Destinations

Greetings Readers! I visited Nyneish for the first time about a week ago. It has been around for over a year and it is one of those businesses I keep hearing about when I have chats about local bookshops and arts-and-crafts suppliers. It is tucked away in Seri in Bandar Seri Begawan. The best way I can think of to describe its location is that it is behind the Charcoal Restaurant in Seri. Either drive around or walk-through Charcoal. You won't miss it.

I walked in and I immediately thought to myself, "Nice. Very nice." You can tell there was thought put into the interior design and layout. The books are laid out in a very open-concept manner, as if to invite you to pick them up to have a flick through. There is a mini reading-bay in the middle of the store, and the arts-art-craft supplies are located towards the back of the store. There is even a 'gallery' section where you will find a number of local pieces up for display (with some for sale). Dare I say for the brief few moments that I was browsing, it felt as if I was not in Brunei.

It is worth the visit. For more information, check them out on Facebook here.

Napoleon Bonaparte rightly said that "a picture is worth a thousand words." This is a simple truth. Imagine with me for a while. I would like to tell you about a double chocolate souffle. When prepared correctly, it has a subtle crunch on the top, a bitter-sweet cocoa after-taste and a devilishly gooey core. I could spell out the ingredients, tell you how yummy it is, I could even pretend to speak like Jamie Oliver for you if that's your fancy! Or, I could just show you a picture of if. Your mind fills in the blanks. Your imagination kicks into overdrive and you can somehow...already taste it. How much deeper the experience once you actually taste the double chocolate souffle for yourself.

                                                  Source: MyRecipes.com

Speaking about experiencing things for yourselves, three days ago I attended the launch of the Brunei Art Forum (BAF) exhibition at the Waterfront Art Gallery in Bandar Seri Begawan. According to the press release, the BAF exhibition is "a showcase of artwork by BAF members, and it is supported by the Brunei Museum Department...The Exhibition brings together approximately 90 pieces of artwork by more than 35 local artists from various disciplines. It is a celebration of the emerging local voices and expressions in art". The Waterfront Art Gallery is open to the public until February 2012 and visitors are "encouraged to step into the gallery, relax and explore the individual artwork, which includes batik, abstract art, portraits and installations."

So I am driving along Jalan Muara and I see a sign which reads "German Shop - European & Mediterranean Products". Curiousity reached out and before I know it, there I am speaking with Imad Aljandali, the owner of the German Shop. I introduce myself and tell Imad I am a first time visitor to his shop. He welcomes me into his shop and tells me to have a look around. "Take your time" he says, and I do. I walk around and I immediately realise that nearly nothing is spelt out in English. Waldpilzsauce? Pfefferonen? Back-Oblaten? I ask Imad about this and he shares that his customers prefer it this way. I can understand why. The floor plan of the shop is no different from other mom-and-pop stores, but my reliance on the store assistant for translations trick my mind into thinking I am someplace outside of Brunei.

Imad Aljandali, owner of The German Shop

Let me just say this off the bat. I am a fan of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).  It started casually enough - I was just channel surfing and I came across the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). I cannot recall who was fighting who (this was back in 2009) but I have been a fanboy ever since. If you are unfamiliar with MMA, it is "is a full contact combat sport that allows the use of both striking and grappling techniques, both standing and on the ground, including boxing, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, muay Thai, kickboxing, taekwondo, karate, judo and other styles." (Wikipedia) The idea is simple. There is a specified 'fighting' space, a referee, strict rules, a few rounds, a time limit and two 'fighters'. Before the final bell, one wins either by knocking out or submitting the opponent, or by technical knock out (TKO) where the referee stops the fight. Otherwise, it is left to a few judges to decide.

Why am I a fanboy? Well, asides from the excitement of watching a 'fight', there is so (SO) much technique and discipline involved in MMA. Having said that, I should also say that I have never done any martial arts training. Ever. I have engaged in 'fights' with my (deserving) cousins, mimicking a few WWE moves, but proper martial arts? Nope. So when I heard about a new MMA gym in Kiarong...let's just say I was eager to visit and experience it for myself.

The Busiido Mixed Martial Arts gym. I do not have the exact street address but it is located in Kiarong, a few blocks away from the Fleur-de-Lys block. Drive into Simpang 69, off Jalan Kiarong and you will soon see a new grey and green building. The official grand opening will be later on this month, but for it is open to anyone from Monday to Friday, 5.00pm to 9.30pm.

Brazilian Jiu-jitsu techniques demonstration

Busiido MMA gym layout

December is a great month to look back and reflect on the year just past, and to look forward to the year ahead (resolutions anyone?). It is generally one of those months where people take leave for holidays, travels, spring cleaning sessions, etc. In Brunei, December also marks the academic year end of many schools with the kids enjoying over three weeks of holidays. Travelers from overseas also visit our shores either in transit, for family, to relax or to take in the sights and sounds of the Heart of Borneo.

If you are visiting or planning a visit to Brunei, or if you are locals wanting to spend a night or a few at the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan, why not consider The Brunei Hotel, where exclusivity meets chic hospitality. All their rooms come inclusive of a buffet breakfast at Choices Restaurant and complementary minibar use. Travelers will appreciate that it is walking distance from all the major banks, the Yayasan Mall, Kampung Ayer, Taman SOAS, the iconic Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Tamu Kianggeh, etc. Additionally, it is one of the best rated hotels in Bandar Seri Begawan based on Trip Advisor; here are some of the comments from past visitors courtesy of Trip Advisor.

Wonderful hotel and location, 16th September 2011: Stayed at the hotel for 5 nights on the way back from Singapore to Australia for a second holiday, it's in the center of town, the staff are friendly and helpful, the room was very clean with a flat screen TV, a DVD player, small fridge, kettle, cups, tea and coffee provided and free soft drinks in the fridge with free internet access if you have a laptop, has a nice toilet shower unit with a universal plug for a razor, the included free breakfast was wonderful, tea and coffee, orange juice, serial toast, jam, noodles, rice, vegetables, meat or eggs omelete, bean sausages, you just helped yourself. The hotel is about 100 meters from the main bus terminal...Cannot fault the room the service the location or price, would defiantly stay there again.

Good value for money, 7th October 2011: Stayed one night at this hotel and found it to be very good value for money. Rooms were very clean and had everything you could want. Bathroom was a little small but manageable. Breakfast was good and included in price. Staff were very helpful. Hotel is in good position in town close to shops and the river. Wouldn't hesitate to stay here again.

Brunei Stopover, 20th November 2011: Had an 11 hour stopover enroute from London to Melbourne. Travelling With our 20 month boy this was a welcome stop. The hotel was included in the airfare with Royal Brunei airlines. We were picked up from the airport and were in our room within 20 minutes. The hotel is located across the road from a large market and a few minutes' walk to shops and restaurants. The rooms are large enough, clean and very comfortable. Most importantly for us, the black out blinds were great and enabled us to get much needed sleep. A great hotel for a stopover.

Double Deluxe