Bhd.

•• IG: @taib.bn

A Tour To Remember

What a total tee-off! The 39th ASEAN Senior Amateur Golf Championships landed in the Sultanate this September, with an estimated 256 avid golfers from six ASEAN countries taking part in the prestigious regional playoffs. The event, organized by the Brunei Darussalam Association of Senior Golfers, was held from 22nd to 24th September 2025. “We’re thrilled to have this tournament hosted at the Pantai Mentiri Golf Club alongside The Empire Hotel and Country Club,” explained Ramzi, General Manager of PMGC. He added that they undertook extensive preparations to ensure the club facilities and grounds were in top shape for the competition. Pantai Mentiri Golf Club stands out as a premium and exclusive facility that also offers affordable rates. This popular location is typically fully booked all year for golf events and tournaments, so getting the chance to experience a regionallevel competition here is nothing short of thrilling.

Golfing is all about the experience—the course’s design, layout, and upkeep shape every round. At PMGC, strategic play meets natural beauty, leaving golfers with lasting memories. Ramzi added, “We have golfers from South Korea, Taiwan, and neighboring countries coming all the way to play on our course, and it’s a challenging but beautiful location that’s worth the experience.” He noted that both Pantai Mentiri Golf Club and The Empire Hotel and Country Club co-hosted the ASEAN Senior Amateur Golf Championships, where the Stroke Play and Stableford formats were held concurrently. Pantai Mentiri Golf Club (PMGC) is a hidden 18-hole gem that offers a fantastic escape for golf enthusiasts. With 6,105 meters of

lush, meticulously maintained grounds to play on, this course is perfect for spending an entire day immersed in the sport. Despite its name—Pantai meaning “beach” in Malay— the club is actually located near the serene Brunei Bay. The course is a par 72, designed to be straightforward yet challenging enough that you’ll want to return again.

PMGC also provides a wide range of facilities to ensure comfort and convenience for its guests. These include a driving range, spacious locker and shower rooms, as well as surau and prayer rooms for Muslim players.

•• www.pmgc.com.bn

Read the full story online:

8Wood Woodworker

Imagine having a handcrafted, stylish closet made just to your liking, or the kitchen island of your dreams. Well, that’s all a possibility with 8Wood Woodworker! This homegrown carpenter from Brunei began as a young boy crafting in his high school woodworking class, loving the art so much that he eventually decided to open up his own business. 8Wood specialises in custom cabinets, importing in his own high-quality materials like wood paneling and high-grade formica to make sure every piece of woodworking is done to last a lifetime.

•• IG: @8wood_woodworker

STUDIO KAMBANG

Yoan Taway, a Kalimantan-based creative, had a dream to create a creative studio dedicated to preserve her rich culture, memory, and design. By intermingling their poetic spaces with blended elements of florals, Dayak heritage, and visual storytelling, they are then transcribed into soul-stirring experiences. Known for their grounded and intentional approaches, Studio Kambang creates events, styled shoots, and portraits that feel both modern and sacred. Each petal, prop, and placement carries deep cultural meaning, making the work feel rare and revered. Whether it’s a pre-wedding shoot adorned with heirloom gongs or a wedding styled entirely with local leaves and flowers, the results are always elegant and emotional.

Sustainability is at the studio’s core; from reusing petals to crafting eco-confetti, you’ll experience a slow luxury here that lingers. Clients often leave with goosebumps, saying, “I’ve never seen our culture look so beautiful.” And that’s the goal, really: To inspire pride, to whisper Dayak stories into spaces, and to design with soul!

••

IG: @studiokambang

Olfaction Lab

It makes scents! This Brunei-born candle enterprise does more than combine sprays, waxes and wicks. Founder Nursa’adah Asnawi is a curious and creative multitasker who has been brewing magic through what began as a lockdown hobby. “While everyone was baking banana bread, I was blending soy wax,” she laughs. The result? Hand-poured soy candles made in small batches using phthalate-free oils and sustainable soy wax. “I wanted something I could use in my daily life,” she shares, “something calming and creative.” Her minimalist approach avoids synthetic harshness so you won’t find any nasty petroleum by-products here! Just thoughtful, clean-burning ingredients and eco-friendly packaging. Olfaction Lab also encourages a jar return initiative, giving $1 off for every returned container, in a bid to reduce waste and support conscious living! With chic, warm, and personal branding, Olfaction Lab reminds us that even small acts like lighting a candle can hold stories worth telling. ••

IG: @olfactionlab

Pendidee

If elevating your space with a one-ofa-kind abstract painting sounds like a dream, then welcome to the world of Pendidee. They’re a local Bruneian artist that’s been painting and drawing since 2017, specializing in the abstract style in 2020. “It’s allowed me to express myself freely, without constraints, and I’ve been passionate about it ever since. My work is rooted in a modern abstract style, often with a touch of minimalism.” More than just a collection of shapes, these pieces tell a story with intentionality and a personal process. Nature plays a significant role in the creative process and Pendidee’s art often draws from the colours, forms, and serenity of the natural world. Pendidee welcomes commission requests, with many of his abstract work going to new homes overseas including the United States and Australia. Each piece becomes an emotive addition to any place, making it a wonderful way to breathe new life into old corners. ••

IG: @pendidee

WITH Ninenine Mobile Shopping

There’s 99 reasons to love shopping here! Ninenine Mobile Service Sdn Bhd stands out for its commitment to providing customers with genuine products. In 2022, Ninenine Mobile achieved Apple Authorized Reseller status. No small feat since companies are personally recognised by Apple headquarters for “providing superior customer service with a focus on Apple solutions, service, and support” to receive this status!

Established in 2015, Ninenine Mobile Service Sdn Bhd has become one of Brunei’s most trusted and forward-thinking mobile technology retailers and service providers. Starting with our first outlet at Times Square in 2016, we expanded to The Mall Gadong in 2017 and further grew our presence with a third branch at Abdul Razak Complex in 2022— each milestone reflecting our commitment to accessibility and customer satisfaction. Ninenine Mobile specialises in both Apple and Android devices, offering a complete range of services including sales, repairs, and support for smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smartwatches. It’s one-stop convenience

done right, making sure you’ve got all your phone and tech needs covered. And with added reassurance of quality and genuine products, it’s a quality shopping experience unparalleled.

Driven by innovation, excellent customer service, and strong corporate partnerships, Ninenine Mobile Service is on a mission to lead Brunei’s digital retail space— empowering individuals and businesses to stay connected in today’s fast-paced world. Head down to a Ninenine Mobile branch today to see how we can help you!

Explorations and Exchanges of Indigeneity

In the sweltering humidity, a circle of people shout and cheer as they dance with arms waving in and out of the center in synchronised movements. From a far it looks almost like a Native American pow-wow, and the ironic similarity to another indigenous community so far away from Borneo does not escape me. We’re at the inaugural Indigenous Exchange Festival, a unique gathering that centers people and culture at its core. Created by grassroots group The Tuyang, and Sarawak-based creative agency, The Culture Capital, indigenous creators, thinkers, and cultural thought leaders from around the region are coming together for the first time to share, perform, and inspire – also going beyond Borneo with the attendance of international figures like Taiwanese artist Yosifu Kacaw and Zakaria Panglimbunan from Indonesia.

With representation from almost all of the major tribes across Borneo present, it was a wonderful gathering where old and new

intertwined. Famed figures such as master Sape player, Mathew Ngau Jau, and Adrian Jo Milang, who is a Kayan musician/group from Sarawak, Malaysia-Borneo and the youngest practitioner of a traditional indigenous oral art form of Borneo called Parap and Takna'. Similar events have typically been ‘entertainment-led’, explained Juvita Wan, co-founder of The Tuyang Initiative andp part of the IXF’s core organising committee. “The heart of IXF is in the conversations, the connections and relationships made and this has lowered the barrier for many to learn about indigenous people and culture (especially the obstacles by indigenous people in the creative industry or on a national level), while also igniting a spark in young indigenous people to reflect and reconnect with their own roots.”

The event drew attendees from as far as Malaysia, Australia, Brunei, the U.S.A, and Singapore, and while the team behind the Indigenous Exchange Festival are celebrating

their well-earned early successes of the festival, it’s important now to keep the momentum and conversations going. “It is our responsibility then to keep (things) going - whatever that format is, until the next edition. There’s been early discussions about podcasts, pop up events, video-on-demand access for our panel sessions. We’ll be keeping everyone posted!,” Juvita shared on what they learned about general attitudes towards the culture and issues affecting tribal communities in Borneo and around the world.

••

www.ixfest.com

FISH AND FRIES IN HONOUR OF

Reaching for greatness sometimes doesn’t feel glamorous. Often, the path to achieving recognition is filled with the humdrum of the daily grind – a relentless pursuit of passion and perfection. And as ‘probably the best fish and chips in Manggis’ Satu, local chippy Fez & Cip is beloved to many but did you know that they’re also award-winning?

Amongst the winners of the 2025 National Fish & Chip awards, stands Norlein – a most unassuming fish and chip shop owner – representing in the awarded Top 3 for International Operator of the Year (2025) alongside Beach Buns from Strandhill, County Sligo (Ireland) and Affenbar of Tokyo (Japan). Her husband Khairul originally started Fez & Cip as he was missing UK food, especially the fish and chips as no one was doing a proper version at the time in Brunei. “He wanted to bring the taste and experience of real British fish and chips here, as he was missing it,” explains Norlein about how the local chippy got started. The brainchild of married couple Khairul and Norelin originally began operating in 2012, but only opened on Sundays out of their home kitchen. The couple had paired up with their friend Muhd Khairud Dahri who at the time was an unemployed 33-year-old with a PhD in chemistry from UBD, to turn Fez & Cip into a full-time operation,

Naysayers will say it’s all paid for, and how could Brunei win in something called the National Fish and Chip Award anyway? The award was started in the United Kingdom in 1913, by the National Federation of Fish Friers

(NFFF), to celebrate excellence in the UK's fish and chip industry, and feature categories like Takeaway of the Year and Restaurant of the Year for U.K. based chip shops. As lovers of the beloved English dish returned home after their time in the U.K., so did the desire for that wonderful crisp battered fish and fried potato dish. With over 10,000 vendors in the U.K, alone, there’s no proper estimate on the global number of fish and chip specialists but if the numbers are anything to go by then you’re probably going to find a purveyor somewhere in your city/country. So for Fez & Cip to win this international recognition amongst the hundreds and thousands of stores around the world? Priceless.

Read the full story online:

BORNEO’S DIGITAL ECONOMY:

Taking the island into the future

Explore Borneo’s incredible transformation as the island collectively gears up to meet the rapid onset of digitalisation, Artificial Intelligence and use of technology in everyday life. We uncover what’s happening with Brunei, Sabah, Sarawak and Kalimantan’s individual efforts to live life in the future and what each nation on Borneo is working on to achieve this.

Brunei

ARE YOU AI-READY?

The AI-READY ASEAN Program brings new essential skillsets to the nation.

The ASEAN Foundation is working closely with two designated Local Implementing Partners - Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) and Big BWN Project – to engage and empower twenty thousand individuals in Brunei with what they’ve identified as “essential artificial intelligence skills”. These will help ensure the country is not left behind in the rapidly changing pace of a digitalising world, and according to the foundation, with support from Google.org, they aim to engage and empower 5.5 million individuals from all ten ASEAN Member States with essential artificial intelligence skills.

This groundbreaking initiative is designed to prepare ASEAN citizens, including youth, educators, and parents, to thrive in the

digital era while embracing AI responsibly and ethically. "A 2024 report showing Southeast Asia attracted USD 30 billion in AI investments, potentially boosting ASEAN GDP 10-18% by 2030, emphasizing need for AI literacy training.” said Mr. Diera Gala Paksi, Project Manager for AI Ready ASEAN at the ASEAN Foundation. "Let this moment not just be the start of a programme, but the continuation of a meaningful partnership, where Brunei plays a central role in shaping a digitally capable, ethically aware ASEAN society."

For a lot of Bruneians, the idea of AI still seems like a foreign concept. Even as delivery apps, online banking and ridesharing businesses - all relying on Artificial Intelligence – have embedded themselves firmly into the landscape of our everyday life. We think nothing of doing a bank transfer to pay for meals, or uploading videos to Instagram or TikTok, so what exactly are these essential skills that we need? According to the ASEAN Foundation’s program, coding, for one. According to its website, the programme boasts an inclusive approach that focuses specifically on youth, educators, parents, and underserved communities (15-64 years old/productive age), with emphasis on responsible and ethical AI adoption. Floating the question of whether the current generation needs training for technology that they would and are already using anyway, Aimi Ramlee, Cofounder and Director of Digital Innovation & Growth at Tyne Solutions, says absolutely. “AI readiness programs are useful as a way to introduce the concept to a wider audience, but depending on what is taught (i.e. ethics, safe use or job-skilling), we’ll

have different expectation,” she says adding that since AI is very English and Westerncentric, “We need a lot of investment in ensuring our population have the necessary skills to use AI and understand the ethical risks, so I have no objections on the necessity of programs but the important part is the actual content being taught, how it’s taught and by who and for what context. There are a lot of programs that are very superficial and taught not by subject matter experts, and so the investment doesn’t really pan out. There have been plenty of these.”

At Brunei’s annual Techxpo, which is marketed as Brunei’s premier platform for technology and innovation, I meet a group of students currently studying Digital Science at the University of Tekonologi Brunei (UTB) – one of the first batches in this newly minted program that seems to directly be looking at filling the anticipated need for skilled IT workers. They were selected to showcase their Gulinggtangang Virtual Reality game, which aims to preserve and promote the heritage instrument. Transferring the playing experience on to the virtual space solves the major problem of accessibility in the instrument’s popularity, as the cost of a full set of the bronze gongs can be upwards of BND2000 (excluding maintenance) and the equipment is very heavy making it difficult for interested parties to practice or pick it up conveniently. Muhd Hamzie, Marcus and Ghafour, are in their second year of the inaugural Bachelor of Science program at UTB and although they are considered ‘AI-native’ users, and do use some form of AI and technology in their everyday

lives, all three agree that things are still overwhelming hence the desire to take on an actual course of study. “There's just so much to learn and to get deep into even if you're using it every day because there's a difference between using technology and a difference between understanding its components. And being able to create something out of it,” said Ghafour Rahman, explaining that “AI has its good uses in fields like teaching, medical, data and general entertainment but that’s an iffy topic. But they also need to recognize the dangers like deepfaking, creating false evidence and content, harming the artist economy and the environment. There needs to be a good balance and at least controlled use within the public sphere.” Hamzi added that he was particularly concerned about the use and misuse of AI in society especially its negative social impacts on children. “As users, we tend to simply trust these companies and the services they provide to us. So by trying to get deep into it, we can understand it a bit more and have more control, and maybe make better policies to prevent any misuse.” The key, all three agree, is to keep a human-centric approach to Artificial Intelligence and use it as a supplementary tool, rather that relying on it to do the whole job for you.

Current Digital Landscape

@mtic.gov.bn

In the Age Informationof

2026 Digital economy masterplan prioritises data governance for Brunei’s future as a Smart Nation.

It’s probably one of the most dreaded bits of news in modern times – another day, another data breach. In the last decade alone, it’s estimated that over 18 billion data points were leaked including what can only be described as a terrifying breach of privacy for 6.9 million users on the popular genetics testing and storage company 23andme. Users who had used the service had their details accessed in 2023 by hackers who went through extensive files of personal family histories and other sensitive information. Brunei Darussalam’s move to highlight digital data policy and governance as one of the “key strategic enablers” to support the nation’s transformation to a Smart Nation, is not surprising by any measure then. Despite being one of the smaller nations in the global arena, and the smallest on Borneo, Brunei has one of the highest usage statistics for almost all aspects of the internet.

With over 50% of the country using some form of device to access the internet,

and over 100% subscribed to a mobile service provider, connectivity is all too easy. Most of us have accounts with multiple service providers and you’ve surely signed up for more things than you can remember! In 2020, the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry (AITI) made a bold decision; Brunei would enter the race towards digitalisation. In its dossier for the AITI’s Strategic Plan for 2020-2025, the government watchdog highlighted three pillars of achievement that it would be working towards. A vibrant and diversified economy marked by improved competitiveness, economic growth, and overall quality of life would be achieved against what it called a “resilient digital industry”, and as 2026 is ready to roll out the red carpet.

Despite the government taking a more reactive approach to over regulatory frameworks around the ethics of AI use, the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications has recently brought forward the Personal Data Protection Order, 2025 (PDPO, 2025) which was enacted in January to address the policy, legislation and regulatory framework requirements for the protection of personal data within and amongst private sector organisations. The privacy law is a landmark in how your personal data is now handled here, certainly bringing a greater sense of security for personal details given to businesses and NGOs. Digital ID and ScamWatch are two initiatives by CyberSecurity Brunei (CSB), the government arm for all internet and technology related security monitoring and prevention, while on the startup front, the founders of Payung Aman are working to fight online fraud with their chatbot program BruJaga.

The app works through the popular messaging applications Whatsapp and Telegram, and users can check if messages or calls they’ve received are legitimate or not. “I feel like people here still aren’t familiar with how to handle (these situations). We

(continue Pg 24)

(from Pg 23)

started as a group winning the National Hackathon looking to address the issue of online and personality fraud – something that costs Brunei approximately about BND5 million annually now (it previously was at BND2 million in lost finances in 2024). We felt technology was the most efficient way to address this problem but Brunei is a small market and sometimes it can be hard to get people to understand the real value of a digital tool like this,” explained Hazman, CEO of Payung Aman. After winning the hackathon, Payung Aman received seed funding and mentorship from the Brunei Innovation Lab, to develop their idea for Brujaga further. The app is currently in use, and the team hopes to use their collected data points to create a centralized and inter-organisation fraud detection center that unifies the efforts of both government and private entities in the fight against online fraud. Back on the government front, CyberSecurityBrunei states that Brunei’s current approach to scam response faces challenges such as the lack of a central online platform for public reporting, channels remain spread across different agencies, lack of fast information sharing and access to realtime alerts. To address these issues, CSB plans to introduce a single, trusted system designed to make reporting easier, improve collaboration, and provide faster, smarter protection for the public.

Most countries in the ASEAN and wider regions have been adopting strategies and practices meant to propel their counties into Smart Nation status, but what exactly is a Smart Nation, I wonder. And do we really all need to be doing it? Representatives from CSB point out that from a cybersecurity perspective, Brunei’s Smart Nation Vision 2035 is “not just a national strategy or policy related to an ICT development or advancement, it's our country’s future” and can contribute to our national development and economic or security resilience. “Digitising our key sectors, like energy, finance and government services, etc., makes our economy more competitive, but at the same time, it also creates a new landscape of cybersecurity risk. The role of CSB is to ensure that this digital foundation is secure by design at the earliest part and not just an afterthought. It is also observed that a successful smart nation isn't just measured by its efficiency, but by its trustworthiness and security, which are absolutely essential for protecting both our economic future and the daily wellbeing of all Bruneians.” While there may be changes in strategy to come, CSB highlights that ultimately, Smart Nations should successfully be leveraging technology,

connectivity, and data (not limited) to build more resilient, efficient, and citizencentric services and related deliverables where the effect is felt across the board in economy, health, security and other services.

That Is The Question

As the EU moves to regulatory policies, Is Brunei’s move to follow ASEAN’s ‘voluntary guidelines’ on AI the right one?

Who would have thought we’d be here in the 2000’s, almost halfway through a century that has seen the most rapid onset of new technology ever? The world is quickly changing and adapting to technology and for Brunei, the answer seems to lie with its Digital Economy Masterplan – the new five-year plan set to be released. “Brunei is in the process of preparing a Data and AI Strategy as part of a larger initiative — a national roadmap that defines our long-term approach to artificial intelligence,” revealed Hj Hairul Mohd Daud Hj Abdul Karim, acting permanent secretary at the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications. The acting permanent secretary delivered the keynote speech at a policy seminar earlier this year on artificial intelligence, organised by the EU-Brunei Darussalam Partnership Facility. Most of Asia is also taking a less staunch approach while Europe has taken a hardline approach with the quickly passed Artificial Intelligence Act covering all of the European Union countries, already in place.

Kasim, a cybersecurity employee based in Australia, highlighted that it's imperative to include discussions of security measures here. “That’s probably hard to answer,” he posited to the question of which approach had more risks. “It definitely needs some regulation. How it is (though)? I’m not sure. But a good start is having policies about AI usage. For example, maybe we shouldn't let government employees use AI. Or upload documents to it. Or better, put limiters or security controls around it. After all what's the point of having IOT devices if they're so vulnerable, anyone can hack them?”. He stressed that implementing appropriate security or safeguarding measures cannot be overlooked as we build lives reliant around tech and AI – a human built tool that is as susceptible to influence as your gossipy second aunty from your mother’s side. Growing and valid concerns about how platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini are not just affecting people’s brain power but also scarily, taking active steps to encourage users towards negative mental health issues like psychosis or even suicide – these conditions have now joined the conversation around the way we use and rely on AI technology, as more users report AI ‘hallucinations’ – a phenomenon where AI literally makes things up. “You can’t assume it’s right all the time. We still need to use our brain to think critically. It’s a pretty crazy time,” Kasim agreed adding that “it’s a perfect condition for misinformation to grow, especially when you’ve got things like social media where you can post anything to the world within seconds, and generative AI, which will just spit some AI magic from out of nowhere within seconds”.

Be On It Borneo

Dynamik’s Borneo Digital Festival looks to connect the island’s nations as they race to be futureready

True to their name, Dynamik continues to shake up the technology industry, the leading IT consultancy in Brunei has plans to unite the island through the Borneo Digital Festival – a new event where sustainability meets social innovation. With the new fiveyear digital masterplan for Brunei currently being drafted, this inaugural gathering aimed to champion digital transformation across Borneo by embracing innovation and technology, and foster innovation while ensuring a sustainable and inclusive digital future. “We want to empower local talent by facilitating collaboration between entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors, and forge strategic partnerships across borders to highlight Borneo’s unique digital ecosystem. What makes it unique exactly? In short, there is strength in numbers and proximity, according to Dynamik representatives who point out that “while each Borneo region has its own digital priorities and pace, there’s a growing sense of shared momentum — especially in areas like data governance, tech innovation, and digital economy initiatives”.

“We believe that the ecosystem is being shaped through its culture, and the collaborative efforts between government and private sectors, that is quite unique to Borneo”, they explained. Working closely with its stakeholders to create impact in businesses and communities, Dynamik Technologies is committed to help deliver digital transformation initiatives supported by a team of highly skilled and globally certified IT professionals in programming, business process re-engineering, data analytics, and infrastructure.

Sabah

Thumbs Up

Federal state locks agreement to implement digital identification services in banking sector

Internet banking in Sabah is set to become a leader with cutting edge tech. MyDigital ID Sdn Bhd, Sabah Credit Corporation (SCC) and Ezytap Sdn Bhd recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to integrating MyDigital ID’s cutting-edge digital identity system into SCC’s financial service applications, with Ezytap as the local partner to provide technical expertise and facilitate this service integration. Doing this will “deliver a seamless, secure and efficient identity verification system, aligning with Sabah’s push towards digital transformation and economic growth” according to news reports, with the aim of simplifying how consumers access financial services from SCC. Users should experience more convenience and reduced boarding times as well as reduced risk of fraud and strengthen trust in digital transactions.

Sarawak

The Great Conductor

Sustainable power and tech industry takes roots in Sarawak

Sarawak’s industrial landscape is rapidly changing as FDI’s bring a boost in semiconductor manufacturing, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg underscored Sarawak’s commitment to green energy and sustainable industrial practices, whilst at a groundbreaking ceremony for OCI Tokuyama Semiconductor Materials Sdn Bhd (OTSM) at Samalaju Industrial Park. He highlighted the state’s use of hydro and solar power, with plans to incorporate battery technology to enhance solar reliability.

“What you need is green energy to produce green material. Then you can have certifications that are globally recognised as green products. In the long run, the global economy will demand sustainable, decarbonised solutions,” he noted in his speech for OCI’s ceremony. The natural resources needed to power technology and AI are facts that sometimes can fall to the wayside and if Sarawak truly aims to become ASEAN’s leading green energy hub, as reported by news media earlier this year, it must balance what is quickly looking like an investment rush as the industrial sector booms with FDIs.

Living Tech

Miri’s new Smart City and AI Clinic projects to bring a cuttingedge way of life to Borneo

Over the border, an ambitious housing initiative called the Kenyalang Smart City, is currently in progress. The transformation project is anchored by a strategic collaboration between China Energy Engineering Group Guangxi Electric Power Design Institute (CEEC-GXED), a Fortune 500 global infrastructure leader, and Malaysian developer Imasa Dinasti Sdn Bhd. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a dedicated green energy project that will exclusively power the smart city’s operations was also signed for the development project. Part of that blueprint is the Fudan University, a Chinese education institution brand, who will establish their Southeast Asian campus headquarters at the Old City Council building in Miri. The university will also feature an AI-powered Clinic, training facility and research hub. A nearby Biodiversity Museum used to showcase the areas biological wealth and merge traditional healing with modern practices, will be the world’s first. These developments will certainly push Miri’s status further into the future, even as medical practices in the state are already onboarding cuttingedge technology and robotic expertise like the Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL), and ZEISS Kinevo 900 used primarily for neurosurgical procedures.

Kalimantan

Indonesia’s digital economy is projected to be the fastest growing in ASEAN – can the Kalimantan province stand up to its reputation as the shiny new capital of Indonesia economics?

It takes up the biggest chunk of Borneo geographically, yet to the rest of Borneo, the Indonesian state might as well be on another planet. Limited accessibility from Brunei, Sabah and Sarawak meant that for decades, Kalimantan has by and large been left to its own devices – until recently, when the Indonesian government announced that the economic capital of the country would shift from Jakarta to here, in their effort to tackle the huge population boom and climate-caused sinking of Jakarta’s landmass. All of a sudden, Nusantara, as the new capital will be named, can’t stay out of the spotlight. Home to approximately 17 million people, it’s an economy that has serious purchasing power and like the rest of Indonesia, is expected to have the fastest growing digital economy in ASEAN according to a report by the International Trade Administration of the United States of America, with over IDR130 billion in earnings at stake according to a joint report by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company. An ‘Indonesia 4.0’ roadmap aims to position the country as a leading

digital economy by 2030, echoing the rest of the island as the penetration of daily technology use globally steadily increases.

Fintech and e-commerce are continuing to prove their worth as lucrative sectors with online shopping, digital payments, lending, and insurance services expanding rapidly across Indonesia as a whole, said to be driven by increasing financial inclusion and a growing preference for cashless transactions. It's pertinent to point out that as Borneo perhaps remains slower for multinational brands to move into, Kalimantan by proximity as an Indonesian territory, gained its first Uniqlo branch in 2021 – almost four years ahead of Malaysia-Borneo which has had the added boon of Bruneian consumers as a significant contributor to its GDP. This is not to say that it’s all big business in Kalimantan however. MSME digitalisation programs have been a key objective in accelerating market access and growth for these Indonesian businesses (it’s estimated that 99% of all businesses are classified as micro businesses) with payment instruments and channels like QR Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS) being encouraged for use by MSMES there. With 1.5 million merchants reported to already be using QRIS in 2020, it’s safe to say there is certainly opportunity for innovations in the fintech sector here.

A Festival of Gratitude

There’s a palpable anticipation as our bus makes its way to the stadium grounds at Betong, Sarawak, in the early hours of the morning. Deep in former head-hunter territory, this region is the closest I’ve come to the Kalimantan border despite living on Borneo all my life. We’re in Sarawak to witness the Gawai Dayak Parade 2025 – a newly minted occasion transformed from vibrant community celebration to a full-blown public holiday for the Malaysia-Borneo state.

‘Gawai Dayak’, ‘Ari Gawai’, or ‘Andu Gawai’ – depending on which tribe is celebrating – is a festival that the ethnic groups of Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu communities of Borneo take part in every year to signal the end of the rice harvesting period. Both a religious and social event, Gawai (which translates to ‘party’) honours a successful year of growth and harvesting, as well as giving thanks before the new farming season ahead. It’s officially celebrated on June 1 and 2, although celebrations can last all through the month. And boy, do they know how to! Tuak, a fermented rice beverage, is central to this occasion, as well as Dayak culture. For the Iban, it’s said to be a prized possession that reflects the skills of the household’s matriarch. Whiter ferments typically mean the drink is sweeter – meant to symbolize a woman’s prized ability in making this timehonoured tradition. Much is drank and shared with happiness between members of the community during Gawai.

The parade itself was an incredible sight of feathers, animal skins and signatory tattoos. Approximately 1,500 Dayaks from Iban, to

Dusun, Bidayuh and even Orang Ulu from Sarawak, Sabah and Kalimantan, march through the streets of Betong proper. Amongst the cacophony and hypnotic bass of the gullingtanggang and drums, various groups break into song and exuberant shouts of ‘O Hai’ as the parade advances to the main highstreet area. It’s an intriguing mix of tradition and pomp, as the individual longhouse communities perform these sacred cultural practices for government officials and tourists. The Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development and Layar assemblyman, Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu, is greeted warmly by various Iban here as if he were a cousin or relative’s friend – mostly because he is.

Life here and in the surrounding towns of Sri aman and Lachau, are as quiet as you’d imagine despite being common tour stops along the way to Betong in the Saribas area (although, as our single overnight here also suggests, Betong is a place where newcomers stand out like a sore thumb!). It’s famously Iban territory with currently over 20,000 members living in Betong township alone. There is a long history of the tribe here, dating back to before the region was annexed to Sarawak by Sir James Brooke in 1849. It was not uncommon until recent years, for the dried heads of their enemies to still be displayed in the longhouses. Amongst the more touristic sites like Fort Lily, which was used as a defense base against the occupying Japanese forces, we manage to visit a traditional Rumah Panjang. The wooden structure extends for hundreds of meters long with surprisingly even larger

individual ‘rooms’ that are large enough to call an apartment.

With little opportunity in the region, most kids have left to find higher paying jobs in the city. Mama Bacha (whose home I had the pleasure of staying at in Engkerji) has a daughter working in Kuching that returns often, especially for Gawai. There is a genuine sense of pride in her voice, as she tells us that she is proud to be Iban. “My culture is valuable, I think. I feel lucky to have a close connection to it”, she adds. How many more years have they got left, before the remaining older generation of this longhouse pass on and all this wonderful history and knowledge is lost, I wonder inwardly. The day is capped off with a bustling party at the new concert and camping grounds on the compound, full of music, traditional dances and food; the crowd is nowhere close to dwindling when fireworks boom through the sky at midnight, illuminating the end of another successful Gawai.

Escape getaway

to Paradise

As the year winds down, there’s no better time to plan your next tropical escape — and what better destination than the tranquil shores of Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu. Nestled between a lush 64-acre nature reserve and the pristine sands of Pantai Dalit Beach, this luxurious haven offers the perfect balance of adventure, serenity, and indulgence — all just a short flight from Brunei.

At Shangri-La Rasa Ria, your getaway begins with choosing your perfect room. The resort is divided into two distinct wings, each offering a unique experience tailored to your travel style. Ideal for families or those seeking a vibrant and social atmosphere, the Garden Wing features bright, spacious rooms that open onto tropical gardens or ocean views. The Deluxe Sea View Rooms are a top choice, with private balconies that welcome breathtaking sunsets over the South China Sea. Children will delight in the nearby pool and natureinspired play areas, while parents can soak in the laid-back coastal charm. For couples or those craving a more private retreat, the Ocean Wing is a sanctuary of sophistication.

Each room is a suite in its own right, with expansive interiors, oversized outdoor bathtubs, and sweeping sea views. Guests of the Ocean Wing will enjoy exclusive benefits such as an intimate breakfast at the Oceano Modern Grill, lounge in the dedicated pool area, and enjoy the personalised service that transforms every stay into an unforgettable experience.

For a taste of Sabah and beyond, food lovers will be spoilt for choice at Rasa Ria. Begin your culinary journey at Tepi Laut, where hawker-style stalls recreate the vibrant flavours of Malaysian street food in a comfortable and breezy al fresco setting. Craving Japanese? Kozan Teppan-yaki

1. 64-acres of lush nature reserves and the pristine sands of Kota Kinabalu await you at the quietly luxurious Shangri-La Rasa Ria.

2. Wake up to pure joy in the Ocean Wing suites; perfect for couples or those wanting extra privacy and extra benefits like private breakfast at Oceano Modern Grill, a dedicated pool area, and personalised service.

3. Rooms are designed with style and comfort in mind. You're guaranteed deep rest and relaxation whichever room you choose.

4. Bring the whole gang! There's tons of family-friendly activities available that everyone can get involved in, including a round of golf on our sea-facing 18-hole course.

5. Splash your worries away in Rasa Ria's outdoor pools - perfect holiday fun.

6. Make sure to head to The Spa, which promises wellness through holistic treatments inspired by traditional Asian healing philosophies.

SHANGRI-LA RASA RIA Pantai Dalit Tuaran, 89208 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia Tel: 6088 797888 www.shangri-la.com

offers an interactive dining experience as skilled chefs sizzle up mouth-watering dishes with flair. It’s a fun experience the whole family can enjoy!

For elegant evenings, Oceano Modern Grill impresses with fresh seafood and premium cuts of meat grilled to perfection, served against a peaceful ocean backdrop. And don’t miss The Eighth, the resort’s new Chinese fine dining venue that reimagines regional cuisine with a modern twist — ideal for celebratory dinners with family or friends. Cap off your night at the Lobby Lounge with a refreshing mocktail, a soothing cup of tea, or locally inspired desserts, all accompanied by live music and panoramic views of the resort’s lush surroundings.

Beyond the beach, Shangri-La Rasa Ria is a playground of discovery where adventure and wellness go hand in hand. Nature lovers can explore the Rasa Ria Reserve, home to fascinating flora and fauna, and guided treks to the peak for breathtaking sunrise views. The best part? You don’t even have to step outside the compound of this expansive resort to do this. The Discovery Centre nearby offers immersive learning experiences for children, while adventureseekers can try kayaking, paddleboarding, or even a round of golf at the adjacent 18hole Dalit Bay Golf & Country Club. With some literal sea-side tee-offs, this will be a game to call home about! If you’re in search of rejuvenation, The Spa promises wellness through holistic treatments inspired by

traditional Asian healing philosophies. Whether it’s a warm oil massage or a soothing body scrub, every therapy is designed to restore balance and serenity.

Travelling from Brunei?

To make your escape even more irresistible, Shangri-La Rasa Ria is offering exclusive benefits for Bruneian guests through its special package at dinerasaria.com. The offer includes:

Special room rates for Garden and Ocean Wing stays.

Daily breakfast for two adults and two children 6 years old and below.

●Daily scheduled non-chargeable activities for children and adults.

It’s the perfect excuse to plan that long-overdue family holiday or romantic break before the year ends!

Direct flights between Bandar Seri Begawan and Kota Kinabalu make the journey seamless, while ShangriLa’s warm Sabah hospitality makes you feel right at home. Whether you're travelling with loved ones or escaping solo, Rasa Ria promises a personalised experience that lingers long after the holiday ends.

Ready to book your BIG Getaway?

Discover exclusive Bruneian offers at: https://bit.ly/ BIGgetaway

Shangri-La Rasa Ria isn’t just a resort — it’s your gateway to nature, luxury, and unforgettable memories in Sabah.

beyond

All About ASEAN

It’s an acronym most of us in Asia have heard regularly growing up – ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations – and we’ve probably even travelled to many of the ASEAN member states, some more than once. If you’re unfamiliar, consider this a little 101 class on the amazing diversity and beauty of these collective Southeast Asian countries as we uncover the sight, sounds, and scenery of the 10 member states, in celebration of ASEAN’s motto “One Vision, One Identity, One Community”.

@laopotteryhouse

Vietnam

Phong Na Caves

Described as an adventurer’s paradise, a visit to Phong Na- Ke Bang might leave you with wistful reminiscing and daydreams as the next Indiana Jones. Son Doong – one of the world’s great wonders – can sometimes overshadow the other cave networks here as the largest cave in the world and don’t get me wrong, it is certainly worth visiting, but it’s just as great to make time for spots like the Tu Lan cave where you can swim in the underground river as well as make your way through the narrow tunnel channels. Phong Na also has a 13,969-meter-long lake with deep blue water that you can kayak in, however no swimming is allowed at this spot.

Myanmar

Luang Prabang Shwedagon Paya

A short boat ride off the waterfront area facing Kampong Ayer, this island is one of the most isolated yet populated islands of Brunei unknown even to some locals. It’s a key ecological environment and wildlife sanctuary whose crucial mangrove forests sustain crustacean and fish populations, and there’s great hikes and rockclimbing spots around the island that give you a bird’s eye view of the island and the surrounding landscape of the water village. Just be sure to go with a guide or a trusted local to show you safe routes and spots to climb. Head to the Seri Tanjung Homestay to experience life on the water, or visit the tomb of the 9th Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Muhammad Hassan, located near Kampong Sungai Bunga.

The cultural capital of this little landlocked country, Luang Prabang is a prominent tourist choice and the UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its ancient temples, stunning sunsets over looking the mighty Mekong River, and cultural experiences. There are current travel advisories regarding travel to Laos, due to increased crime, civil unrest and the ongoing risk of Unexploded Ordnance (UXO). Some provinces are considered complete no-go areas, but staying in more populated areas like Luang Prabang will still be worth the trip. The area is famous for its pottery heritage and you’ll see countless clay pots, vases, tray – you name it – and if you fancy learning more about it , we suggest spending time at the Ban Chan Pottery Village and the Laos Pottery House where you can take a class, check out the incredible skill of the masters and indulge in some amazing Laotian food.

Considered the most sacred Buddhist site in Myanmar, Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the country’s important heritage sites and according to guides, said to contain relics of past deities. It may seem a little touristy but Shwedagon’s immense beauty is always worth experiencing in person, and walking amongst the huge gold stupas is a unique experience you’ll remember. Marvel at the ingenuity of these structures which tower into the sky and stand at a staggering 112 meters tall, and 170 meters above sea level, making it a distinct element in Yangon’s landscape.

Thailand

Chiang Rai

As a major tourism destination, it’s hard to think that Thailand still has anywhere ‘less traveled’ but Chiang Rai (not to be confused with Chiang Mai, which is also located in the northern part of Thailand and much more popular with tourists or digital nomads) certainly fits the bill with a similar vibe to the aforementioned city. The biggest difference? Many will agree that Chiang Rai provides a more ‘authentic experience’ that’s less westernised and modern – think less malls, and more temples; less modern conveniences and a slower pace of life. Make sure to visit the ‘White Temple’ or Wat Rong Khun, designed and built by Ajarn Chalermchai Kositpipat, and take a tour around the stunning fields and forests.

Science Park Geneo

Indonesia Singapore

You’ve probably visited Singapore, more than once. It’s safe to say the tiny island nation is one of the biggest tourism destinations in the world, let alone ASEAN. Famed for its hawker stalls, shopping and great entertainment options like the Sentosa island resort and the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, you’ll be surprised to find that there are lesser-known spots like the Science Park Geneo, that should be as coveted as a mustgo. Branded as one of Asia’s most prestigious addresses for research and development, the Geneo precinct of the Science Park is host to retail, restaurants and event spaces to boot. Photography enthusiasts will have a field day here, especially at the atrium with its 25-metre tall timber arches that create a welcoming atmosphere. It’s connected to Kent Ridge Park MRT stop, for easy accessibility.

Philippines

Batanes Derawan Islands

Few think of a journey to the northernmost province of the Phillippines, due to its remoteness. But make the time to come visit this rugged, beautiful island, and thank us later! The so-called "Home of the Winds," is known for its huge cliffs and centuries-old stone houses that make this collection of 10 islands look more like a cross between U.K.’s Northern territories and Hawaii. Go between December to May for the best weather and make sure to bring cash. You will probably want to ditch everything and move here for the idyllic atmosphere. You can catch a direct flight in to the main island of Batan, from Manila metro, or a regional airport. Sabtang Island is a popular starting point and the well-preserved traditional Ivatan stone houses with thatched cogon roofs are a truly unique side to Filipino culture that should be experienced.

Yen Phin Lee

Malaysia

Kinabatangan River and Wildlife Sanctuary

Malaysia-Borneo is well known for its lush rainforests and we reckon the Kinabatangan River deserves a place as the 9th wonder of the world! This crucial 560-kilometer waterway is a natural wonderland where you’ll be able to still see a diverse range of wildlife along Sabah’s longest river. A huge variety of key vegetation supports this incredible ecosystem that includes proboscis monkeys, orangutan, gibbons, Bornean pygmy elephants, tarsiers, slow loris, macaque monkeys, crocodiles, freshwater sharks, Irrawaddy dolphins, hornbills and other bird varieties. Many of these are indigenous to Borneo and endangered, making the Kinabatangan River all the more important to visit and protect.

Taking up the largest portion of the island, the Indonesian portion of Borneo has lots going on despite its distance from the capital and other islands. Derawan Island is one of the 31 islands in the wider Derawan Islands that are famous for their pristine ocean environments. You can take a short trip from the East Coast of Kalimantan to get here, which you can fly in to from major and regional airports on Borneo and Indonesia, making it quite accessible with good planning (just make sure to have travel insurance ready!). Known as a diving destination, there are an estimated 1000 fish species living in the waters around Derawan and the region is known to be a popular site for sighting the endangered green and hawksbill turtle species. You can do beginner dive classes here, although it’s best to have at some knowledge before stepping into the water in this region due to strong currents and unfamiliar reef surroundings.

Cambodia

Song Saa Private Island

Ooh, don’t you love a little bit of luxury! This is definitely one of the most underrated locations for a (surprisingly) affordable ‘luxury’ holiday. And we mean affordable with a pinch of salt – Song Saa Private Island is as the name suggests, a privately owned hospitality island. This is a unique experience to add to your bucket list if you love ocean based holidays and relaxing, with the added touch of Khmer culture and hospitality. Song Saa is also touted as Cambodia’s first marinepositive private resort ‘promising wellbeing for all and a ripple of positive impact’ as a B-Corp certified business. With sustainability at the forefront, and the Song Saa Foundation as the bricks upon which the resort was built, you’ll leave your holiday feeling rejuvenated and reassured that you’ve done some good.

songsaacollective.com

A SPOONFUL of Sugarcane

In SUGARCANE , directors Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie deliver a searing exposé on Canada’s Indian residential school system, which worked as an institution for over a century orchestrating the forced assimilation and abuse of Indigenous children. At once a harrowing investigation and a deeply personal narrative, this awardwinning debut documentary transforms grief into truth, silence into testimony, and trauma into a cinematic reckoning.

The story begins in 2021, when the Williams Lake First Nation launched an investigation into unmarked graves at the former St. Joseph’s Mission residential school. Kassie, an acclaimed investigative journalist, reached out to her former colleague NoiseCat to co-direct. For him, the story hits home. “My family was sent there. It’s where my father was born—and abandoned,” he reveals. That haunting truth becomes the film’s emotional core. As the lens widened from a single community to a generational story, SUGARCANE evolves into an intimate yet epic portrait of resilience, reckoning, and the sacred bond between land and people.

Over three years, more than 150 filming days, and with cinematography that captures the lush beauty and scorched wounds of British Columbia’s landscape, SUGARCANE moves between raw testimonies and reverent stillness with captivating ease. Survivors unearth buried truths: stories of stolen language, family separation, and,

most shockingly, a system of infanticide, where babies born to Indigenous girls were adopted out or incinerated. “This is not just cultural genocide. It’s systemic infanticide,” says Kassie. “And yet, no one has ever been held accountable.” These revelations, corroborated by eyewitnesses, police records, and archival press, are documented here for the first time on film. Yet this is not only a story of injustice. It is also a story of survival. From fishing with local chiefs to tearful family confrontations, Kassie and NoiseCat embedded themselves fully within the community, earning trust through presence and vulnerability.

In naming the film after Sugarcane, the Williams Lake reservation, the filmmakers honour not just a place but a people who are living, grieving, rising. “Indian residential schools nearly annihilated the Indian way of life,” NoiseCat says. “But what remains is still overwhelmingly a beautiful life, full of family, culture, and love.” SUGARCANE stands as both a historic record and a spiritual invocation; an uncompromising document of cultural genocide, and a powerful reminder that remembrance is an act of resistance. Kassie says, “We didn’t want to just show pain. We wanted to show the love that endures through it.”

From early days exploring the excitement of blogging, to leading workshops and curating for art shows, Elroy Ramantan has shown he is very much a go-getter. From burgeoning blogger to a bonafide creative artist, Elroy’s manifestations for a likeminded community has come around tenfold, and his Linkedin profile reads like the stuff of career heaven (YSEALI grant recipient, ASEAN Youth Forum affiliate, founder of the Minority Report organisation, Business Lead at AICREATIVV, plus fluency in five languages, for starters!). In his role as a Business Lead for a new creative agency and a founding partner of grassroots group Borneo Altered Natives, it’s all systems go and business as usual for the plucky Iban-Bruneian who also recently participated as a panelist at the Indigenous Exchange Festival. We sat down for a chat about the changing stereotypes of indigeneity and creating art as ‘non-artist’.

You have traveled so far and so much for your work as a social advocate. What are the top three challenges that you came across?

ER: one of the challenges that I realized and see most often is to make policymakers, other content creators and people who have a decision-making influence globally, see that indigenous people can be a part of the solutions they’re seeking. Corporations and policymakers have all the resources and statistics to prove to people, but it needs to be translated into something accessible and appealing.

Accidental The Artist

How did you overcome those challenges with the use of technology?

ER: I try to show people how it is possible to highlight and advocate for indigenous rights and other things. Woman's rights are also indigenous rights, for example. Protecting children’s rights is also protecting indigenous people’s rights as well. When we find a commonality, that's where we can gather more people for the cause. But once we do have the people coming together - what do we do next? How do we allow them to consume content or how do we allow them to be informed of the things that I, for example, advocate for? That's where social media comes in because everyone has a phone. Statistically, 98% of Brunei has access to Wi-Fi. Everyone, almost close to 100% of people in the younger demographic range, has a social media account. Now it's a matter of what content do they consume and how can we tailor what we want to present to them?

People want meaningful storytelling and what i’ve realised, Bruneians want to know more about their culture beyound a superficial google search and how their culture plays in the future but they don’t know how to access to begin with. Although it could be as easy as a google search but people want more personal lived experiance they want to be a part of. And now people are stuck. We Bruneians tend to not stay in specific social media platform like in searching in IG and or TikTok. So how can we create and access cultural content to

these people while still keeping Cultural Integrity in a untral fast past content consumption?

It seems like tech and indigenous culture should be polar opposites. Do you ever find it challenging to merge the two or live with the two side by side?

ER: I think people have this view of indigeneity or indigenous culture as a very, quote unquote, traditional old school thing. But culture can also be ever-changing, and indigeneity is also ever-changing while still rooted in its values. I think it’s also fitting that this year's theme for Indigenous People's Day was indigenous rights and protection of Intellectual Property. How it is connected to tech, is that now we live in a culture where our art, our content, and our histories have to be digitised for archival reasons. But now when it comes to IP and AI, it's a matter of how are we protecting these indigenous people, arts and culture, where it can be manipulated or put together without giving away too much of itself. That's where we hope that in the future, indigenous people will be included in this conversation and they are viewed as a people whose recollections will be considered properly.

And how are you planning to tackle that in an age where altered photos and videos like deepfakes are so common to encounter for example?

ER: There’s the saying “History is not fact, it’s Narrative. And it depends on who holds the pen”. Before anyone else owns and create your narrative. Be the first to control your story. So thats why i highly encourage people to create meaningful content that is insightful, good and empowering. Be unashamed of showing your work and journey of rediscovering your culture and where you come from.

•• Read the full interview on www.borneoinsidersguide.com

FOR WHAT IT’S WORTH

Bethany Luhong Balan is not a wallflower; this unmistakable Kayan Kuchingite is a talented multimedia designer, poet and self taught visual artist who has made a career out of saying what’s on her mind. A selfdescribed neurotic, Bethany makes waves with her clear-cut words and work that address critical issues such as indigenous rights, cultural preservation and mixed heritage, and the concept of belonging. Despite moving to Singapore to pursue career opportunities, Balan’s heart remains firmly rooted in Sarawak where she learned to champion her mixed Canadian-Kayan heritage into a voice that stood up for others, and what’s right.

You once described yourself as like a casual nihilist which, with your Kayan roots, is quite interesting because that’s a culture rooted in animism. What's the kind of cognitive dissonance there?

PW: Well, my nihilism probably comes from the fact that I'm very anxious about everything. And because the philosophy is based on the idea that there’s nothing past death so you should do something that excites you and makes you happy, I kind of do agree with it to a certain point. Everything’s been done before, and you can’t do anything completely new in terms of art and creativity, so the pressure’s off in that sense. Just do what you want to do. Do what makes you happy, do what sparks that passion in you.

You’re very outspoken, obviously, about indigenous and human rights, and cultural preservation, Besides the obvious link to your own heritage, where does this passion and drive for activism come from?

PW: I really couldn't answer you. I don't know, sometimes I feel like I'm going insane because why isn't anybody else talking about (these issues)? Why aren't we all? What's that slogan – “If you're not outraged, then you're not paying attention”? Maybe it came from the way my Canadian mom raised me. I was raised in a stereotypically ‘un-Asian’ way to question things and use critical thinking skills to make my own conclusions.

You put a lot of effort into creating in-depth content about indigenous culture and living that are useful for anyone wanting to learn about indigenous cultures in Borneo. What's the process for making these kinds of things?

PW: I never really thought of my content, my pieces that way. But yeah, I guess you're right. The reason I write is because

I'm trying to figure out my own feelings or figure out my own heritage, my own past. And when I write it down, it helps me to process it. So I'm learning along with everybody else who's seeing my content for the first time. But, to be quite selfish, mostly it's for me to process and to figure out how I feel about this and that. And I really do enjoy learning more about my own heritage, the more I want to learn.

Can you maybe talk me through your artistic endeavors? There's a lot of work that kind of seems to be rooted in social issues. But I would like to know how and why you first fell in love with the creative arts. And what's your process like for making artwork or written pieces?

PW: Okay. How and why? I'm not really sure. Ever since I can remember, I've been making stuff. From drawing or just making stuff, customizing my clothes, notebooks. I've always been a creative person and actually, I haven't been creating art for long. I've been writing poetry for longer than any other medium. But only recently, I think from 2018, 2019, have I been intentionally making art pieces. I'm still trying to figure out the process myself. For poetry, it's more straightforward because you have to have something to say, obviously. Well, you could talk about nothing but that would be the theme of it. It carries over to my visual art pieces. I don't usually create just for the sake of creating – there’s usually a message that I want to convey, which a lot of artists share in common. But I know some artists do just create to express an emotion or for the joy of it, which is valid in and of itself.

••

Read the full interview on www.borneoinsidersguide.com

Like Farrell Feelin’ It

Some people are blessed to find purpose early on in life, and for Farrel Lawai Kho Lian Say, his love for his indigenous heritage and culture led him to a path where he not only gets to participate in it, but also actively help in preservation through education and art. From an early age, Farrel’s fascination with the arts and dance began early. He received formal education in the dance field at the age of 9 years old through the year-long course Kursus Asas Tarian Tradisional Sepanjang Tahun organized by the Sarawak Arts Council, and other workshops with indegenous dances masters Suhaimi Magi, Sharkawi Haji Amit, Ramli Ali, Rahamah Mohd Ekbar, Affendi Sebli, and Uli Bilong. Since then, art has infiltrated his life. A gifted dancer, instrumentalist, designer and singer, Farrel’s travelled as far as France to demonstrate traditional dance under government support. We had a BIG Talk with him about indigenous representation, last meals and operating from confidence.

It’s probably safe to say your indigenous culture has a huge influence in your life, what are some of your fondest memories related to this?

FK: I was born and raised in Kuching, in a Kenyah–Chinese–Iban family but our lifestyle at home has always leaned more towards Kenyah culture. We speak Kenyah at home, including my dad, and that language has always been the foundation of my daily life. My parents also made sure I didn’t lose my Chinese roots, by sending me to a Chinese school, which is where I learned to speak Mandarin. But if I had to describe it, I’d say my

Kenyah “blood” runs thicker—it’s the identity I feel most deeply connected to. When I was a kid, I was surrounded by culture. My mother’s side of the family are talented Sape’ players and dancers, so I grew up watching performances at home like it was the most natural thing in the world. That early exposure sparked curiosity in me, but I didn’t get involved right away—I was still a bit shy. Things shifted when I started following my aunt, who was a dancer and instructor at a state ministry related to culture and arts. I spent a lot of time observing her work—how she trained others, prepared for shows, and upheld tradition in a modern context. Eventually, she pushed me into participating—I still remember my first event, being a garlander in ethnic costume during the 2009 launch of the Sarawak State Legislative Building. It was a major event, and that moment really stayed with me. What truly made me stay, though, was when I realised this path could be both meaningful and sustainable. I found out that I could actually earn an income through performing arts. That changed everything. I started taking dance classes the year after, and since then, I’ve been involved in culture and arts for 16 years—developing myself in dance, theatre, music, and singing. It’s been a long journey, but one rooted in heritage, passion, and purpose.

You mention here that you were too shy to join in, which I find intriguing. Why so, and at what point did you feel the desire to participate?

FK: I think I was shy because I had so much respect for what I was seeing. My family members danced with such confidence and connection—it felt sacred, and I didn’t want to step in until I felt truly ready. There was also a fear of not doing it ‘right’ especially

with so many skilled dancers around me. So I stayed in the background, observing and absorbing everything. The desire to participate wasn’t sudden—it grew quietly over time. I was in this in-between space, where part of me wanted to join, but another part held back. It wasn’t until my aunt casually invited me to try a few steps at home that something shifted. That small gesture made it feel less intimidating, and more like something I was allowed to grow into at my own pace. That’s when I started to feel like maybe I did belong in it—not just as a viewer, but as someone who could carry it forward too.

For some, cultural preservation lies in the beauty of the doing rather than having an end goal. Do you feel this way or are there particular things you’d like to achieve related to the preservation and proliferation of indigenous Bornean culture?

FK: I do believe there is beauty in simply doing—in dancing, playing traditional music, or speaking our language. These small acts are powerful and help keep our culture alive. But for me, it’s more than just doing for the sake of doing. I have goals I want to achieve for the preservation of Bornean, especially Kenyah, culture. I want to help document our traditional arts before they’re forgotten, encourage young people to take pride in their roots, and bring our culture into modern spaces like media and education.

•• Read the full interview on www.borneoinsidersguide.com

appetite

ENJOY UP TO 15% OFF WITH

Bread & Baked

It's a blessing to break bread with someone - as the adage goes- and equally wonderful to bake anything. In this October's round of stellar standouts, we're checking out the greatest things to come out of two simple ingredients. Flour and heat, together or apart, there comes a myriad of wonderful things. Bread is the most obvious and glorious of them all and we've scoured the island for all the ways this humble food can be transformed. Baking is the simplest way to cook anything yet it produces some of our personal favourites (who doesn't love a baked mac n' cheese?). Whether it's delicious sandwiches, a perfect pastry or a plate of baked Nachos, this a collection that will definitely sit happily in your stomachs!

This homegrown bakery brand has become a beloved household name for their affordable and convenient food that also tastes great. Satisfying hunger since 2008, Lof pride themselves in not using preservatives and they now have nine branches across Brunei so you can be sure to find a Lof branch somewhere

Lof Cakes & Bakery Shell Cafe

near you! As the years have passed, their commitment to delivering unparalleled quality and authenticity hasn’t wavered. They’ve also put that energy into their menu; the Mermaid Puff and Siew Pao have familiar ingredients with Lof’s own recipe twists on them; the Mermaid Puff takes the tinned sardines of our childhood and turned it into a pastry that’s packed with a flavourful filling of slightly spicy and sweet sardines wrapped in a little parcel of shortcrust pastry shaped like a mermaid fishtail. Addictively good, especially when served hot! If you’re craving some comfort food, Lof Bakery’s Siew Pao is it! Sweet char siu sauce wrapped around real chunks of chicken are the perfect partner for the pastry wrapping. It’s got a prominent sweetness to it with none of the usual artificial dyes or additives of commercial char siu. Want to start your day off right? A slice of their Loaf bread series is just the thing. If you love Japanese style bread, their Soft Cotton Milk Lof Bread is a great version that pulls apart like threads of cotton with just the right amount of substance to hold up to your favourite spreads. Want a healthier alternative to plain white bread? Try Lof’s Cranberry Loaf, which is dotted with real pieces of cranberry.

#1&2

CHECK FOR DISCOUNTS

As the name suggests, this is one place worth stopping for – whether it’s on your route or not. Shell Café has landed at Beribi Filling Station and it’s so lovely you might find yourself stopping by just so you can experience it. Originally floated in 2023, the concept has launched in 2024 with a bright and welcoming design that’s perfect for taking a breather during your busy day. Always a champion of the local community, Shell Café also partnered with local entrepreneurs here. You’ll find the unique hot meals vending machine by A.Ayam that serves up a proper plate of food on the quick. Need something a little more portable? There are

also fresh sandwiches made daily including an Australian Roast Beef flavour that’s meaty and clean tasting. For something a little indulgent, their range of sausage are your best bunfriends. The Classic Sausage is a premium beef or chicken sausage covered in the usual trio of mayo, ketchup and chili, on a pillowy long roll. The substantial sausage stands up to the sweet and spicy flavours. Loved a baked good? There’s a pastry selection sourced from Ruti Manis by Teaspoon as well as made in-house (Who doesn’t love crunchy-soft Polo Buns or crisp Chocolate Croissants?). They even have a great drinks menu that includes locally roasted coffee, perfect to sip on at the sofa or bar bench.

••

Shell TAIB Beribi Retail Station

Lot 54/53, Kompleks Perindustrian Beribi II, Kg. Gadong, Brunei

IG: @bruneishellmarketing

Tarindak d’Polo

Where can you find delicious food and a fine ambience to relax in? The Royal Polo Club in Jerudong is a hidden gem when it comes to serving up great eats, you’ll want to gatekeep so they don’t run out. Known for their excellent catering menus, Tarindak d’Polo also has a fantastic Weekend Hi-Tea offering that’s perfect for any occasion. Filled with an international menu of over 50 types of bites and tasty delights (plus some live cook stalls!), we covet their handmade bakes and breads that are part of the all-you-can-eat deal. Fill up on delicate finger sandwiches for the classic high tea experience or go nuts and mix it up with their variety of Viennoiserie items, sweet glazed donut series or hearty pastries like creamy, eggy chicken quiches. Perfect food for reloading after a busy day of

playing at the Polo Club’s pool, on-site golf course or squash and badminton courts. They even have 20% off for senior citizens which makes It a great place for mum, dads and everyone in between to come together and enjoy a good meal and make memories together.

•• Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club IG: @tarindakbrunei

SUBWAY

Kota Kinabalu

They’ve been serving fresh since 2019 when the international sandwich brand first opened its doors in Kota Kinabalu city – almost a decade later, Subway is still the city’s go-to for fresh and filling healthy meals. What set them apart was their fully customiseable menu; from fresh foot-long loaves of delicious breads like oats topped, classic white, wholemeal and Italian seasoning, to their pick-and-fill counter of condiments, meats, cheese and vegetables, there is always a combination that you haven’t tried yet! The added convenience of having branches all around the city means you’re never far from getting healthy food for

Save with cashback* rewards & exclusive TAIB Merchant Delights offers.

1200+ premium lounges* across 135 countries for you.

Convert your Credit Card retail purchases into monthly instalments with

breakfast, lunch or dinner. Don’t need that much excitement of customising your lunch? Their standard menu of Subway sandwiches is a guaranteed fuss-free hit. Pair it with one of their famously soft Subway cookies and a drink, for a major meal points , only at the Inaman Mall. The best thing of all, you know you’re getting fresh food made right in front of you, for an affordable price.

•• G3,

IG: @subwaymalaysia

eat, drink Brunei

BLA BLA CAFÉ

Anyone needing a little pick me up? A little trip to Bla Bla cafe will sort you right out! You might think the all-white interior suggests a minimal concept here but this cafe operates with cuteness in its veins; it's a Jelly cats themed establishment where worries seem to melt away the minute you set eyes on the incredibly adorable bakes. The owner and his partner wanted to fulfil their dream of having a business to call their own, and with the help of a relative, they set out to bring a little more joy through food. Although there are only six bakes on their bread menu, the team behind Bla Bla are working hard to add more creations all the time. “It took us about five months to develop these Jelly cat bakes, which are meant to be representing their plushy doubles” shared head barista Stephanie. But it's not just good-looking food. With a talented baker on board, the team worked to create flavour combinations that would also taste amazing and allow them to share inspiration from their travels with customers. Brinjal Bread, a crowd favourite, features soft Japanese style dough with a chewy slab of mochi that pairs so well with the purple

sweet potato filling. Pretzel is well, a pretzel! Slightly chewy with a pillowy middle, it comes with a sweet cream cheese dip that's berry delicious! The buttery Shio Pan is a buttery bun that's simply moreish.

Don't worry, desserts haven't been forgotten here. Bla Bla’s released ‘Jerry's favourite’ - a cake that is sweet in all the best ways! It might look like a realistic piece of cheese, but bite into it and you’ll get tons of fruity mango goodness in the outer ‘cheese’ mousse and a little textural addition of soft sponge cake. It’s a playful nod to the beloved Tom & Jerry cartoon and is sure to make you smile. Like a little Asian inspiration in your desserts? Try their Bla Mochi cake, which has the thinnest gossamer of mochi wrapping a fluffy vanilla sponge cake with strawberry jam and cream filling. It’s the Victoria Sponge crossover we never knew we needed in our lives. Equally cute, the Sushi cake is Bla Bla’s ode to the country's love of sushi but with a twist and some cute fondant sushi perfect for photo ops. Expect a superb combination of Earl Grey sponge and Earl Grey vanilla cream with crunchy, fresh longan chunks, wrapped in the lightest cloud of whipped cream frosting. As if we couldn’t love sushi more! This is truly such a lovely little café run by a wonderful team of dedicated foodies, who want to bring a little more joy to the everyday.

••

#25, 1st Flr, Complex 333, Jln Pandan Tujuh, Kuala Belait Tel: 673-746 8669 IG: @blablacafe.bn

Bakery n Spice

Okay, we’re not going to gatekeep this place because everyone really needs to try out Bakery n Spice! From a COVID baker, to bakery owner, the owner has built on her newfound passion to open her own place. What we love about this place is their unique take on the usual bakes; think mini cakes that are perfect for smaller celebrations, or their famous Mango Dream cake – chock full of sweet, fresh mango chunks and whipped cream. Their handmade bagel series have all the flavours under the sun – you gotta try ‘em all!

••

Blk C, Kg. Kiarong, #3, Grd Flr, Kiarong Complex, Bandar Seri Begawan

Tel: 673-746 8669

IG: @blablacafe.bn

興隆大酒家

HENG LOONG Restaurant

BreadnFlour

Good things are here at BreadnFlour!

From their pillowy bread and bakery items, to the from-scratch fillings and perfectly sweet choux buns, there’s a huge range of choice for anyone needing a baked treat. Working hard to build their home-based business through COVID, this husband-andwife team are creating sensational bakes like a popular square pizza that is perfect for parties or snack time! We love their crunch-topped choux that come in basic, premium and deluxe flavour combos like Vanilla cream, Oreo, and Ferrero Rocher.

••

B16, Kiulap, Regent Square BF2720 Bandar Seri Begawan

Tel: 673-746 8669

IG: @Breadnflour.bn

Craving authentic Chinese food in Sabah? Heng Loong Restaurant is one of those places that ooze charm and history; operating for 40 years and counting, the Chinese banquet style venue is popular amongst the locals for not only serving up consistently delicious meals over the years, it also makes for a great celebration spot with ample round tables and space for a large reception! This is a Non-Halal spot and while many Chinese restaurants of this style focus soley on the prestige of seafood, Heng Loong is also known for their pork dishes particularly the Pork Trotters, and Roast Suckling Pig – a real treat for dinner that is served butterflied, skin roasted to a perfect crisp with the trifecta of skin, fat and meat in such a harmonious balance you’ll want to come back again and again for it. With very few places offering this time and skill-intensive dish, you know there’s real dedication and care in the kitchen. You’ve got an extensive menu to choose from at Heng Loong – from seafood favourites like the silky goodness of Steamer Grouper in Soy Sauce, or more modern fare such as Fresh Crabs baked with cheese. And since it’s known to be a place where groups frequent, dishes here are built to be shared with generous portions to accommodate. Even if you’re just on your own or in a smaller group, don’t let it deter you from coming to try some of the tastiest authentic NonHalal Chinese food in Sabah! ••

Grd Flr, Blk 4, 4, Jln Utara, Bandar Pasaraya, 90000

Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia

Tel: 6089 211 023

@sekalimantan.coffee

Sekalimantan.Coffee

Bali is not the only place to get great Indonesian coffee! Sekalimantan.Coffee’s owners are riding the wave of filter brew coffees and craft beverages, with a menu of simple yet soulful cups that are best enjoyed sitting in their minimalist café setting. Their outdoor garden seating is a welcome rest spot especially with their iced coffee in hand and some snacks! Muted cement walls, neutral colours and drinks that look more like dreamy Pantone swatches, it’s all a wonderfully cool approach that makes Sekalimantan.Cafe a must-visit. We love their fresh and sweet Butter Salt coffee that’s full

eat, drink Kalimantan

of bold caramel popcorn vibes if you’re craving something sugary, but of course, a cup of their filter brew can never go wrong. Beans will vary depending on seasonal availability.

••

Landasan Ulin Tengah, Liang Anggang, Banjarbaru City, South Kalimantan 70724, Indonesia IG: @sekalimantan.coffee

The Beach House Balikpapan

Dreaming of a little Indonesia-esque getaway without leaving the island? Balikpapan in East Kalimantan is the new hotspot of Borneo and The Beach House deserves a spot on your must-stay list for Indo vibes at a fraction of the cost. Hospitality group Mesra have got the formula right with this beachfront Camping Ground and restaurant-cafe combining the vibrancy of the seaside with the tranquility of a lust tropical garden. It’s laidback enough to

feel like you’re disconnected from city life, but comfortable with the right amount of amenities to be able to take the whole family for a meal. Seafood is on the menu, obviously, and their Seafood Ambayar is their take on the American Seafood Boil, with fresh fish, crustaceans and other ocean delights swimming in a mouthwatering sauce (you can choose from their house Padang, sweet and sour, or black pepper sauces). It’s a good feasting dish for families or friends. They’ve also got some lighter small bites and Western choices like Steak and Fries, burgers, Nasi Goreng, or Mie Goreng Seafood, that will fill you up for another few hours of exploring. Pro tip? Make sure to order their Sambal Matah and Sambal Belimbing Wuluh. Spicy and so addictive!

••

Jalan Mulawarman, Batakan, Balikpapan, Indonesia Balikpapan, East Kalimantan 76115, Indonesia Tel: 62 811-555-989

Guidelines:

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

TASTE OF ASIA

THE MELT SHOP

It’s the end of a long day, and you’re in the Mulaut area. Head to this hidden gem – The Melt Shop is an unassuming little food stall just off the side of Hua Ho Muluat, where you can indulge in some tasty burgers and coffee. The bonus? You won’t break your wallet here. Freshly pulled espresso coffees start at just $2. You read that right. Burgers? Just over a fiver. That’s a tummy-filling lunch or dinner that also makes our brains happy. The Melt Shop has a good roster of different burger fillings and count the Enoki Beef Burger and Pepa Cheese as some of the most popular ones, and boy are they good! The Enoki Burger is as it sounds – crispy shards of battered and fried Enoki mushroom crowning the juicy, thick beef patty, melted American cheese and sauce. We like the Pepa Cheese for its savoury and piquant sauce that marries the idea of black pepper sauce and burgers so well together. Burger fans that prefer more unique combinations will adore the creaminess of the Mac n Cheese Burger or Butter Cheese, which features their signature beef patty and a very good creamy butter and cheese sauce.

Next to Hua Ho Muluat, Spg 343, Kpg Mulaut, Mukim Sengkurong (After Ban 5), Bandar Seri Begawan IG: @themeltshop.bn

MERCHANT DELIGHTS DISCOUNT WITH Brunei

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

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

Aminah Arif

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

Aneka Rasa

Blk A #17 & 18 Grd & 1st Flr Bgn Begawan Pehin

Dato Hj Mohd Yussof, Kg Kiulap (673 2231728)

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

Babu’s Kitchen

C44 Blk C Grd Flr Gadong Central, Kg Menglait (673 2457868) – Call for other branches

Blue Eden Café

5, Spg. 88, Kg Kiulap (673 8643496)

Bali Pit-Stop

15 &16, Spg 150 Grd Flr, Blk A Bangunan Habza, Kiulap (673 7209992)

Ceri Café

1 Blk B, Shakirin Complex Kg Kiulap (673 2234997) – Call for other branches

Chatterbox Kopitiam

2 Grd Flr Bgn Hasbullah 2, Gadong (673 8201212)

Chik Chik

13A, Citis Square Commercial Centre Spg 13-41, Jln Airport (673 8182445)

Chick-In B1, Lot 18985, Spg 42, Jln Mulaut (673 8664579)

Eatsy Brunch F41, Blk F, Sunway Centre (673 2565450)

Excapade Serusop 4&5, Spg 86, Complex PHB, Kg Delima Satu, Jln Muara (673 2335512) –Call for other branches

Farmbasket Snack Bar A1, Grd Flr Blk A, Urairah Complex, Spg 88, Kiulap (673 2234666) – Call for other branches

Gurkha Palace 47 Jln Bunga Melor, Seria Town (673 3221474)

Gratitude Café Grd Flr Serusop Complex, Kg Delima Satu (673 2341123)

A.Ayam

Spend a minimum of BND10 and get 1 set of fried bun*

Unit 1, Spg 122, Jln Bengkurong Masin, BSB (673 2650471) IG:@aayambrunei FB: A.Ayam Brunei

Anjung Saujana (RBC)

Enjoy up to 12% off* with TAIB cards.

Departure Hall, Lvl 1, Brunei International Airport, BSB (673 2331853) IG: @anjungsaujanrestaurant

FB: Anjung Saujana Restaurant

Belluno Café

Enjoy up to 10% off* with TAIB cards.

Unit 1&2, Blk C, Kiarong Complex, Kg. Kiarong, BSB (673 2429011) IG: @bellunocafebn FB: Belluno

Bombay Palace Restaurant

Enjoy 10% off* with TAIB cards.

Blk B, Bangunan Hj Menuddin, Jln Batu Bersurat, BSB (673 2427313) IG: @bombaypalacebrunei

FB: Bombay Palace Brunei

Bread Parlour

Enjoy 7% off* with TAIB cards.

Blk A, Bangunan Hj Abdul Rahman, Grd Flr, No 2, BSB (673 7379520) IG: @breadparlour

FB: Bread Parlour

Chik Chik

Enjoy 10% off* with TAIB cards.

Unit 13A, Citis Square, Jln Airport, BSB (673 8182445)

Grd Flr, The One, Jln Laksamana Abdul Razak, BSB (673 8172445) IG: @chikchik.bn FB: Chik Chik

Chick-In

Enjoy up to 10% off* with TAIB cards.

Unit B1, Lot 18985, Simpang 42, Jln Mulaut Kilanas, BSB (673 8664579) IG: @chickin.bn FB: Chick-in

*Terms & Conditions Apply

Great Taste Restaurant

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

Happy Dean Restaurant #3, Grd Flr, Zainuddin Complex, Spg 11, Anggerek Desa, Berakas A (673 2340885) – Call for other branches

Haveli Restaurant 29, Blk D, Bgn. Gadong Central, Spg. 21, Kpg. Menglait, Jln. Gadong (673 2427847)

Impian Rasa Restaurant

#5 Bgn Pg Hjh Rafiah Spg 607 Jln Jangsak, Gadong (673 2653858) – Call for other branches

Iron Chef

5 & 6, Lvl 1, HuaHo Manggis Mall (673 2338888)

Kaka Restaurant

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

Kimchi Restaurant

Blk B, Regent Square, #19 (673 7122283)

Lambaian Indah

Gadong Properties Centre, Jln Gadong (673 8986649) – Call for other branches

La Mee

#1B & 1c Grd Flr Spg 41-112, Jln Kiarong (673 2430113)

Lee Loi Fatt

Blk A #7 Grd Flr Serusop Complex, Kg Delima Satu (673 2342384) – Call for other branches

Mangrove Paradise Resort @ Zyan Restaurant Spg 912, Kg Sungai Belukut, Jln Kota Batu (673 2786868)

MY Favoureat Restaurant

9 Grd Flr Bgn Hj Munchit & Hjh Rapiah, Kg Jaya Setia (673 2232828)

MyTown Eating House

Grd Flr The Crown Princess Complex, Jalan Tutong (673 2241880)

Nas Eatery

Spg 88 no. G2 Impiana Jaya Complex (673 2580233)

Oh! Azizah Kitchen #4, Grd Flr, Blk B, The Promenade Samakaya, Spg.561, Kg Sungai Hanching (673 8725557)

Old Time Kopitiam

G2 Grd Flr, Bgn Hj Ibrahim, Kg Menglait (673 2448282)

Pattaya Restaurant

Spg 302, Jln Kota Batu, Sungai Lampai (673 2241721)

PappaRich

Blk G Grd Flr Abd Razak Complex, Gadong (673 2432333)

WITH KOICHA

There’s much to be happy about at this swanky new matcha studio. It’s a full sensory experience when you walk into the gallery-inspired space – a minimalist meets brutalist fever dream, with white walls, steel and cement as the perfect background for capturing all the selfies you’ll take with the highly aesthetic drinks on Koicha’s menu. ‘Koicha’ in Japanese literally means ‘thick tea’ and forms the base of the Matcha menu here – a thick, almost syrup-like consistency, achieved by using a higher ratio of matcha powder to water than usucha (thin tea). It’s traditionally shared among guests in a single bowl and is known for its intense, rich flavor, so you can expect this to be the prominent feature of the drinks here. They also only use ceremonial grade tea powder and you can pick based on the flavour profiles and intensity. Uji, is the mildest with a vegetal and umami top note, while the Kyoto powder is bittersweet tempered by a creamy umami element. Try the Koicha shot - a 60 ml beverage thick with rich matcha flavour that will wake up all the senses - if you’re looking to replace your daily espresso. The Toasted Marshmallow is a sweet and fun drink to have if you like sugar with your matcha and the marshmallow flower topping is super cute to take pictures with! They also have specialty craft beverages from time to time like the Mango Sticky Rice concoction that features puffed rice, sweet mango syrup and chunks over an earthy Matcha base. Koicha is located in the up-and-coming

Pho Hoa Restaurant

#6 Grd Flr Blk B Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kg Kiulap (673 2236218)

Restoran Nyonya

3 Grd Flr Bgn Hasbullah 1, Gadong (673 2447090) – Call for other branches

Rice Bowl

72 T.C.Y Building, Batu Bersurat (673 8630665)

Sapphira Cake House

3 Grd Flr Seri Anigma, Kiulap (673 2232021)

Seasons Restaurant

Lvl 2 The Centrepoint, Gadong (673 2422291)

Seaworld Neptune

8 Spg 791, Jerudong (673 2612613)

Sate House

B9, Blk B, Setia Kenangan II, Spg.150, Kiulap (673 2231017)

Sulbingsoo Korean Dessert Cafe

B7, Grd Flr, Shakirin Complex, Kiulap (673 2234271)

Coco Café

MERCHANT DELIGHTS

Enjoy up to 10% off* with TAIB cards.

Unit 1, Blk E, Sempurna Complex, Kg Batu Bersurat, BSB (673 2424566) IG: @cococafebn FB: Coco Cafe

Coffee Bean

Enjoy up to 12% off* with TAIB cards.

Unit A5, 1st Flr, The Crowne Princess Complex,, KM 2.5, Jln Tutong, BA 1779, BSB (673 2241160)- Call for other branches IG: @coffeebean_brunei FB: The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Brunei Darussalam

D'Penyetz

Enjoy 10% off* with TAIB cards. #9, Grd Flr, Blk C, Delima Square, BSB (673 2330033) IG: @dpenyetz_brunei FB: Dpenyetzbrunei

D’Selera Serantau

Enjoy 10% off* with TAIB cards. 1st Flr, Times Square Shopping Centre BSB (673 2338377) IG: @dseleraserantau.bn FB: D'Selera Serantau Brunei

Fez N Cip

Enjoy up to 10% off* with TAIB cards.

5A, Spg 23-30, Kg Manggis Satu, Jln Muara, BSB (673 7298833) IG: @fezncip FB: Fez N Cip

Fisherman's Hut

Enjoy up to 10% off* with TAIB cards. Pantai Seri Kenangan, BSB (673 8610799) IG: @fishermanhut.bn FB: Fisherman's Hut

Friday Restaurant

Enjoy 15% off* with TAIB cards.

Grd Flr, #52, Haji Hassan Abdullah Building, Jln Menglait, BSB (673 8155588) IG: @restoranfriday

*Terms & Conditions Apply

INFUSION BY SERI DAMAI

You’re definitely missing out if you haven’t tried Seri Damai; one of Brunei’s authentic, best Pakistani cuisines in the heart of Kiulap! Having expanded from the renowned Seri Damai days, Infusion corporates the fusion of the West into Pakistani foods, without compromising on the bold, authentic flavours of Pakistan. Their pizza and burgers are crafted with a Pakistani twist, with an East meets West flavours concept. And you certainly have to try their naans; freshly made from scratch, and may be everyone’s ride or die; fluffy, aromatic flavours paired with the most divine dipping sauce that every slathered dipped naan literally screams comfort. Craving for rice?

Their Chicken Dum Biryani served in generous portions is a flavourful masterpiece that delivers a harmony of spice, tender and aromatic. Whether you’re here for a warm naan or a hearty meal, this is the ultimate Pakistani restaurant that will have you licking the brim of bowls because of its tantalising, bold flavours!

Unit 7, Grd Flr, Blk D, Kg Tanjung Bunut

Sameer Restaurant & Catering

Tel: 673 7333389 / 2703389

IG: @infusionbyseridamai

SPICY CURRY & WRAPS FROM ARABIC TO INDIAN CUISINE, CHECK OUT THESE RESTAURANTS IF YOU LIKE A SPICY KICK TO YOUR MEALS.

Amsarra Shawarma Unit 5, Grd Flr, Blk A, One Riverside, Jln Gadong (673 7312545)

Blue Restaurant

Unit 19, Grd Flr, Blk C, Spg 493, Kg Beribi, Jln Gadong (673 2450458)

Bombay Palace Restaurant

9 Grd & 1st Flr, Blk B Bgn

Pg Mainuddin & Anak2, Batu Bersurat (673 2427313)

C’Fu Curry House Restaurant

Spg 103 #5 & 6 Grd Flr

Bgn Hj Md Salleh, Gadong (673 2457000)

Delhi Darbar Restaurant & Catering

Spg 38, Jln Jerudong (673 2672826)

Gwad Basha Arabian Restaurant

1A & 1B Heng Thai Property Centre, Spg 22, Jalan Dato Ratna, Kiarong (673 2450009)

Iskandar Curry House B5, One Riverside, Jln Gadong (673 2422438)

Kausar Café 10, Grd Flr, Blk D, Shakirin Complex, Jln Komersial Kiulap (673 8829495)

Le Taj 2-3 2nd Flr Seri Kiulap Complex, Kiulap (673 2238996)

Lotus Family Restaurant 27B Grd Flr Delima Jaya Complex, Berakas (673 2342049)

Sugar ‘n’ Spice Unit B1, Grd Flr, Purnama Complex, Kiulap (673 2303930) – Call for other branches

G1 Grd Flr Sg Akar Sentral, Berakas (673 2336613) –Call for other branches

Ya Nur Restaurant #6 & #7, 1st Flr, Kompleks Hj Tahir 2, Gadong (673 8719986)

Zaika Restaurant

A4 Lot 308 Bgn Maju Jln

Bunga Raya, Kuala Belait (673 3347430)

WESTERN FOOD

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

Bello Café

L1/12 Seri Kiulap Mall, Kiulap (673 2233989)

Buccaneer Steak House 92-93 (B) 94 Grd Flr Jln

McKerron, Kuala Belait (673 3330406)

Casbah London Kebab

#G2a Grd Flr Times Square Complex, Kg Jaya Setia (673 2343001) – Call for other branches

Charcoal BBQ & Grill

Restaurant

Grd Flr Le Gallery Suites Hotel, Jln Tutong (673 2221171)

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

Comfort Greens Blk C, Anak-Anak, Bangunan Hj Abdul Rahman, #4, Spg 88 (673 7373688)

De’ Olde Cottage 2 Grd Flr Blk C Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 2426982)

Fratini’s Restaurant

#1 Grd Flr The Centrepoint Hotel, Gadong (673 2451200) – Call for other branches

Flour & Butter #29, Grd Flr, Bangunan Haji Hassan Abdullah, Jln Gadong, Menglait II (673 2422323)

Kenny Rogers Roasters

Jln Masjid Salambigar, RPN Lambak Kanan (673 7323802)

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

Margherita Pizzeria

#5 Blk A Scout Complex Jln Gadong, Kg Mata-Mata (673 8688884) – Call for other branches

GK Restaurant

Enjoy 10% off* all TAIB cards.

Spg 490-3 Blk A #1-3 Grd Flr, Kg Sg Hanching, Jln Muara, BSB (673 2340567) IG: @gkrestaurant FB: GK

Restaurant

Grills and More

Enjoy up to 10% off* with TAIB cards.

#3, Grd & 1st Flr, Blk C, Bangunan Hj A Rahman and Hjh Siti

Ajar & Anak-anak, Kg. Kiulap, BSB (673 2577986)

IG: @grillsandmorearabic.bn FB: Grills & More

Restaurant

Gongcha

Enjoy up to 10% off* with TAIB cards.

Grd Flr, #1, Spg 98, Bangunan Hjh Dyg Damit Bte Panglima Asgar Dato Paduka Hj Awang Abdullah, Kg Delima Satu, Jln Muara, BSB (673 2339902)- Call for other branches

IG: @gongchabn FB: Gong cha Brunei

Hungry Hippo

Enjoy up to 5% off* with TAIB cards.

Grd Flr, Unit 7-9 Blk A, Little Soho, Spg 73 5 8, Jln Batu Bersurat, BSB (673 2457333) IG: @hungryhippo.bn

FB: Hungry Hippo

I-Lotus

Enjoy 7% off* with TAIB cards.

Jln Rakyat Jati Rimba, BSB (673 2422466)

IG: @ilotusrestaurant FB: I Lotus Restaurant

Iskandar Curry House

Enjoy free cup of ice cream with TAIB cards. Unit B5, One Riverside, 1 Jln Gadong, BSB (673 2422438) IG: @iskandarcurryhouse FB: Iskandar Curry House

Kampong Kitchen

Enjoy up to 10% off* with TAIB cards.

Unit 6, Grd Flr, Blk K, Bangunan Pg. Hj. Menudin & AnakAnak, Jalan Batu Bersurat, BSB (673 2451994)

IG: @kampongkitchen.bn FB: Kampong Kitchen

@deceriaacafebn

New Star Box

C18-19, Hau Man Yong Complex, Spg 88, Kg Kiulap (673 8207729)

One More Pizza

4, Grd Flr, Spg 88-4-16, Jln Jame'Asr, Kg Kiulap (673 8396388)

Pastamania

G9A & G10A Grd Flr

Times Square Shopping Centre, Jln Berakas (673 2338061) – Call for other branches

Pepper Lunch Brunei

C9/10 Grd Flr Setia

Kenangan II, Kg Kiulap (673 2253000) – Call for other branches

Phat Belly

A9, GF, Block A, Lot 11620, Jln Gadong (673 8351700)

Qasehmaisara Café House #206-209 2nd Flr Plaza

Athirah, Jln Kubah Makam DiRaja (673 2789898)

Red Canopy Restaurant

#8 Blk A Q-Lap Complex, Kg Kiulap (673 2425855)

Ricardo’s El Mariachi 223, Jln Sungai Tilong (673 7363139)

Sorriso Restaurant & Pizzeria

#14 Blk B Grd Flr Regent Square, Kiulap (673 2233030)

Swensen’s #2.34-2.36 2nd Flr The Mall, Gadong (673 2451864)

Stac Patisserie 54, Blk G, Sunway Centre (673 7183168)

Tasanne Fast Food Grd Flr, 13, Blk B, Sunway Centre, (673 8981117) –Call for other branches

Tasconi’s Pizza Grd Flr, #C5, Spg 145, Lot No. 10102 Jln Pasir Berakas (673 2335222)

8 Bytes 2, Blk D, 1st Flr, Kg Tanjong Bunut (673 8310522)

CAFE HOPPING GOURMET, PREMIUM-GRADE, SPECIALTY COFFEE –THIS LIST ACCOMMODATES THE BEST OF THE BURGEONING LOCAL COFFEE INDUSTRY.

Beanery & Co #81 A/1 Grd Flr, Jln Bunga Rambai, Kuala Belait (673 3347772)

GERAI DE’CERIAA

DISCOUNT WITH

BELLUNO Café #2 Blk C Kiarong Complex, Kg Kiarong (673 2429010)

Bicara Lab 2601, Jln Nakhoda Manis, Seria

Black Whale

G18A, Grd Flr, Blk C, Aman Hills Shopping Complex (673 2341473) - Call for other branches

Brew Café & Bakery #47 Grd Flr Blk C Gadong Central, Menglait (673 2427554)

Brew9

10, Grd Flr, The Walk, Beribi (673 2426986) –Call for other branches

Caffé Verve #6A Spg 68, Jln Batu Bersurat (673 8757382)

Coffee Field Cafe & Resto

5, Grd Flr, Blk A, Little Soho, Spg 73-5-8, Jln Batu Besurat (673 7229042)

Countrypatch Café

2&3 Blk D Bgn Hj Abd Rahman, Kiulap (673 2232368)

Arguably the best burgers in town; many are familiar with De’Ceriaa burgers for its juicy, thick patties and hefty portions! Nestled in a cozy corner of Kiulap, this Bruneian gem stands out with its bold black-and-red concept. Choose between perfectly seasoned beef or chicken patties– both of which are sure to satisfy even the most discerning burger lovers. One big bite, and you’ll be transported straight to burger heaven. The rich cheese oozes out flawlessly, while the crunch of thinly sliced cabbage, soft toasted bun, and a medley of sauces come together in perfect harmony, delivering a mouthful of pure greasy goodness. Don’t forget to pair your burger with their crinkle-cut fries, generously topped with cheese and mayonnaise–it's a filling combo that will swoon you into feeling hearty. We dare say you’ll find yourself murmuring “mmm”, or maybe even doing a happy dance with every sloppy bite.

HM Adik-Beradik, Unit 9, Ground Floor, Shophouse Bangunan Hj Awang

Matusin HA & Hj Abdullah, Kg Kiulap, BSB Tel: 673 2234709

IG: @deceriaacafebn

MERCHANT DELIGHTS

Le Apple Bakery & Mart

Enjoy up to 10% off* with TAIB cards. #27 & 28, Grd Flr, Bangunan Hj Hassan Abdullah, Menglait, Jln Gadong, BSB (673 2447885) IG: @leapplebakery

FB: Le Apple Bakery & Mart

LiHO Tea

Enjoy up to 15% off* with TAIB cards.

One City Shopping Centre, #24, Grd Flr, Sg Hancing, BSB (673 7339616)- Call for other branches IG: @lihobrunei

FB: LiHOBrunei

Lof Cakes & Bakery

Enjoy up to 15% off* with TAIB cards.

J & Lof Cafe. #8, Grd Flr, Blk C, Delima Square, BSB (673 7377588) IG: @lof_bakery

Nasi Talam

Enjoy 10% off* with TAIB cards.

Unit F14,1st Flr, Impiana Jaya Complex, Spg 88, Jln Pangkalan Kiulap, BSB (673 2247777) IG: @nasi.talam.bn

FB: Nasi Talam Brunei

Noaz Creation Enterprise

Enjoy 5% off* with TAIB cards.

#3, Blk C, Madang Cove, Kg Madang, BSB (673 2346720) IG: @Noaz_Creation

Papparich Brunei

Enjoy 10% off* with TAIB cards.

Blk. G, Grd Flr., Abdul Razak Complex, BSB (673 2432333) IG: @papparich.bn FB: Papparich Brunei

Pastamania

Enjoy 20% off* with TAIB cards.

#1, Grd Flr, Medan Tanjong Bunut, Lot 3606 Jln Tutong (673 2671977) IG: @pastamania.brunei

FB: Pastamania (Brunei)

Red Canopy Café

Enjoy 10% off* with TAIB cards.

Dil Coffee Trail

The Curve Complex, #5 Grd & 1st Flr, Blk E, Jln Batu Bersurat (673 8298786)

Evoke Coffee 1st Flr, Blk C, Evoke, The Promenade Samakaya, #1F, Jln Sungai Hanching Baru (673 7269305)

Gongcha

Between Spg. 98 & 106, Jln Muara, Serusop Delima (673 2339902) – Call for other branches

#8, Blk A, Qlap Complex, Spg 88, Kg. Kiulap, BSB (673 2425855) IG: @red_canopy_catering

*Terms & Conditions Apply

Happy Cream

1, 1st Flr, Bgn Majid Mohd, Jln Pasar Baharuddin, Gadong (673 8158587)

High Frequency Lifestyle

Café

1st Flr Unit 5 Blk B Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat (673 2428262)

HWC Coffee

The Curve, #5, Grd Flr, Blk D, Batu Bersurat (673 8192289) - Call for other branches

Kapra Coffee #26 Grd Flr, Blk C Spg 440, Jln Muara (673 2345656)

Kazoku Kohi

C1A, Grd Floor, Blk C, Spg 88, Shakirin Complex, Kampong Kiulap, Gadong B (673 8601112)

Mr.Baker's Bakeshop

Sumbiling, Istana

Darussalam, #2, Grd Flr, Bangunan 28 (673 2231002) – Call for other branches

Noice

D29, Bangunan Lim Eng Ming, Kg Kiulap (673 8266825)

Otto Takeaway #27, Grd Flr, Bangunan Lim Eng Ming, Kg Kiulap (673 8772262)

Piccolo Café

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

Roasted Sip

3, Grd Flr, Blk D, Spg 508, Jerudong Complex, Jln Jerudong (673 2610850) – Call for other branches

Ri's Café #1, Spg 561, 1st Flr, Blk E, The Promenade Samakaya (673 8360544) – Call for other branches

The Seventh Cup 1st Flr, Blk G, #54, Sunway Centre (673 8761290)

T’s Coffee #6, Blk D, A1, Lower Grd Flr, 1 SKH Supermarket, Spg 561, The Promenade Samakaya, Jln Muara (673 7171089)

The Slice by IA Gateaux Jalan Pretty, Kuala Belait (673 3338255 / 7374498)

- Available on WA

Two Sons Backyard

Inside Surf Shack, Peak Club, RBRC Main Building, Brunei International Airport Highway (673 7321327)

CAFE HOPPING AT COFFEE BEAN & TEA LEAF

@ Times Square Shopping Centre, Berakas 8AM-12AM

@ Supa Save Mata-Mata, Beribi 8AM-12AM

@ Maya Puri Building, Bandar 8AM-12AM

@ CentrePoint, Gadong

8AM-12AM

@ One Riverside, Gadong 8AM-12AM

@ One City Shopping Centre

9AM-12AM

@ The Mall 10AM-9PM

@ Yayasan Shopping Complex 10AM-9PM

@ Jerudong Park Medical Centre

7.30AM-11PM

@ Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre

7.30AM-11PM

@ Supa Save Seria 7AM-11PM

@ Seaview Hotel, KB 6.30AM-11PM

@ Soon Lee Muara 9AM-8.30PM

@ Soon Lee Berakas 9AM-9PM

@ Hua Ho Manggis

9.30AM-9PM

@ Rimba Point 9.30AM-9PM

@ Food Truck Sengkurong 9.30AM-9PM

@ Food Truck Kiulap 11AM-9PM

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

I-Lotus

20 Spg 12-26 Perumahan Rakyat Jati, Kg Rimba (673 2422466)

Senja Restaurant 8 & 9 Grd Flr Seri Kiulap Complex (673 2235313)

Tarindak d’Polo

Royal Brunei Polo & Riding Club, Jerudong (673 2612500)

Tarindak D’Seni Brunei Arts & Handicrafts Centre, Kota Batu (673 2240422)

Yasfiani’s Bake Studio #7 Grd Flr Lot 58172

Kg Kilanas (673 8604242)

DIVINE DINING AT THE EMPIRE BRUNEI

Atrium Café Atrium, Level 3

Breakfast buffet from 6.30AM to 11AM

Dinner buffet from Saturday to Monday, 6PM to 10PM

Lobby Lounge Atrium, Level 5

À la carte menu from 12 Noon to 10PM

Afternoon Tea on Public Holidays, Saturdays and Sundays from 2PM to 6PM

Pantai Beachfront, Level 1

À la carte lunch from 12 Noon to 3pm

Asian à la carte dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, 6PM to 9PM

Spaghettini Atrium, Level 6

Italian à la carte dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, 6PM to 10PM

Zen Pavilion beyond Pantai, Level 1

Japanese cuisine with teppanyaki grill à la carte dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, 6PM to 9PM

Rev & Brew

Enjoy up to 5% off* with TAIB cards. Bangunan Menglait 2, BSB (673 8880622) IG: @revandbrew

Rizqun Coffee House

Enjoy up to 20% off* with TAIB cards. The Rizqun International Hotel, Abdul Razak Complex, BSB (673 2423000) IG: @rizquninternationalhotel

Saadeddin Pastry

Enjoy 10% off* with TAIB cards.

Spg 139, 2nd Flr, The Mall Gadong, Rizqun Hotel Side, BSB (673 8262050) IG: @saadeddinpastrybrunei FB: Saadeddin Pastry Brunei

Samay Restaurant

Enjoy 10% off* with TAIB cards.

Blk C, Sempurna Complex, Unit 8 Jln Batu Bersurat, BSB (673 2350668) IG: @samay.bn

Secret Recipe

Enjoy 10% off* with TAIB cards.

Sunway Center, Unit 20, Blk C, Grd Flr, BSB (673 7363109) - Call for other branches IG: @secretrecipe.brunei FB: Secret Recipe Brunei

Signature 9 Cafe

Enjoy up to 12% off* with TAIB cards. Sunway Center, #20, Blk C, Grd Flr, BSB (673 7363109) IG: @signature9cafe

Soul Coffee

Enjoy up to 15% off* with TAIB cards. #45-48, Grd Flr, Blk F, Sunway Centre, Inside UrbanMarket, BSB (673 28271882) IG: @soulcoffeebrunei

Tarindak D'Polo

Enjoy up to 10% off* with TAIB cards. Royal Brunei Polo And Riding Club, Jerudong. BSB (673 2612500) IG:@tarindakbrunei

KARYA TUJUH

Come for the vibes and Matcha! Karya Tujuh is the latest to hit the café scene, with a focus on Matcha drink offerings. And with all the hype surrounding their beverages, you best believe it was time to give these guys a review. We can confidently say, whoever created the menu, knows what they’re doing. They described themselves as a coffee shop “where every corner tells a story-one inspired by the heart of (the owner’s) childhood home in Tutong” and it really is a lovely little retro-styled spot tucked away from the usual commercial centers of Gadong, Kiulap or Batu Bersurat if you want somewhere quieter to enjoy your cup of coffee or matcha. And boy do they know how to brew this beautiful green bevvie! The Matcha menu seems to be focused on crafted drinks, and Karya Tujuh has an underground reputation for their matcha and banana pudding concoction. It’s almost obscenely indulgent thanks to a generous scoop of their homemade Magnolia Bakeryinspired banana pudding that really takes the matcha to a different level. There’s a balance of earthiness and sweet, creamy and just enough bitterness to cut through so you don’t feel like a complete glutton. I would come back for this drink alone, even though they’ve got a great variety on their menu including premium chocolate drinks made with 61% cocoa. It’s

Zest Atrium, Level 5

Light meals, beverages, pastries, desserts and homemade ice cream

Daily 6AM to 12Midnight

The Empire Brunei, Jerudong (673 2418888)

GO GREEN HEALTHY AND VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY OPTIONS

Brunei Detox Bar

9 Grd Flr, Abdul Razak Complex, BE3519

Mituo Vegetarian Restaurant

Grd Flr Pg Anak Puteri Norain Complex, Batu Satu (673 2222821)

Pureland Vegetarian Restaurant

#15 Blk B Grd Flr Bgn Hj Awg Ahmad bin Hassan & Anak-anak, Kiulap (673 2236503)

The Daun 1 & 2, Grd Flr, Blk A, Wisma P H Apong, SPG150, Kiulap (673 8628888)

TienSing Vegetarian & Catering Restaurant

21-22 Bangunan Hj Hassan II, Jln Gadong, Kg Menglait (673 2454988)

Veggie Recipe

No.20, Grd Flr, Blk B, Simpang 150, Regent Square (673 2236276)

QUICK EATS

FAST AND DELICIOUS MEALS FOR THOSE ON THE GO

Burger King

Grd Flr, Citis Square, Kpg Jaya Setia, Berakas A (673 2330760) – Call for other branches

Burgers & Grills F20, Jln Tengah Bangunan, Bowling Alley Seria, Kpg Pekan Seria (673 3221434)

My Fried Chicken Grd Flr, Freshco Food Junction, Times Square, Kg Jaya Setia (673 8686861)

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

Pan & Wok

Grd Flr, Spg 98, Bangunan Hjh Dyg Damit Bte Panglima Asgar Dato Paduka Hj Awg Abdullah, Delima Satu, Berakas A (673 2342399) – Call for other branches

RBC Express Fast Food

#1 Grd Flr Blk A, Bangunan Hj Matussin, Kg Kiulap (673 2237253)

MERCHANT DELIGHTS DISCOUNT WITH

Tarindak D'Seni

Enjoy up to 10% off* with TAIB cards. Jln Residency, BSB (673 2240422) IG:@tarindakbrunei

The Kampong Kitchen

Enjoy up to 10% off* with TAIB cards. #6, Grd Flr, Blk K, Bangunan Pg Hj Menudin & Anak-Anak, Jln Batu Bersurat, BSB (673 2451994) IG:@kampongkitchen.bn FB: Kampong Kitchen

The Thai Cottage

Enjoy up to 10% off* with TAIB cards. #10, Blk B, Grf Flr, Abdul Razak Complex, Gadong, BSB (673 2451994) IG:@thaicottage.bn FB: thaicottage.bn

The White Sand

Top Nosh Café 1, Grd Flr, Bangunan Majid Mohammad, Spg 235-7, Jln Pasar Gadong (673 2453889)

Wayback Burgers Unit B10-11, Setia Kenangan II, Kg Kiulap (673 2236882)

NON-HALAL OPTIONS

Ban Hiong Restaurant No. 1, Spg 600, Bunut, Kilanas, Brunei-Muara (673 2652426)

Golden Leaf Coffee House

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

Kitchen 21 #21, Spg 74-73-4, Kg Mata-Mata (673 2457798)

Phongmun Restaurant 2nd Flr Teck Guan Plaza

Jln Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan (673 2229561)

Sui Heng Restaurant Grd Flr Hj Munchit & Hjh Rapiah Complex, Kg Jaya Setia (673 2338321)

Hua Hua Restaurant

Grd Flr, Blk B, Bangunan Urairah, Kiulap

Wei’s Kitchen No.1, Spg 74-74-31, Kg Mata-Mata

Enjoy up to 15% off* with TAIB cards.

The Mall Gadong, Unit 1.28, 1st Flr, BSB (673 2425204) IG:@thewhitesandcafe.bn

Vanda Chinese Restaurant

Enjoy up to 15% off* with TAIB cards.

Mulia Hotel, Spg 9, Kg. Jln Anggerek Desa, BSB (673 7299599) IG: @muliahotelbruneibwn

FB: Mulia Hotel Brunei

Ximply Chriz

Enjoy up to 10% off* with TAIB cards.

#B3, Grd Flr, One Riverside, 1 Jln Gadong, BSB (673 2221138) IG: @ximplychriz

FB: Ximply Chriz

Yasmalina Restaurant

Enjoy up to 10% off* with TAIB cards.

#231 Kpg Pintu Malim, Jln Kota Batu, BSB (673 2242366) IG: @yasmalinarestaurant

FB: Yasmalina

*Terms & Conditions Apply

Sabah & Sarawak

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

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

EAT (SABAH)

ASEN KAYAN RESTAURANT

Blk A, Grd Flr, Lot 5, Shop A-G-5, Inanam Taipan, 28/1, Inanam New Township, Kota Kinabalu (6016 927 3206)

BORNEO WILD TREASURE

Lot 23A Blk C, Grd Flr, Bundusan Square, Jln Bundusan, Penampang (6013 701 1622)

BRASS MONKEY CAFE & BAR

Lot No. 1-0, Lorong Lintas Plaza 4, Kota Kinabalu (6088 748 797)

CAFE BOLEH @ SUTERA HARBOUR RESORT

1 Sutera Harbour Boulevard, Sutera Harbour, 88300 Kota Kinabalu (6088 303 671)

CAFÉ DE VIE

6, Blk D, Metro Town Lorong Metro 3, Kota Kinabalu (6014 332 6131)

CAFÉ HARU

1, Jln Lintas, Kolam Centre, Kota Kinabalu (6010 935 1233)

EMPEROR’S DELIGHT

Lot 111, opposite ESSO Station Jln Pantai, Sabak Bernam District (6088 288 686)

GAM TONG HONG KONG RECIPE

Lot 2, Grd Flr, Blk A, City Mall 88300 Kota Kinabalu (6018 327 9696)

GRANDCHAMP’S CAVE & SHOP

S3, Grd Flr, Blk B, The Peak Vista, Kota Kinabalu (6088 261 886)

HUT STEAK HOUSE & RESTAURANT

1-6, 1st Flr, By-pass, Latitud 6, Jln Lintas, Taman Bunga Raja (Phase 3 & 4), 88450 Kota Kinabalu (6016 831 4668)

IN RESTAURANT

Grd Flr, Lot 29, Blk E, Damai Plaza, Phase 3, Luyang 88300 Kota Kinabalu (6088 238 558)

JOTHY’S FISH HEAD CURRY & BANANA LEAF

Blk 1, Lot G9, Api-Api Centre, Lorong Api-Api, Jln Centre Point, 88000 Kota Kinabalu (6012 414 8533)

KEDAI KOPI YEE FUNG

127, Jln Gaya, 88000 Kota Kinabalu (6088 312 042)

KOHINOOR NORTH INDIAN RESTAURANT

Lot 4 The Waterfront

Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6088 235 160)

LITTLE ITALY

Grd Flr Hotel Capital

Jln Hj Saman, Kota Kinabalu (6088 232 231)

MAD BEN CAFÉ

Lot 121, Jalan Gaya, 88000, Kota Kinabalu (6088 255 073)

MAI YAI THAI ORCHID RESTAURANT

Lot 13 KK Waterfront, Kota Kinabalu (6088 234 841)

MDM ING FISH NOODLE

Lot 21 Towering Koidupan

Perdana Jln Tambunan, Penampang (6016 831 8726)

NAGASAKI JAPANESE

RESTAURANT

No 19 Grd Flr Bangunan

Harrison Jln Hj Saman, Kota Kinabalu (6088 216 623)

NAM CHAI RESTAURANT BAH KUT TEH

Grd Flr, Blk D, Jln Leila, Bandar Nam Tung, 90000, Sandakan (6089 612 603)

NISHIKI JAPANESE RESTAURANT

Lot 29, Grd Flr, Blk E, Iramanis Centre, Jln Lintas, Kota Kinabalu (6088 473 348)

OCTOBER COFFEE HOUSE 5-6 Grd Flr, Lorong Bunga Raja 9, Latitude 6 Commercial Centre, Kota Kinabalu (6014 307 2455)

ORION JAPANESE RESTAURANT

Blk B, Grd Flr, Lot 14, Lorong Damai Point Commercial Centre, Jln Damai, Kota Kinabalu (6011 168 09012)

PASTA PASTA

77 Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu (6088 280 790)

PEPPERMINT

VIETNAMESE CUISINE

Lot 26, Blk D, 01, Karamunsing Capital, 88300

Kota Kinabalu / Jln Asia City, 88450 Kota Kinabalu (6088 231 130)

RESTORAN NEW SEA VIEW Bandar Ramai-ramai, 90000 Sandakan

RESTORAN SRI MENANTI Pekan Sikuati, Kudat (6010 957 3959)

SAKAGURA JAPANESE

RESTAURANT

G-23 & G-25, Oceanus Waterfront Mall, Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, 88000, Kota Kinabalu (6012 817 3604)

SANTOLA BAR CAFÉ

29, Jln Kilang, SEDCO Industrial Estate, Kota Kinabalu (6016 678 8472)

SENG HING RESTAURANT

Blk E, Lot 10, Sinsuran Complex, Kota Kinabalu (6088 21 1594)

SUANG TAIN SEAFOOD

RESTAURANT

No. 16, Blk D, Grd Flr, SEDCO Complex, Kg Air, Kota Kinabalu (6011 261 55796)

SUPUL KOREAN BBQ

RESTAURANT

Lot S-1-8, 1st Flr, City Mall (above Secret Recipe), Jln Lintas, Kota Kinabalu (6088 448 844)

THE ENGLISH TEA HOUSE & RESTAURANT

2002 Jln Istana, 90000 Sandakan (6089 222 544)

TOSCANI’S

Lot 14, The Waterfront, Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu (6012 833 3609)

THE BEAN CAFÉ

Lot 8-1, 1st Flr, Lido Plaza, Jln Nosoob, Penampang (6088 703 884)

Café with a sofa lounge serving coffee and drinks, sandwiches, toasts, waffles, and desserts

URBAN KITCHEN

Jln Tunku Abdul Rahman, Asia City, 88000 Kota Kinabalu (6088 356 000)

YOSHIMI JAPANESE

RESTAURANT

Warisan Square, Kota Kinabalu (6088 488 388)

YU KEE BAK KUT TEH

74, Jln Gaya, Kota Kinabalu (6088 221 192)

EAT (SARAWAK)

ALL JOY CAFÉ

UG01A, Wisma Saberkas, Jln Tun Abang Haji Open, 93000 Kuching (6082 330 872)

APOLLO SEAFOOD CENTRE

4 South Yu Seng Road, Miri (6085 420 813)

APPLE RESTAURANT

76-79 Grd Flr, Parkcity Commercial Centre, Jln Tun Ahmad Zaidi, 97000 Bintulu (6086 333 377)

AROMA CAFÉ

126 Jln Tabuan, Kuching (6013 579 8641)

BEE HIONG

RESTAURANT CAFÉ

157G Jln Muhibbah, Lawas (6085 285 137)

BISMI RESTAURANT

947 Jln Parry, Sarawak (6085 416 872)

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

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

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

BUENAS FILIPINO LECHON & RESTAURANT 329, Phase 4, Parkcity Commerce Square, Jin. Tun Ahmad Zaidi, Bintulu (6086 310 860)

CAFÉ CAFÉ AT ORIGINAL CARWASH Lot 211-214, Section 9, KTLD, Rubber Rd, Kuching (6082 256 396)

CAPITAL RESTAURANT

86 Jln Keppel, Bintulu (6086 331 160)

CARVERY RESTAURANT 22, Jln Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kuching (6082 239 449)

Tangerine Restaurant

Enjoy 20% off* with TAIB cards.

The Palace Hotel Kota Kinabalu, #1, Jln Tangki, Karamunsing, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia (6088 217 222)

Subway

Enjoy Free 1 cookie* with TAIB cards.

G3, Grd Flr, Inanam Mall, Jln Nounton, 88450, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah IG: @subwaymalaysia

CASABELLA MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT

Crown Square, Kuching (6082 346 612)

CHEF AT HOME

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

CHUAN HONG RESTAURANT 123 Jln Council SAman (6083 322 466)

CROWN DYNASTY RESTAURANT

Wisma Perniagaan dan Perindustrian Cina, Lot 2657, Jln Tun Razak, Tanjung Batu 97000 Bintulu (6086 335 908)

CRUMB ARTISAN BAKERY & CAFE

D-G-13A Miri Times Square,Marina ParkCity, 98000 Miri (6085 421 913)

CUPPA-KAP COFFEE

One Jaya, Jln Song, Kuching (6016 856 5533)

DYNASTY CHINESE RESTAURANT

Oil Town Comm Complex, Miri (6085 424 000)

EARTHLINGS COFFEE WORKSHOP

Soho East, Sublot 16 Grd Flr, Lot 188, Jln Wan Alwi Lorong 5, Kuching (6011 100 31208)

EAST COURT FOOD CENTRE Jln Kelab, 95000 Bandar Sri Aman

ESCOBAR

Damai Craft World and Event Centre, Santubong, Kuching (6013 822 6900)

FAC BRAVO RESTAURANT 7778 Jln Sultan Iskandar, Bintulu (6086 316 920)

FARLEY BAKERY

Farley Commercial Centre, Sibu (6084 216 315)

FEAST & FURIOUS CAFÉ 244, Jln Tunku Abdul Rahman (6013 780 1541)

FISHERMAN RESTAURANT

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

FRATINI’S RESTAURANT

Lot 2512, Grd Flr, Blk 5, Boulevard Commercial Centre, Miri (6085 431 115)

FU XIANG FOOD COURT

Rubber Road, 93400 Kuching (6019 817 0739)

HOCK CHU LEU RESTAURANT

Jln Tukang Besi, 96000 Sibu (6084 316 523)

IMPERIAL RESTAURANT

Blk 7, Lot 1120, McLd Jln

Sehati, 98000 Miri (6085 431 133)

IMPERIAL DUCK RESTAURANT

Bee San, Jln Padungan, Kuching (6082 336 313)

JAMES BROOKE

BISTRO & CAFÉ

Jln Tunku Abdul Rahman, 93100 Kuching (6082 412 210)

JUBILEE RESTAURANT

49 India St, 93000 Kuching (6082 245 626)

KHAN’S ISLAMIC RESTAURANT

Lot- 229, Jln Maju, Miri (6016 577 1901)

LAGENDA HILLS

Lot 1442 Section 64, 2, Q5A, Kampung Kenyalang Park, 93350 Kuching (6019 262 8888)

LEPAU RESTAURANT

99, Jalan Ban Hock, 93100 Kuching (6012 884 5383)

L.L. BANANA LEAF Kuching (6016 525 6514)

LIM HOCK ANN 96, Kg Buntal Kuching (6082 846 533)

LOK THIAN RESTAURANT

2nd Flr, No. 317-319, Jln Chan Bee Kiew, Off Jln Padungan, Kuching (6082 331 310)

LU LAI VEGETARIAN

Lot 3640 & 3641, Grd Flr, 3rd Mile, Jln Rock, Taman Timberland, 93206 Kuching (6010 797 6677)

MENAWAN RESTAURANT

Grd Floor, Imperial Palace Hotel Lot 1120 Blk 7 Jalan Sehati MCLD 98000 MIRI (6085 432 299)

MARCO POLO RESTAURANT

Blk 31, Grd Flr, WIWO Hotel, Sublot 116-124, Lot 7668, Bintulu Sentral (6019 815 7277)

MEDAN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

56, Jln Mdn Setiaraja, Mukah (6084 874 145)

MERRY GARDEN CAFE

Lorong 1, Jln Kelab, 95000 Sri Aman (6010 983 6178)

4FINGERS

The viral Singapore franchise has opened up another branch! This Korean Fried Chicken brand is beloved and people will queue to get their hands on the ‘Juicy, crispy, saucy’ fried wings and drummettes. And now that the Citymall branch is open, there’s no reason not to go grab a box to share. The recipe originates from New York’s grungy subway scene according to their website, and from 2009 the first 4Fingers stores swept across Singapore like wildfire and expanding to Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand shortly after. But what’s so good about their chicken? Well, as 4Fingers puts it, their food is spicy, crunchy and downright addictive. Fresh chicken and fresh ingredients is their promise, handbrushed to crispy perfection with naturally fermented soy sauces and a variety of sauce flavours that totally hit the spot. Typical fast-food franchise this is not – you’ve got an excellent menu of burgers, fries and sides of course but with that unique 4Fingers twist. Think Kimchi or Seaweed French fries, or rice bowls with teriyaki sauce; a tangy and creamy Kimchi-slaw that’s perfect for tempering any extreme spice hits from the chicken. Not a fan of chicken but still want the 4Finger experience? They’ve expanded to include seafood to the menu so expect the same shatteringly good crispy exterior around tender calamari and juicy prawns.

MING XIN COFFEE HOUSE

Lot 1623, Grd Flr, Technip Building, Jln Pujut 1A, Miri (6085 628 839)

MOMOYAMA

Lot 1A & 2A, Grd Flr, Wisma

Phoenix, Jln Song Thian Cheok 93100 Kuching (6082 420 561)

NEW SEA VIEW CAFE & RESTAURANT

No. 3 & 4, Grd Flr, BBC Industrial Estate, Shoplot Mile, 5, Bintulu-Miri Highway, 97000 Bintulu (6086 318 924)

NOODLE DESCENDANTS

No. 188, Grd Flr Lot 18, Section 52, Padungan Rd, Kuching

PIN PIN CAFÉ

18 Jln Ong Guan Cheng, Sarawak (6082 763 486)

PORTICO

Park Lane, Kuching (6012 313 8046)

ROCK ROAD SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Lot 1229-1231, Jln Batu Kinyang, Kuching (6011 105 71575)

ROCK ROAD SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

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

ROOTS & BLISS CAFE

Grd Flr, Sublot 68, Survey Lot 3569, TT3 Plaza, Tabuan Tranquility Phase 3 Stage 2, Jln Canna, Kuchin (6016 428 3889)

SALLEH’S CORNER CAFÉ

Grd Flr, Bgn Kedai, Kg Tunku (RPR II), Jln Astana, Kuching(6012 807 8733)

SEE GOOD FOOD CENTRE

53, Lot 228-229, Jln Ban Hock, 93100 Kuching (6082 232 609)

SHERATON RESTAURANT

Persiaran Brooke, Sibu (6084 336 341)

SUSHI KING

Lot Restaurant 5, Grd Flr, Jln Spg Tiga, 93350 Kuching (6082 245 355)

SUSHI TIE

24, Lorong Chiew Siik Hiong 1A, Fortune Commercial Centre, Sibu (6016 828 1228)

TEDUH SEDJENAK

Pop-Up Cafe @ Kuching

Community Social Support Centre, Wisma Ho Ho Lim, 291, Jln Abell, 93100 Kuching (6012 443 2143)

TEN-ICHI

JAPANESE RESTAURANT

315-319, Bgn Bee San, Jln Padungan, Kuching (6014 699 2960)

TEO SEAFOOD

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

THE JUNK

80, Jln Wayang, Kuching (6016 889 2044)

TOM’S RESTAURANT

160, Jln Padungan, Kuching (6016 889 9137)

TREMENDOUS CAFE

SARAWAK

Lot 3550, Grd Flr, Al-Bayt Square, 98000 Miri (6010 549 7362)

TRIBAL TASTE

No. 10, 1st Flr, Blk H, Jln Borneo, Taman Sri Sarawak, Kuching (6016 889 9165)

WARUNG

NASI KUNING

Blk 16, Grd Flr, Lot 10520, Jln Tun Jugah, Kuching (6082 451 685)

XIN TSUI SIANG KITCHEN SDN. BHD.

Grd Flr, Pardels A-1-16 & 17, Jln Petanak, 93100 Kuching (6082 414 616)

YOFFEE CAFE

Shoplot No. 3, Meditel Lot 133 & 157, Section 21, KTLD, Jln Tun Abang Haji Openg, Kuching (6011 168 44628)

ZHUN SAN YEN VEGETARIAN

Grd Flr, Lot 165, Jln Chan Chin Ann, 93100 Kuching (6016 868 7000)

BRUNEI

BANK S

Banks in Brunei Darussalam are usually open Mondays to Fridays, 9am - 4pm and on Saturdays, 9am11am. Some banks have branches with later closing times. Islamic banks follow the same operation hours except on Fridays when they are closed for prayers between 11am - 2.30pm. Cash withdrawals and deposits can be made from Automated Teller Machines (ATM) that can be found in various shopping complexes and bank branches all over the country. ATM cards affiliated with the international Plus or Cirrus systems are accepted at most ATMs.

CREDIT CARDS

VISA and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards in hotels, restaurants and major shopping complexes. Some establishments accept American Express.

Money Changer

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

FRIDAY PR AYER TIME

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

Islamic Etiquette

Although Islam is the state religion of Brunei Darussalam, it is also a country that prides itself on the diversity of its people – including their religions. Visitors are welcome to mosques, provided some etiquette is followed. In general, proper attire is required; women are required to cover their head, shoulders, and knees. Some mosques will provide simple robes and shawls to meet these standards. Shoes are to be removed before entering a mosque. Please do not pass in front of people in prayer, and do not touch the Al-Quran. Please ask for permission before taking photographs – particularly inside! Mosques are usually closed on Thursday and Friday, and during prayer times – your hotel, tour guide, or Muslim locals can help you determine a good time to visit.

Smoking

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

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Most public phones operate on prepaid calling cards which can be obtained in all major shopping areas and retail stores. Mobile prepaid SIM cards are also available for purchase at DST Communications Sdn Bhd (DST Com), Imagine Sdn Bhd, and Progresif Cellular Sdn Bhd (PCSB) service counters as well as the respective authorised vendors’ stores.

Taxis

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE

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

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

BUSES

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

WATER TAXIS

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

FERRY SERVICES

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

KALIMANTAN

Banks

In Pontianak, banks open from 8am to 3pm from Mondays to Fridays and are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. ATM machines are available 24 hours. Major shopping malls also have ATM machines and are available during operating hours.

CREDIT CARDS

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

Money Changer

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

AIR TRAVEL

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

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

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

Taxis

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

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

For more information, visit: www.indonesia.travel/gb/en/destinations/kalimantan

LEARN A LINGO

SABAH

Bank s

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

CREDIT CARDS

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

Money Changer

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

SARAWAK

Banks

Banks open from 9.30am to 3pm from Mondays to Fridays and are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. ATM machines are available 24 hours. Major shopping malls also have ATM machines and are available during operating hours.

CREDIT CARDS

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

Buses

There are three main bus terminals that operate regular services. The terminal along Jalan Tun Razak provides services within the city and its outskirts. For destinations south of the city (Papar, Beaufort, Tenom, Tambunan, Keningau), use the terminal near Padang Merdeka. For any other destinations north of the city and all the way to the east coast towns of Sandakan, Tawau, Lahad Datu and Semporna, you have to take a bus to the Kota Kinabalu North Bus Terminal in Inanam and from there proceed to your destination of choice. Kinabalu Park is located en route from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan.

AIR TRAVEL

Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) is the second busiest airport in Malaysia and is the main terminal for Malaysia Airlines, MASWings, Firefly, Royal Brunei Airlines, Dragonair, Silkair and Asiana Airlines.

Buses

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

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

Taxis

Taxis are available at the airport terminal and cost about RM30.00 to get to the city. The journey takes between 10-15 minutes. Within the city, taxi stations are located next to major shopping malls and hotels. Long distance taxi services can be found next to Padang Merdeka.

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

AIR TRAVEL

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

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

Money Changer

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

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

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

Taxis

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

Sabah Tourism Board Jalan Gaya Tel: (6088) 212 121 Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sinsuran Complex Tel: (6088) 232 121 Tourism Malaysia (Sabah) Api Api Centre Tel: (6088) 211 732

Information Centre Terminal 1 Tel: (6088) 413 359

Information Centre Terminal 2 Tel: (6088) 447 075

Ferry Services

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

Express Boats and Ferry Services

A boat service locally known as tambang is available for the short trip across Kuching River to the riverside villages on the other side and along the river for sightseeing. Fast and comfortable express boats connect coastal towns (Kuching, Sibu, Kapit) and villages on the major rivers in Sarawak. The Express Ferry Terminal in Kuching offers trips to Sibu and onwards to Kapit for upriver journeys. Take a bus from Sibu to Miri for ferries to Brunei and onwards to Labuan island and Kota Kinabalu.

Tourist Information Centre

Tel: (6082) 410 944/2

Visitors’ Information Centre Tel: (6085) 434 181

Visitors’ Information Centre Tel: (6084) 340 980

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN MAP

SUNGAIMENGLAIT

The Gods Must Be Crazy (1982)

Starring

N!xau ‡Toma, Sandra Prinsloo, Marius Weyers, Nic de Jager

Directed by Jamie Uys

A classic funny film when movies were perhaps more about storytelling than making box office money, The Gods Must Be Crazy is a hilarious watch if you allow yourself to look past the visuals of the film (4K it is not!). A Kalahari tribe discovers a Cola bottle dropped from the sky and believe it to be a gift from the gods. Protagonist Xi embarks on a journey to the end of the world to dispose of it after arguments ensue in the peaceful community. Director Jamie Uys is said to have concocted the script for this movie while shooting a documentary in 1974, which was filmed partially on the Kalahari Desert where he first met the San people who are depicted in this movie. Uys is said to have chosen a Coca-Cola bottle as the object that the San people would discover and covet in TheGodsMustBeCrazy because he felt it was representative of our plastic society.

The Joy Luck Club (1993)

Starring Ming-Na Wen, Tsai Chin, Kieu Chinh, Lisa Lu

Directed by Wayne Wang

Mahjong, marriage and surviving in foreign places; another one from the classics vault, The Joy Luck Club is an American drama film about the relationships between ChineseAmerican women and their Chinese immigrant mothers. It’s based on the 1989 novel by Amy Tan, who also co-wrote the screenplay for this book to film adaptation. Over a series of flashbacks, the stories of Lindo Jong, Ying-Ying St. Clair, An-Mei Hsu, and Suyuan Woo, come to life. The characters are complex and vivid, along with the excellent acting from the entire cast, who make this film truly relatable for the generation of Chinese immigrants around the world who had to immerse themselves into completely foreign cultures that often did not respect them. Parents take note this film is rated R due to explicit scenes and language!

In My Native Tongue

Where we come from, is becoming an increasingly complex answer. As the world becomes smaller and populations boom simultaneously, the question of ‘Where are you from’ is very often one that requires a slightly lengthy explanation of how your dad’s uncle or mother’s mother, came from opposite sides of the world. Traditional cultures like the Aborigine of Australia or Taiwan are an essential link to simpler times and knowledge that modern living often bypasses. The collective human experience can be described as a cacophony of billions of lives lived in symphony and at odds; whether that is as a huntergatherer still avoiding the modern world, or a person displaced by war and genocide, we are all human beings at the end of the day. This issue’s collection of films, series and digital content, dive into themes of heritage, tradition and culture, dissecting what makes us ultimately all the same, and uniquely individual.

Minari (2020)

Chief of War (2025)

Starring

Moana 2 (2024)

Starring Steven Yuen, Han Ye-Ri, Alan Kim

Directed by Isaac Lee Chung

A sweeping tale that will likely leave you curled in the fetal position sobbing, this semi-autobiogrpahical version of Chung’s upbringing was touted as possibly the best film of 2020 and received widespread critical acclaim for its portrayal of the Korean-American experience. Set in the rural pastures of Arkansas in the 1980’s, Minari follows a multigenerational South Korean family as they search for the American dream in a plot of remote farmland. The dramatic storyline explores family dynamics, Korean tradition and perseverance with the hardy Minari (water celery) plant at the heart of the film. Excellent performances from the entire cast led Minari to win multiple awards including multiple Academy awards and Golden Globes.

Starring

Auli´i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson

Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, D ana Ledoux Miller

On that note, Moana is another smash hit that’s brought Hawai’ian history and culture to the forefront of mainstream media! Of course, there had to be a sequel to this box office bonanza and Moana 2 didn’t disappoint. Set three years later, the film follows Moana as she reunites with the demigod Maui to assemble a crew for the mission of finding the lost island of Motufetu. They must break its curse and reconnect the people of the ocean – which results in an hour and forty-nine minutes of guaranteed fun film watching that’s great for the whole family. Auli i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson star in their roles as Moana and Maui again, with a great cast of mostly Hawai’ian and Maori actors, including former Pussycat Dolls lead Nicole Sherzinger.

Jason Momoa, Temuera Morrison, Luciane Buchanan, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, K aina Makua

Created by Thomas Pa´a Sibbett, Jason Momoa

This groundbreaking historical drama miniseries is probably the surprise of the year, with Jason Momoa taking the helm in this production as a main cast and executive producer for what he’s described as a project close to his heart. Chief of War follows the true events of Hawaiian war chief Kai’ana of Kau’ai, as he attempts to unify the four kingdoms of Hawai’I, in order to save them from colonisation. Debuting in August of this year, it’s being hailed for its unprecedented storytelling and representation of Hawai’ian culture and history on a mainstream platform (Chief of War is signed to stream on AppleTv+). The miniseries also wins points for its use of mostly indigenous cast of Hawai’ian and Maori people.

Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002)

Starring

Everlyn Sampi, Tianna Sansbury, Laura Monaghan, D avid Gulpilil, Kenneth Branagh

Directed by Phillip Noyce

Based on a true story, and the book ‘following the Rabbit-proof fence” by Doris Pilkington Garimara, RabbitProof Fence loosely portrays her mother, aunt and cousin’s journey as they escaped the Moore River Native Settlement, north of Perth, Western Australia, to return to their Aboriginal families. They had been removed from their families and placed there in 1931. The women walked for nine weeks along 1,600 kilometres of the Australian rabbit-proof fence to return to their community at Jigalong, all the while pursued by white law enforcement and an Aboriginal tracker. A gut-wrenching tale of the dark side of human nature, and a harrowing exploration of what’s now known as the Stolen Generation due to the official child removal policy that existed in Australia between approximately 1905 and 1967 for Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islander children.

MOVIES TO LOOK OUT FOR THIS QUARTER

5

3

FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S 2

Starring Josh Hutcherson, Matthew Lillard, Elizabeth Lail, Mckenna Grace

No one survives forever. This sequel follows the supernatural nightmare unleashed when a haunted pizzeria’s dark secrets refuse to stay buried.

ROOFMAN

Starring Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, Peter Dinklage, Juno Temple, Ben Mendelsohn

After escaping from prison, former soldier and professional thief, Jeffrey Manchester, finds a hideout inside Toys “R” Us, surviving undetected for moths while planning his next move. However, when Jeffrey falls for a divorced mom, his double life starts to unravel, setting off a compelling and suspenseful game of cat and mouse as his past closes in.

10

17

GOOD FORTUNE

Starring Seth Rogen, Aziz Ansari, Sandra Oh, Keke Palmer, Keanu Reeves

A well-meaning but rather inept angel named Gabriel meddles in the lives of a struggling gig worker and a wealthy venture capitalist.

MORTAL KOMBAT II

Starring Karl Urban, Ludi Lin, Jessica McNamee, Joe Taslim, Tadanobu Asano, Hiroyuki Sanada

The fan favourite champions – now joined by Johnny Cage himself, are pitted against one another in the ultimate battle to defeat the dark rule of Shao Kahn that threatens the very existence of the Earthrealm and its defenders.

TRON: ARES

Starring Jared Leto, Jeff Bridges, Evan Peters, Sarah Desjardins, Greta Lee, Gillian Anderson

TRON: Ares, follows a highly sophisticated program, Ares, who is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission, marking humankind’s first encounter with A.I beings.

7

PREDATOR: BADLANDS

Starring Elle Fanning, Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi

A young Predator outcast from his clan finds an unlikey ally on his journey in search of the ultimate adversary.

26

ZOOTOPIA 2

Starring Jason Bateman, Quinta Brunson, Ginnifer Goodwin, Ke Huy Quan, Idris Elba, Jean Reno

Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde find themselves on the twisting trail of a mysterious reptile who arrives in Zootopia and turns the mammal metropolis upside down. To crack the case, Judy and Nick must go undercover to unexpected new parts of town, where their growing partnership is tested like never before.

DEC 19

AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH

Starring Sigourney Weaver, Kate Winslet, Zoe Saldaña, Sam Worthington, Oona Champlin

Jake and Neytiri’s family grapples with grief after Neteyam’s death, encountering a new, aggressive Na’vi tribe, the Ash People, who are led by the fiery Varang, as the conflict on Pandora escalates and a new moral focus emerges.