25 Years of RB`s Brunei-London Service

roya l b ru n e i a ir l in e s | Nov ember - D ecember 20 15
BY ROYA L B R U N E I A I R L I N E S | N ov em be r - De c em be r 2 01 5
2 5 Years o f
RB ’s B run ei -Lo n do n S ervi ce
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IN THIS ISSUE
08 14
60
62
COVER
RB celebrates its
25th anniversary
of service to
London.
AWARD FOR BEST MAGAZINE
Indian International
Journalism Festival 2011
Editorial Board
Advisor Royal Brunei Airlines
Head, Corporate Communications Azhani Abu Daniel
Editorial Muaz Roslan, Mahyuddin Zulkipli
Editorial & Production
General Manager Jacqueline W M Wong
Editor Anis Ramli
Editorial Assistant Kim Low
Studio Director Lau Weng Leong
Creative Director Michele Tee
Digital Media Designer Tang Sze Yik
Imaging Colourist June Lim
Senior Account Executive Chu Pung Ping
Coordinator Sa’adiah Hj Abas
Print Production
Brunei Press Sdn. Bhd., Brunei Darussalam
Imagery & PrePress
DI Expressions Sdn. Bhd., Malaysia
Publishing & AdSales
Digital Impressions
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Brunei Darussalam
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FEATURES
08
Lively London
Marking 25 years of Royal Brunei Airlines
London service, United Kingdom.
14
Urban Explorers
Exploring Hong Kong three ways.
20
Adventure Wild
Into wild Tasmania.
28
The Big Arctic Five
Why Greenland is cool now.
38
I Spy Dubai
A different lens on Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
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Airlines. It is also available on subscription at BND7 per copy,
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Alternatively, log on www.muhibah.com.bn for e-MUHIBAH.
2
MUHIBAH
20 28
David Kirkland/Brunei Tourism
38
70
46
50
Best of Brunei
Pitcher Perfect.
Keistimewaan Brunei
Periuk Kera Unik.
LIFESTYLE
54
56
58
60
62
Motoring Safer Holidays
In Person MasterChef Asia
The Buzz Best Holiday Reads
Take 5 Florence
Travel Diary
WELCOME ABOARD
05
06
64
66
67
68
70
Deputy Chairman’s
Message
Inside RB
Selamat Datang
Brunei International Airport
Traveller’s Guide
Route Map & Destinations
Abode of Peace
58
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NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015
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WELCOME ONBOARD DEPUTY CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
Our London team.
Dear Guests,
Welcome aboard your flight today on Royal Brunei
Airlines (RB). As always, whether you’re travelling for
leisure or business, we wish you a very pleasant journey
and we do hope you enjoy the warmth and hospitality of
our cabin crew on today’s flight.
In this issue of Muhibah, we are very proud to celebrate
the Silver Jubilee of our flights to London.
RB’s first weekly flight to London Gatwick took place on
21 November, 1990 and within less than a year on 14
May, 1991, RB increased its frequency to twice weekly to
London Heathrow. Since 16 May, 2004 RB has increased
its London flights to a daily service, with the full support
of our loyal passengers and stakeholders.
Our London team is proudly led by Country Manager,
Christina Vidos; Sales Manager, Adiel Mambara;
and Station Manager, Daljit Jagota. With 25 years of
dedicated service under their belts, all of our London
team members are well equipped to meet the needs of
our ever growing customer base in United Kingdom and
across Europe.
warm spectrum of the uniform colours, ranging from
olive to morning sky and fresh mint, together with the
new vibrant office layout, are all designed to reflect
the friendly and welcoming nature of the people of
Brunei Darussalam and the RB brand.
RB’s successful makeover has received international
recognition in the 2014 Global Rebrand 100 Awards.
London is the latest stop on the rebranding journey
which is being rolled out across the entire RB network.
On page 8 of this magazine, please take a moment
to walk with us down memory lane as we reflect
on our time in London. This iconic destination
holds a special place in the hearts of the Bruneian
people and is surely one of the most vibrant and
cosmopolitan cities in the world.
As always, I would like to conclude with a sincere
word of thanks to you for flying with RB today and,
for our part, we will continue do our best to earn your
support in the future.
We plan to mark this milestone soon with the relaunch of
our newly refurbished and rebranded London office.
It will be celebrated by staff, media and travel trade
professionals and provide RB the opportunity to
showcase our new heritage-inspired uniforms to be worn
by our customer service and airport staff in London. The
Check out eMuhibah at www.flyroyalbrunei.com Be a fan on
With warm good wishes,
Dermot Mannion
Deputy Chairman
facebook.com/RoyalBruneiAirlines Follow us on
twitter.com/RoyalBruneiAir
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015
5
WELCOME ONBOARD INSIGHTS
INSIDE RB
Roundup of Royal Brunei Airlines happenings.
A DAY WITH WU CHUN
IN SHANGHAI
RB organised a two-day roadshow
in Shanghai, China from 12 to 13
September, 2015 at Super Brand Mall.
RB also took the opportunity to sign
agreements at the event to extend Wu
Chun’s role as RB’s International Brand
Ambassador. Signing the agreement was
Wu Chun and Mr Karam Chand, RB’s
Chief Commercial and Planning Officer.
HM VISITS BRUNEI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin
Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam,
visited the newly refurbished Brunei International Airport on
19 September, 2015. During the visit, His Majesty stopped by RB’s
Premier Check-In Lounge and the Cabin Crew administration
office. His Majesty also took to the controls of RB’s Dreamliner,
flying around Brunei with Captain Syarifah Czarena Suriany Syed
Hashim, the first South East Asian female airline captain.
RB’S A320 CEO
The first of RB’s two A320 CEO
aircraft arrived in Bandar Seri
Begawan on 26 September, 2015.
RB held a blessing ceremony to
welcome the new aircraft attended
by RB management and staff.
6
MUHIBAH
REBRANDING JOURNEY IN MANILA
RB launched its newly refurbished and rebranded office in
Manila’s Makati City, the Philippines on 13 October, 2015. Present
at the launch was guest of honour, Her Excellency Datin Paduka
Malai Hjh Halimah Malai Hj Yussof, Brunei’s Ambassador to the
Philippines. RB also took the opportunity to introduce the new
Philippines General Sales Agent (GSA), Avia-Rh Inc.
BRUNEI TRAVEL FAIR 2015
RB participated in the Brunei Travel
Fair held from 26 to 27 September,
2015 at the Royal Brunei Recreation
Club. The two-day fair was organised
by Abacus Brunei Sdn Bhd.
CELEBRATING EID-UL ADHA
RB observed this year’s Eid-Ul Adha with the State Mufti’s
Department on 26 September, 2015.
The first-ever overseas customer loyalty programme between Royal
Brunei’s Royal Skies and REEBONZ, an online luxury lifestyle and
products platform, proved to be a hit with 30 Royal Skies Elite members
and Standard Chartered Bank Priority Banking customers who spent
an exclusive 3D2N weekend at Royal Plaza on Scotts in Singapore and
Reebonz SPACE. “This initiative is to leverage on Reebonz’s luxury brands
to appreciate and reward Royal Skies Elite members for their loyalty,” said
Ms Lim Guat Wen, RB’s Loyalty Manager. The ladies also won a return
Business Class air ticket to Melbourne, return Economy Class tickets to
Singapore and Bali, and 7 consolation prizes of 10,000 RS miles each.
The lucky draw prizes were sponsored by Reebonz Pte Ltd.
Information Department Brunei
RB’S ROYAL SKIES ELITE MEMBERS EVENT
AT REEBONZ SPACE IN SINGAPORE
NATIONAL EXERCISE
Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) took part in the recent national
exercise, codenamed Eksesais Perisai Kebangsaan,
organised by the Prime Minister’s Office from 5 to 7
October, 2015. His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah
Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan
of Brunei Darussalam, visited RB’s emergency centre to
observe RB’s emergency procedures.
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015
7
FEATURES
8
MUHIBAH
Lively
LONDON
This year marks 25 years of the BruneiLondon route for Royal Brunei Airlines.
Words EMMA RAMSAY
Samuel Johnson once said: “When
a man is tired of London, he is tired
of life”. Indeed, there is no city in the
world quite like London. It may be a
2,000-year-old settlement, yet to this
day, London has managed to have
the past fit with its present in such a
smooth and suave way that all other
cities can only look covetously.
This isn’t just another capital city; it’s
a thriving metropolis with a unique
personality. Visitors throng to its
iconic landmarks, centuries of history,
world-class shopping and achingly
cool fashion, arts and food scenes.
As Royal Brunei Airlines celebrates
its Silver Anniversary of the BruneiLondon service, here’s what you can
look forward to in London within the
next coming months.
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015
9
FEATURES
WINTER
IN LONDON
Spectacular illuminations, tasty treats and a
winter wonderland await you now till the end
of the year. Relive the magic of Harry Potter
with Hogwarts in the Snow at the Warner Bros
Studio (14 November – 31 January 2016).
Walk though the snow-covered studio and
see the Great Hall come alive with the original
props from the movies. At Hyde Park Winter
Wonderland (20 November – 3 January 2016),
you can ice skate, go on a giant wheel ride and
visit the food market bursting with all kinds of
treats and trinkets. And don’t miss out on a
unique outdoor theatre at the Berkeley Hotel’s
Christmas Cinema (1 – 26 December 2015),
where festive classics are screened on the
hotel’s rooftop garden. Snuggle up with your
loved ones and keep warm with homemade hot
chocolate and Moncler blankets.
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MUHIBAH
Craig Sugden
THRILLING
THEATRE
IN 2016
The soulful sounds of Motown,
the high-heeled clicks of kinky
boots and several whodunnit
mysteries all take to the stage
in Britain in 2016, as British
theatre plans another funpacked stage entertainment. A
limited season of Cats shows
at the London Palladium (23
October – 2 January 2016).
Rehearsal For Murder (12
January – 26 March 2016) is
one of stage and screen’s all
time classic thrillers and was
written by Ricard Levinson and
David Link, whose work included
the television series Murder,
She Wrote. The Mouse Trap
(25 January – 13 August 2016)
tours Britain, giving audiences
living in and visiting across the
destination the opportunity to
see this world-famous whodunit;
a play about murder in which
the identity of the murder is
not revealed until the end. The
Mouse Trap is Agatha Christie’s
most famous stage mystery.
Motown, The Musical (2 March
– 22 October 2016) retells the
story of how with just US$800
borrowed from his family,
Motown founder Berry Gordy
goes from featherweight boxer
to heavyweight music mogul,
discovering and launching the
careers of Diana Ross and the
Supremes, Michael Jackson
and the Jackson 5, Stevie
Wonder, Smokey Robinson and
the Miracles, Marvin Gaye and
many more.
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015
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FEATURES
EXCITING FOOD
London’s food scene has given British food a
new reputation. Gone is the stereotype of stodgy,
overcooked food, and in its place are award-winning
chefs serving fresh British produce that draw in food
lovers from all over the world. The city is home to 60
Michelin-starred restaurants including some new
listing for 2016 – Japanese restaurants, Araki and
Umu, both located in Mayfair, Lyle’s in Shoreditch,
Bonhams in Mayfair, Portland in Marylebone and the
Dining Room at the Goring in Victoria.
The city also has fantastic street food and shortterm pop-up restaurants springing up all over the
city. Apart from the Michelin-starred establishments,
there are 25 new Bib Gourmands to look forward to
in 2016, awarded to restaurants that offer good food
at affordable prices while reflecting the continuing
trend in Britain for competitively priced, less
structured and more flexible dining. They are: the
charcuterie and tapas bar Dehesa in Soho, L’Amorosa
in Hammersmith, Shikumen in Shepherd’s Bush, and
Blixen and Taberna do Mercado, both in Spitalfields.
HIDDEN
GEMS
Don’t just stick to the traditional
tourist areas. Explore London’s
residential ‘villages’, where
you can experience the city
as locals know it. Hampstead,
Greenwich, Barnes, Highgate,
Wimbledon and Richmond are
packed full of beautiful houses,
boutiques and restaurants.
Don’t miss the edgier areas like
Brixton and Dalston too, which
are home to dynamic culture
and arts.
Royal Brunei Airlines flies London daily
via Dubai.
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MUHIBAH
25 YEARS OF
BRUNEI-LONDON SERVICE
It was 25 years ago today on 21 November, 1990 upon taking delivery of
the Boeing 767-200ER aircraft that Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) commenced
their first scheduled passenger service connecting Bandar Seri Begawan
and London-Gatwick. The service to London was via Singapore and Dubai,
and was offered twice weekly. Even in the first week, bookings exceeded
the expected level and by May 1991, RB announced that the twice-weekly
flight to London had been granted landing rights in Heathrow.
The service developed further in 2010 when RB used its newly-leased
Boeing 777-200ER to London Heathrow via Dubai. In the intervening
period RB’s London service grew, offering value and convenience through
its Betterfly rebranding, that included its first flight on the Dreamliner on
1 December, 2013. As RB, South East Asia’s first boutique-serviced airline,
observes the 25th anniversary of its route from Bandar Seri Begawan
to London this month, it celebrated the milestone by releasing BND999
seats for travel in December (23 to 29 December, 2015) out of Brunei for
a return on 6 January, 2016 with a one-month validity period.
RB will mark the service anniversary in January 2016 by launching
the rebranded office in London with a hi-tea event hosting the media,
travel agents and the Brunei High Commission staff.
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015
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FEATURES
URBAN
Explorers
Explore Hong Kong three ways.
Words LAILA CHANDRAN
Images HONG KONG TOURISM BOARD
Hong Kong’s complex personality makes it one
of the most intriguing cities to explore. Its MTR,
the metro subway system, is envied by the world
for its efficiency and certainly is the best way
to get around. But, riding underground visitors
could easily miss the oft neglected tales a living
city has to over above ground. Then, there are
the other modes of transport you can consider.
Here, doing Hong Kong three ways and what to
expect from your urban adventure.
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MUHIBAH
VintageTRAMS
When on Hong Kong Island, get
aboard one of the city’s historic trams
to explore the bustling north corridor.
These trams let you take a step back in
time on double-decker streetcars that
have traversed Hong Kong’s busiest
thoroughfares since 1904.
The rickety streetcars continue to be an
affordable, inexpensive and fun way to
get around. We suggest you grab a seat
next to a window on the upper deck –
not just for the best views – but so you
could stick your head out safely and be
a kid again. If you climb on board from
Des Voeux Road, you’ll past scenes
of street hawkers plying fake Louis
Vuittons before trudging on to some of
Hong Kong’s colourful neighbourhoods
like Western district, Wan Chai, Happy
Valley, Causeway Bay and North Point.
The scenes will take you from watching
in chagrin laundry hanging from poles
in derelict apartments to the luxurious
high-rise in Happy Valley, famous for its
racecourse.
Trams run daily from early morning until
midnight. You get on the tram at the
back and then pay the exact fare at the
front when you alight. The best part
is, no matter how far you travel, each
tram ride costs a flat fare of HKD$2.30.
Ensure you have exact change or,
simply use your Octopus card.
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015
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FEATURES
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MUHIBAH
BreathtakingFERRIES
Get your Hong Kong introduction by
taking a rather zen ride on the Star Ferry
to escape the frenziness. The ferries
have been a regular mode of transport
for locals (and now visitors) from Hong
Kong to Kowloon since 1898. The classic
Victoria Harbour crossing, especially
when done at dusk, is one of the
world’s most beautiful ferry crossings
in the world. From Kowloon, see iconic
Hong Kong landmarks start to glow
with colourful lights and displays and
the final blush of the setting sun that
makes for a wonderful snapshot. Take
a ride in the morning and it’s a surreal
scene of 21st century urban warriors
armed with their latest gadgets that look
more suited in an Uber ride than on a
traditional barge.
Ferries run regularly from 6.30am to
11.30pm. They are cheap to experience,
but pay just a bit more to sit at the
upper deck to take in better views of the
island’s widescreen coastline. The ride
is just under eight minutes, so if you still
haven’t had enough, you can always get
on the next ferry back.
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015
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FEATURES
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MUHIBAH
OnFOOT
Despite its seemingly chaotic street
scenes, Hong Kong is an easy city to
navigate on your own. There are largely
pedestrian-friendly laneways, covered
walkways, parks for a breather, cafes at
every corner to rest tired feet, and cultural
gems that include walled villages and
former lawless enclaves for intriguing
glimpses of daily life in Hong Kong.
Even if you can’t get out of the city for
the Dragon’s Back Trail (dazzling vistas)
or Shek O (lots of seafood shops), a
stroll through any one of Hong Kong’s
neighbourhoods will take you through
a journey of history and modernisation.
The areas of Central and Sheung Wan,
for instance, is constantly evolving.
The Western District with its modern
metropolis landscape hides quiet
backlanes with a feel of yesterday’s Hong
Kong. Wander through dried seafood
and Chinese herb shops and witness
traditions of the past bursting through
today’s life. Equally interesting is when you
take the streets behind the markets of
Kowloon. Escape the buzz of the peddlers
and tourist to admire the city’s old
architecture, residential areas cramped
between commercial retail spaces where
you may suddenly find a rare art gallery
popping up.
Royal Brunei Airlines flies Hong Kong daily.
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015
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FEATURES
Adventure
Wild
One of the world’s last great wilderness
areas is just a stone’s throw away in Tassie.
Words SURIANI ARIFF
Images TOURISM TASMANIA
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MUHIBAH
01
Cradle Mountain is one of the
most beautiful places on earth.
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015
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Tourism Tasmania & Jason Charles Hill
01
FEATURES
Alpine landscapes, pristine beaches, untamed forests, natural vaults
of Aboriginal treasures and an extraordinary array of indigenous
plants and animals make the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage
Area, one of Earth’s true natural treasures and one of the last great
wilderness areas on the planet. While much of the area, which
now encompasses 20 percent of the state, is superbly wild and
tantalisingly remote, parts of it are easy to discover and experience,
with an exciting range of sustainable outdoor activities suitable to all
fitness levels to choose from.
The 1.4 million hectares that make up Tasmania’s Wilderness World
Heritage Area encompass the iconic Cradle Mountain-Lake St
Clair National Park, the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park,
Southwest National Park, Walls of Jerusalem National Park, Hartz
Mountain National Park, part of Mole Creek Karst National Park, plus
a number of other state reserves and conservation areas; an area
so precious that it is one of only two places worldwide to meet more
World Heritage criteria than any other.
02
Walking in the Walls of
Jerusalem National Park.
03
Canyoning is a must do
for lovers of adventure
at Cradle Mountain.
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MUHIBAH
Graham Freeman
The 6-day Cradle Huts Overland Track Walk from Cradle Mountain
to Lake St Clair is one of Australia’s most iconic multi-day bushwalks,
led by experienced guides and taking in the true beauty of the
World Heritage Area. Tasmanian Expeditions offer a range of thrilling
adventures in Tasmania’s World Heritage Areas, from guided walks to
rock climbing and rafting. The six-day Walls of Jerusalem bushwalking
expedition takes in the spectacular mountain scenery and pristine
wilderness of Tasmania’s only true alpine National Park.
03
O&M St John Photography
02
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015
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FEATURES
04
24
MUHIBAH
Matthew Newton
05
Paul Flood
04
Kayaking lets you
explore the remote
and rarely visited
wilderness.
05
Tour Mole Creek Cave
for its underground
streams, glow worms
and rim pools.
Thrill seekers can discover a hidden side of Cradle Mountain
as they explore the remote hidden canyons of Dove River
led by experienced guides on the Cradle Mountain Canyons
adventure. The company specialises in half day tours and full
day tours, taking daredevils into otherwise inaccessible places
and unveiling a unique insight into Tasmania’s wilderness. Rafting
enthusiasts will revel in the excitement of the 10-day Franklin
River Rafting Tour which takes in the haunting beauty of the
wild and isolated Franklin River in the Franklin-Gordon Wild
Rivers National Park. The adventure is a professionally guided
experience on an expedition raft and includes quality rafts and
white water equipment, delicious meals, camping equipment
and return transfers from Hobart. No previous experience is
necessary, but a thirst for adventure is highly recommended.
Visitors looking for an experience with a difference can see
Tasmania’s spectacular underground wilderness with a tour of
Mole Creek’s caves. Wild Cave Tours offer half and full day tours
where visitors can truly experience the subterranean wonderland
as they wade through underground streams and discover
underground glow worm chambers. Meanwhile, the scenic
flights offered by Tasmania’s small airlines and charter operators
give visitors a true sense of the absolute vastness and wild
beauty of the state’s Wilderness World Heritage Area. Par Avion
conducts scenic flights from Hobart exploring the incredibly
remote waterways and wilderness of the Southwest on a half day
experience and also transport bushwalkers and their supplies to
Melaleuca in the Southwest National Park.
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015
25
FEATURES
Lap Fung Lam
07
06
Take a flight with Par
Avion for the ultimate
view of the area.
07
Discover native
Tasmanian fauna and
flora at Trowunna
Wildlife Park.
Roaring 40s Wilderness Tours is a premium ecotourism operation, offering
sea kayaking tours in Tasmania’s Southwest World Heritage Wilderness Area.
Its comfortable Forest Lagoon Camp is open to short stay visitors; the perfect
option for visitors who are travelling without camping gear but still seeking
an authentic wilderness experience. The campsite features comfortable yet
affordable accommodation in five twin-share platform tents and meals are
offered in the open air dining shelter nestled into the surrounding rainforest
where resident wildlife come and go as they please. This beautiful part of
Tasmania features some of the most rewarding short walks in the state and for
those new to bushwalking, experience guides are available by prior arrangement.
Visitors can base themselves in the state’s capital and still get back to nature
with the many day touring options within easy reach of Hobart. Adrenalin
junkies will get a kick out of abseiling at the Gordon Dam which, standing at
140 metres high, is Australia’s longest vertical abseiling experience. The two and
a half hour drive from Hobart to Gordon Dam meanders through the magnificent
southwest wilderness to reach Strathgordon, nestled between Lakes Gordon
and Pedder. Taking it down a notch, a number of short walks are located within
easy driving distance of Hobart. Around one and a half hours from the city,
the Hartz Mountains National Park offers visitors breathtaking views of remote
mountain ranges as far as the southern coast and boasts picturesque waterfalls
and small glacial lakes.
Visitors can download Tasmania’s Parks and Wildlife Service’s new 60 Great
Short Walks app, a wonderful resource with a wealth of information about
day walks from all around the state. The app can now be downloaded for free
from the iTunes Store and features beautiful photographs, simple maps and
essential safety tips.
Royal Brunei Airlines flies Melbourne daily for connections to Hobart.
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Par Avion Wilderness Tours
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NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015
27
FEATURES
THE
BIG
ARCTIC
FIVE
There is no doubt nature comes
first to mind when thinking
about Greenland.
Words GRACE LOOI
Images VISIT GREENLAND
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NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015
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FEATURES
In recent years Greenland has captivated
more and more people who have chosen the
country as a perfect destination. Which is not
surprising. After all, Greenland offers a good
story, a beautiful and different nature and
a colourful culture. There are its enormous
icebergs in the Arctic Circle region, the
spectacular green fields and fjords in South
Greenland, the whizzing dog-sledding trips in
North and East Greenland, and the multicoloured houses you can see in every town
along the coast.
And of course, the imposing silence adds to
the charm of the country.
With only 56,000 residents and roughly the
same number of annual tourists spread over
an area of the size of Western Europe, a
Greenland experience can feel very personal.
Whether you travel on your own or are on an
organised tour, you will never bereft of these
moments. Called The Big Arctic Five, these
are the signature experiences that will make
your visit the envy of many.
First of the five is the rolling, mythical and
magical Northern Lights. They will surprise
and amaze you; and in the middle of nature in
Greenland is the perfect place to experience
the phenomenon. Here, where the mountains
and the snow are illuminated by the green
and red light show, the Northern Lights dance
in the night sky, and it is a sight to behold. The
phenomenon begins from early spring. Also
known as Aurora Borealis, it actually occurs
year round but it is not seen in the summer
in Greenland because of the midnight sun. It
often appears around midnight and is best
experienced on a dark, clear night sky from
September until the beginning of April. If you
are travelling during that period, you can see
the Northern Lights throughout the country,
but in South Greenland the Northern Lights
can already be seen from the end of August.
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NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015
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FEATURES
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MUHIBAH
Another aspect that fascinates visitors is
Greenland’s ice sheet. Icebergs are the ice sheet’s
unique masterpieces. They come in all imaginable
shapes and sizes, and the colours shimmer from
white to blue to green with yellowish and reddish
tints depending on the light that hits them. For
example, from the glow of the midnight sun that
shines 24 hours a day north of the Arctic Circle.
The further north you go, the longer the period
of midnight sun. You can walk on the ice at
Kangerlussuaq and sail to glaciers throughout most
of Greenland almost all year round. Ilulissat Icefjord
is world famous because of its status as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. Tens of thousands of ice floes
as far as the eye can see are the first sign that you
are approaching the east coast of Greenland and
slowly, but surely, a dramatic mountain landscape is
revealed with pristine mountain peaks and glaciers
known as the Greenlandic Ice Sheet.
Visitors coming to the country from Denmark
sometimes also choose to drive out to the ice
at Kangerlussuaq and walk the last bit onto the
ice to see it close up. It is a once in a lifetime
experience, but it is also possible to do it elsewhere
in Greenland if you sail, fly in a helicopter or hike to
the ice.
To sail in Greenland is in itself a great experience
and it becomes even greater when a whale appears
right next to the boat. Humpback, fin and minke
whales can be seen along most coastlines and
often the whales swim quite close to towns and
settlements. The sea around Greenland is ideal for
whales, because it contains plenty of nutrition, food
and offers great depths that whales can frolic in. In
the summer months, whales such as humpbacks,
often go close to the shore in search of food.
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015
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FEATURES
Qeqertarsuaq, located on Disko Island, is a
well-known spot for playful humpbacks in
high summer, and many other Greenland
whales also visit the site a little earlier the
year – typically from May to June. However,
the towns of Uummannaq, Aasiaat,
Maniitsoq, Nuuk and Sisimiut, and the towns
in South and East Greenland are some of
the other places to visit when it comes to
the sea’s largest mammals.
If you sail with the coastal ship from Arctic
Umiaq Line, the regional routes from
Disko Line or a cruise with, for example,
Hurtigruten, you can almost be sure to
see whales during the voyage. One’s first
encounter with a whale is unforgettable and
if you are lucky enough to be able to follow
the whale for a while, don’t forget to lower
your camera sometimes to enjoy the view
with your naked eyes. It would be such a
shame if you see most of it through a lens
or the screen on the camera, because the
memory of the meeting is certainly special.
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FEATURES
Greenland’s other famous experience is dog sledding
in winter for a drive out into the endless, snow-covered
mountain landscapes. Sled dogs territory is in towns
above the Arctic Circle, in Greenland’s west coast,
and in all towns in the east coast. The season starts in
February and lasts until April. Dog sledding takes place
in several countries in the Arctic, including Sweden and
Norway, but no other destination can match Greenland
when it comes to authenticity: the dog sled and sled
dogs are in fact deeply embedded in Greenlandic
culture and it is just as much a part of the country’s
history as the kayak. The dog sled continues to play an
important role today as a means of transport for hunters
and fishermen. Visitors can also opt for a hunting
excursion that can be anything from a day trip to weeklong sled trips with cosy cabins for accommodation.
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Finally, no visit to Greenland will be complete without immersing yourself in the
local culture. And the best way to do that is to meet its locals. Greenlanders are a
welcoming and energetic people, who have lived off nature and in the middle of it for
generations. Nature’s greatness instils calmness in the people’s temperament and a
respect for the elements that is admirable. In many ways Greenland is a country that
has managed to retain its identity as an “original” country with an indigenous people.
On the whole, hospitality in Greenland is the foundation of any home. It rubs off on
people’s attitude towards the country’s guests and in many towns there are good
opportunities to get close to people. If you want to visit a Greenlandic home, you
can come to a “Kaffemik” in many towns and settlements. Kaffemik is a Danish word
for coffee get-together. In fact, it is not coffee that is the focus, but being together.
The hosts serve homemade cake with coffee and tea, and then you can talk about
your daily lives and the local community – an insight that can neither be read about
in books nor tourist guides.
Royal Brunei Airlines flies London daily via Dubai for connections to Nuuk.
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015
37
FEATURES
I Spy
DUBAI
Look closely and you’ll see a city
that is more than just skyscrapers.
Words EMMA RAMSAY
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Cities are packed full of fascinating stories, breathtaking
scenes and hidden gems. Because of this, we often take that
beauty for granted, forgetting to look around and take it all in.
Every aspect of life can be unique, beautiful and surprising in
its own way, but sometimes we need to take a fresh look from
a unique perspective for us to truly appreciate it.
Dubai makes an excellent case study.
Pigeon-holed for too long as a desert-city-turned-decadentplayground, first time visitors may be forgiven to think
Dubai is just skyscrapers and shopping. For many, the
city’s landmarks are all too familiar; but when armed with
a determination to seek out the novel and unique, Dubai’s
everyday life can unfold and play out like a new storyboard.
Here, ten of the Middle East region’s best social media
influencers, in association with Gulf Photo Plus, give a
glimpse of Dubai like never before. From the rustic lanes of
Bastakiya in Bur Dubai to the chic and funky Box Park along
Al Wasl Road, the awe-inspiring iconic skyline of Sheikh
Zayed Road to the vibrant Deira fish market, everyday Dubai
scenes are given a microscopic twist. The results will make
every guest to the city – and perhaps even the locals –
re-examine their surroundings and appreciate more of life’s
less-than-obvious intricacies.
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FEATURES
The pop up malls of Boxpark
Shipping containers are turned into functional
shops, making Dubai’s Boxpark a refreshing retail
and dining option. This offbeat outdoor concept is
often seen as a hip, modern setting that engages
Dubai’s growing eclectic community. The aesthetics
of its bright and funky containers – that come alive
in the evenings – are often a crowd puller.
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Rustic charm and history in Bastakiya
Dubbed by National Geographic
as “Dubai’s most engaging
neighbourhood”, the diminutive
Bastakiya quarter is a mini maze of
restored merchant houses, art galleries,
cafes and boutique hotels. It was built
in the late 19th century by wealthy
pearl and textile traders from Bastak in
southern Iran (hence the name).
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FEATURES
The hustle and bustle of Deira fish market
It may be a tourist hotspot, but Deira has long
defined the heart and soul of the locals. Housed
in this large warehouse are two markets. The fruits
and vegetables section is a kaleidoscope of colours,
with fruits piled high amid exotic herbs and spices.
The seafood section is a seeming cacophony of
shouts and cries. Being among the fishmongers can
be both dynamic and downright intimidating.
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Peace at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Many may flock to see the stars of the sanctuary
in winter – the pale pink flamingos. But among
the mangroves, saline lagoons and tidal estuaries
are two hides, or camouflage shelters, that allow
visitors to catch a sight of more than 270 avian
varieties that alight in Ras Al Khor. These include
Broad-billed Sandpipers (July to April) and Greater
Spotted Eagles (October to April).
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015
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FEATURES
Awesomeness over Sheikh Zayed Road
The main artery of the city is also the longest road in the
Emirates, stretching from Al-Silah in Abu Dhabi before ending in
Ras al-Khaimah at the Oman border. Sheikh Zayed Road is
considered Dubai’s iconic superhighway and is best
enjoyed at night. Visitors wanting the best shot should
head to Level 43 of Four Points Sheraton. Here,
the Rooftop Lounge & Terrace offers a
spectacular and panoramic 360 degree
view of Dubai’s skyline.
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The art enclave of Alserkal Avenue
Once a marble factory, this is now the hub for
all things artsy and creative. Think galleries,
coffee shops, furniture stores, photography
art houses and yes, there’s even a classic
car dealership. Considered the region’s
densest arts districts, the artworks on display
highlight artists from Muslim countries with
shows that often border on the whimsical.
And it helps too, that programmes are often
exuberant, providing a great excuse to check
out the neighbourhood.
Images are courtesy of Canon Middle East’s
#ComeandSeeMyArabia campaign.
Royal Brunei Airlines flies Dubai daily.
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015
45
FEATURES BEST OF BRUNEI
01
01
Nepenthes rafflesiana can grow
a pitcher up to 35cm in length.
02
Nepenthes gracilis, the
common lowland pitcher plant.
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02
Pitcher
Brunei’s beguiling and beautiful
meat-eating plants.
Images DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY, BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
& DR ULMAR GRAFE
Perfect
They are popularly known as ‘monkey cups’,
but there is no monkeying around when the
pitcher plant’s cup lures its victim inside.
It can be a deadly trap.
The pitcher plants, belonging to the genus
Nepenthes, are some of the most extraordinary
plants in the world. Its sweet-smelling nectar
lures insects into the pitcher, where a deadly pool
of highly acidic digestive enzymes break down
insects and other small animals in its trap.
Quite similar to how our stomach’s digestive
enzymes break down food, really.
The plant’s “carnivorous syndrome”, a term coined
by Darwin, is a natural predisposition of plants
that live on nutrient-poor soil. They have taken
up a carnivorous lifestyle to obtain nitrogen and
minerals from their prey, a key ingredient to make
plants proteins and DNA. While romanticised
visions of monstrous Venus flytraps making
meals from humans have been the inspiration for
fiction and children’s storybooks, study on pitcher
plants have revealed that there are more to them
than their meat-eating tags.
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FEATURES BEST OF BRUNEI
03
Brunei Darussalam is home to some 15 Nepenthes species;
of which four are endemic to the highlands of Temburong. Known
locally as sumboi-sumboi, the pitcher that gives the plant its name
are actually modified leaves. The rims become very wet when water
touches it, giving new meaning to the term “slippery when wet”.
While there are great variations in the structure of its pitchers
between species, the trap comprises four basic units: the lid,
the collar-shaped pitcher rim (peristome), the upper waxy zone and
the lower glandular zone, both within the pitcher.
The lid forms the roof on top of the pitcher, assisting to attract insects
and preventing too much rainwater from entering and diluting the
digestive fluid within. The peristome attracts prey with its contrasting
colouration and large quantities of sugary nectar, often emitting a
sweet scent. When the peristome is dry, insects may rest on it safely;
but when it’s wet with rain or dew, it turns extremely slippery.
And this is when insects and other prey slip into the pitcher pool.
Pitcher plants can grow stems up to six metres long.
Some species have flowers that grow one metre tall,
hold two litres of flesh-digesting liquid and traps more than
40 centimetres deep. The Nepenthes rajah of Borneo,
for instance, is large enough to drown a rodent.
While the fluid may be deadly for insects and small animals, locals
in Brunei have turned to it for medicinal purposes. Fluid from young
unopened pitchers is used to clean wounds or treat incontinence.
The aerial parts of Nepenthes spp. (Tropical Pitcher Plant) are
extracted for use in the treatment of kidney stones, hypertension,
fever and cough. More recently, endophytic bacteria isolated from the
plant have been found to have therapeutic properties and produces
bioactive compounds with pharmaceutical implications.
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03
One of the world’s largest
extra floral nectaries belongs to
the Nepenthes bicalcarata.
04
04
Nepenthes veitchii.
The best places to see a wide variety of
Nepenthes species in Brunei are the open
white sand habitats along the coastal highway
between Tutong and Telisai, and the kerangas
and peat swamp forests of Belait.
The sub-montane and montane forests of
Temburong are the only places in Brunei where
some of the spectacular highland species
can be found, such as Nepenthes veitchii,
Nepenthes lowii, Nepenthes stenophylla and
Nepenthes tentaculata.
Despite the century-long scientific interest,
pitcher plants still hold many secrets today.
Distinct varieties and species rely on different
trap components and have evolved specific
trap adaptations to target different prey.
For example, few studies have found that
the Nepenthes hemsleyana is a favourite
daytime roost. The plants benefit from the
bat’s nitrogen-rich faeces. Such a study helps
scientists discover the mutualism aspect of
pitcher plants which was undiscovered before.
In Brunei, all other Nepenthes except for the
Nepenthes gracilis (common roadside pitcher
plant) are regarded as high value as their
occurrence is either very restricted (Nepenthes
hispida, Nepenthes albomarginata, Nepenthes
hemsleyana, Nepenthes mirabilis,
and Nepenthes bicalcarata) and/or they are
of interest to collectors; thus subject to
over-collection.
Furthermore, all pitcher plants species
in the genus Nepenthes are regarded as
threatened and listed in Appendix II of CITES,
thus are restricted from being moved across
national borders. Sadly, the habitat of lowland
Nepenthes species is under threat from coastal,
industrial and urban development. It is time that
we safeguard these natural habitats so that the
plants can continue to flourish in the wild.
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015
49
FEATURES BEST OF BRUNEI
01
Periuk
Kera
Mengenali tumbuh-tumbuhan
karnivor di Brunei yang menakjubkan.
Imej JABATAN PERHUTANAN, NEGARA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
& DR ULMAR GRAFE
Unik
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02
01
Nepenthes hemsleyana.
02
Nepenthes mirabilis.
Lazimnya dikenali sebagai Periuk Kera,
nama tumbuh-tumbuhan ini langsung tidak
membayangkan bahaya yang menanti mangsa yang
malang sehingga ia terperangkap di dalamnya.
Sesungguhnya ia adalah perangkap maut semulajadi!
Periuk Kera, dari genus Nepenthes, adalah
antara jenis tumbuh-tumbuhan yang paling
luar biasa di dunia. Nektar manis yang harum
berfungsi memikat serangga ke dalam bahagian
kendi tumbuh-tumbuhan ini, yang berisi enzim
pencernaan yang sangat berasid. Enzim ini akan
mencernakan serangga dan binatang-binatang kecil
yang terperangkap, serupa dengan fungsi enzim
pencernaan di dalam perut manusia.
Sindrom karnivor Periuk Kera adalah sifat yang
semulajadi bagi tumbuh-tumbuhan yang hidup dalam
persekitaran dengan tanah yang kurang nutrien.
Tumbuh-tumbuhan ini terpaksa bertindak sebagai
karnivor untuk mendapatkan bekalan nitrogen dan
galian dari mangsa mereka, yang diperlukan untuk
protein dan DNA tumbuh-tumbuhan. Jauh berbeza
dengan mitos-mitos dan kisah-kisah dongeng
tentang Periuk Kera gergasi yang menjadikan
manusia sebagai mangsa, kajian ke atasnya
menunjukkan banyak lagi perkara menarik selain dari
sifat karnivor tumbuh-tumbuhan ini.
Setakat ini terdapat 15 spesies Nepenthes di Negara
Brunei Darussalam; empat daripadanya hidup di
kawasan tanah tinggi Temburong. Dikenali oleh orang
tempatan sebagai sumboi-sumboi, strukur kendi
yang memberi nama kepada tumbuh-tumbuhan ini
sebenarnya terbentuk dari dedaun yang diubahsuai.
Bahagian tepi dedaun ini menjadi sangat licin
apabila basah. Terdapat pelbagai jenis struktur kendi
yang terbentuk dari dedaun Periuk Kera, namun
semuanya mempunyai persamaan komponen asas
iaitu bahagian penutup, bahagian tebing bukaan
berbentuk kolar baju (peristom); dan di dalam kendi
adalah zon atas kendi yang berlilin, dan bahagian zon
bawah yang berkelenjar.
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FEATURES BEST OF BRUNEI
Bahagian tudung membentuk bahagian struktur
atap kendi yang membantu untuk menarik
perhatian serangga dan juga memastikan tidak
terlalu banyak air hujan memasukinya sehingga
mencairkan kelenjar di dalamnya. Bahagian
peristom menarik perhatian serangga dengan
warnanya yang memikat serta nektar manis yang
harum. Apabila peristom kering, serangga boleh
hinggap di atasnya dengan selamat. Namun
apabila menjadi basah dengan embun atau
air hujan, peristom akan menjadi sangat licin.
Apabila ini terjadi, serangga akan mudah jatuh ke
dalam bahagian kendi.
03
Panjang batang Periuk Kera boleh tumbuh
sehingga enam meter. Sesetengah spesies
mempunyai bunga setinggi satu meter yang
mampu menampung enzim kelenjar pencernaan
sebanyak dua liter dalam ruang sedalam 40
sentimeter. Malah spesies Nepenthes rajah yang
boleh dijumpai di Borneo, mampu memerangkap
dan melemaskan seekor rodensia.
Cecair enzim ini sememangnya berbahaya
kepada serangga dan haiwan-haiwan kecil,
namun bagi penduduk tempatan di Brunei,
ada yang menggunakannya untuk tujuan
perubatan. Cecair dari Periuk Kera yang muda
dan masih boleh terbuka, digunakan untuk luka
serta merawat inkontinens, iaitu ketakupayaan
seseorang untuk mengawal pembuangan tinja
atau air kecil. Bahagian rerambut sesetengah
spesies Nepenthes digunakan untuk merawat
batu karang, darah tinggi, demam dan batuk.
Pada masa kini juga, bakteria endofitik yang
diasingkan dari tumbuh-tumbuhan ini dipercayai
mempunyai nilai-nilai perubatan, menghasilkan
bahan bio-aktif yang mungkin boleh digunapakai
oleh industri perubatan farmasi.
03
Nepenthes hemsleyana dan
kelawar berbulu.
Merlin D. Tuttle
04
Nepenthes albomarginata
dengan peristom gegelang putih
seakan-akan baldu.
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MUHIBAH
Tempat terbaik untuk melihat kepelbagaian
spesies Nepenthes di Brunei terletak di kawasan
pantai pasir putih di lebuhraya pesisir pantai yang
menghubungkan Tutong dan Telisai, serta kawasan
paya Belait. Kawasan hutan di Temburong pula satusatunya kawasan di Brunei untuk melihat spesiesspesies tanah tinggi paling luarbiasa seperti
Nepenthes veitchii, Nepenthes lowii, Nepenthes
stenophylla dan Nepenthes tentaculata.
04
Periuk Kera masih menyimpan seribu satu misteri
pada hari ini walaupun kajian saintifik ke atasnya
telah dilakukan selama satu abad. Spesies yang
berbeza menggunakan komponen perangkap
yang unik dan evolusi menyaksikan kepelbagaian
adaptasi jenis perangkap yang dikhususkan untuk
menangkap mangsa yang disasarkan. Sebagai
contoh, beberapa kajian mendapati spesies
Nepenthes hemsleyana adalah tumbuhantumbuhan yang lazim digunakan sebagai tempat
bertenggek untuk kelawar pada waktu siang. Pada
masa sama, spesies ini mendapat manfaat dari najis
kelawar yang kaya dengan nitrogen. Kajian seperti
ini membantu para saintis untuk mengenal pasti
aspek kesalingan dalam sesetengah jenis Periuk
Kera yang tidak diketahui sebelum ini.
Semua jenis Nepenthes di Brunei, kecuali
Nepenthes gracilis (Periuk Kera biasa yang lazim
dijumpai), adalah spesies penting yang dianggap
bernilai kerana mereka hanya hidup di beberapa
kawasan terhad sahaja dan menarik minat para
pengumpul Periuk Kera (Nepenthes hispida,
Nepenthes albomarginata, Nepenthes hemsleyana,
Nepenthes mirabilis, dan Nepenthes bicalcarata).
Oleh yang demikian, spesies-spesies sukar ditemui
ini menghadapi risiko kepupusan yang berkait.
Dalam pada itu, semua jenis Periuk Kera dalam
genus Nepenthes dianggap terancam dan
disenaraikan dalam Apendiks II CITES, sekaligus
terpelihara dengan larangan dipindahkan
menyeberangi sempadan antarabangsa.
Malangnya, habitat spesies Nepenthes di kawasan
tanah rendah kini menerima ancaman dari
pembangunan pesisir pantai, industri dan bandar.
Sudah tiba masanya kita bersama-sama menjaga
dan menyelamatkan habitatnya supaya tumbuhtumbuhan ini akan terus subur berkembang dalam
persekitaran semulajadi.
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015
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LIFESTYLE MOTORING
Holidays
SAFER
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MUHIBAH
The year end is a good time to rethink
road safety for you and your family.
School holidays mean many, including families, are
planning on road trips of all kinds. Check out our
guides and tips for safe driving to prepare you for a
smooth ride and safe arrival at your destination.
S
AFE DRIVER
A safe journey begins with you, the driver.
There are many ways in which you can ensure
the roads are safe for you – as well as for
others – to drive.
Attentiveness: An attentive driver focuses only on the
driving. This means, don’t try to multi-task by talking
on the cell phone, drinking coffee or fiddling with
the radio. When you’re not committedly focused on
the driving, it can cause you to daydream. “Highway
hypnosis” happens, for instance, on long road trips,
where you may think about the upcoming vacation or
just the stress at work.
Stay attentive by keeping your eyes and your mind on
the road and be alert of your surroundings. Check out
your map or go through your Waze before starting on
the journey to anticipate the roads ahead; allocate
plenty of time to reach your destination; adjust mirrors,
radio, car seat and other controls before driving; be
alert of other drivers and road users; and ensure the
passengers equally respect the driver and do not
distract him/her from taking their eyes off the road.
Defensiveness: Taking up defensive driving is the
best way to protect yourself and others. It prevents
you from underestimating other road users and to
be ready for any unexpected incidents. Some safe
driving precautions to consider include slowing down
during inclement weather, not following the vehicle
in front of you too closely, checking your mirrors
frequently, looking out for pedestrians, and to expect
the unexpected.
M
AKE YOUR CAR SAFE
We’re all looking for a “safe” car. But what
it means really is not buying top-of-theline car with all the best safety features.
There are several ways to turn your car safe for driving
especially for long trips.
Child-proof: Children in the car can be 12 times more
distracting than mobile phones. Before you drive,
take some time to create zones for kids. Seat them
in the back. Explain to them their “territories”, i.e. that
they should stay securely buckled in their seats, no
crossing over to the driver or co-driver’s zones, etc. Go
traditional. Refrain from over-dependence of electronic
gadgets and in-car TV/video. Let them play with toys or
tell them stories to keep them occupied. Let’s create a
culture of conversations with our children as opposed
to silence on cell phone games.
Don’t forget to pack an emergency kit, too: band aids,
flashlight, ointments and medication.
Prepare parents: Prepare your young passengers
with snacks, books, activities they can do while on
the journey, and schedule pit stops for toilet breaks
and stretching of legs. Have a food and drinks basket
placed within their easy reach so they do not distract
the driver or other passengers during the drive.
Give your children a pep talk about the trip weeks or
days before taking it up, including the dos and don’ts
during the drive, expected behaviours and the rewards,
so they are mentally prepared for it. Stop for breaks to
let them stretch their legs (and driver to ease fatigue)
and enjoy the scenery. Or try new experiences, such as
a small town stall or a dip in the river.
C
AR CHECKS
A week before you set off, give your car a
onceover to ensure the car you’re driving is
road-worthy.
Check the exterior: Check all wiper blades for wear or
splitting, the windscreen washer fluid level and ensure
the washer jets work. Have your tyres checked for
condition (including the spare) for correct pressures
and legal tread depth. Check all the exterior lights are
working correctly.
Check the interior: While packing for the holidays, don’t
forget to safely store the jack, wheel brace, a warning
triangle, a fire extinguisher and a high visibility vest in
the car. You may want to think about bringing a spare
set of keys in case you accidentally lock yourself out
or lose them.
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015
55
LIFESTYLE IN PERSON
ASIAN
Asia now has its first ever
MasterChef and the judges
speak to MUHIBAH about the
excitement of the first season.
MasterChef Asia has certainly created a buzz among foodies
and fans of the original series. This regional competitive cooking
game show, based on the original British show MasterChef,
kickstarted its first season on 3 September, 2015 bringing a
unique pan-regional flavour to the screen while keeping to the
format of pitting aspiring home cooks from across Asia against
each other for the title of the first ever MasterChef Asia winner.
Presiding over the kitchen, and guiding the 15 contestants
throughout their kitchen capers, are judges Susur Lee, Bruno
Ménard and Audra Morrice. Menard, a three-Michelin-starred
chef, was clearly excited to be a part of the show. “Being a
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MUHIBAH
TREATS
work pays off. He says, “It’s important that young chefs
know that it’s really hard at the beginning but, if you stick
with it, work hard and suck it up, it will eventually pay off.”
As the three walk about the MasterChef Asia set, one
can see many similarities to the Australia set. While the
restaurant and MasterClass areas are visibly missing, the
workstation, the clock and the pantry remains the same,
occupying an area of 600sqm. Throughout filming, the
judges were clearly there to provide guidance as well
as fair and constructive feedback. Ménard comments,
“It is important that the contestants understand that
as mentors, we will push their skills to the limit so that
these home cooks realise they could go further than they
thought.”
Indeed, the success of MasterChef has always been the
passion and surprises home cooks bring to the table.
Unprofessional cooks that prevail, bringing their best to
the judges, with the pressure of being under the spotlight
of the camera at all times – all these make for a good
format and exciting television. “Being in this competition is
not something you can specifically train for because you
don’t know what you have to create,” Audra explains. Her
advice to participants is to have a good understanding
of flavours and how different ingredients work together.
“When you couple this with flexibility in your thinking,
you’ll have your food set up well.”
MasterChef Asia judge is a new step in my career,” he says.
“I am able to show and more importantly, share my expertise
and passion for cooking. If I can inspire at least one person
to dedicate his or her life to cooking, I will consider it a
mission accomplished.”
Fellow judge Audra agrees with Ménard. A MasterChef
Australia finalist herself, Audra knows only too well
the pressures of being in the competition, but also the
excitement of the moment. “It always amazes me that you
could give 10 people the same ingredients and you will get
10 different dishes,” she says. For her, cultural differences
are what make food exciting. She believes dishes reflect
more than just where participants come from. “What they
cook also tells me who they are or who they want to be. The
back stories they bring to the competition as they cook are
for me, incredibly heart-warming.”
For fellow judge Lee, his extensive technical knowledge and
expertise in Asian food brings incredible excitement to the
table. But he’s also quick to remind contestants that hard
Episode 4 perhaps best reflected MasterChef’s
philosophy. Filmed at Singapore’s famous Lau Pa Sat
hawker centre, contestants set up their own stalls cooking
three ethnic cuisines: Malay, Chinese and Indian. It is here
that the participants had to think hard and outside the box
to impress not only the judges, but also the public.
If it were just about the food, MasterChef would have long
been TV history. As Ménard pointed out, the competition
goes beyond cooking. “It actually is about the sense of
national pride each brings to the competition, because
they all are representing their respective countries.” That
alone, he says, is able to bring about a great range of skills,
techniques and flavours since contestants come from
diversified backgrounds.
The home cooks participating in the MasterChef Asia
Season 1 include one contestant each from China, India,
Taiwan and Vietnam; two from Indonesia; and three from
Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore.
MasterChef Asia airs Thursdays, 9pm (SIN/HK) on Kristal Astro Lifetime channel 709.
For more information, visit www.lifetimeasia.com.
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015
57
LIFESTYLE THE BUZZ
BEST HOLIDAY
READS
From an underground social work
in the Middle East to football lessons
for the corporate world, taking in words
of wisdom from a comedian and
adventure tales, we tell you which books
to curl up with this year end.
LEADING: LEARNING FROM
LIFE AND MY YEARS AT
MANCHESTER UNITED
Sir Alex Ferguson
After 27 years with Manchester
United Football Club, and 38 years
as a manager, Sir Alex Ferguson,
the greatest soccer coach of
all time, analyses the pivotal
leadership decisions he has made.
With friend and collaborator
Sir Michael Moritz, he draws
out lessons anyone can use in
business and life to generate longterm transformational success.
THE MARBLE COLLECTOR
Cecelia Ahern
When Sabrina Boggs stumbles
upon a mysterious collection
of her father’s possessions, she
discovers a truth where she
never knew there was a lie. The
familiar man she grew up with
is suddenly a stranger to her. A
thought-provoking novel about
how the most ordinary decisions
we make can have the most
extraordinary consequences.
WILD WORLD
Lonely Planet
A pictorial guide with compelling
portraits of the world in
which we live. Thumb through
breathtaking images of the
natural world carefully curated
by Lonely Planet’s photography
experts that bring the world’s
wildest corners into your home.
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MUHIBAH
PENANG HERITAGE FOOD
Ong Jin Teong
Discover the recipes for the classic
and forgotten dishes of Penang, and
also the rich influences that created
its unique culinary heritage. Author
Ong gives a background of each
dish and how his grandmother and
mother prepared them.
PRINCESS:
SECRETS TO SHARE
Jean Sasson
An underground Middle East social
work is being carried out
by Princess Sultana, first
introduced by Sasson in Princess:
More Tears to Cry, as she rescues
women who are the enslaved
victims of brutal physical and
psychological abuse. Read the
stories of abused women fighting
to heal and fight for their rights,
and of those from Pakistan,
Syria and Northern Lebanon
who suffer from the ongoing war
in the region.
ONCE UPON A MIAO
Jian Goh
A graphic fun novel that
sheds some light on growing
up in Kuching, Sarawak. The
author, represented as a
cute tabby cat, tells some
really funny stories through
the manga-like animation
juxtaposed with comedic
episodes from his own life.
It’s Kuching in a nutshell told
by a true Malaysian.
THE MAP TO EVERYWHERE
Carrie Ryan & John Parke Davis
This fantastical new series combines
adventure, magic and hilarity with
treacherous skies and dangerous
waters of the Pirate Stream. Share
Master Thief Fin’s heart-pounding
escapades and meet a colourful cast
of characters that will have you set
sail through this wholly original and
unforgettable tale.
YES PLEASE
Amy Poehler
In her first book, one of our most
beloved funny folk delivers a
smart, pointed, and ultimately
inspirational read. Full of the
comedic skill that makes us all
love Amy, Yes Please is a rich and
varied collection of stories, lists,
poetry (Plastic Surgery Haiku,
to be specific), photographs,
mantras and advice. It’s also full
of words to live by.
All books are available for purchase in
major bookstores. MPH members get
10% discount.
Alternatively, enjoy free delivery* when
you purchase at:
* Terms & conditions apply.
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015
59
LIFESTYLE TAKE 5
FFlorence
abulous
Maintaining its old-world
charm amidst progression,
Florence remains the home
of Renaissance history.
Images KIM LOW
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MUHIBAH
SEE
SHOP
The Galleria degli Uffizi has the world’s greatest
collection of Italian Rennaissance art, bequeathed to
the city by the last scion of the Medici family. A more
modern venue would be the Salvatore Ferragamo
Shoe Museum, Florence’s famous son who dressed
some of the world’s known celebs and world figures.
Even in medieval times, the city of Florence is known
for its fine craftsmanship. Visit Alberto Cozzi for its
beautiful marbled paper products – they even offer
personalisation services! And for exquisite leather
goods, head to Roberta for a great selection of
gloves, bags, and other items.
DO
STAY
Take in the view of the city on foot or by bicycle
to access the city’s beautiful historical buildings
crammed in every nook and cranny. Fans of Dante
Alighieri can see his works easily on the streets. For
a panoramic view, walk across the Arno river through
the Ponte Vecchio and head up to the Belvedere to
be rewarded.
Villa Le Maschere is a stately hotel in the Mugello
valley near Florence. This country villa has art
and nature creating a magical backdrop to its
65 bedrooms and suites. You experience
personalised service, including free transfers to
downtown Florence. The beautiful grounds make
for a relaxing time.
Royal Brunei Airlines flies Dubai daily for connections to Florence.
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015
61
LIFESTYLE TRAVEL DIARY
A world of adventure and new experiences await you
when you fly with Royal Brunei Airlines. Make your trip
even more memorable with free flights, seat upgrades
and other privileges with Royal Skies, our frequent
flyer programme. Not yet a member?
Register on www.flyroyalbrunei.com/royalskies
WHAT’S
ON
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
25-29
Nov
TIMES SQUARE WEDDING FAIR
From
Nov
Enjoy an experiential wedding planning event
and shopping adventure all under one roof
as Times Square Shopping Centre hosts this
five-day wedding fair. Get inspiration and the
perfect wedding guide from the best in the
business. See collection and meet designers.
Start planning for your big day hassle-free here.
www.tsqbrunei.com
onwards
MY BALLOON ADVENTURE
Witness a breathtaking sunrise with the backdrop of Putrajaya
and be welcomed with complimentary breakfast on a fun
hot air balloon ride. Pick and choose from different packages
to kickstart your day at leisure. Starting from RM850 per
person, you will also get a time lapse video of your flight and
a keepsake photo.
www.myballoonadventure.com
MALAYSIA
UNITED KINGDOM
WONDER.LAND
Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland-inspired musical tells the
story of an unhappy girl who finds escape in a virtual world.
Words by Damon Albarn are accompanied by lyrics from Moira
Buffini. Presently staged at the London’s National Theatre.
www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/wonder.land
23-28
Nov
62
MUHIBAH
Feb 2016
2
Dec
AN EVENING WITH OPRAH 2015
Oprah will take to the stage, bringing her personal story
and insights to life in a one-of-a-kind intimate evening
with her Australian fans. In Melbourne, Oprah will be at
the Rod Laver Arena. She’ll also be in Perth, Adelaide,
Brisbane and Sydney. So book your tickets now!
www.daintygroup.com/tour/oprah-tour-2015
AUSTRALIA
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
1921
Nov
WAREHOUSE421
Discover Emirati arts and culture at Abu Dhabi’s
Warehouse421. In this three-day celebration,
visitors can look forward to art installations,
workshops, creative markets, cuisines and other
cultural initiatives that highlight local artists,
artisans and traditions.
www.warehouse421.ae
INDONESIA
SINGAPORE
14&15
Nov
INDONESIA COMIC CON
Bringing in the best of pop culture
from both East and West, Indonesia
Comic Con is set to fire up fans.
To be held at Jakarta Convention
Center, fans can expect the latest
in comics, anime, toys, collectibles,
games, TV, film, and entertainment.
With pop culture icons as well as
cosplayers attending, you can be
sure that it’ll be a blast!
www.indonesiacomiccon.com
26TH SINGAPORE
INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF)
celebrates independent cinema in the region
by telling the Asia story in film. Taking place
across various venues, this year’s festival
will feature two well-known works from the
1900s – Eric Khoo’s Mee Pok Man and
Yonfan’s Bugis Street.
www.sgiff.com
26-6
Nov
Dec
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015
63
WELCOME ONBOARD
SELAMAT DATANG
Selamat Datang means
‘Welcome’ in Malay, and your
seamless journey begins here.
Business Class
The Royal Brunei Airlines 787 Dreamliner
Business Class cabin features “Contour” seats
that reclines to a 180 degree flat bed, along
with a plush duvet and larger pillow, offer a
peaceful rest. Each seat is equiped with a 15.4
touchscreen LCD Monitor with Panasonic
eX2 in-flight entertainment system; as well as
in seat power connecter. The Business Class
cabin lavatories are also equipped with bidets
for passengers convenience.
Economy Class Comfort
Royal Brunei Airlines 787 Dreamliner Economy
cabin offers comfortable seats with semiarticulating recline and adjustable headrest,
and with very spacious leg-rooms for
passengers comfort. Each seat is intergrated
with the Eco 9-Inch personal touch screen
monitors filled with great entertainment
content. Each seat also comes with a USB
port as well as shared power supply.
SkyShow Inflight Entertainment
Royal Brunei’s SkyShow Entertainment
system gives passengers a number of
entertainment options throughout their flight.
A library of hit movies, classic Hollywood
films and TV and audio programmes for
all ages are available onboard. Refer to
the Impian entertainment guide located
in the seat pocket in front of you for the
list of movies, TV and audio programmes.
For Business Class seats; the sockets for
earphones and channel/volume remote
control are located in your seat armrest.
Seatback-mounted personal screens are
only available on our Boeing 787s. Elsewhere,
passengers can avail our service, sit back
and relax with our overhead movie screens.
For more information, please contact your
nearest Royal Brunei Airlines office.
JOURNEY
THROUGH
THE DECADES
As Brunei Darussalam’s national carrier, Royal
Brunei Airlines serves not only as the coming
of age of this tiny Sultanate, but today cements
itself as a serious competitor in the region.
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MUHIBAH
Cuisine
Everything we serve has been carefully
chosen for freshness and flavour. In fact,
there’s nothing you can’t enjoy even when
dining at 35,000 feet. Our award winning
menu has been meticulously created by our
Royal Brunei Catering chefs, combining both
Western and Oriental flavours using the best
seasonal and fresh produce available.
For our Business Class passengers on
long-haul flights, you can now select your
desired meal times. Our ‘Dine upon Request’
service is available throughout the flight up
until 90 minutes before landing. Passengers
on all classes also enjoy our ‘Food Fit to Fly
by’ service menu that features healthier and
lighter meal options, complemented by our
award-winning cabin service from our crew.
Special Meals
Royal Brunei offers a variety of tasty culinary
solutions to suit our passengers’ special
dietary requirements. Special meals can be
1970s
1980s
> The maiden Royal Brunei Airlines
flight to Singapore left Bandar Seri
Begawan on a Boeing 737-200 on
14 May, 1975.
> RB added a Boeing 737, the quick
change convertible aircraft, to its fleet.
This aircraft allowed for either an allpassenger or an all-cargo configuration,
or a combination of both.
> Two Boeing 737 aircraft were put
into service flying five times a week to
Singapore, two times to Hong Kong,
and seven times to Kota Kinabalu.
> Services to Bangkok and Manila
were added.
> RB accepted the delivery of its Boeing
757 aircraft that featured a redesigned
livery combining Brunei’s traditional
royal colours on 16 May, 1986.
ordered when you make your reservation;
please confirm your request at least 24
hours before boarding your flight.
Alcohol-free Environment Policy
Royal Brunei Airlines operates alcohol-free
flights to all destinations.
Hand Luggage
For your safety and comfort, you may store
your hand luggage in the overhead lockers
or under the seat in front of you. Please do
not hesitate to ask our cabin crew for help in
stowing your luggage properly. Be careful when
opening the overhead luggage compartments,
as items dislodged by aircraft movement may
fall on you or fellow passengers.
Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAG)
Various countries have implemented
restrictions on the carriage of liquids,
aerosols and gels in compliance with new
guidelines set by the International Civil
Aviation Organization (ICAO). Passengers
transiting through airports and carrying any
liquids, pastes and gels in containers over
100ml may be asked to dispose of the items
at security checkpoints.
These restrictions may affect your ability to
carry duty-free purchases onboard the aircraft.
Customers are advised to check with duty free
personnel before making their purchases. All
liquids, aerosols and gels must be carried in
containers of no greater than 100ml/3.3oz
capacity (approximately 100gm in weight)
and placed in a transparent, resealable plastic
bag. The plastic bag must be removed from
carry on baggage and presented to security
personnel at the checkpoint for inspection
and separate x-ray screening.
Exceptions to the new regulations are
medicines and dietary supplements needed
during a flight, including baby food. Proof of
need may be required.
Use of Electronic Equipment
Electronic devices such as Citizen’s band (CB)
radio, remote-controlled devices (such as
radio controlled toys), and transmitting devices
that emit radio frequencies are not to be used
at any time during the flight. These devices
may interfere with the aircraft’s electronic
equipment, compromising aircraft safety and
endangering the lives of passengers and crew.
The following devices may be used on board,
except during take-off, initial climb, approach
and landing; mobile phones (which must be
1990s
2000s
2010s
> RB took delivery of the first of three leased Boeing 767200ER aircraft in June 1990 and set a long distance world
record for twin-engine commercial airlines.
> RB took delivery of two new Airbus A319 aircraft in August
and September 2003.
> In October 2012, RB launched a rebranding
journey with a new logo and livery.
> Two more Airbus A320s were delivered in December 2003
and January 2004.
> RB launched “A betterfly”, the Boeing 787
Dreamliner and commenced its first commercial
flight from Bandar Seri Begawan to Singapore
on 18 October, 2013, followed by flights to
Dubai and London on 1 December, 2013 and to
Melbourne on 2 April, 2014.
> The delivery of Boeing 767-200ER aircraft enabled RB’s
route to extend to London Gatwick in November 1990.
> Twice-weekly flights to London Heathrow began
in May 1991. The route became a daily service on
1 December, 1996.
> RB employed the use of a Fokker 50 aircraft to service
Miri and Labuan in Malaysia, two destinations that were
significant to the growth of Brunei’s oil and gas industry.
> The opportunity to expand regional connections saw
RB establishing a service to Surabaya in 1997.
> In January 2010, RB introduced Royal Brunei Holidays,
a revamp of its Golden Touch Holidays, which offers
passengers value-for-money holiday packages available
locally and abroad.
> Direct services to Shanghai were re-launched in March 2010.
> RB’s newly-leased Boeing 777-200ER aircraft took off
on its first commercial flight from Bandar Seri Begawan to
London via Dubai in June 2010.
> RB unveiled its new heritage-inspired uniforms
on 21 February, 2014.
> RB commenced four-times weekly flights to Melbourne
in March 2011.
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015
65
WELCOME ONBOARD
switched to flight mode), personal computers,
FM receivers, calculators, electronic shavers,
audio and video recorders, hand-held computer
games, and playback devices..
Lithium Batteries
The abundant stored energy that makes
lithium batteries practical also makes them
dangerous when they are not packed and
carried properly. Royal Brunei takes the
initiatives to increase the safety onboard
with the carriage limitations (from industry
initiatives, ICAO and IATA Dangerous Goods
Regulations guidance) to mitigate against
the risks of the hazards.
Low and medium powered rechargeable
batteries in equipment and limited quantity
of spares are recommended as carry on
baggage. All spare units must be in the
original packaging or packed to insulate
the terminals. Medium and large nonrechargeable must be carried as cargo/
freight in accordance with current Dangerous
Goods Regulations. High-Powered batteries
are not permitted onboard passenger aircraft.
Information of safe carriage of lithium
batteries on-board RB flights are also available
at the RB websites www.bruneiair.com.
Non-smoking Policy
Royal Brunei Airlines operates non-smoking
flights to all destinations.
Reconfirmation
Reconfirmation is not required except for
passengers travelling to and from the Middle
East. Please reconfirm your departure flight
at least 72 hours in advance with the local
Royal Brunei Airlines office or your travel
agent. Failure to do so could result in the
cancellation of your reservations.
Online Booking
Fly through the airport. You can now book
online at www.flyroyalbrunei.com, check in
online and print your own electronic ticket
(e-ticket). Online check in is available
24 hours before flight departure and closes
60 minutes before departure time.
Check In
Check in counters at the Brunei International
Airport are open three hours before flight
departure. Passengers are advised to check
in at least two hours before departure to
allow for security and baggage checks.
Check in counters will be closed 45 minutes
before departure, after which no boarding
passes will be issued. Royal Brunei Airlines
also advises its passengers to reach the
boarding gate 20 minutes before the flight
departs to avoid missing their flights.
Passenger Comments
Your comments and suggestions will help us
enhance our services. Please e-mail us at:
[email protected].
BRUNEI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Brunei International Airport’s computerised
passenger and cargo handling facilities can
handle 3 million passengers and 50,000
tonnes of cargo a year. Among the facilities
offered at the airport are the Airport Prayer
Hall (Surau Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa
Brunei Darussalam), telephones and Free
Wi-Fi services, restaurants and shower
facilities for passengers who want to rest or
freshen up before their flight.
For customer comfort and convenience, RB
Service Centre is located on the Departure
Hall area. Passengers can make reservations,
ticket purchase, book tour packages and
redeem Royal Skies miles. The Customer
Service Centre at the Brunei International
Airport operates 7 days a week, from 8am to
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MUHIBAH
9pm Mondays to Saturdays, and 8am to 5pm
on Sundays; except for Friday midday break
from 12noon to 2pm.
prior to their flights. Complimentary massage
chairs, shower rooms, ablution areas and
High Definition TV are available.
Our Business Class and Royal Skies Elite
passengers can now enjoy the service of
our RB porters at departure curb-side for
baggage assistance and trolley service to
the check-in counters. The premium checkin lounge offers our Business Class and
Royal Skies Elite passengers with a relaxed
check-in experience.
Duty-free shops offer consumer goods
at competitive prices. There are several
outlets, including a money changer located
at the departure/transit hall. On sale are
portable electrical goods with international
warranties, designer goods, perfumes and
confectionery. Brunei International Airport is
a smoke-free airport.
RB Economy class passengers and groups
booking may proceed to RB check-in counter
Row B.
A mobile application app has been
developed by the Department of Civil
Aviation to help passengers/visitors
experience the newly refurbished Brunei
International Airport seamlessly through the
‘iFLYBRUNEI’ app on the smartphone.
Business Class and Royal Skies Elite
passengers are able to access the SkyLounge
STAYING FIT
At Royal Brunei Airlines, your health, safety and comfort is of prime importance to us. For your
general well-being onboard our flights, we would recommend the basic inflight exercises.
Ankle circles
While seated, raise one foot
and draw a circle with your
toes. Rotate clockwise for 15
seconds and repeat the same
counterclockwise. Repeat
with the other foot. You can
do one foot at a time or both
simultaneously.
Knee lifts
Lift and hug your knee
to your chest as close
as you can. Hold for
15 seconds. Alternate
knee. Repeat 10-15
times for each knee.
Shoulder roll
Relax shoulders then
hunch them forward.
Rotate gently 10-15 times.
Neck roll
With shoulders relaxed,
drop ear to shoulder and
gently roll neck forward
and back, holding each
position about five
seconds. Repeat five times.
Upper back flex
Stretch hands forward,
then pull back slowly as
far as possible. Repeat
10-15 times.
Trunk flex
With both feet on the
floor and stomach held in,
slowly bend forward and
walk your hands down the
front of your legs toward
your ankles. Hold stretch
for 15 seconds and slowly
sit back up.
TRAVELLER’S GUIDE Brunei Visitor Information
Visas* Austrian, German, Malaysian,
Singaporean, British nationals with the
right of abode in the United Kingdom, The
Netherlands and New Zealand nationals
are exempted from the requirement to
obtain a visa for visits not exceeding
30 days. American passport holders
can enter Brunei Darussalam for three
months without visas. For nationals
of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France,
Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg,
Republic of Maldives, Norway, Oman, The
Philippines, South Korea, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, Thailand and The Principality
of Liechtenstein — visas are waived for 14day visits. Nationals of Australia are issued
visas on arrival at the Brunei International
Airport for visits not exceeding 30 days.
All other visitors entering Brunei
Darussalam must have visas obtainable
from any Brunei Darussalam diplomatic
mission abroad. These visas are normally
issued for a two-week stay but can be
renewed in Brunei. Visitors must hold
onward tickets and sufficient funds to
support themselves while in the country.
N.B. For more details, please contact your
nearest Brunei Embassy or diplomatic
representative.
Currency Bearer Negotiation
Instrument Declaration Passengers
entering or leaving Brunei who carry
physical currency or bearer negotiable
instruments valued at BND15,000 or more
are required to complete a declaration
form and submit it to a customs officer
(if arriving in Brunei) or an immigration
officer (if departing Brunei).
Duty-free Allowance* The import of
the following products is subject to
restrictions imposed by Brunei’s Customs
and Excise Department.
Cigarettes: Passengers will be charged duty
on cigarettes of $0.25 tax per stick, equal
to $5 per pack of 20 sticks of cigarette,
and $50 for one carton of 10 packs.
Other tobacco products - Import duty on
other tobacco products has increased
significantly. Passengers will be charged
duty for the import of tobacco products.
Alcohol: Non-Muslim passengers may
bring in two bottles of liquor plus 12 cans
of beer for personal consumption only;
and a reasonable quantity of perfumes.
Transportation The airport is about 11km
from the capital. Taxis, car rentals and
buses are available.
Currency The Brunei dollar is on a
par with the Singapore dollar, which is
also accepted in Brunei. Banks, hotels
and many department stores will cash
traveller’s cheques.
Language Malay is the official language
but English is widely used. Other languages
include Chinese and its dialect variants and
other indigenous dialects. Although the
official religion is Islam, other faiths including
Christianity and Buddhism are practised.
Clothing Light clothing is advisable as
the climate is generally warm and humid.
Women are requested to dress modestly
in keeping with local customs.
* The visa and duty-free allowances are provided as a guideline and may change without notice.
Health Doctors provide private medical
services for a nominal charge. There are a
number of state health clinics and hospitals.
Credit Cards Hotels, department stores and
other major establishments generally accept
all internationally known credit cards.
Tipping Optional. Some hotels add a 10
per cent service charge to their room rates.
Telephones Overseas calls can be made
from hotel rooms through the operator,
or via international direct dialling (IDD).
There are also coin and phonecard
operated public telephones.
Utilities Power supply is 220 - 240v,
50 cycles. The PAL and NTSC systems
are used by local television. Tap water
is generally safe to drink although some
take the precaution of boiling it.
Media Radio Television Brunei has nightly
news bulletins and a range of popular
entertainment in both English and Malay.
Cable network and Malaysian television
programmes can also be received. There
are three local daily newspapers namely:
Borneo Bulletin (English), The Brunei
Times (English) and Media Permata
(Malay). Other regional and international
publications are also available at newstands.
Food For the adventurous, the food
stalls offer Malay favourites, such as
satay (barbecued meat on a skewer)
and local dishes prepared with curry or
coconut milk. Chinese, European and
Indian cuisines are also available. All F&B
businesses, including hotel restaurants,
close for Friday prayer 12pm to 2pm.
For hotel guests, room service dining
operates as usual.
Hotels Accommodation in the capital
ranges from international standard to
middle range hotels. Service apartments
are also available at reasonable rates.
Shopping Department stores and shops
offer goods ranging from cosmetics and
stereos to local handicrafts such as the
keris (an ornamental dagger), miniature
brass cannons, and kain tenunan, a cloth
woven with gold or silver threads.
Festivals and Celebrations National Day,
23 February, Hari Raya, the end of the
Muslim fasting month, and His Majesty
The Sultan’s birthday, 15 July. Other public
holidays include Chinese Lunar New Year
and Christmas.
Customs and Courtesy
• In mosques, visitors should remove their
shoes and should not pass in front of
people at prayer. A woman should ensure
that her head, knees and arms are covered
before entering mosques. Robes are
provided at the entrance to the mosque.
• A Bruneian shakes hands lightly and
brings his hands to his chest. Members
of the opposite sex do not shake hands.
• It is impolite to point with the index
finger (use the right thumb instead) or
to beckon someone with fingers and
palm facing upwards. Instead the whole
hand should be waved with palm facing
downwards. The right fist should never
be smacked into the left palm.
• Gifts, particularly food, are passed with
the right hand.
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015
67
WELCOME ONBOARD
ROUTE MAP & DESTINATIONS
68
MUHIBAH
AUSTRALIA
MELBOURNE (MEL)
TULLAMARINE
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Airport-City 22 kms
Approx. Fare from Airport to
City • Bus AUD16 • Taxi AUD85
Airport Tax AUD38
Currency Australian Dollar (AUD)
Language English
GMT +10
RB OFFICE
Level 10, 45 William Street
Melbourne, VIC 3000
T: (61) 3 8651 1000
T: Toll Free Aust wide
1300 721271
E: [email protected]
MCH AVIATION HOLDING
AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
Suite 6, 7-9 Mallet Road,
Tullamarine Vic 3043
T: (61) 3 8318 5100 / 5109
M: (61) 4 3046 3324
BRUNEI
DARUSSALAM
BANDAR SERI
BEGAWAN (BWN)
BRUNEI INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT
Airport-City 8 kms
Approx. Fare from Airport to
City • Bus BND1 • Taxi BND25
Airport Tax BND12, BKI: BND5
Currency Brunei Dollar (BND)
Language Malay, Mandarin,
Hokkien, English
GMT +8
RB OFFICE
RBA Plaza, Jalan Sultan,
Bandar Seri Begawan, BS 8811
T: (673) 2 212 222 /
2 240 500
F: (673) 2 244 737
AIR LOGISTICS SDN BHD
Unit 6, Ground Floor,
Madang Complex, Berakas
BC3715, Negara Brunei
Darussalam
T: (673) 865 7913
CHINA
HONG KONG (HKG)
CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT
Airport-City 32 kms
Approx. Fare from Airport to
City • Taxi Kowloon HKD300,
Hong Kong HKD400
Airport Tax HKD120
Currency Hong Kong Dollar
(HKD)
Language Cantonese,
Mandarin, English
GMT +8
GENERAL SALES AGENT
DEKS AIR (HONG KONG) LTD
Room 1804-5, Jubilee Centre,
18 Fenwick Street, Wanchai
T: (852) 2529 3883
F: (852) 2527 7300
E: [email protected]
AIR LOGISTICS LIMITED
1205A, 12th Floor, Tower II,
Cheung Sha Wan Plaza ,
833 Cheung Sha Wan Road,
Kowloon, Hong Kong
T: (852) 2328 0278
F: (852) 2328 0221
M: (852) 9161 1747 / 9181 9146
SHANGHAI (PVG)
SURABAYA (SUB)
PUDONG INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT
Airport-City 35 kms
Approx. Fare from Airport to City
• Bus CNY50 • Taxi CNY160
Airport Tax CNY90
Currency Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Language Chinese
(dialects include Mandarin,
Shanghainese)
GMT +8
PASSENGER SALES AGENT
BEIJING LONGWAY
INTERNATIONAL
Room 0, 22nd Floor,
Zhiyuan Building, No.768
Xietu Road, Luwan District,
Shanghai, China
Post code: 200023
T: (86) 21 5302 7288
F: (86) 21 6304 7686
E: [email protected]
AIR LOGISTICS GROUP
Room 1631, No. 333, North
Chengdu Road, Jing’an District,
Shanghai, China 200040
T: (86) 21 2215 7645
M: (852) 9161 1747
JUANDA INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT
Airport-City 17 kms
Approx. Fare from Airport
to City • Taxi IDR29,500
Airport Tax IDR150,000
Currency Indonesian
Rupiah (IDR)
Language Bahasa Indonesia,
English, Madurese
GMT +7
GENERAL SALES AGENT
PT DEKS AVIATION
INTERNUSA
Wisma BII, 6th Floor #606,
Jalan Pemuda No: 60-70,
Surabaya 60271, Indonesia
T: (62) 31 535 6377
F: (62) 31 535 6166
E: [email protected]
AIR LOGISTICS GROUP
Suite 3K, 3rd Floor Wisma
Soewarna, Soewarna
Business Park, Block E,
Lot 1 & 2, Soekarno Hata
International Airport, Jakarta
19110, Indonesia
T: (62) 21 5591 2839
F: (62) 21 5591 1662
M: (62) 81 653 6501
INDONESIA
BALI (DPS)
NGURAH RAI
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Airport-City approximately
16 kms
Approx. Fare from Airport
to City • Bus IDR25,000
• Taxi IDR70,000 - 90,000
Airport Tax IDR150,000
Currency Indonesian
Rupiah (IDR)
Language Bahasa
Indonesia, English
GMT +8
GENERAL SALES AGENT
PT DEKS AVIATION
INTERNUSA
Suite #3, Lobby Level, Kuta
Paradiso Hotel, Jl Kartika
Plaza, Kuta, Tuban Bali (ID)
T: (62) 361 757355
F: (62) 361 757785
E: [email protected]
AIR LOGISTICS GROUP
Wisthi Sabha Builing, 2nd FI,
Room 19, Ngurah Rai
International Airport, Tuban
80361, Bali, Indonesia
T: (62) 361 936 3345
F: (62) 361 936 0284
JAKARTA (JKT)
SOEKARNO-HATTA
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Airport-City 50 kms
Approx. Fare from Airport
to City • Bus IDR7,000
• Taxi IDR150,000
Airport Tax IDR150,000
Currency Indonesian
Rupiah (IDR)
Language Bahasa
Indonesia, English
GMT +7
GENERAL SALES AGENT
PT DEKS AVIATION
INTERNUSA
Wisma Tamara, 6th Floor #668,
Jalan Jend Sudirman Kav 24,
Jakarta 1290, Indonesia
T: (62) 21 520 6338
F: (62) 21 527 9990
E: [email protected]
AIR LOGISTICS GROUP
Suite 3K, 3rd Floor, Wisma
Soewarna, Soewarna
Business Park, Block E,
Lot 1 & 2, Soekarno Hata
International Airport, Jakarta
19110, Indonesia
T: (62) 21 5591 1311
F: (62) 21 5591 1662
M: (62) 81 2165 799 22
MALAYSIA
KUALA LUMPUR
(KUL)
KUALA LUMPUR
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Airport-City 80 kms
Approx. Fare from Airport
to City • Bus Luxury RM25
• Taxi Budget MYR70-80,
Limo MYR100-120
Airport Tax MYR51
Currency Malaysian Ringgit
(MYR)
Language Malay, English,
Cantonese, Tamil, Mandarin
GMT +8
RB OFFICE
Lot 25, 1st Floor, UBN Tower
(Shangri-la Shopping Arcade),
P.O. Box 99, Jln P. Ramlee,
50250 Kuala Lumpur
T: (60) 3 2070 7166 /
2070 6628
F: (60) 3 2070 6899
E: [email protected]
APPLE AVIATION SDN BHD
No 57-59 (3FL), Jalan Bukit
Bintang, 55100, Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia
T: (60) 3 2145 2029 /
2143 8877
F: (60) 3 2143 8876
M: (60) 12 388 5319
KOTA KINABALU (BKI)
KOTA KINABALU
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Airport-City 8.5 kms
Approx. Fare from Airport
to City • Taxi MYR13.50
Airport Tax MYR26 To/
Transit via Brunei: MYR20
Currency Malaysian Ringgit
(MYR)
Language Malay, Mandarin,
English
GMT +8
RB OFFICE
Lot BG - 3B Ground Floor,
Block B, Komplex KWSP,
Jalan Karamunsing,
8000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
T: (60) 88 242 193 / 6
E: sskkoff@rba.com.bn
APPLE AVIATION SDN BHD
No 57-59 (3FL), Jalan Bukit
Bintang, 55100, Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia
T: (60) 3 2145 2029 /
2143 8877
F: (60) 3 2143 8876
M: (60) 12 388 5319
PHILIPPINES
THAILAND
MANILA (MNL)
BANGKOK (BKK)
NINOY AQUINO
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Airport-City 9 kms
Approx. Fare from Airport to
City • Bus PhP13 • Taxi PhP120
Airport Tax PhP750
Currency Philippine Peso (PhP)
Language Tagalog, English
GMT +8
GENERAL SALES AGENT
AVIA-RH INC
4/F Le Rose Building,
832 A. Arnaiz Avenue,
San Lorenzo Village,
Makati City, Philippines.
T: (63) 632 886 7513
F: (63) 632 886 7494
E: [email protected]
AIR CARGO PARTNERS
CORPORATION
True North GSA Inc., Unit 26
Cargo Village Complex, Ninoy
Aquino Avenue, Paranaque City
Metro Manila, Philippines 1700
T: (63) 2 500 9114
F: (63) 2 854 0244
SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT
Airport-City 25 kms
Approx. Fare from Airport
to City • Bus BHT150
• Taxi BHT200-250
Airport Tax BHT700
Currency Baht (BHT)
Language Thai, English
GMT +7
GENERAL SALES AGENT
DEKS AIR THAILAND
4th Floor, C.P. Tower,
313 Silom Road,
Bangrak 10500, Thailand
T: (66) 02 638 3050
F: (66) 02 638 2969
ABDA CARGO INTERNATIONAL
999 Moo 7, B-FZ Cargo
Terminal, Room 302, 3rd
Fl, Suvarnabhumi Airport,
Bangphli. Samutprakarn
10540 Bangkok, Thailand
T: (66) 2134 2305 / 6
F: (66) 2134 2307
M: (66) 86 392 1132
SAUDI ARABIA
JEDDAH (JED)
KING ABDUL AZIZ
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Airport-City 25 kms (from
North Terminal); 15 kms
(from South Terminal)
Approx. Fare from Airport
to City • Taxi SAR50
Airport Tax SAR50 except Haj
& Umrah pax, diplomats and
escorts for human remains
Currency Saudi Arabian
Riyal (SAR)
Language Arabic, English,
French
GMT +3
GENERAL SALES AGENT
ELAF AVIATION
Al Nakheel Centre, Madina
Road Jeddah 21414,
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
T: (9662) 665 7143 /
661 2679 / 665 7908
E: [email protected]
LEISURE CARGO FZCO
Saudi Airline Cargo Terminal
Building, Jeddah, K.S.A
(SITA DXBFBAB)
T: (966) 56 512 5101
M: (966) 56 512 5101
SINGAPORE
SINGAPORE (SIN)
CHANGI INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT
Airport-City 20 kms
Approx. Fare from Airport to
City • Bus SGD1.40 • Taxi SGD18
Airport Tax SGD21
Currency Singapore Dollar
(SGD)
Language Malay, English,
Mandarin, Tamil
GMT +8
RB OFFICE
81 Clemenceau Avenue,
#03-13, UE Square Shopping
Mall, Singapore 239917
T: (65) 6235 4672
E: [email protected]
AIR-ABDA (S) PTE LTD
Room 234-236,
SATS Airfreight Terminal 3,
105 Airport Cargo Road,
Singapore 819462
Airmail Transit Centre, P.O.Box
0846, Singapore 918154
T: (65) 6543 2290 / 2260
F: (65) 6543 2296
M: (65) 9679 2259 / 9641
0393 / 9651 3944
UNITED
ARAB EMIRATES
DUBAI (DXB)
DUBAI INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT
Airport-City 4 kms
Approx. Fare from Airport
to City • Taxi AED20 + 50
fils for every 500m
Airport Tax AED30
Currency Dirham (AED)
Language Arabic, English
GMT +4
RB OFFICE
Centurian Star, Shop
Number 3, (new RB office),
Opp. Deira City Centre,
Deira, Dubai, UAE
T: (971) 4334 4884
(Reservation) / 4686 (Sales)
F: (971) 4334 4585
E: [email protected],
[email protected]
Tower 400 (UNB Building),
Shop 7-10, Al Soor Area,
Sharjah, UAE (SHJBI0301)
T: (971) 6005 24444 /
6575 8575
Oman Road, Nakheel, Shaikh
Saqr Bin Mohammad Al
Qasmi Street, Ras Al Khaimah,
UAE (RAKBI0301)
T: (971) 7227 2847 / 7228 9987
Al-Ain Tower, East 4th Road,
Almouror, Electra Street, Al
Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, UAE
(AUHBI0301)
T: (971) 2815 3444 / 2815 3450
M-201, Paris Gift Palace
Building, Zayed Bin
Sulthan Street, Al-Ain, UAE
(AUHBI0301)
T: (971) 3764 1410 / 1990
LEISURE CARGO
Office No 3069, Air Cargo
Terminal Building, Dubai
Cargo Village, P.O. Box
293051 Dubai, United Arab
Emirates (SITA DXBFBLT)
T: (971) 4 286 9666
F: (971) 4 286 9995
M: (971) 55 954 6066
Office No. M25 Freight
Gate-4, Dubai Airport Free
Zone, P.O. Box 54385, Dubai,
United Arab Emirates
(SITA DXBFBLT)
T: (971) 4 299 7924
F: (971) 4 299 7989
M: (971) 55 221 6289
UNITED
KINGDOM
LONDON (LHR)
HEATHROW AIRPORT
Airport-City 35 kms
Approx. Fare from Airport to
City • Bus GBP7 • Taxi GBP40
Airport Tax F & J Class Pax:
GBP80; Y Class Pax: GBP40;
PSC: GBP9
Currency Pound Sterling (GBP)
Language English
GMT +0
RB OFFICE
49 Cromwell Road, London SW7
2ED, England, United Kingdom
T: (44) 207 584 6660
E: [email protected]
AIR LOGISTICS LIMITED
Cargo Terminal 4, East
Midlands Airport, Castle
Donington, Derby, DE74 2SA
(SITA LONALXH)
T: (44) 0 1332 850021 /
7885 875184
F: (44) 0 1332 811961
E: airlogistics@airlogistics.
co.uk / operations@
airlogistics.co.uk /
[email protected]
2nd Floor, Building 558,
Shoreham Road West,
Heathrow Airport Hounslow,
Middlesex TW6 3RN
T: (44) 0 208 759 8686
F: (44) 0 208 990 9005
M: (44) 7713 506614
E: [email protected]
VIETNAM
HO CHI MINH CITY
(SGN)
TAN SON NHAT AIRPORT
Airport-City 7 kms
Approx. Fare from Airport to
City • Bus VND8,000
• Taxi VND160,000
Airport Tax USD20
Currency Vietnam Dong (VND)
Language Vietnamese,
Mandarin, English, French
GMT +7
GENERAL SALES AGENT
DEKS AIR VIETNAM SERVICE
Ground Floor, Citilight Tower,
45 Vo Thi Sau St., Dakao Ward,
District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
T: (84) 8 3820 7327
F: (84) 8 3820 7329
E: [email protected]
7th Floor, 163 Ba Trieu St.
Ba Trieu St., Le Dai Hanh Ward,
Hai Ba Trung Dist, Hanoi, Vietnam
T: (84) 4 3820 2828
F: (84) 4 3974 3595
AIR CARGO LOGISTICS
VIETNAM CO. LTD
Air Logistics Limited, Room 06,
2nd Floor, New TCS Building,
46-48 Hau Giang Str., Ward 4,
Ho Chi Minh City
T: (84) 8 3848 8567
M: (84) 9 0380 7939
Air Cargo Logistics Vietnam - HCM
City, Unit 206 - New TCS Building,
46 Hau Giang Street, Tan Binh
District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
T: (84) 8 7305 0988 Ext 8400
F: (84) 8 3547 0004
Room 1308A, 13rd Floor, Dao Duy
Anh Tower, No. 9 Dao Duy Anh
Street, Phuong Mai Ward Dong
Da District, Hanoi City
T: (84) 4 3577 2454 / 3577 0942
F: (84) 4 3577 2146
M: (852) 6892 4588 /
(84) 9 0380 7939
E: [email protected]
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015
69
WELCOME ONBOARD
CAPITAL ATTRACTIONS
ABODE OF PEACE
Small in size but big in attractions,
Brunei’s capital has lots to offer.
Brunei Darussalam is a country rich in culture and heritage.
It is a small, peaceful, prosperous kingdom on the northern
shore of the ecologically-rich island of Borneo. Come and
discover Brunei, a Kingdom of Unexpected Treasures.
Brunei is arguably best known today as an oil
producing country. The nation became independent
in 1984 and, thanks to its large reserves of oil and gas,
now has one of the highest standards of living in the
world. Its population of just over 408,000 is made
up of two-thirds ethnic Malay, with the remainder
being Chinese, Indian and other indigenous groups.
The Sultanate has four districts: Brunei-Muara
(which includes the capital Bandar Seri Begawan),
Temburong, Tutong and Belait. ‘Darussalam’, the
Arabic word for ‘Abode of Peace’ describes Brunei’s
Islamic history that dates back some 1,500 years.
Today, Brunei remains the world’s only Malay Islamic
Monarchy with an unbroken royal lineage that has
ruled the nation for the past 600 years.
www.bruneitourism.travel
For more information
on Brunei, email:
[email protected]
Images DAVID KIRKLAND/
BRUNEI TOURISM
Brunei-Muara
1
2
3
THE OMAR ‘ALI SAIFUDDIEN
MOSQUE
Brunei Darussalam’s iconic landmark, the
mosque was completed in 1958 and is
named after the 28th Sultan, the late Sultan
Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien, who is referred to as
the Architect of Modern Brunei.
ISTANA NURUL IMAN
The official residence of His Majesty
Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin
Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of
Brunei Darussalam. Although not open to
public, except during Hari Raya Aidil Fitri,
its golden domes and vaulted roof can be
viewed from Kampong Ayer.
LAPAU AND DEWAN MAJLIS
The Royal Ceremonial Hall features an
exquisite golden dome and hosts all of the
Sultanate’s traditional royal ceremonies.
MUSLIM PRAYER TIMES in Brunei Darussalam
November 2015
Muharam 1437 / Safar 1437
Date
Hijriah
Day
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Tue Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Tue Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Tue Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Tue Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun Mon
Sun Mon
Sun Mon
Sun Mon
Sun Mon
Imsak
4.37
4.37
4.37
4.37
4.37
4.37
4.37
4.37
4.37
4.37
4.37
4.37
4.37
4.37
4.37
4.37 4.38 4.38 4.38 4.38 4.38 4.39 4.39 4.39 4.39 4.40 4.40 4.40 4.40
Subuh
4.47
4.47
4.47
4.47
4.47
4.47
4.47
4.47
4.47
4.47
4.47
4.47
4.47
4.47
4.47
4.47 4.48 4.48 4.48 4.48 4.48 4.49 4.49 4.49 4.49 4.50 4.50 4.50 4.50
4.51
Syuruk
6.05 6.05 6.05 6.05 6.05 6.05 6.06 6.06 6.06 6.06 6.06 6.06
6.07
6.07
6.07
6.07 6.08 6.08 6.08 6.09 6.09 6.09
6.29 6.29 6.29 6.29 6.29 6.30 6.30 6.30 6.30 6.30
6.31
6.31 6.32 6.32 6.32
Doha
Zohor
Asar
6.31
6.31
6.33
6.33
6.11
4.41
6.10
6.10
6.10
6.11
6.11
6.12
6.12
6.33 6.34 6.34 6.34
6.35
6.35
6.35 6.36 6.36
6.37
6.37
12.05 12.05 12.05 12.05 12.05 12.05 12.05 12.06 12.06 12.06 12.06 12.06 12.06 12.06 12.06 12.06 12.07 12.07 12.07 12.07 12.07 12.08 12.08 12.08 12.09 12.09 12.09 12.10 12.10 12.10
3.26
3.26
3.26
3.26
3.26
3.26
3.26
3.26
3.27
3.27
3.27
3.27
3.27
3.27
3.28
3.28
3.28
3.28
3.29
3.29
3.29
3.29 3.30 3.30 3.30
3.31
3.31
3.31
3.32
3.32
Maghrib 6.03 6.03 6.03 6.02 6.02 6.02 6.02 6.02 6.02 6.02 6.02 6.02 6.02 6.02 6.02 6.02 6.02 6.03 6.03 6.03 6.03 6.03 6.03 6.03 6.04 6.04 6.04 6.04 6.05 6.05
Isyak
70
7.14
7.14
7.14
MUHIBAH
7.14
7.14
7.14
7.14
7.14
7.14
7.14
7.14
7.14
7.14
7.15
7.15
7.15
7.15
7.15
7.15
7.16
7.16
7.16
7.17
7.17
7.17
7.17
7.18
7.18
7.19
7.19
4
THE ROYAL REGALIA
BUILDING
7
8
9
10
BRUNEI MUSEUM
The museum is home to a
collection of royal regalia, including
the royal chariot, gold and silver
ceremonial armoury, the jewel
encrusted crowns used during the
coronation and a replica of the
throne, which is used by the Sultan
on state occasions.
5
6
ISTANA DARUSSALAM
Located on Jalan Sumbiling,
this wooden palace captures the
architectural heritage of old
Malay palaces. Visitors may
view only from outside.
THE SULTAN HAJI
HASSANAL BOLKIAH
FOUNDATION COMPLEX
The capital’s most popular
shopping venues, it combines
both traditional Malay and
modern architecture.
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
Brunei’s national museum spotlights
Brunei’s role in Southeast Asia’s
history. The Islamic Art Gallery has
historical pieces of Islamic art and a
commendable Quran collection.
Temburong
11
12
13
ULU TEMBURONG
NATIONAL PARK
Explore Brunei’s lush virgin forest
through lofty canopy walkways, scenic
hiking trails and a thrilling river ride to
the park on the Temburong River.
BRUNEI ARTS AND
HANDICRAFTS CENTRE
Brunei’s ancient and traditional arts
and crafts – kain tenunan, silver &
brass ware, wood carving and basketry
– are showcased in this centre, aimed
to preserve its rich legacy.
Tutong
TASEK MERIMBUN
Brunei’s largest lake that curves in an ‘S’
has an island in the centre accessible
via a wooden walkway and various
facilities for picnics and recreation.
TAMU KIANGGEH
The Tamu, or open air market, on
the banks of the Kianggeh River is a
popular local market for traditional
dishes, fruits, vegetables, flowers
and handicrafts.
Belait
OIL & GAS DISCOVERY CENTRE
An ‘edutainment’ facility, this interactive
science centre aims to make science
exciting and accessible to all with more
than 100 hands-on exhibits in themed
areas to explore.
KAMPONG AYER
The world’s largest water village that
is home to more than 30,000 people
living on unique wooden houses on
stilts over the Brunei River.
December 2015
Safar 1437 / Rabiulawal 1437
Date
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
Day
Tue Wed
Thu
Tue Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Imsak
4.41
Hijriah
Fri
Sat
Tue Wed
Thu
Fri
4.41 4.42 4.42
4.43
4.43
Sun Mon
4.43 4.44 4.44
4.45
4.45
4.45 4.46 4.46
Sat
Sun Mon
4.47
4.47 4.48 4.48 4.49 4.49 4.50 4.50
Sun Mon
Tue Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
4.51
4.51
4.52
4.52
4.57
Tue Wed
Thu
4.53
4.58 4.59 4.59 5.00 5.00
5.01
5.01
5.02
6.21
6.23 6.24 6.24
Sun Mon
4.53 4.54 4.54
4.55
5.02
5.03
5.03 5.04 5.04
5.05
6.25
6.25 6.26 6.26
Subuh
4.51
4.51
4.52
4.52
4.53
4.53
4.53 4.54 4.54
4.55
4.55
4.55 4.56 4.56
4.57
Syuruk
6.13
6.13
6.14
6.14
6.14
6.15
6.15
6.16
6.16
6.17
6.17
6.18
6.18
6.19 6.20 6.20
Doha
6.38 6.38 6.39 6.39 6.40 6.40 6.40
6.41
6.41 6.42 6.42
6.43
6.43 6.44
Zohor
12.11 12.11 12.11 12.12 12.12 12.13 12.13 12.13 12.14 12.14 12.15 12.15 12.16 12.16 12.17 12.17 12.18 12.18 12.19 12.19 12.20 12.20 12.20 12.21 12.21 12.22 12.22 12.23 12.23 12.24 12.24
Asar
3.32
6.51
6.27
6.52
6.52
3.35
3.37
3.37
3.38
3.38
3.39
3.39 3.40 3.40
3.41
3.41
3.42
3.42
3.43
3.43
3.44
3.44
3.45
3.45
3.46
3.46
6.07
6.07 6.08 6.08 6.09 6.09 6.09
6.10
6.10
6.11
6.11
6.12
6.12
6.13
6.13
6.14
6.14
6.15
6.15
6.16
6.16
6.17
6.17
6.18
6.18
6.19
Isyak
7.21
7.21
7.22
7.25
7.25
7.26
7.26
7.27
7.27
7.27
7.28
7.28
7.29
7.29
7.30
7.30
7.31
7.31
7.32
7.32
7.33
7.33
7.23
7.23
3.37
6.51
3.34
7.22
3.36
6.47 6.48 6.48 6.49 6.49 6.50 6.50 6.50
6.27
6.07
7.20
3.36
6.47
6.23
3.34
7.20
3.35
6.45 6.46 6.46
6.21 6.22 6.22
3.34
7.20
3.33
6.45
4.58
Maghrib 6.05 6.06 6.06 6.06
7.19
3.33
6.19
7.24
7.24
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015
71
MIND TEASERS
Crossword Puzzle
1
2
3
4
5
6
12
13
15
16
26
20
18
21
7
Cover to Cover
8
9
2. Homer’s epic Odyssey is the most translated book. How many
languages has it got?
23
28
There’s no better time than now to curl up with a good
read as you wind down the year. But before you start,
test your knowledge on some book trivia.
1. What is the best-selling non-fiction book of all time, with 3 billion prints?
17
19
27
29
24
25
26
5. Who has sold more children’s books than any other author?
33
35
6. Name the world’s best-selling fiction writer who wrote 78 crime
novels that sold more than 2 billion copies.
36
37
38
3. Dr. Seuss wrote his first book in 1936 while crossing the Atlantic on a
luxury liner whose engines annoyed him so much. Name the ship.
4. A.A. Milne, the author of the Winnie the Pooh series, used his son as
inspiration for the character Christopher Robin. True or False?
30
32
34
11
14
22
31
10
7. Who’s memoir sold more than 200,000 copies in its first day of
publication, more than any other non-fiction title.
39
8. Who wrote the world’s first novel, The Tale of the Genji, in around 1008?
Sudoku
© Boatload Puzzles, LLC
© Copyright 2008 Sudogo.com
Answers
1. The Qur’an 2. 250 3. Kungsholm 4. True
5. R. L. Stine, the author of the Goosebumps series 6. Agatha Christie
7. Hillary Clinton, Living History 8. Murasaki Shikibu
9. William Wells Brown, Clotel or, The President’s Daughter
10. Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1771
40
37
34
35
31
32
27
20
21
15
12
2
3
4
5
E
L
A
T
E
42
38
28
22
18
1
41
29
30
19
16
13
6
7
D
E
L
A
N
O
I N E
N E R
C O A
47
L
E
M
E
U D I
L E
A L I
T I C
E
I
E
R
39
36
33
23
24
17
14
8
9
48
A
L
O
N
G
25
2
7
9
1
4
2
7
4
8
3
5
5
6
3
1
9
8
49
S
E
N
S
E
26
E D
A U
T E
10
6
26 Feel
29 Classified ___
30 Gets up
32 Visible to the
audience
35 Name word
36 Franklin ___
Roosevelt
39 Imitate
41 Paradise
42 Destitution
43 African antelope
44 Pull apart
45 Raised railroads
47 Co. abbr.
48 Agent Smith’s
nemesis
49 Historic time
M
I
M
I
C
1 Health farm
2 ___ capita
3 Extreme anger
4 Christmas glitter
5 Gladden
6 Tinter
7 Small arrow
8 Act like
9 Luau garland
10 Munch
11 Payable
17 Sandwich store
19 Orchard fruit
20 Be nosy
21 Brownish gray
22 Ceremonies
24 More frosty
25 Accompanying
46
Down
34 Lack of secrecy
36 Lions’ homes
37 Coins from
Mexico
38 Come out
40 Knife or fork
43 Small bomb
46 Bangor’s state
50 Nothing
51 Mild
exclamation
52 Not outer
53 Raises
54 Culmination
55 Hot chocolate
52
1 Ill will
6 Ike’s monogram
9 Guided
12 Jeopardy
13 Sweet potato
14 ___ de toilette
15 Sports locale
16 Learned
18 Frighten
20 Actress Meryl
___
23 Pseudonym
27 Metal spike
28 Tiny speck
31 Not home
32 Classic song
33 Charged
particle
7 9
1
3 6 2
9
6
8
5
6
8
1
1
3 2
4 8 7
3 8
7
5
1
6
1
5
9
7
55
Across
2
D D
Y A
E R
A R T
P
P A R
L D I
E S S
E
N S
E
E
D
55
E
D
E
N
54
O
N
S
T
A
G
E
53
10. Where was Encyclopaedia Britannica, the first English-language
encyclopedia, published?
51
52
49
54
51
48
45
50
47
44
46
S P I T
P E R I
A R E N
S
S T R E
N A I L
O U T
O P E N
P E S O
U
G R E N
N I L
U P S
45
9. Name the first African American author and the novel he wrote in 1853.
43
44
42
50
43
41
53
40
11
1 6
3 8
3
7
4
9
5
4
8
1
5
9
8
2
3
7
5
6
2
1
6
3 2
4
8
6
9
5
9
7
4
1
3
9
5
6
1
4 8 7
7 2 4
2
1
5
9
6
3
7 9 4 1
8 3 6 2
8 7 5
2
Solutions
72
MUHIBAH
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