MAJESTY IN THE SKY
Transcription
MAJESTY IN THE SKY
JULY | AUGUST 2011 Inflight Magazine of Royal Brunei Airlines • July/August 2011 Muhibah_JulAug2011_Cover.indd 1 MAJESTY IN THE SKY HIS MAJESTY SULTAN HAJI HASSANAL BOLKIAH MU’IZZADDIN WADDAULAH www.bruneiair.com 15/6/11 12:06:34 PM Dorchester Collection hotels are landmarks of individuality, prestige and comfort with peerless reputations that continue to attract royalty, dignitaries, celebrities, and an international set accustomed to the finer things in life. No matter where you stay each of our hotels offers a rich and unique provenance. See dorchestercollection.com Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival 15 June – 31 August 2011 Malaysia Year End Sale 15 November 2011 – 1 January 2012 F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N , P L E A S E C O N TA C T T O U R I S M M A L AY S I A ( B R U N E I ) , T E L : + 6 7 3 - 2 3 8 1 5 7 5 / + 6 7 3 - 2 3 8 1 5 7 6 O R W W W. F A C E B O O K . C O M / T O U R I S M M A L AY S I A . B N Muhibah_JulAug2011_Cover.indd 2 The Dorchester The Beverly Hills Hotel Le Meurice Hôtel Plaza Athénée Hotel Principe di Savoia The New York Palace Hotel Bel-Air Coworth Park 45 Park Lane LONDON BEVERLY HILLS PARIS PARIS MILAN NEW YORK LOS ANGELES ASCOT LONDON 15/6/11 12:06:48 PM Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd1 1 15/6/11 2:22:20 PM IN THIS ISSUE... 10 20 26 58 COVER His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. Photographed by Rudolf Portillo. Editorial board Advisor Royal Brunei Airlines GM, Corporate Affairs Azhani Daniel Editorial Russell Knox, Dian Idris Editorial & production General Manager Jacqueline W M Wong Editor Anis Ramli Editorial Assistant Kim Low Studio Manager Ken Lau Digital Media Designer Michele Tee Coordinator Sa’adiah Hj Abas Printing Brunei Press Sdn. Bhd., Brunei Darussalam Imagery & colour separation Digital Impressions Sdn. Bhd., Malaysia 2 Publishing & sales Digital Impressions Lot 20010, Taman Alam, Jalan Telanai Beribi, Gadong BE1118 P. O. Box 577, Bandar Seri Begawan BS8671 Brunei Darussalam T: +673 2654 851 F: +673 2650 276 E: muhibah@digital-impressions.org Advertising enquiries Digital Impressions Lot 20010, Taman Alam, Jalan Telanai, Beribi Gadong BE1118 Bandar Seri Begawan BS8671 Brunei Darussalam T: +673 2654 851 F: +673 2650 276 E: dgtlexpr@brunet.bn FEATURES 20 Wonderfully Wild Melbourne’s Phillip Island. 26 The Penultimate Pastime Shopping Singapore style. 30 Cultural Capers Exploring Dubai’s heritage. 36 Traces of the Past Old Shanghai uncovered. 44 Green Footsteps Vacation with a conscience. Muhibah is published by Digital Impressions. All rights reserved. Copyright by Royal Brunei Airlines. Unsolicited materials will be returned only if accompanied by a selfaddressed envelope and sufficient return postage. While every reasonable care is taken by the editor, no responsibility is assumed for the return of unsolicited material. The contents of this magazine are entirely the personal views of the author(s) and/or contributors and do not in any way reflect the views or opinions of the publisher. The publisher disclaims all and any liability to any person arising from the printing, sale or use of the materials in this magazine. The Editorial team reserves the right to edit and/or rewrite all materials according to the needs of the publication upon usage. Muhibah is complimentary for passengers on Royal Brunei Airlines. It is also available on subscription at BND7 per copy, excluding postage. Alternatively, log on www.bruneiair.com for e-Muhibah. MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd2 2 16/6/11 11:24:07 AM 30 36 64 44 70 WELCOME ONBOARD 50 Best of Brunei Patriotic Art 54 Keistimewaan Brunei Seni Patriotik 04 Deputy Chairman’s Message 06 Inside RBA 72 Selamat Datang 74 Brunei International Airport Motoring The Beetle, Volkswagen 75 Traveller’s Guide In Person His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah 76 Route Map & Destinations Guide 78 Abode of Peace LIFESTYLE 58 10 62 62 The Buzz What’s New 64 Take 5 Malacca 70 Travel Diary Media & sales representatives • AUSTRIA Publimedia GmbH, T: (43) 1 211 53 61, F: (43) 1 21 21 602, E: fcsokor@publicitas.com • AUSTRALIA Mass Media Publicitas, T: (61) 2 9252 3476, F: (61) 2 9251 3726, E: ppn-australia@publicitas.com • CANADA McGown/INTERMAC - Publicitas, T: (514) 7355191, F: (514) 3429406, E: tgalic@publicitas.com • CHINA Publicitas (Beijing) Advertising Co., Ltd., Rm 1108, Derun Tower, No. 3 Yong’an Dongli, Jianwai Avenue, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100022, T: (86) 10 5879 5885 ext. 328, F: (86) 10 5879 3884, E: wendy.lin@ publicitas.com.cn • FRANCE Publicitas S.A., T: (33) 1 53 64 88 76, F: (33) 1 45 00 94 81, E: mbadollefeick@publicitas.com • GERMANY Publicitas Germany GmbH, T: (49) 89 921 06 10, F: (49) 89 921 06 30, E: ppn-frankfurt@publicitas.com • HONG KONG Emphasis Media Limited, T: (852) 2516 1000, F: (852) 2561 3349, Email: acheung@emphasis.net • ITALY Siper Media SpA, T: (39) 027 6007743, F: (39) 027 6006836, E: jbigan@publicitas.com • INDIA Mediascope Publicitas, T: (91) 22 2204 8890, F: (91) 2282 4889, E: ppn-india@ publicitas.com • INDONESIA PT Medianet Intisarana, T: (62) 21 798 7314, F: (62) 21 798 7316, E: mediana@centrin.net.id • JAPAN Nakayama Media International Inc., Fonte Aoyama 701, 2-22-14 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062, T: 81-3-3479-6131 / F: 81-3-3479-6130. E: nmi@tka.att.ne.jp • KOREA DooBee Inc., T: (82) 23702 1742, (82) 23702 1777, E: dbi@doobee.com • MALAYSIA Publicitas International Sdn Bhd, T: (603) 7729 6923, F: (603) 7729 7115, E: scheng@publicitas.com • MIDDLE EAST Integrated Advertising Services FZ LLC, T: (971) 4 391 3360, E: info@iasmedia.com • NEPAL Media South Asia (P) Ltd., T: (977) 1442 0848, F: (977) 1442 1179, E: mediarep@mos.com.np • PHILIPPINES Adreflex International, T: (632) 638 8374, F: (977) 1442 1179, E: clang-garcia@adreflexintl.com • SPAIN Publicitas Internacional, S.A., T: (34) 91 323 79 18, F: (34) 91 323 79 23, E: aokumura@publicitas.com • SINGAPORE Emphasis (SINGAPORE), T: (65) 6735 8681, F: (65) 6733 5681, E: jong@emphasis.net • SOUTH AFRICA International Media Representatives (Pty ) Ltd, T: (27) 11 258 4250, F: (27) 11 258 4043, E: gisela@imrsa.co.za • SWEDEN Publicitas Nordic AB, T: (46) 8 442 7050, F: (46) 8 442 7059, E: mtsaving@ publicitas.com • SWITZERLAND Triservice S.A., T: (41) 22 796 46 26, F: (41) 22 797 02 70, E: info@triservice.ch • THAILAND Thai Representation Limited, T: (662) 332 0503-4, F: (662) 331 9303, E: thitiporn.p@sharmathailand.com • TAIWAN Emphasis (Taiwan), T: (886) 2 2764 5011, F: (886) 22760 8439, E: advertising@procomintl.com.tw • UNITED KINGDOM The Powers Turner Group, T: (44) 207 592 8333, F: (44) 207 592 8301, E: cmorgan@publicitas.com • UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Publicitas North America, 330 Seventh Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10001, T: (1) 212-330-0729, F: (1) 212 599 8298, E: laura.saitta@publicitas.com JULY | AUGUST 2011 Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd3 3 3 15/6/11 2:22:49 PM WELCOME ONBOARD DEPUTY CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE RBA First Officers Zulkhair Abdullah and Muhammad Al-Aqib Hj Jamain trained as part of the 38th and 39th Cadet Pilot intakes respectively. Dear Guests, Welcome aboard. On 15th July, Brunei Darussalam celebrates the 65th birthday of His Majesty, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. His Majesty has always had a keen interest in aviation and is a certified pilot for both aeroplanes and helicopters. In this issue, we are proud to have a feature on His Majesty’s Special Achievement Wings Award commemorating His Majesty’s 40 Years of Flight. To support the development of commercial aviation in Brunei, Royal Brunei Airlines runs a Cadet Pilot training programme with the Scholarship Section at the Ministry of Education. The programme is designed to equip young Bruneians with the technical skills, academic qualifications and flying hours experience required to join Royal Brunei Airlines as a First Officer. Since the start of the programme in 1978, 108 graduates have passed and flown the friendly skies. Check out eMuhibah at www.bruneiair.com 4 On the destination front, if you’re in or heading to Melbourne we would recommend paying Phillip Island a visit. Just 90 minutes from the city, you can get away from the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in nature, beautiful sceneries and vistas. And don’t forget to imbibe the fresh seafood. Home to a colony of fairy penguins and other wildlife, visitors have been coming to Phillip Island since the 1920s. One of the highlights of a Philip Island tour is watching fairy penguins suddenly appearing on the beach as soon as it gets dark and then making their way to their burrows inland. It is indeed a sight to behold. Meanwhile in Singapore, those who prefer shopping should take a trip to The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands where international designers have opened glittering new boutiques. Finally, as you make your way further west for a getaway, Dubai offers great options for getting in touch with Emirati culture. Our article on Dubai in this issue will bring you to the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding that offers visitors a unique glimpse of the city. As always thank you for flying with Royal Brunei Airlines. With Warm Wishes, Dermot Mannion Deputy Chairman MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd4 4 15/6/11 2:23:15 PM Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd5 5 15/6/11 2:23:29 PM WELCOME ONBOARD INSIGHTS Inside RBA Roundup of Royal Brunei Airlines happenings Royal Skies Prize Presentation In May, Ms Wajihah Abas won a Royal Skies air miles award ticket to Melbourne in The Empire Hotel & Country Club’s Mother’s Day promotion. RBA Manager Loyalty Marketing, Yasmin Jennifer Abdullah Chin, presented the prize along with the hotel’s General Manager, Desmond Acheson. Other lucky winners received a diamond ring sponsored by Twinkles Jewellery, and vouchers from the hotel. The Mother’s Day promotion at The Empire Hotel & Country Club was sponsored by Baiduri Bank and supported by Royal Skies and Twinkles Jewellery. Royal Brunei Airlines Partners with Amadeus As part of Royal Brunei Airlines’ goal to provide the best customer service, the airline has partnered with leading technology company, Amadeus, to power the online booking service on our website www.bruneiair.com. Thanks to the new Amadeus internet booking engine, purchasing tickets on RBA’s website will be even easier and more user-friendly. Watch this space for more updates on the improved online experience that will be launched soon. Pilot Career Talk Sekolah Menengah Masin invited two pilots from Royal Brunei Airlines to give a career presentation on 30 May. Over 60 Form 4 and Form 5 students attended to meet Captain Amir and First Officer Izzuddin, who spoke about RBA’s cadet pilot training programme which offers training scholarships to Bruneian students. 6 MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd6 6 15/6/11 2:23:33 PM Royal Brunei Airlines at the Sarawak Travel Fair Royal Brunei Airlines was proud to participate in the recent Sarawak Travel Fair in April. Launched by guest of honour Dato’ Rashid Khan, Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Tourism Board, the fair was also attended by Dato’ Abdullah Sani Omar, High Commissioner of Malaysia in Brunei and Jamilah Abdul Halim, Director of Tourism Malaysia (Brunei), among others. Royal Brunei Airlines promoted special fares to Kuching while travel agents and hoteliers promoted holiday packages around Sarawak. The three-day event was jointly organised by Sarawak Tourism Board and Tourism Malaysia (Brunei). Overlooking Kensington Palace and Gardens is exclusive Cheval Thorney Court. The business or leisure address for three weeks or more. It offers a host of facilities designed to enhance your comfort, convenience and security. A place to stay. A place to entertain. A place to call home. For sheer luxury, space and value, nowhere else comes close. Cheval Hyde Park Gate is a classic example of Victorian splendour. Just sixteen magnificently proportioned apartments, exclusively reserved for individuals at the top of their profession. Designed for living and entertaining in the grand manner, it is unsurpassed. For a three month or more residence in London, there is simply no finer place to stay. OUR APARTMENTS ARE AS STUNNING AS THE VIEWS C H E VA L R E S I D E N C E S - LO N D O N ’ S M O S T E L E G A N T S E R V I C E D A PA R T M E N T S Cheval Thorney Court Palace Gate, Kensington, London W8 5NJ Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd7 7 Cheval Hyde Park Gate 2 - 4 Hyde Park Gate, Kensington, London SW7 5EW Tel: +44 (0)20 7581 5324 www.chevalresidences.com 15/6/11 2:23:39 PM Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd8 8 15/6/11 2:23:42 PM Dirgahayu Our heartfelt congratulations and warmest wishes to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam on the occasion of His Majesty’s 65th Birthday Long Live Your Majesty www.dst-group.com Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd9 9 from The Board Of Directors, Management & Staff 15/6/11 2:23:53 PM LIFESTYLE IN PERSON Majesty in the Sky His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, honoured for his passion in aviation. WORDS JACQUELINE WONG IMAGES HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN’S FLIGHT 10 MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd10 10 15/6/11 2:23:57 PM LEFT TO RIGHT His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah as a young boy during one of his early plane rides; His Majesty, photographed in 1988, in the cockpit of his personal helicopter, the Sikorsky S76 (Spirit). OPPOSITE PAGE The Bandar Seri Begawan, a mobile palace in the sky. O n a fine, balmy evening in May 2008, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, E. Ahamed, led a welcoming delegation at Palam Indian Air Force Base in New Delhi to receive one of the country’s very important guests. His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, was on an official four-day visit to India, His Majesty’s first in over a decade. As His Excellency Minister Ahamed was waiting for the monarch to disembark from the royal aircraft Bandar Seri Begawan, he was getting increasingly worried when His Majesty took a much longer time to appear. When Brunei Darussalam’s head of state finally made an appearance, the monarch explained to the bewildered minister that the delay was because His Majesty needed some time to come out from the cockpit because he had flown the aircraft himself – a Boeing 747! For those unfamiliar with His Majesty’s deftness at piloting aircraft, Brunei’s head of state is one of the world’s few royals who is not only able to steer his country towards prosperity, but also his own fleet of aircraft. His Majesty has flown himself through long haul flights for official visits and to scenes of devastations for relief efforts, such as the tsunami catastrophe that hit Indonesia’s Banda Aceh in 2004. His Majesty’s passion for flying comes as no surprise if one were to recall his early days. Flying since young and a pilot since the early 1970s, His Majesty still finds immense enjoyment and freedom in flying; where the journey provides him with a platform to unwind. On February 2011, to commemorate His Majesty’s 40th anniversary of flight achievements, His Majesty was presented with a Special Wings by Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Ratna Wijaya Brigadier General (R) Pengiran Haji Hasnan bin Pengiran Ahmad, his flight tutor and also the Director of His Majesty the Sultan’s Flight (HMSF). The conferment, which took place onboard the Bandar Seri Begawan, one of His Majesty’s favourite aircraft, was in recognition of His JULY | AUGUST 2011 Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd11 11 11 15/6/11 2:24:05 PM LIFESTYLE IN PERSON Majesty’s tenacious passion in aviation. His Majesty was also presented with a unique set of Propellers Cufflinks and a Certificate for Special Achievement Award in the simple ceremony. As a young prince, His Majesty used to accompany his father, the late Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Omar ’Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, to Brunei’s remote interiors and villages. In the early 1950s, with no proper roads or infrastructure to access these remote interiors, these royal visits were often executed by propeller airplanes. The ‘flying’ visits later proved to be a viable solution once His Majesty ascended the throne, fitting perfectly into his hectic schedule while remaining in constant touch with his subjects and the progress of the nation. As far as aircraft preference goes, His Majesty is equally fascinated by both rotary and fixed wing aircraft. Under the astute guidance of Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Ratna Wijaya Brigadier General (R) Pengiran Haji Hasnan, His Majesty soon mastered the skills to pilot both aircraft. “His Majesty proved to be an apt and attentive student. To be able to fly an aircraft takes fortitude and courage. The fact that His Majesty is qualified to fly a wide range of aircraft, including the Black Hawk, Sikorsky, Airbus and Boeing to name a few, is indeed an exceptional and praiseworthy feat. It takes years of flying experience for a pilot to master and be familiar with one aircraft let alone many as His Majesty clearly has,” lauded Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Ratna Wijaya Brigadier General (R) Pengiran Haji Hasnan, who today remains one of His Majesty’s trusted aides. Flying monarchs are not new to history. His Majesty’s love for flying was very much like those of past royals such as the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII). When he became King in 1936, he was also the first British monarch ever to pilot an aircraft. There were also the late King Hussein of Jordan, whose son and present ruler, King Abdullah II, is also an accomplished helicopter and jet-fighter pilot. Upon ascending the throne in 1967, His Majesty made increasing use of aircraft for travel through the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF). In January 1971, concerned that the increase in official duties were stretching RBAF’s capacity to operate optimally, His Majesty took delivery of a Hawker Siddeley 748 for the sole use of the Royal Family (although it was deployed as a rescue aircraft when not in use by His Majesty). His Majesty’s first acquired personal aircraft was the Sikorsky S76 (Spirit) helicopter in 1979. It was the most realistic of choices as a helicopter is more flexible on where it can land, particularly with Brunei’s topography of narrow coastal plains and hilly terrain. The Sikorsky S76 was also a fast and an agile helicopter with outstanding capabilities. With His Majesty’s increased use of aircraft for domestic travel and abroad, His Majesty decided to form his own ‘aviation unit’. On September 1979, His Majesty the Sultan’s Flight was formed as a royal aviation unit for the sole use 12 MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd12 12 15/6/11 2:24:25 PM BRUNEI INFORMATION DEPARTMENT of His Majesty and the Royal Family. The individual tasked with the huge responsibility to create and run His Majesty’s first dedicated air unit was none other than Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Ratna Wijaya Brigadier General (R) Pengiran Haji Hasnan, whose years and experience in aviation was deeply valued by the monarch. ABOVE His Majesty piloting a Royal Brunei Air Force Bolkow 105 helicopter during one of his official engagements. LEFT His Majesty is all confidence as he takes to the skies. This is one of his early flights on the Sikorsky S76 in 1980. Today, the HMSF handles all air transport for His Majesty and the Royal Family through an immaculate fleet of aircraft that includes Sikorskys, Black Hawks, Boeings and Airbuses. In the early days, HMSF operated only through one hangar, a heliport, and supported by a handful of personnel. Through the years, HMSF has expanded to include two additional hangars able to accommodate international flights and His Majesty’s growing fleet of aircraft. Thirty years on, the original Hangar 1 continues to handle His Majesty’s domestic travel operations by helicopter while Hangar 2 has evolved into a full-fledged ‘airport’, equipped with state-of-the art facilities complete with aircraft maintenance and repair facilities, refueling depots and ancillary buildings. Meanwhile, Hangar 3 was handed over to the RBAF, and subsequently to Royal Brunei Airlines. HMSF itself grew from just a few staff to 500 employees, each one a dedicated personnel with staff on standby 24 hours a day. With various nationalities working together under one department, HMSF is often fondly referred to as a mini ‘United Nations’. Since it began operations, HMSF has embodied the spirit of partnership in aviation and avionics, partnering the world’s best and reputed names in the industry, including Lufthansa Technik AG, L-3 Communications, Air Routing International and Flight Safety International. Aerospace giants such as Airbus, Boeing and Sikorsky, who have been with HMSF since its inception, remain very much a part of the HMSF family. His Majesty’s Special Flight Achievement Award conferment could not have come at a better time. As HMSF commemorates over 30 years of successful partnerships and milestones in royal aviation, His Majesty’s 40 years of flying is a subtle reminder of a young man’s passion in aviation. JULY | AUGUST 2011 Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd13 13 13 15/6/11 2:24:43 PM LIFESTYLE IN PERSON Keagungan di Langit Biru 14 MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd14 14 15/6/11 2:24:48 PM Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah merupakan segelintir Kerabat Diraja dunia serta ketua negara yang berkebolehan memandu sendiri pesawat. Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, sememangnya terkenal dengan minat Baginda yang mendalam dalam arena penerbangan. JABATAN PENERBANGAN BRUNEI TEKS JACQUELINE WONG IMEJ DIGITAL IMPRESSIONS JULY | AUGUST 2011 Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd15 15 15 15/6/11 2:25:07 PM LIFESTYLE IN PERSON S uatu lewat petang pada bulan Mei 2008, Yang Berbahagia E. Ahamed selaku Menteri Luar Negara India telah mengetuai sebuah rombongan di Pangkalan Tentera Udara Palam, New Delhi, untuk menyambut ketibaan tetamu negara yang penting. Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan dan Yang DiPertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, berkenan membuat lawatan rasmi selama empat hari ke India, merupakan lawatan pertama Baginda sejak lebih daripada satu dekad. BAWAH KIRI Bahagian dalaman bangunan Hangar 2 menempatkan beberapa bahagian dan unit operasi PKDYMM. BAWAH KANAN Pesawat Boeing 747 dan 767 berparkir di dalam Hangar 2. Platform teleskopik yang serba canggih kelihatan di infrastruktur siling Hangar 2. 16 Sementara Yang Berbahagia Menteri Ahamed sedang menunggu Baginda berangkat keluar dari pesawat Diraja Bandar Seri Begawan, beliau merasa semakin gelisah apabila Baginda memakan masa yang lebih lama daripada biasa untuk muncul dari pesawat tersebut. Sejurus kemunculan pemerintah Negara Brunei Darussalam, Baginda menjelaskan kepada Menteri Ahamed yang masih kelihatan resah serta bingung bahawa kelewatan Baginda itu adalah kerana Baginda sedang keluar dari kokpit, setelah Baginda sendiri yang memandu pesawat tersebut – sebuah pesawat Boeing 747! Bagi mereka yang tidak mengetahui kemahiran Baginda dalam menerbangkan pesawat, pemerintah Negara Brunei Darussalam merupakan salah seorang daripada beberapa Kerabat Diraja dan ketua negara yang bukan hanya mampu menerajui negara Baginda menuju hala kemakmuran, tetapi turut mahir mengetuai sebuah armada pesawat peribadi Baginda. Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah pernah memandu sendiri dalam penerbangan jarak jauh bagi beberapa lawatan rasmi Baginda selain turut memandu sendiri pesawat ke kawasan bencana alam dalam usaha menghulurkan bantuan kepada mangsa bencana, seperti bencana tsunami yang telah melanda Banda Aceh pada tahun 2004. Keghairahan Baginda memandu pesawat tidaklah begitu menghairankan jika diteliti waktu remaja Baginda sebelum ini. Pengalaman Baginda menaiki kapal terbang sejak putera muda lagi dan juga merupakan seorang juruterbang sejak awal tahun 1970-an, Baginda masih teruja menikmati keseronokan dan kebebasan semasa menaiki pesawat; selama mana perjalanan membawa Baginda, ia bagaikan menyediakan suatu tapak bagi Baginda untuk bertenangan fikiran dan menceburi minat penuh Baginda. Pada bulan Februari 2011, sempena memperingati ulang tahun ke-40 pencapaian khas penerbangan Baginda, Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd16 16 15/6/11 2:25:18 PM LUFTHANSA TECHNIK AG ATAS KIRI Membersihkan pesawat merupakan tugas yang berat di mana ia melibatkan jentera berat termasuk sebuah kren khas. ATAS KANAN Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam berkenan melawat Pangkalan Lufthansa di Hamburg, Negara Jerman pada Julai 1989, di mana Baginda mengunjungi kemudahan dan perkhidmatan yang disediakan oleh Lufthansa. Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, dianugerahkan dengan Sayap Istimewa (Special Wings) oleh Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Ratna Wijaya Brigadier Jeneral (R) Pengiran Haji Hasnan bin Pengiran Ahmad, Pengarah Unit Penerbangan Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia atau PKDYMM (His Majesty the Sultan’s Flight, HMSF) dan beliau juga merupakan bekas tutor penerbangan Baginda. Penganugerahan istimewa tersebut yang berlangsung di atas Bandar Seri Begawan, salah satu pesawat kegemaran Baginda, adalah satu pengiktirafan khas ke atas minat padu Baginda dalam arena penerbangan. Baginda turut menerima satu set ‘Propellers Cufflinks’ yang direka khas unik dan juga Sijil Anugerah Pencapaian Penerbangan Khas dalam upacara yang diadakan secara sederhana itu. dua jenis pesawat tersebut. “Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan terbukti seorang yang berkebolehan dan pelajar yang amat menumpukan perhatian. Membina kemahiran dan kemampuan menerbangkan pesawat memerlukan kesungguhan dan keberanian. Kelayakan Baginda untuk memandu pelbagai jenis pesawat antaranya termasuk Black Hawk, Sikorsky, Airbus serta Boeing, adalah satu pencapaian luar biasa yang wajar dipuji. Ianya memerlukan pengalaman selama bertahun-tahun bagi seorang juruterbang untuk menguasai dan membiasakan diri dengan satu jenis pesawat apatah lagi membina kemahiran mengendalikan pelbagai jenis pesawat seperti yang jelas dimiliki oleh Baginda Sultan,” itulah pujian yang diberi oleh Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Ratna Wijaya Brigadier Jeneral (R) Pengiran Haji Hasnan, yang hari ini tetap antara orang kepercayaan Baginda. Semasa Baginda masih putera muda, Baginda sering menemani ayahanda, Al-Marhum Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, melawat ke kampung dan desa yang terpencil di pelusuk negara. Pada awal tahun 1950-an, Brunei masih tidak wujud jalan raya yang teratur mahupun infrastruktur yang terancang yang menghubungkan kawasan pedalaman, maka lawatan rasmi Kerabat Diraja selalunya dijalankan menggunakan kapal terbang berkipas. ‘Lawatan terbang’ ini kelak terbukti menjadi pilihan yang tepat kerana setelah Baginda menaiki takhta Negara Brunei Darussalam dan kian padat jadual Baginda, ianya membolehkan Baginda tetap berkesempatan beramah mesra dengan rakyat jelata walau pun kesibukan, sambil memastikan kemajuan bangsa dan negara. Kaum Kerabat Diraja yang mempunyai minat dalam penerbangan bukanlah suatu perkara baru di dalam sejarah. Minat mendalam Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah terhadap pesawat hampir sama dengan para bangsawan masa lalu seperti Putera Wales (kemudian Raja Edward VIII). Tatkala baginda menaiki takhta dan menjadi Raja pada tahun 1936, baginda juga merupakan raja Inggeris pertama mampu memandu sebuah pesawat. Begitu juga Al-Marhum Raja Hussein dari Jordan, di mana putera Al-Marhum dan juga pemerintah Jordan masa kini, Raja Abdullah II, merupakan seorang juruterbang helikopter dan jet pejuang yang bertauliah. Di samping minat yang mendalam terhadap pesawat, Baginda turut mengagumi keduadua pesawat jenis rotari dan pesawat bersayap tetap. Di bawah bimbingan mantap dari Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Ratna Wijaya Brigadier Jeneral (R) Pengiran Haji Hasnan, Baginda berjaya menguasai kemahiran mengendalikan kedua- Setelah menaiki takhta pada tahun 1967, Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah meningkatkan lagi penggunaan pesawat untuk penerbangan Baginda melalui Angkatan Bersenjata Diraja Brunei atau ABDB (Royal Brunei Armed Forces, RBAF). Pada JULY | AUGUST 2011 Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd17 17 17 15/6/11 2:25:47 PM JABATAN PENERBANGAN BRUNEI LIFESTYLE IN PERSON ATAS Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah berkenan melihat secara terperinci sebuah pesawat jet di pertunjukan Aerobatik Udara ‘Patrouille de France’ di Perancis. bulan Januari 1971, menyedari kekerapan penggunaan pesawat bagi tujuan rasmi Diraja akan menghalang ABDB untuk beroperasi secara optimum, Baginda secara rasmi menerima sebuah pesawat Siddeley Hawker 748 untuk kegunaan tunggal keluarga Kerabat Diraja (walaupun pesawat itu juga dijadikan pesawat penyelamat ketika tidak digunakan oleh Baginda). Pesawat peribadi pertama yang dimiliki oleh Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ialah sebuah helikopter Sikorsky S76 (Spirit) pada tahun 1979. Ia merupakan suatu pilihan realistik memandangkan helikopter lebih fleksibel kerana ia mudah mendarat, sesuai bagi topografi Negara Brunei Darussalam yang dilitupi dataran pantai yang sempit dan tanah yang berbukit. Sikorsky S76 juga sebuah helikopter yang pantas dan responsif dengan kemampuan yang amat mengagumkan. Peningkatan dalam penggunaan pesawat untuk penerbangan domestik dan juga antarabangsa justeru memberi dorongan untuk Baginda memutuskan menubuhkan sebuah ‘unit penerbangan’ Baginda sendiri. Pada bulan September 1979, Penerbangan Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia (PKDYMM) telah ditubuhkan sebagai satu unit penerbangan Diraja khusus untuk kegunaan Baginda sendiri di samping keluarga Kerabat Diraja Baginda. Individu yang diberi kepercayaan untuk memegang tanggung jawab yang besar untuk membentuk dan menguruskan unit penerbangan pertama PKDYMM tidak lain daripada Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Ratna Wijaya Brigadier Jeneral (R) Pengiran Haji Hasnan, di mana kepakaran dan pengalaman beliau dalam bidang penerbangan sangat dihargai oleh Baginda. 18 Pada hari ini, PKDYMM menguruskan semua pengangkutan udara Baginda serta keluarga Kerabat Diraja melalui sebuah armada pesawat yang terjaga rapi termasuk pesawat Sikorsky, Black Hawk, Boeing dan Airbus. Semasa awal penubuhannya, operasi PKDYMM dikendalikan hanya melalui sebuah hangar yang juga merupakan sebuah heliport, dengan tenaga kerja yang terhad. Bertahun kemudian, operasi PKDYMM diperluaskan dan kini merangkumi dua buah hangar yang mampu menguruskan penerbangan antarabangsa dan juga memuatkan armada pesawat Baginda yang kian bertambah. Selepas 30 tahun berlalu, Hangar 1 yang asal terus menangani operasi penerbangan domestik menggunakan helikopter, manakala Hangar 2 telah berkembang menjadi sebuah ‘lapangan terbang’, dilengkapi dengan alat-alat kemudahan penerbangan canggih dan juga perkhidmatan yang lengkap beserta kemudahan penyelenggaraan dan pembaikan pesawat, stesen mengisi bahan bakar pesawat, dan juga bangunan sampingan. Sementara itu, Hangar 3 telah diserahkan kepada ABDB, dan kemudiannya kepada Penerbangan Diraja Brunei. PKDYMM yang pada mulanya mempunyai beberapa orang kakitangan kini telah berkembang dan meningkat kepada 500 orang kakitangan, masing-masing berdedikasi beserta staf yang sentiasa bersiap sedia 24 jam sehari. Dengan pelbagai kaum, bangsa dan kewarganegaraan bekerja di bawah satu bumbung, PKDYMM seringkali digelar sebagai ‘Pertubuhan Bangsa-bangsa Bersatu Mini’. Sejak ia mula beroperasi, PKDYMM telah mewakili semangat kerjasama dalam pengurusan penerbangan dan avioniknya, dengan menjalinkan perhubungan persekutuan dengan beberapa organisasi terbaik dan tersohor dalam industri ini, termasuk Lufthansa Technik AG, L-3 Communications, Air Routing International dan Flight Safety International. Firma pesawat gergasi seperti Airbus, Boeing dan Sikorsky, yang telah bekerjasama dengan PKDYMM sejak awal penubuhannya, kekal menjadi sebahagian daripada anggota keluarga PKDYMM. Penerimaan Anugerah Pencapaian Penerbangan Khas Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam disampaikan tepat pada masanya. Sejajar dengan ulang tahun memperingati penubuhan PKDYMM yang telah lebih dari 30 tahun menjalinkan kerjasama dan menjadi peristiwa signifikan dalam penerbangan Diraja, pengalaman penerbangan khas 40 tahun Baginda turut mengingatkan kita keghairahan seorang anak muda dalam arena penerbangan. MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd18 18 15/6/11 2:26:01 PM Dirgahayu It is with utmost gratitude and sincere appreciation on this most auspicious occasion, Lufthansa Technik and the Lufthansa Aviation Group send their most heartfelt birthday wishes to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. We are indeed proud, privileged and most honoured to have been of service to His Majesty The Sultan’s Flight and is assured of our continuous commitment and dedication in supporting HMSF’s flight operation and aircraft maintenance. Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd19 19 15/6/11 2:26:06 PM WONDERFULLY FEATURE 20 MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd20 20 15/6/11 2:26:14 PM NATURE PARKS AUSTRALIA There’s something surreal when nature is this accessible, but you’d better believe it at Phillip Island. WORDS ANIS RAMLI JULY | AUGUST 2011 Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd21 21 21 15/6/11 2:26:40 PM NATURE PARKS AUSTRALIA FEATURE S peak of Phillip Island and the first thing that comes to mind is its adorable resident colony of Fairy Penguins. Since the 1920s, when two enterprising islanders began organising nightly viewings of the penguins on Summerlands Beach, the sunset spectacle has shaped Phillip Island into one of the most recognisable tourist attractions in Victoria. NATURE PARKS AUSTRALIA Naturally, this island 90 minutes away from downtown Melbourne, has evolved into a wildlife getaway for those looking for a few hours’ escape from city life. Its natural tapestry that is both rich and vibrant hides a myriad of surprises. The wildlife lover will not be disappointed with Phillip Island’s residents that range from the fluffy to the cuddly, and the smiley to the scaly. What’s interesting about the wildlife is that whether you’re at the Penguin Parade, Seal Rocks, or the Koala Conservation Centre, the experience is as natural as they come. Wildlife guides are quick to remind visitors that unlike a zoo, guests are in the animals’ natural environment; the animals are not brought in to see you, you are brought in to see the animals. In some ways, this reversal of roles makes the visits even more interesting. At the elevated boardwalks of the Koala Conservation Centre, built to allow guests to burrow deeper and examine the koala’s natural habitat, some visitors appear frustrated when the koalas don’t appear on cue, forgetting that they are the privileged ones to be allowed into the marsupial’s environment and not vice versa. So the pace slows down, the cameras are up and ready, but it takes a little bit of patience, and a good eye, to spot the furry animals – which most time, being marsupials, don’t usually do anything except sleep. As the centre is set upon six-hectares of Australian bushland, guests can also look out for wallabies, possums and echidnas. One wallaby came exceptionally close to a guest, which was an exception, seeing that it was young, but just don’t expect them to scurry over to your outstretched hands. 22 MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd22 22 15/6/11 2:26:43 PM NATURE PARKS AUSTRALIA JULY | AUGUST 2011 Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd23 23 23 15/6/11 2:27:01 PM Philip NATURE PARKS AUSTRALIA FEATURE 24 Likewise at the Penguin Parade, the viewing platforms let visitors observe one of the world’s largest Fairy Penguins (also known as Little Penguins) colonies, although the ultimate nature lover can view them from a private beach strip with infrared goggles accompanied by a naturalist guide. Every evening, thousands of the penguins emerge from the sea and march across the beach, passing hordes of camera-toting visitors – and seemingly oblivious to the commotion they invite – back to their sand dune burrows. Some can lose their way and end up in the visitor parking bay or even beyond the centre’s compound, which makes for an amusing vacation anecdote later, but before you again offer them your outstretched hand, be forewarned that these penguins are wild animals and – they have a mean bite! Slightly safer from the beaks of tiny penguins is perhaps an outing to Seal Rocks, the breeding ground and nursery for over 20,000 Australian Fur Seals. An eco-cruise just under two hours takes you along Phillip Island’s scenic coast before the boat drifts within metres away from where the Fur Seals play. Bring binoculars to have a peek at the seals in their natural habitat and you’ll find they are as curious about you as you are about them. Nature lovers will also enjoy strolls amid the panoramic skies at Churchill Island, just off the coast of Phillip Island, that also has a Heritage Farm. This historic working farm offers plenty of hands-on farming demonstrations of a bygone era much to the delight of both kids and adults. Sheep shearing, cow milking, blacksmith and MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd24 24 15/6/11 2:27:04 PM A MAZE'N THINGS PANNY’S AMAZING WORLD OF CHOCOLATE Island working dog demonstrations all come together amid pony rides and an animal nursery, with its host of ducks and chickens, for a typical farm experience. In the summer, the area surrounding the farm overlooking the bay of Western Port and the surrounding mangroves becomes a popular spot for picnics and family feasts. The restored historic buildings, with one dating back to 1872, surrounded by its heritage gardens and a fruit orchard, are simply a joy to explore. A MAZE'N THINGS While Phillip Island has no shortage of friends with fur, fins and feathers to entertain, other parts of the island play host to a vast range of wholesome attractions. Panny’s Amazing World of Chocolate may seem worlds away to be ensconced in a nature and wildlife neighbourhood, but it does little to curb visitors’ excitement. Inside the chocolate factory is an interactive, hands-on exhibit area that lets you discover all there is to know about chocolate and its production. There’s a chocolate waterfall (that pours 400kg of chocolate every three minutes!), a make-your-own-chocolate station, and various chocolate portraits, statues and mini towns to admire. Best of all, Panny’s is generous with its free samples of Belgian chocolates, making this trip a treat at all levels. A few doors away at A Maze’N Things, you’ll be blown away by the centre’s mind boggling and stimulating optical illusions and exhibits. If you ever wondered about the tricks to Honey, I Shrunk The Kid or curious about gravity-defying acts, this is the place to uncover the secrets and science behind it. Bizarre but fun, it’s a stimulating excursion that can really challenge the mind and more. And what is an island without its glorious seafood? A visit to Phillip Island is incomplete without a stopover at Taylor’s Waterfront Restaurant. Its seafood platter – pile-high with fresh lobsters, prawns, mussels and more – is generously portioned that you’ll unlikely to go hungry again. What makes dining here even more memorable is the view: Huge picture windows provide some of the island’s best views across a rugged coast that look down onto crashing waves and a spectacular sunset. That is, if you’re not staking out the penguins on the same day … Royal Brunei Airlines flights to Melbourne operate four times weekly from Bandar Seri Begawan. JULY | AUGUST 2011 Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd25 25 25 15/6/11 2:27:26 PM FEATURE The Penultimate PASTIME When it comes to shopping, Singapore heads the list by reinventing the experience. ION ORCHARD WORDS SUMITHA CHANDRAN 26 MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd26 26 15/6/11 2:28:12 PM MARINA BAY SANDS© THIS PAGE Marina Bay Sands is today Singapore’s signature landmark. OPPOSITE PAGE Singapore shopping is all about luxury, quality goods. I t’s not just about Singapore being a shopping haven that has captured the imagination of many a-shopaholics. Rather, it’s the way the city’s malls have been designed and presented to re-energise the shopping experience. It’s what makes shopping in Singapore so exciting. Take the example of Chijmes Hall, a former 19th century girls’ convent transformed into a four-acre shopping arcade in 2007. Clever restoration works – not to mention impeccable foresight on the city officials’ part – took many of the nunnery’s original elements, including stained glass windows and the convent chapel, to turn it into one of Singapore’s most distinct shopping and F&B arcades. More recently, Singapore’s shopping scene also matches the gusto in which the compact city-state embraces its changing skyline. With the triple peaked Marina Bay Sands and its surrounding structures fast becoming a signature of the city, it was only apt to add a new shopping destination to the Marina Bay district. The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is a dazzling array of high end and luxury boutiques covering over 800,000 sqft that mixes retail with restaurant space. The unprecedented collection of brands includes new labels to Singapore – and possibly Asia – such as Anne Fontaine, iROO, Marisfrolg, Moiselle, Zadig & Voltaire. JULY | AUGUST 2011 Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd27 27 27 15/6/11 2:28:23 PM FEATURE What makes The Shoppes even more exciting is the cosmopolitan air that distinguishes it from the rest of Singapore’s malls. Here at The Shoppes, an open design provides shoppers with breathtaking views of Singapore’s city skyline. A central canal with sampan rides provides visitors a unique way to orientate themselves with the stores. At press time, works are in progress for the world’s first floating Louis Vuitton island, housed in a one-of-a-kind, striking glass and steel Crystal Pavilion store. Incidentally, next door to it is Paris-born luxury goods giant Cartier whose stand-alone boutique was designed by renowned French architect Bruno Moinard, known for his skill in employing light and space in creating welcoming yet luxurious environment. PARAGON ATRIUM PARAGON ATRIUM After its facelift, Paragon remains one of Orchard Road’s premier shopping options. Retail therapy aside, The Shoppes also pay tribute to some of the world’s most recognisable names in celebrity chefs. Tucked amid its 300-odd collection of renowned luxury brands and new, emerging designer labels are six new dining concepts headed by Mario Batali, Daniel Boulud, Wolfgand Puck, Guy Savoy, Tetsuya Wakuda and Singapore’s own Justin Quek. While the Marina Bay area may leave one breathless with its shopping option, the pulse of Singapore’s retail remains its iconic Orchard Road shopping belt. Prior to it being the city’s shopping mecca, Orchard Road was a residential area created for the Europeans and Eurasians living in the city. In the 1980s, developers began pouring money into the strip, building huge malls that continue to define the road today. 28 MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd28 28 15/6/11 2:28:35 PM But a lot has changed since the opulent Eighties when malls were nothing more than airconditioned fortresses devoid of character, let alone style. Today, many of the malls on Orchard Road have been given a fresh lease of life, with new facades and more. Case in point: Paragon. Its S$45 million facelift three years ago added not only a contemporary and elegantlooking facade, but three more floors of office and medical space as well as new stores. MBS BOUTIQUE Paragon itself is aimed at the well-heeled international visitors and fashionistas looking for the highest quality merchandise. Its upmarket clientele include Gucci, whose flagship store enjoys a looming five-storey shopfront presence. Elsewhere, Salvatore Ferragamo, Prada, Tod’s and Miu Miu provide duplex retail options, doubling the shopping experience for visitors. MARINA BAY SANDS© The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is filled with a dazzling array of high end brands. Of course, a mention of Orchard Road will be incomplete without its latest landmark, ION Orchard. With its unique free form design and shimmering ‘skin’, ION Orchard not only glitters during the day, but comes alive at night when its living canvas of thousands of LED lights light up at dusk. ION Orchard certainly adds a fresh vibe to the street and the retail atmosphere with its electrifying design. Inside, there are over 300 retail outlets providing the best shopping experience including giants of the fashion world: Christian Dior, Prada, Giorgio Armani and Louis Vuitton, to name a few. Additionally, ION Orchard is also the only mall in Singapore that offers a 5,600 sqft gallery space exhibiting Asian and Singapore modern and contemporary art and design, making this mall a meeting point for all levels. Royal Brunei Airlines flights to Singapore operate twice a day from Bandar Seri Begawan. JULY | AUGUST 2011 Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd29 29 29 15/6/11 2:29:08 PM FEATURE CULTURAL Capers There is Emirati culture to be discovered in Dubai! WORDS EMMA RAMSAY IMAGES SHEIKH MOHAMMED CENTRE FOR CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING 30 MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd30 30 15/6/11 2:30:16 PM D THIS PAGE The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was established to break down barriers between people of different nationalities and help understand traditions, culture and religion of the United Arab Emirates. OPPOSITE PAGE Walk through the unique narrow alleys and beautiful wind towers that adorn the historical district of Al Bastakiya. ubai can be an extraordinary place for the first time visitor. Overwhelming, in fact, with its excess on a grand scale juxtaposed against the immediate experience of the Islamic world. As far as first impressions go, it’s easy to conclude that Dubai has no real culture outside the trappings of a rich, consumer-focused, capitalist society; but indeed, this is just the superficial Dubai that most prefer to see. Beneath it all, Dubai really can fascinate and captivate. Increasingly, the Dubai Government continues addressing the importance of culture awareness; investing much into restoring culturally significant buildings and areas, such as the souks and Bastakiya. The government also encourages the proliferation of Arab culture through various projects, such as theme parks, and more recently, the arts scene, where fairs such as the annual Art Dubai has proven to be good, not only for business, but also in sustaining the art and cultural communities across the Gulf region. Others, such as the non-profit Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU), only deepen the city’s role. It lets visitors discover Dubai beyond the splendour of the malls, beaches and mega skyscrapers. Guided by the banner ‘Open Doors, Open Minds’, the Centre offers programmes that promote the understanding of Emirati culture and raise awareness of Islam, the country’s traditions and customs. In short, it tries to give visitors an insight into Dubai as a city of many layers. JULY | AUGUST 2011 Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd31 31 31 15/6/11 2:30:26 PM FEATURE The Jumeirah Mosque is the only mosque in Dubai open to the public and dedicated to receiving non-Muslim guests. 32 MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd32 32 15/6/11 2:30:31 PM For non-Muslims in particular, the Centre has proven to be an invaluable educational experience. Twice a week, SMCCU hosts a Cultural Breakfast event and Cultural Lunch, where guests enjoy a traditional Emirati fare in a relaxed atmosphere while having the opportunity to discuss with local Emirati host, the Centre’s General Manager, Nasif Kayed, on all aspects of Dubai culture and living. It’s a great way to have a crash course on all things Dubai and meeting like-minded individuals to swap stories and gain insights. The SMCCU also conducts walking tours which take them to the area around the Centre known as Al Bastakiya. Located on the west side of the Creek in the Bur Dubai district, Al Bastakiya is also one of Dubai’s oldest quarters. Once inhabited by wealthy Persian merchants in the late 19th century, the area has been painstakingly restored by the government in the 1980s. Today, visitors walk through narrow pedestrian alleyways that snake around the district admiring local architecture that includes wind-towered houses, a distinctive feature of Dubai’s heritage landscape. The wind tower, known as barjeel, was brought to Dubai by pearl and textile merchants from Iran’s Bastak region. Traditionally the number of barjeel that a house has indicates the owner’s wealth. Rising 15 metres above ground in coral-coloured stone and rose-beige clay, the towers were designed to catch cool breezes and direct them to the lower rooms, providing ventilation and reprieve from the Gulf’s hot weather. Conforming to Islamic traditions, each house also has two doors; the main entrance being larger than the inner door. The smaller, purpose-built design was to force male visitors to bend down and avert their eyes from looking at the women as they enter the home. In March, Al Bastikiya’s alleys and courtyard houses come alive with a communal fair of concerts, films, exhibitions, and lectures promoting the best of the United Arab Emirates’ contemporary art. While the area has been preserved for the tourist in mind, the conservation efforts are sensitive and this remains one of the best places to experience old Dubai. The SMCCU also offers a one hour tour of the majestic Jumeirah Mosque, the only mosque in Dubai opened to non-Muslims. For those who have never visited a mosque, this is certainly not an opportunity to be missed. The mosque visit provides an enlightening, educational look into JULY | AUGUST 2011 Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd33 33 33 15/6/11 2:30:41 PM FEATURE Programmes such as the Jumeirah Mosque tour and Arabic class offered by the SMCCU are designed to engage visitors in Dubai’s unique culture and Islamic tradition. Islam, allowing visitors to observe the washing rituals Muslims perform before praying and observe the prayer rituals. Guests are encouraged to ask questions to facilitate constructive dialogues during these excursions. The Jumeirah Mosque itself is a fine example of modern Islamic architecture combined with the medieval Fatimid tradition. Built in 1978, it is constructed of smooth white stone, elaborately decorated and flanked by towering minarets (the tallest in Dubai) and a large central dome, 34 all covered in geometric motifs and intricate Arabic calligraphy. In 2010, the Centre welcomed over 34,000 visitors at their cultural breakfasts, lunches and walking tours. Plans to enhance its programmes include opening a permanent Visitor’s Centre at Jumeirah Mosque that can receive guests outside tour hours. They are also planning to expand their Mosque Visit programme by opening up more mosques for public visits in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This will certainly be welcoming news for MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd34 34 15/6/11 2:30:47 PM visitors to Dubai as mosques are not only beautiful structures whose architecture are to be admired, but it will also help build bridges between Muslims and the rest of the world in understanding the peaceful nature of the Islamic faith. More SMCCU cultural activities are also planned across the Bastakiya neighbourhood including a traditional desert venue for guests to visit and enjoy an authentic and entertaining Bedouin Tent experience. The Centre also operates Cultural Partnerships with local companies to enhance their current induction programmes for staff residing in the United Arab Emirates. Each cultural programme is unique, and incorporates SMCCU’s ‘Freedom to Ask’ principle under which no question is off limits during any of the Centre’s events. Indeed, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding is a visionary operation and a place where one can gain valuable insight into the Emirati culture. Cultural Breakfasts and Lunches are a great way to sample traditional Emirati food in a relaxed gathering while discovering Dubai’s warm hospitality. For more information, visit www.cultures.ae. Royal Brunei Airlines flights to Dubai operate daily from Bandar Seri Begawan and London. JULY | AUGUST 2011 Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd35 35 35 15/6/11 2:31:21 PM FEATURE Past Traces of the Despite its haste to showcase a modern metropolis to the world, Shanghai’s old neighbourhoods and heritage buildings remain very much the city’s identity. WORDS & IMAGES PETE WONG 36 MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd36 36 15/6/11 2:31:46 PM The Bund is also known as China’s Wall Street. JULY | AUGUST 2011 Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd37 37 37 15/6/11 2:32:40 PM FEATURE 38 MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd38 38 15/6/11 2:32:51 PM W hen Mao Zedong’s revolutionary army wrested back control of Shanghai on 27 May, 1949, one of the first things they did was to remove the vestiges of Western imperialism. The Communist government took back foreign-owned buildings and foreigners had two options – to stay on in humbler premises or ship out, as many did, to Hong Kong or back where they came from. This reversal of fortunes is in stark contrast to that fateful day of 29 August, 1842, aboard the British warship HMS Cornwallis, when Qing officials were forced to sign the Treaty of Nanking following China’s defeat in the first Opium War. One of the outcomes of the treaty was the opening of Shanghai, along with four other ports, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Fuzhou and Ningbo, to foreign trade. Many believed that day to be the beginning of Shanghai’s modern history. Under foreign administration, Shanghai grew to become the most important trade and financial centres in Asia in the 1920s. But the city was also known for its vice: Opium dens, gambling halls and brothels were commonplace. Following the Communist takeover, the city was purged of all sins. When it won the bid to host Expo 2010, pragmatic city officials wasted no time in transforming Shanghai into one of the most modern cities in Asia. Many old neighbourhoods and buildings made way for development. Areas such as Pudong, east of the Huangpu River and lined with futuristic towers and skyscrapers, perfectly underscores China’s status as the world’s second largest economy. However, some developers later realised that there was money to be made from Old Shanghai. Puxi, west of the Huangpu River, is where the Bund and its collection of old buildings are concentrated. The Xintiandi district, for instance, became an example of how an old neighbourhood can be restored and turned into a tourist attraction. Other similar projects would soon follow. Pudong is a showcase of China’s rapid economic development. It is possible to do a half-day walking tour to see some of Shanghai’s heritage buildings. Begin your journey at the Bund, Shanghai’s famous waterfront, at The Peninsula Shanghai, possibly the only new luxury hotel in recent years allowed to be built at the Bund area. From the hotel’s west entrance, turn left and you will see the former British Consulate (33 Bund) which was constructed in 1852 and rebuilt in 1873 after being partly destroyed in a fire. This JULY | AUGUST 2011 Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd39 39 39 15/6/11 2:33:06 PM FEATURE CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT The former Ro yal Asiatic Socie ty is now hom the Rockbund e to Art Musuem; Zhou Enlai’s fo residence is no rmer w a museum; the former Britis Consulate at 33 h Bund is one of the area’s oldes buildings; a tre e-lined street t within Shangh French Conces ai’s sion area. 40 MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd40 40 15/6/11 2:33:08 PM English-Renaissance styled building has Qing-style arched windows and tiles and is considered one of the oldest buildings on the Bund. Its classical English garden, fully restored in 2010 in time for the Expo, is open to public but the building itself is the private premises for the Financiers’ Club. The area around the former British Consulate, located at the confluence of the Huangpu river and Suzhou Creek, is believed to be the starting point of the former British concession. The construction of the area began in 1849 and there remains today five buildings still standing. Considered to be key historical sites, they are the former British Consulate (Building 1), official residence of the British Consul (Building 2), former Church Apartments (Building 3), the former Union Church (Building 4) and the former Shanghai Rowing Club (Building 5). You will come across these buildings when you head east along South Suzhou Road. The former Shanghai Rowing Club (76 South Suzhou Road), designed in 1905 in a transitional style that reflects both Victorian and Edwardian baroque architecture, was almost completely demolished despite public protest. By the time the developer realised his folly, the building’s east wing, comprising a half-timbered boathouse and its west wing which housed a swimming pool, were already gone. What remains standing today is a two-storey clubhouse and a single arched wall of the west wing. Similarly, the Union Church, built in 1886, was abandoned and left to decay after a 2007 fire. Today, it is awaiting restoration plans, as with many of this group of buildings, under the ‘Bund Origin’ project, estimated to cost US$150 million, involving renewing selected historical buildings in and around the Bund area. Buildings aside, Shanghai has other surprises for history buffs. If Beijing has its hutong, then Shanghai has its longtang, which are typically narrow alleyways crammed with houses, built since the 1850s. The entrance to a longtang is usually marked by an elaborately decorated entrance called a shikumen (stone gate). The longtang is an essential part of Shanghai’s unique culture and identity but are becoming a rarity as many were torn down to make way for modern buildings. Finding one is difficult as a genuine longtang community is scattered in small parts of the city. Perhaps the easiest way to find one is to follow the tourist crowd to Tianzifang at Taikang Road. Here, a cluster of old houses has been restored into cafes, art galleries, crafts shops and boutiques. Today, Tianzifang has earned its place on the ‘must-see’ checklist for visitors. Another place similar in concept is the Xintiandi district at Huaihai Middle Road. Between the two, Tianzifang is more authentic but also more crowded with narrower alleyways, while JULY | AUGUST 2011 Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd41 41 41 15/6/11 2:33:17 PM FEATURE FROM LEFT ifang’s centuryXintiandi; Tianz ts; A shikumen at and restauran s fe ca ed trendy ; Fuxing ng ifa nz old houses turn Tia at d Shanghai erings experiencing Ol its social gath sly known for Park is famou tivities. and leisure ac CLOCKWISE 42 MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd42 42 15/6/11 2:33:27 PM Xintiandi has turned into an upmarket dining area. But at both places, you will come away with an idea of Shanghai’s unique longtang and shikumen. Another area not to be missed is the French Concession. Created in 1849, it lasted until 1946 and is known today as the Xuhui and Luwan districts. The last few decades saw rapid development which resulted in many landmarks and colonial buildings in the area being torn down, especially those with a questionable past. One of the casualties was the Canidrome, built in 1928 for dog racing and as a club for socialites. When the Communists took over, it served briefly as a centre for public rallies and mass execution of counter-revolutionaries. The building was renamed the Shanghai Cultural Plaza and went on to become a theatre, exhibition centre and flower market before being demolished in 2005. However, if you know where to look, you can still find ivy-covered colonial bungalows and tree-lined streets with a distinctive European flavour. Your first stop should be Zhou Enlai’s former residence (73 Sinan Road), a three-storey bungalow with a beautiful garden that has been turned into a museum. Zhou was the first premier of the People’s Republic of China and also China’s most revered leader. Although the house looks beautiful on the outside, the interior, reflecting public diplomacy at its best, shows Zhou’s austere living conditions during his time. From Sinan Road, it’s a 10-minute walk to Fuxing Park, a French-style garden and the best place for people watching. In the early mornings, locals would come here for their walks and tai chi routines. On weekends, it’s a popular meeting place for a card game or social dancing. Time magazine placed Fuxing Park on its list of ‘10 Things to do in Shanghai’. Back at the Bund, the stretch of heritage buildings lights up at night offering visitors a nostalgic glimpse into Shanghai’s glorious past. Two hotels which offer the best vantage point to view this spectacular sight are Pudong Shangri-La and The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai. The former is one of the earliest hotels to be built in Pudong and its warm hospitality and attention to details are legendary. The Ritz-Carlton, located on the top floors of one of the swanky Shanghai IFC twin towers, is all glitz and glamour with room interiors lined with gold trimmings. With all the stroll into Shanghai’s storied past, it’s not hard to imagine how the city was once called ‘Paris of the East’. The city’s various restored relics only seem to add to Shanghai’s contemporary allure, courting a neverending list of modern tourists and visitors. Royal Brunei Airlines flights to Shanghai operate four times weekly from Bandar Seri Begawan. JULY | AUGUST 2011 Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd43 43 43 15/6/11 2:33:32 PM FEATURE Green TRASH FASHION In the Philippines, one woman has made recycling fashionable. Through her nonprofit organisation, Jane Walker turns glossy magazines and leaflets into beads for necklaces, pendants, bracelets and earrings; while ring pull tabs from canned drinks and food are used to create chic handbags, accessories and jewellery. Working with marginalised families literally living off Manila’s sprawling dumpsite, proceeds from all sales of the products – available online or through local retail chain, Kultura Filipino – are re-invested into the livelihood projects to improve their lives. 44 MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd44 44 15/6/11 2:33:41 PM s p e t s t Foo WHALE WONDER Located in the town of Kaikoura on New Zealand’s South Island, Whale Watch is the only marine-based whale watching company. With a deep undersea canyon just offshore, Kaikoura attracts an abundance of marine life, the most famous being the Sperm Whale. All catamarans used by Whale Watch are specially designed, equipped with engines that minimises underwater noise and toilets that never pollute the sea. The skippers are also able to recognise individual Sperm Whales and only approach whales that do not mind being approached. The company is also 100 percent Maori-owned, and a great example of how an indigenous community can succeed by managing tourism resources carefully. www.whalewatch.co.nz Going on a holiday doesn’t mean you can’t do your bit to help Mother Earth. WORDS KIM LOW JULY | AUGUST 2011 Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd45 45 45 15/6/11 2:33:49 PM FEATURE GREEN STAY Taking a stance against the world’s growing environmental problems, Novotel Singapore Clarke Quay pulls its weight by being proactive. Some of the green initiatives that they have put in place include an upgrade to the air conditioning chilling system to ensure greater energy efficiency, using the excess heat from the air conditioning system to heat water, switching to energy saving light bulbs, as well as setting up recycling facilities for both their staff and guests. Guests are also encouraged to help, by doing something as simple as reusing their towels. Because of their commitment, Novotel Singapore Clarke Quay became the first hotel in Singapore to be certified by Green Globe, the international environmental certification programme for responsible travel and tourism. www.novotelclarkequay.com.sg SUSTAINABLE SPREAD Chef Justin North’s vision for Etch, his second restaurant in Sydney, Australia, is to bring together good, uncomplicated simple food at an affordable price. The cuisine is casual, modern European with influences from southern and regional France and Italy, and Spain’s Basque and Catalan regions. The majority of ingredients used in Etch’s kitchens are sourced locally from reputable farmers who embrace the ideas of organic, ethical or sustainable farming practices. The freshest of ingredients are chosen, with selections heavily dependant on the seasons. Fruits and vegetables are hand selected and all seafood are sourced from local markets. North also ensures his fish and seafood are sourced from local boats that catch sustainable varieties and support local fishermen and fisheries. www.etchdining.com 46 MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd46 46 15/6/11 2:34:12 PM PEDAL POWER See the sights from a different perspective. Cycling has become an increasingly popular manner of travelling with tourists. Not only is it a more eco-friendly way of getting around, it is also a great way for you to enjoy the sights and the environment. Based in Shanghai and Suzhou, China Cycle Tours is a tour company specialising in guided city and countryside biking tours and takes visitors around on carefully chosen cycling routes in both the cities and in the surrounding mountains and countryside. Guides speak both Mandarin and English, and the company also provides customised tours for those interested in travelling off the beaten path. www.chinacycletours.com HEARTFELT HOLIDAYS In Malaysia, the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sabah works to rehabilitate orphaned baby orangutans that are rescued from logging sites, plantations, illegal hunting or from being kept as pets. Working with Orangutan Appeal UK that provides funding for the Centre’s projects, the orangutans are trained to be independent and able to fend for themselves before releasing them back in the wild. The Centre has an eight-week volunteer programme offering an excellent opportunity for visitors to learn all about the orangutans’ plight. Working with the Centre’s staff, duties include helping and caring for baby and juvenile orangutans, cleaning their nursery areas and cages, assisting rangers in distributing food, and conducting field surveys, among others. www.orangutan-appeal.org.uk JULY | AUGUST 2011 Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd47 47 47 15/6/11 2:34:49 PM FEATURE ECOLOGICAL LIVING The London-based store Eco Age stocks everything from fashion and accessories to lifestyle products sourced ethically and sustainably. Working with local and international designers, Eco Age seems to have everything. There are colourful recycled wool blankets and delicate wall sculptures made from organic materials; natural, all-purpose cleaners and organic fabrics of natural dyes. They’re so committed that they even harvest rainwater to be used in the shop. Here’s a full-service, one-stopshop where you can find beauty, design, inspiration, ideas, advice, and apply them for a green living. www.eco-age.com CONSCIENTIOUS DIVE One of the longest operating dive centres in Thailand, Kon-Tiki Thailand Diving & Snorkeling Center operates in Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi and Koh Lanta. It emphasises greatly on spreading care, knowledge and safety values through its excursions. Every guest will learn something new on each tour, which often integrates reef and marine life. To preserve the ecosystem, guests are advised against feeding the fishes, as it would affect the ecosystem when the fish stop grazing on the algae. Touching or standing on the corals are also not allowed, as corals are one of nature’s most fragile organisms and take several years for it to grow. For their commitment towards the environment, Kon-Tiki has received a number of accolades many times over. www.kontiki-thailand.com 48 MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd48 48 15/6/11 2:35:20 PM Brune www.bruneitourism.travel Brunei AD Tourism.indd 1 Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd49 49 9/29/06 2:35:45 8:59:22 PM PM 15/6/11 FEATURE BEST OF BRUNEI Art Patriotic Celebrating the creative works and minds of Bruneians as they mark the nation’s progress towards globalisation. WORDS ELAINE LIM IMAGES BRUNEI MUSEUMS DEPARTMENT 50 MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd50 50 15/6/11 2:35:49 PM T he nature of art lies in its emotional power to appeal across all divides. It speaks to each person individually, taking off where words fail. Art, too, has the ability to inspire and evoke memories that exist in each of us. Above all, art brings people together, uniting communities and, in the case of Brunei Darussalam, gathers the nation as one as they mark the birthday of their beloved ruler, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. THIS PAGE Name of Artist | Haji Md Abidin bin Haji Rashid Title of Painting | Paronama Media | Oil Paint OPPOSITE PAGE Name of Artist | Kassim bin Ismail Title of Painting | Calapa Media | Arkilik Each year, Bruneians come together to celebrate His Majesty’s birthday, rejoicing in the special occasion by partaking in the Brunei Art Competition that draws inspiration from the celebrations. The event has taken place since 2006, with over 200 entries registered, and provides a unique platform for Bruneians to communicate artistically the indisputable significance of their monarch and the deeper patriotic realities that bind the people together. Over the years, Bruneians from all walks of life have created a rich artistic heritage in Brunei through the Brunei Art Competition, creating a robust new platform that showcases their creativity and opening doors for them to a wider audience. JULY | AUGUST 2011 Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd51 51 51 15/6/11 2:36:00 PM FEATURE BEST OF BRUNEI 52 MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd52 52 15/6/11 2:36:05 PM THIS PAGE Name of Artist | Awg. Zakaria bin Omar Title of Painting | Rantis Khalifah Media | Acrylic OPPOSITE PAGE, ABOVE Name of Artist | Kairul Asri bin Tarip Title of Painting | Padian Media | Acrylic OPPOSITE PAGE, BELOW Name of Artist | Dk Siti Munirah bte Pg Haji Damit Title of Painting | Pekan Tutong Media | Oil Paint This year, as the nation joins His Majesty in his 65th birthday, the competition takes on the theme ‘Brunei Darussalam: Hidden Treasure’. Split into five categories, participants connect in a series of themed sub-categories including two dedicated specifically to His Majesty – ‘A Portrait of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam or Members of the Royal Family’ and ‘The Ruler and His Subjects’. While the competition is open to all Bruneians, it nevertheless provides budding artists, including school children, with the chance to flex their creative muscles and a venue to grow. Meanwhile, for more established artists, the event is an outstanding opportunity to showcase their work with the resources to support their creative processes. Spearheading this annual event is Yang Berhormat Dato Paduka Haji Idris bin Haji Abas who has been Chairman of the Brunei Art Competition since its inception in 2006. The Brunei Art Competition is also organised with support from Brunei Museums Department in its role to provide a nurturing avenue for local artists to further their art. Perhaps what is a lesser known fact is that the Brunei Art Competition was the result of positive feedback from a similar art event held in November 2000 when Brunei Darussalam hosted the APEC Leaders’ Summit. The APEC Young Artists’ Exhibition was an event organised around the summit, held from November 15-17, 2000, at the International Convention Centre in Berakas. Created to promote the involvement and participation of youth in art, each of the 21 APEC member economies was invited to exhibit an artwork, fitting the theme ‘Contemporary Indigenous Arts – Discovering the Roots’, by artists aged between 16 and 25. The exhibition was officially opened by APEC Leaders and graced by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah. While winners of this year’s Brunei Art Competition receive between B$500 to B$4,000 depending on the category of submission, the event’s significance goes beyond monetary value. Many participants look forward to this annual event as ideas and art from the competition not only reflect the diversity of Brunei’s population, but also contribute to its cultural education and development by exposing the public to the growth of local art. It is hoped that the Brunei Art Competition will continue to inspire Brunei’s young artistic community and set a new benchmark for Bruneian artists to further their role in driving Brunei’s rich artistic infrastructure. JULY | AUGUST 2011 Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd53 53 53 15/6/11 2:36:28 PM FEATURE BEST OF BRUNEI 54 MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd54 54 15/6/11 2:36:37 PM Seni Patriotik Meraikan hasil serta bakat kreatif warga Brunei dalam menandakan kemajuan negara ke arah era globalisasi. S eni mampu mencetus emosi dengan daya tarikan yang tidak mengenal jurang. Seni mampu memberikan kesan yang berbeza kepada setiap individu dengan menyampaikan sesuatu yang tidak mungkin dapat digambarkan dengan kata-kata sahaja. Seni juga mampu menjana inspirasi dan mencetus memori dalam diri setiap insan. Melangkaui semua ini, seni mampu merapatkan umat, mengukuhkan hubungan masyarakat, dan dalam konteks Negara Brunei Darussalam, menyatukan sebuah negara dalam meraikan Sambutan Ulang Tahun Hari Keputeraan Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, seorang pemimpin yang amat disanjungi serta disayangi rakyat jelata. Setiap tahun menjelang bulan Julai, warga Brunei bersama-sama menyambut Ulang Tahun Hari Keputeraan Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, meraikan sambutan istimewa ini dengan mengambil bahagian dalam Pertandingan Seni Lukis Brunei yang mendapat cetusan inspirasi dari pelbagai acara yang diadakan sempena menyambut Hari Keputeraan Baginda. Acara ini berlangsung sejak tahun 2006, dengan pendaftaran lebih 200 TEKS ELAINE LIM IMEJ JABATAN MUZIUM BRUNEI peserta, dan kini telah menjadi acara tahunan yang menyediakan sebuah platform unik untuk setiap warga Brunei berkomunikasi melalui seni, menyampaikan keagungan pemimpin negara yang tersohor sambil menyemat realiti semangat patriotik serta muhibah yang mampu menyatukan rakyat jelata. Selang tahun berlalu, warga Brunei dari pelbagai lapisan masyarakat telah menghasilkan warisan seni yang kaya di Brunei melalui acara Pertandingan Seni Lukis Brunei yang merupakan sebuah platform baru yang wadah untuk mempamerkan daya kreatif serta membuka pintu kepada lebih ramai pencinta seni Brunei. Tahun ini, ketika seluruh negara bersamasama dengan Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan dan Yang DiPertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, meraikan Sambutan Ulang Tahun Hari Keputeraan Baginda yang ke-65, pertandingan bertemakan ‘Negara Brunei Darussalam: Khazanah Terselindung’. Pertandingan Seni Lukis Brunei ini terbahagi kepada lima kategori di mana para peserta juga dapat bertanding dalam dua sub-kategori khas iaitu ‘Portret Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam atau Ahli Kerabat DiRaja’ dan ‘Pemimpin dan Rakyat Jelata’. MUKASURAT SEBELAH Nama Artis | Siti Nursyafiqah bte Abdullah Tajuk Lukisan | Masjid Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Media | Pastel Minyak JULY | AUGUST 2011 Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd55 55 55 15/6/11 2:36:39 PM FEATURE BEST OF BRUNEI Nama Artis | Pg. Khamarul Zaman bin Pg Hj Tajuddin Tajuk Lukisan | Gempur Media | Media Campuran 56 MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd56 56 15/6/11 2:36:39 PM Nama Artis | Marsidi bin Haji Umar Tajuk Lukisan | Balik Kampong Media | Cat Minyak Walaupun pertandingan ini terbuka kepada semua warga Brunei, ia turut memberikan peluang kepada artis-artis muda, termasuk golongan pelajar sekolah untuk mengambil peluang dan juga kesempatan mengembangkan bakat kreatif masing-masing. Untuk golongan karyawan yang tersohor pula, acara ini merupakan peluang keemasan untuk mempamerkan karya mereka dengan sokongan penuh membina pengalaman kreatif masing-masing. Acara pertandingan ini dikemudi oleh Yang Berhormat Dato Paduka Haji Idris bin Haji Abas yang merangkap Pengerusi Pertandingan Seni Lukis Brunei sejak permulaan acara pertama pada tahun 2006. Pertandingan Seni Lukis Brunei turut dianjurkan dengan sokongan dari Jabatan Muzium-Muzium Brunei yang memainkan peranan menyediakan laluan dan kemudahan untuk seniman dan seniwati tempatan berkarya. Satu perkara yang mungkin kurang diketahui mengenai Pertandingan Seni Lukis Brunei ini adalah insepsinya hasil maklumbalas positif daripada sebuah acara seni yang telah diadakan sempena Kemuncak Persidangan Pemimpin APEC Yang Kelapan di mana Negara Brunei Darussalam menjadi hos serta menganjurkan Pameran Artis Muda APEC pada 15 hingga 17 November, 2000. Pameran ini merupakan acara seni yang pertama kali dikendali dalam sebuah persidangan kemuncak yang penting. Pameran yang bertaraf antarabangsa ini berlangsung di Pusat Konvensyen Antarabangsa, Berakas, bagi mempromosi penglibatan dan penyertaan belia dalam bidang seni. Setiap 21 para karyawan yang berumur antara 16 dan 25 tahun mewakili pakatan ekonomi APEC masing-masing dijemput untuk mempamerkan hasil karya dari negara mereka, selari dengan tema ‘Seni Asli Kontemporari – Menerokai Akar Umbi’. Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, selaku hos Persidangan Kemuncak APEC, berkenan mencemar duli merasmikan pameran ini berserta pemimpin-pemimpin APEC. Nama Artis | Pg. Khamarul Zaman bin Pg Hj Tajuddin Tajuk Lukisan | Great Barracuda Media | Media Campuran Walaupun para pemenang Pertandingan Seni Lukis Brunei tahun ini bakal menerima hadiah tunai antara B$500 hingga B$4,000 mengikut kategori pertandingan, objektif penting acara ini melebihi sebarang nilai wang. Kebanyakan peserta sememangnya tidak sabar menantikan acara tahunan ini kerana ide dan seni yang terhasil bukan sahaja mencerminkan kepelbagain warga Brunei, malah turut menyumbang kepada pendidikan dan pembangunan budaya dengan memberikan pendedahan kepada orang ramai akan perkembangan seni tempatan. Adalah diharapkan Pertandingan Seni Lukis Brunei akan terus menjadi inspirasi kepada masyarakat seni Brunei yang masih muda serta mencatatkan satu penanda aras baru kepada para artis Brunei untuk membangunkan peranan mereka dalam memacu infrastruktur seni yang kaya di Brunei. JULY | AUGUST 2011 Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd57 57 57 15/6/11 2:36:55 PM LIFESTYLE MOTORING Bug’s Life A A typical Volkswagen, a typical Beetle; but with a new DNA. 58 MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd58 58 15/6/11 2:37:08 PM “N o other automobile has had such a social effect,” wrote Arthur Railton in The Beetle, his hymn to the car, “it has become a part of our folklore. It has its own mythology. People wrote books about it, issued magazines featuring it, produced films with it as an almost human star ... The Beetle was the centre of hundreds of jokes and a symbol for caricaturists ... for the rebellion against the Establishment.” The Beetle was not flashy and pompous. But it was also more than just pure practicality. Right from the start, the Beetle was a status symbol of classlessness – both materially and intellectually. And on all of the world’s continents the small car was nicknamed according to precisely what it looked like: Beetle, Käfer, Vocho, Coccinelle, Fusca, Maggiolino or ͆ಆϵ! It embodied the automotive concept itself and symbolised the democratisation of mobility. When the New Beetle arrived in 1998, it introduced a new automotive feeling to the world and brought with it Beetle Mania. In 2010, the Final Edition completed the New Beetle series that had sold more than one million cars. Thirteen years since the New Beetle arrived, Volkswagen replaces the New by simply calling it The Beetle. In April 2011 it made its global, transcontinental debut simultaneously in Shanghai, Berlin and New York. Tasked to ‘design a new original’ were Design Chief Walter de Silva (Group) and Klaus Bischoff (Volkswagen Brand), who had the challenge of reinventing a design that is so recognisable and independent. A comparison to the 1998 New Beetle shows this: Nothing remained as it was on the old car. “The Beetle is now characterised by a clean, selfconfident and dominant sportiness. The car not only has a lower profile; it is also substantially wider, the front bonnet is longer, the front windscreen is shifted further back and has a much steeper incline. All of this creates a new dynamism,” explains Klaus Bischoff. JULY | AUGUST 2011 Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd59 59 59 15/6/11 2:37:12 PM LIFESTYLE MOTORING While the New Beetle was defined by three semicircles (front wing, rear wing, domed roof above it), the current model has broken free of this geometry. The roof profile actually runs distinctly lower and can be considered a continuation of the Ragster concept car shown in Detroit in 2005 – a type of hot rod based on the New Beetle. The new Beetle is now bolder, more dynamic and more masculine at 1,808 mm wide (84 mm wider), 1,486 mm tall (12 mm lower) and 4,278 mm long (152 mm longer). The gain in length meant that the roof could be extended further, the front windscreen could be shifted back, and the rear section could follow the contour of the original Beetle. In parallel, the development team increased the car’s track widths and wheelbase. The interior too has been worked on considerably, and now offers a driver-oriented coupe experience as well as a distinctly improved feeling of space, aided by a longer roof section. Everything is designed to be within reach. Standard in the Beetle is the RCD 310 with 8 loudspeakers, while elsewhere in the mix are an optional radio-navigation system, Keyless Access, and a transparent panoramic tilt/slide glass sunroof. In terms of boot space, this bug offers more with 310 litres compared to the 209 litres on the older car. No previous Beetle was this fuel efficient. High performance no longer suffices by itself. At 4.3 l/100km (European 1.6 TDI) and 33mpg (American 2.0 TDI), the new Beetle is the most fuel-efficient Beetle ever. Of course, some of the Beetle’s 60 longstanding characteristics remain. These include its round headlights (optional bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights are available for the first time in this model series), the flared wings, the shapes of the bonnets, sides and door sills and – more than ever – the large wheels (up to 19 inches) that can be integrated. A new feature is the rear spoiler that is homogeneously integrated in the design (standard for TSI engines with 118 kW / 160 PS and 147 kW / 200 PS); it aggressively maintains contact with the road on this Volkswagen, which has a top speed of up to 225km/h, depending on the engine, and is available in the three equipment lines Beetle, Design and Sport. Incidentally, the top surface of the rear spoiler is always black, while its underside is painted in body colour. These colours – 12 different hues – will make everyday car driving more vibrant with names such as Saturn Yellow and Denim Blue. Each of these versions has a very unique character while individual markets themselves will emphasise certain aspects. This Beetle tells a story. The car’s styling, ergonomics, operability and quality interact to create a new, friendly car with a highly individual nature. Oprah was sold – having bought 300 of the units to give away to her audience last November. The question is: Will this be your Favourite Thing? Text and images courtesy of www.volkswagen.com MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd60 60 15/6/11 2:37:28 PM Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd61 61 15/6/11 2:37:45 PM LIFESTYLE THE BUZZ SLEEK PICKS It’s not just a phone, it’s a luxe toy for those with the moolah to spare. Famed designer Yves Behar has teamed up with Copenhagenbased Aesir to create the Æsir Yves Behar luxury phone that’s all the trend now. For about US$10,000 this phone, with a microscopic 2-inch display, features an upper half made of ceramics and a sapphire crystal lens. Fork out another US$40,000 and you’ll be able to get the gilded version. No camera, GPS or Gmail here, but you do get a phone with clarity and tactility, and in a luxury class of its own. http://aesir-copenhagen.com New What’s Highlights and trends from around the globe. CLASSIC PURITY Known for its clean lines, sharp edges and the contrast of light and shade, Jacob Jensen Design translates the same philosophy to its line of watches. The Icon series offers timepieces contrasting polished and matt steel, and a leather strap with a sapphire crystal lens. This combination of time-telling function and aesthetic qualities has also earned the Icon the prestigious Red Dot 2011 design award in the world’s most prestigious design competition. ITALIAN CHIC Bric’s Milano simply oozes charm and timeless elegance. Taking inspiration from all around the globe, the brand is distinctive by its Italian finish and cosmopolitan feel. Its handbags, like this leather hobo, are the ultimate fashion statement in elegant simplicity. www.brics.it www.jacob-jensen-design.com FAB SLABS On the streets of the world, colour blocking rules with Pierre Hardy. The French designer offers shoes that are bright and exuberant in a variety of shapes and structures. His strong artistic style is apparent with bold heels, thick wood platforms and daring twists to the ordinary sole. High heels have never been so outrageous! www.pierrehardy.com 62 MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd62 62 15/6/11 2:37:46 PM ARM CANDY Taking structure to a whole new level, the Hester van Eeghen Bon Bon bag is a breath of fresh air. Inspired by her grandmother’s tea cosy, the bag combines frame and bucket style with a silvertone top handle that work together to create a unique interlocking closure. Made of soft Italian calfskin with contrast piping detail and a subtle designer stamp embossed on the lower front, the Bon Bon comes in deep plum and sunny yellow. www.hveus.com HYPER LINK There have been many times Cartier launches the Calibre watches into the market. This season the Calibre de Cartier breezes its way with a bracelet design and a look that’s sportier and more robust. Still equipped with the calibre 1904 MC, the first Cartier manufactured automatic movement, and the heightened bezel, you’re now spoiled for choice with a bracelet strap in steel, pink gold and gold. www.cartier.com PERFECT BALANCE Swiss watchmaking meets fine writing craftsmanship with the 1010 Limited Edition fountain pen by Caran d’Ache. With a rhodiumcoated silver body that resembles watch gears, the 1010 also has two cages: One decorated with gear wheels, and the other with the bridges that link them. Even the cap does not escape the watch reference, designed like a watch crown with a clip styled as a watch hand. www.carandache.ch KIWI GOODNESS New Zealand natural beauty line Les Floralies are masters of skincare. The key ingredient to all of their products, from their Lime & Olive Body Lotion to their Gardeners Exfoliating Scrub line, is locally sourced and harvested. There are extra virgin oil from Matakana, wild harvested organic Manuka Honey from Great Barrier Island, and organic lavender harvested and distilled at a farm near Lake Taupo. With a total of 12 different ranges on offer, what’s not to love? www.lesfloralies.co.nz JULY | AUGUST 2011 Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd63 63 63 15/6/11 2:38:50 PM Living Heritage LIFESTYLE TAKE 5 A Just two hours’ easy drive from Malaysia’s capital, Malacca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, still retains many of its old world charm. SEE Visit the city’s old Portuguese and Dutch architecture, such as the Stadhuys, the former Dutch administrative centre and the Portuguese fortress, Fort A Famosa, to appreciate Malacca’s rich heritage. Most are within walking distance of one another. For an overview of Malacca, head to Menara Taming Sari, a revolving tower that offers stunning views of the city and the Straits of Malacca. DO Pay a visit to Kampung Morten, a heritage village consisting of traditional Malay houses. Regarded as a living museum, its residents still retain many Malay customs and traditions practised in the olden days. There’s also a homestay programme for those interested to experience the kampung (village) life. SHOP Head to Jonker Street for authentic, traditional and handmade handicrafts where many shops are generations old. Walk around to find beaded Nyonya shoes and lacquer food baskets that are fast becoming a dying art. And if you’re tired from all the walking, cool off with a durian cendol, a local specialty. This shaved iced dessert drink of coconut milk with rice flour jelly sweetened with palm sugar is topped with the infamous king of fruits. STAY The Majestic Malacca overlooks the Malacca River. Formerly a private residence, it has since been converted into a luxury boutique hotel. The mansion still retains its original 1920s’ features, such as the intricate and brightly coloured Straits Chinese tiles and the colourful stained glasses. It has a spa that offers treatment menus celebrating the Straits Chinese culture filled with traditional remedies made modern. For more information, visit www.tourism-melaka.com Royal Brunei Airlines flights to Kuala Lumpur operate daily from Bandar Seri Begawan. 64 MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd64 64 15/6/11 2:39:56 PM JULY | AUGUST 2011 Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd65 65 65 15/6/11 2:40:48 PM ADVERTORIAL HIDDEN HANGOUTS Always finding yourself visiting the same malls over and over again? It’s time to take a look outside Kuala Lumpur. 66 MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd66 66 15/6/11 2:41:02 PM So, you’ve been to Kuala Lumpur, taken in all the sights and hit all the malls the city has to offer and still find time on your hands? If so, it’s time to take the shopping outside the city. Just at the outskirts of KL is Mid Valley Megamall. Offering a kaleidoscope of diverse retail experiences, it is not difficult to see why it has become a favourite hangout for youths. There’s plenty of affordable fashion, interesting specialty stores, the largest MPH bookstore, as well as two department stores – Jusco and Metrojaya, to keep you busy. If the crowd here becomes too much for you, escape to The Gardens, connected to Mid Valley Megamall via a skybridge and an underground tunnel. Carrying some of the most premier brands, The Gardens is both classy and contemporary. Not only does it boast of a Louis Vuitton flagship store, The Gardens is also home to Marks & Spencer that specialises in British clothing and fine English food, and Robinsons, a Singaporean homegrown retailer known for its quality merchandise. A little further down the road, five minutes away from the two malls, is the trendy Bangsar suburbs with its two malls: Bangsar Village and Bangsar Shopping Centre (BSC). Catering mainly to the affluent residents that live in the area, both malls are geared towards providing its discerning shoppers with the best. While Bangsar Village carries quirky fashion labels and kitschy accessories, BSC is the place for you to satisfy your food cravings. Its Food Hall mimics Harrods’, albeit on a smaller scale, but filled with fine food items, gourmet teas and coffees. From Bangsar, it’s roughly 20 minutes using the Kerinchi Link to get to Mutiara Damansara. A continuously growing commercial zone, this area has five major retail establishments: IKEA Home Furnishings, IPC Shopping Centre, the Curve, e@Curve and Tesco Hypermarket. And they’re all just next to one another! As Malaysia’s first lifestyle ‘pedestrianised’ shopping mall, the Curve is known for its chic fashion outlets and alfresco dining experience. Every weekend, the place comes alive with its Street Market, filled with curios and gifts, in a bazaar-like atmosphere. At the end of the bazaar stretch is e@Curve, a place that caters to the latest fashion and trends from Korea and Japan, including Malaysia’s first ever maid cafe – a Japanese craze! For all your home needs under one roof, head to IPC Shopping Centre that has electronics to toys, pets to bookstores, and more. Its underground walkway is a hawker-style foodcourt area with a wide range of Asian fare. It connects directly to leading furniture retailer, IKEA, the largest in Asia. Filled with various furnishing concepts, IKEA is the place for space-saving ideas and creative Swedish designs. And, just five minutes away from Mutiara Damansara, looms 1 Utama. With over 660 shops, 1 Utama is a visitor’s dream. Beyond shopping, this all-in-one mall also has an Entertainment and Sports zone that houses a cinema, bowling centre, games arcade, and an indoor rock climbing gym. Or, escape to the mall’s Secret Garden, a rooftop reprieve, for a little peace and quiet. The garden is a treasure trove of plants, with 500 species of exotic flora from different regions and altitudes. These malls may be a little out of the way, but with so much more to offer, they are definitely worth a visit. For more shopping options, visit www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my JULY | AUGUST 2011 Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd67 67 67 15/6/11 2:41:25 PM ADVERTORIAL T S E I T R O SP Saloon T Luxury ss of its own. The Audi A8 is in a cla ik in its Vorsprung durch Techn he Audi A8 expresses kes both evo n sig de e Its impressiv most advanced form. timeless e, and is progressive yet dynamism and prestig sion to en dim adds a new sor. The new Audi A8 ieving ach by nt me – just like its predeces seg ury rtiest saloon in the lux c mi na dy hly the concept of the spo hig d an t een exquisite comfor tw be sis the syn ct rfe a pe road behaviour. d the sophistication an ested in the interior, nif ma its o th als Wi are s ss. ue Its val the luxury cla set new standards in build quality of which nce systems, it is the ista ass ver dri intelligent nd. More than efficient engines and di leader of the Au bra on ati ov inn d an gy technolo embodies sportiness, category, the Audi A8 its in icle veh er oth y an w A8 L, the longsophistication. The ne progressiveness and o impresses with its the flagship model, als wheelbase version of s amounts of space. rou d extremely gene an t for com g din an outst . of powerful confidence ates with a presence ard nd sta The Audi A8 L captiv the th wi in length compared It has gained 130 mm space in this saloon e greater amount of Th wheelbase version. passengers. They enjoy re room for the rear ger rear doors, translates fully into mo and, thanks to the lar ce spa of nt t ou am nt an opule bines soft ride comfor Audi A8 L, which com e Th . r ess ilia acc sy fam ea the raext with all racteristics, starts out with sporty driving cha Audi A8 engines. supreme standards One aim – delivering the utmost importance an Audi A8 attaches larger interior, The typical buyer of stige. With its 130 mm pre d an ury lux t, for to com tailored entirely to sion of the Audi A8 is the long-wheelbase ver room in the rear (994 rear passengers. Head e competitors, the the requirements of that offered by the cor n tha r ate gre ch mu mm) is S-Class (–22 mm). The ) and Mercedes-Benz mm 7 ce. (–2 ies Ser 7 W BM nerous amount of spa enjoy an extremely ge occupants therefore tailoring the Audi A8 variety of options for de wi a ve ha o als ey Th es of the standard ents. Additional featur s for the rear L to their own requirem and electric roller blind f roo sun a e lud inc specification ely comfortable one hand the extrem the On s. ow nd wi e sid and entertainment is an ompanying rear seat relaxation seat with acc the other hand, the on longer journeys. On excellent way to relax are the ideal basis for e oth car phone onlin eto Blu if d an le tab g foldin ments constructively t between two appoint using the time in transi ne. there is work to be do 68 MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd68 68 15/6/11 2:41:31 PM Engines and transmissions • Improved efficiency thanks to engines with higher output and better fuel consumption. • Innovative 8-speed tiptronic with shift-by-wire technology. Interior • Handcrafted quality and exceptional detail features express superb quality and perceived calibre. • Design of gear selector lever: ergonomics and exclusive look. • Sophisticated materials and a wide range of seat and upholstery combination options. • Rear compartment emphasis with wide range of functions operated via controls on deluxe rear centre armrest or on the continuous centre console. • The relaxation seat in the Audi A8 L provides top-class seating comfort for a relaxed journey. The petrol engines: outstanding and dynamic With its high-performance, very efficient, consumption-optimised engines, the Audi A8 now extends its lead in the segment in terms of its superior handling characteristics. TFSI technology is employed for the first time in the Audi A8. The blend of petrol direct injection and supercharging produces impressive driving dynamics, coupled with top-class efficiency. • Two petrol engines: 3.0 TFSI quattro, 4.2 FSI quattro. • All engines with more output and higher torque, for superior road performance. • quattro® permanent four-wheel drive as standard. • V6 petrol engine with TFSI technology generates peak torque of 420 Nm and enormous pulling power across a wide engine speed range (2,500 – 4,850 rpm). The new Audi A8 L 3.0 TFSI quattro tiptronic for Brunei will feature a solar sunroof, BOSE 14-speakers surround sound, Rear Seat Entertainment system with single DVD player & TV reception, Bluetooth interface, ambient lighting package, Audi MMI Touch and exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels. For more information, visit www.audi-brunei.com JULY | AUGUST 2011 Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd69 69 69 15/6/11 2:41:52 PM 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 when you become a member of Royal Skies, our frequent flyer programme. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Now till 31 July 2011 DUBAI SUMMER SURPRISES 2011 With the official slogan ‘Big Fun For Little Ones’, this yearly summer event places emphasis on fun, knowledge and entertainment for kids, attracting families year after year. Spanning over 10 weeks, there are a wide variety of fun activities and games, including talent shows, story telling competitions, car race tracks – all designed to keep kids engaged in something creative. Each week will host a different theme with activities fashioned to reflect the week’s ‘surprise’. www.mydsf.com MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL AM ARUSSAL BRUNEI D 10 STANDARD July 2011 THE RED E T R A H 011 C 2 N U R CHARITY 2010, arity Run rtered Ch from registration a h C rd a nd eds R TER essful Sta its proce ng, SMA g the succ t Cares’ will have Is Believi g m and in k Followin e a 5 e h , S T arities – 10km s ‘Race this year’ ns given to key ch three categories dium and its are atio r Sta the and don ers. There e National Indoo and Spot ing Ladd th ncy Dress llector. Fa r and Learn routes through fo s on co e prize ith st donati ere will b 2.3km, w areas. Th rize for the highe g in d n u surro plus a p l T-shirt, Liverpoo d.com/bn rdchartere a d n ta .s www 70 The Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) is an iconic festival with devoted audiences, hosting a feast of films, fantastic parties and special events held for some 17 days each year. Celebrating 60 years in the film industry this year, the MIFF is also one of the oldest film festivals in the world – only one year younger than Cannes. In addition to screening some of the best in world cinema, MIFF will also be showcasing the largest collection of new Australia cinema. miff.com.au AUSTRALIA 21 -7 July August 2011 MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd70 70 15/6/11 2:42:34 PM MALAYSIA 2 -30 July September 2011 1MALAYSIA CONTEMPORARY ART TOURISM FESTIVAL 2011 UNITED Showcasing the most explosive, dynamic and provocative art pieces produced by internationally acclaimed Malaysian-born artists, this festival, with the theme ‘Malaysia Art – A Vibrant Destination’, sets to place Malaysia on the map as a vibrant destination for arts. A number of exhibitions, auctions, art activities and Saturday Art Market will take place at various states in Malaysia and will feature a variety of talented local artists. KINGDO 28 -29 M NOTTIN August 2011 G HILL C ARNIVA When it first start e the Trin idad Carn d in 1964, it wa s just an ival. Since internati offshoo onally a then, it t of cc h Caribbe an roots laimed event th as evolved into a an . t still rem The esse embodie nce ains true d to its (steel ba by five art arena of the Notting H nds), Ca lypso mu s – Mas (masque ill Carnival is systems, ra si c and th all of th e static a de) bands, Pan em com unforge ing toge ttable e ther to m nd mobile soun vent. d ake this a truly www.no ttinghillcarnival. co.uk www.motour.gov.my L HONG KONG 8 -14 July August 2011 INTERNATIONAL ARTS CARNIVAL Taking place in summer, the International Arts Carnival brings plenty of fun entertainment to you and your family. With a spectacular lineup of performances, including Moscow Circus on Ice, your children won’t be the only one entranced. Other than a wide range of performances, there will also be workshops, exhibitions and other interactive programmes that will provide lots of fun. www.hkiac.gov.hk 1-31 SINGAPORE July 2011 SINGAPORE FOOD FESTIVAL The Singapore Food Festival (SSF) is back again, larger and better than before! The rich variety of Singapore’s food will sure to entice even the choosiest of palates. One of the highlights of the event is the SSF Village where over 60 food and beverage stalls will be set up. Other events taking place include an excursion to Little India to learn more about its heritage and a gastronomic learning journey with a celebrity chef where you learn how to make canapes with a local twist! www.singaporefoodfestival.com.sg JULY | AUGUST 2011 Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd71 71 71 15/6/11 2:42:52 PM WELCOME ONBOARD Selamat Datang Selamat Datang means ‘Welcome’ in Malay, and your seamless Royal Brunei Airlines journey begins here. Business Class In June 2010, the airline introduced its B777 Business Class cabins. Ergonomically designed to offer a unique relaxing space, the Business Class seat deploys into an angled full length flat-bed which, along with a plush duvet and a larger pillow, to offer peaceful sleep. Each seat comes equipped with in-seat power connector and a 10.4-inch personal TV. Economy Class Comfort Economy Class offers seats with a 32-inch pitch, and ‘winglet’ headrests for improved neck comfort. Onboard our 777 aircraft, the seatback-mounted personal screen provides on-going entertainment including video and audio on-demand choices. All Royal Brunei passengers enjoy the same caring service from our ASEAN flight attendants, along with skillfully prepared meals and a wide range of inflight entertainment options to choose from. 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 SkyShow entertainment guide booklet located in the seat pocket in front of you for the list of movies, TV and audio programmes. The sockets for earphones and channel/volume remote control are located in your seat armrest. Seatbackmounted personal screens are only available on our Boeing 777s and on selected routes. 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. Flying High 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. 72 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 longhaul 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. Alcohol-free Environment Policy Royal Brunei Airlines operates alcohol-free flights to all destinations. 1970s 1980s • The maiden Royal Brunei Airlines flight to Singapore left Bandar Seri Begawan on a Boeing 737-200 on 14 May, 1975. • RBA added a Boeing 737, the quick-change convertible aircraft, to its fleet. This aircraft allowed for either an all-passenger 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, three times to Kuching and seven times to Kota Kinabalu. • RBA accepted the delivery of its Boeing 757 aircraft that featured redesigned livery combining Brunei’s traditional Royal colours on 16 May, 1986. • Services to Bangkok and Manila were added in 1977. MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd72 72 15/6/11 2:43:22 PM Special Meals Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAG) Royal Brunei offers a variety of tasty culinary solutions to suit our passengers’ special dietary requirements. Special meals can be ordered when you make your reservation; please confirm your request at least 24 hours before boarding your flight. 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. 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. 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 Mobile phones cannot be used at any time during the flight. They should be switched off as soon as the cabin crew makes the announcement. Other electronic devices included in this list are: Citizen’s band (CB) radio, remote-controlled devices (such as radio-controlled toys), and transmitting devices that emit radio frequencies. These devices may interfere with the aircraft’s electronic equipment, compromising aircraft safety and endangering the lives of passengers and crew. 1990s 2000s • RBA took delivery of the first of three leased B767-200ER aircraft in June 1990, enabling it to fly to London Gatwick in November 1990. • RBA took delivery of two new Airbus A319 aircraft in August and September 2003. • Services to Perth were opened on 29 January, 1991. • Auckland was introduced to the network as an extension of the Brunei-Brisbane flights in October 2003. • Twice-weekly flights to London Heathrow were started in May 1991. The route became a daily service on 1 December, 1996. • RBA started flights to Brisbane via Darwin. Three years later, direct flights between Brunei and Brisbane were opened on 15 June, 1994. • Two more Airbus A320s were delivered in December 2003 and January 2004. Today, RBA operates a fleet of six Boeing B767-300s, two Airbus A320s and two Airbus A319s. • The opportunity to expand regional connections saw RBA establishing a service to Surabaya in 1997. • The inauguration of the three times weekly flights to Ho Chi Minh City in May 2006. • Employed the use of Fokker 50 to service Miri and Labuan, two destinations important to the growth of Brunei’s oil and gas industry. • RBA introduced Royal Brunei Holidays, a revamp of its Golden Touch Holidays, offering passengers value-for-money packages for their holidays locally and abroad in January 2010. • Direct service to Shanghai re-launched in March 2010. • RBA’s newly-leased 777-200ER took off on its first commercial flight from Bandar Seri Begawan to London via Dubai in June 2010. • RBA commenced four times weekly flights to Melbourne in March 2011. JULY | AUGUST 2011 Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd73 73 73 15/6/11 2:44:20 PM WELCOME ONBOARD The following devices may be used on board, except during take-off, initial climb, approach and landing: Personal computers, FM receivers, calculators, electronic shavers, audio and video recorders, hand-held computer games, and playback devices. Online Booking Transit Tour Programme Fly through the airport. You can now book online at www.bruneiair.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. A complimentary transit programme is available for transit passengers arriving on long-haul flights from London, Brisbane, Perth and Auckland and transiting in Brunei International Airport for more than five hours. 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. 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. Passengers wishing to join the tours can do so by completing the Immigration Arrival forms distributed inflight by RBA’s cabin crew for entry clearance intro Brunei Darussalam. Upon arrival, please contact our ground staff at the transfer desk to register for the transit programme. Please be advised that seats are limited and RBA may not be able to accommodate all requests. Passenger Comments Your comments and suggestions will help us enhance our services. Please e-mail us at: feedback@rba.com.bn BRUNEI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Brunei International Airport’s computerised passenger and cargo handling facilities can handle 1.5 million passengers and 50,000 tonnes of cargo a year and the airport is currently being expanded for traffic growth. Among the facilities offered at the airport are a prayer room, telephones and internet services, restaurants, a viewing gallery and day rooms for transit passengers who want to rest or freshen up before flying. 74 For customers’ comfort and convenience, Royal Brunei Airlines’ Service Centre and SkyLounge are both located on the departure level. The former is a one stop centre providing services such as reservations, ticketing and booking of tour packages. Customers who book online can get their tickets here before departure. Royal Skies members may also redeem their miles here. For Royal Brunei’s Business Class passengers and Royal Skies’ Gold and Silver members, the SkyLounge boasts plush seating for 120 people. Complimentary massage chairs, shower rooms, ablution areas, and widescreen plasma televisions are also available. Duty-free shops offer consumer goods at competitive prices. There are several outlets, including a money changer, at the main departure/transit hall. On sale are portable electrical goods with international warranties, designer goods, perfumes and confectionery. WARNING! AMARAN! The trafficking and illegal import of controlled drugs are very serious offences in Brunei Darussalam. The penalty for such offences is DEATH. Mengedar dan membawa masuk dadah terkawal secara haram adalah kesalahan yang amat berat di Negara Brunei Darussalam. Kesalahan sedemikian membawa hukuman MATI. MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd74 74 15/6/11 2:44:46 PM 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. 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. 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. Hotels Accommodation in the capital ranges from international standard to middle range hotels. Service apartments are also available at reasonable rates. Tipping Optional. Some hotels add a 10 percent service charge to their room 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. 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. Festivals and Celebrations National Day, 23 February, Hari Raya, the end of the Muslim fasting month, and His Majesty The Sultan’s birthday, July 15. 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. The visa and duty-free allowances are provided as a guideline and may change without notice. JULY | AUGUST 2011 Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd75 75 75 15/6/11 2:44:55 PM WELCOME ONBOARD ROUTE MAP & DESTINATIONS GUIDE AUSTRALIA BRISBANE (BNE) BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Airport-City 22 kms Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Bus AUD8 • Taxi AUD35 Airport Tax AUD38 Currency Australian Dollar (AUD) Language English GMT +10 RBA OFFICE 60 Edward Street, Brisbane, Qld 4000 T: (61) 7 3017 5000 E: bnerba@rba.com.bn 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 RBA OFFICE Level 10, 45 William Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000 T: 1300 721271 E: melrba@rba.com.bn 76 PERTH (PER) PERTH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Airport-City 15 kms Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Bus AUD11 • Taxi AUD30 Airport Tax AUD38 Currency Australian Dollar (AUD) Language English GMT +8 RBA OFFICE Level 6, London House 216 St Georges Terrace Perth, WA 6000 T: (61) 8 9321 8757 E: perrba@rba.com.bn 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 RBA OFFICE RBA Plaza, Jalan Sultan Bandar Seri Begawan BS 8811 T: (673) 2212 222, 2240 500 F: (673) 2244 737 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 PACIFIC AVIATION MARKETING (HK) LTD Rm 2505 Caroline Centre 28 Yun Ping Road. T: (852) 3180 3232, 2869 8608 SHANGHAI (PVG) 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 2153027288 F: +86 2163047686 E: shasales@rba.com.bn INDONESIA 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 RBA OFFICE World Trade Centre, 11th Flr Jln Jenderal, Sudirman, Kav. 29-31 Jakarta 12920 T: (62) 21 5211 842-6/784 E: jktirzatis@rba.com.bn MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd76 76 15/6/11 2:45:02 PM SURABAYA (SUB) KUCHING (KCH) 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 KUCHING INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Airport-City 11 kms Airport Tax MYR26 Currency Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) Language Malay, English, Mandarin GMT +8 GENERAL SALES AGENT PT. SURYA NAYAGATAMA Plaza BRI, 6th Floor Suite 611 Jl. Jend. Basuki Rachmat No.122 Surabaya 60271 T: (62) 31548 1819 E: SUBRBA@rba.com.bn MALAYSIA KUALA LUMPUR (KUL) KUALA LUMPUR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Airport-City 80 kms Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Bus Luxury RM25 • Taxi Budget MYR7080, Limo MYR100-120 Airport Tax MYR51 Currency Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) Language Malay, English, Cantonese, Tamil, Mandarin GMT +8 RBA OFFICE Lot 25, 1st Floor, UBN Tower (Shangri-la Shopping Arcade) P.O. Box 99, Jln P. Ramlee 50250 Kuala Lumpur T: (603) 2070 7166, 2070 6628 F: (603) 2070 6899 E: kulrba@rba.com.bn 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 RBA 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 Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd77 77 RBA OFFICE L2L 10 Level 2, Kuching International Airport P.O.Box 1070, 93722 Kuching, Sarawak T: (60) 82 453 422 / 456 422 E: KCHRBA@rba.com.bn NEW ZEALAND 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 AUCKLAND (AKL) AUCKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Airport-City 21 kms Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Bus NZD15 • Taxi NZD60 Currency New Zealand Dollar (NZD) Language English, Maori GMT +13 GENERAL SALES AGENT THE WALSHE GROUP Level 6, 52 Swanson Street Auckland 1010 T: (64) 9 9772 209 E: aklrba@rba.com.bn PHILIPPINES ELAF AVIATION Al Nakheel Centre, Madina Road Jeddah 21414 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia T: (9662) 6657143 / 6612679 / 6657908 E: JEDGSA@rba.com.bn GENERAL SALES AGENT GLOBAL AIR SERVICES CORPORATION G/F SGV II Bldg, 6758 Ayala Ave Makati City, The Philippines 1200 T: (632) 864-0801 to 05 F: (632) 891-0435 E: mnlres@rba.com.bn 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 RBA OFFICE Ground Floor Shop No.5 Bu Haleeba Lamcy Building 319 Community 6B Street, Oud Metha Road, Bur Dubai T: (971) 4334 4884/686 F: (971) 4334 4585 E: dxbrba@rba.com.bn UNITED KINGDOM THAILAND BANGKOK (BKK) 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 MANILA (MNL) 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 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES RBA OFFICE 968, U Chu Liang Building, 17th Floor Rama IV Road, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 T: (66) 2 6375 151 E: BKKRES@rba.com.bn 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 RBA OFFICE 81 Clemenceau Avenue, #03-13 UE Square Shopping Mall Singapore 239917 T: (65) 6235 4672 E: sinrba@rba.com.bn 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 RBA OFFICE 49 Cromwell Road, London SW7 2ED England, United Kingdom T: (44) 207 584 666 E: lonrba@rba.com.bn VIETNAM HO CHI MINH CITY (SGN) TAN SON NHAT AIRPORT Airport-City 7 kms Approx. Fare from Airport to City • Bus VND2,000 • Taxi VND50,000 Airport Tax USD14 Currency Vietnam Dong (VND) Language Vietnamese, Mandarin, English, French GMT +7 GENERAL SALES AGENT WORLDWIDE AGENCY CO. LTD. Fidi Tour Building, 4th Floor 127-129-129A Nguyen Hue Street, Dist. 1 T: (84) 8 3914 6868 F: (84) 8 3915 2265 15/6/11 2:45:54 PM WELCOME ONBOARD Abode of Peace 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. CAPITAL ATTRACTIONS Small in size but big in attractions, Brunei’s capital has lots to offer. Brunei-Muara 1 2 THE OMAR ‘ALI SAIFUDDIEN MOSQUE 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 is just over 370,000, made up of two-thirds ethnic Malay, with the remainder being Chinese, Indian and other indigenous groups. 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. 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. 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. MUSLIM PRAYER TIMES in Brunei Darussalam July 2011 Rejab 1432 / Sya’aban 1432 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 Hijriah 29 30 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 Day Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Imsak 4.38 4.38 4.38 4.39 4.39 4.39 4.39 4.40 4.40 4.40 4.40 4.41 4.41 4.41 4.42 4.42 4.42 4.42 4.43 4.43 4.43 4.43 4.44 4.44 4.44 4.44 4.45 4.45 4.45 4.45 4.45 Subuh 4.48 4.48 4.48 4.49 4.49 4.49 4.49 4.50 4.50 4.50 4.50 4.51 4.51 4.51 4.52 4.52 4.52 4.52 4.53 4.53 4.53 4.53 4.54 4.54 4.54 4.54 4.55 4.55 4.55 4.55 4.55 Syuruk 6.11 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.13 6.13 6.13 6.13 6.13 6.14 6.14 6.14 6.14 6.14 6.14 6.15 6.15 6.15 6.15 6.15 6.15 6.15 6.16 6.16 6.16 6.16 6.16 6.16 6.16 6.16 Doha 6.37 6.37 6.37 6.37 6.37 6.38 6.38 6.38 6.38 6.38 6.39 6.39 6.39 6.39 6.39 6.39 6.39 6.40 6.40 6.40 6.40 6.40 6.40 6.40 6.40 6.40 6.40 6.40 6.40 6.41 6.41 Zohor 78 31 12.26 12.26 12.26 12.26 12.26 12.26 12.27 12.27 12.27 12.27 12.27 12.27 12.27 12.28 12.28 12.28 12.28 12.28 12.28 12.28 12.28 12.28 12.28 12.28 12.28 12.28 12.28 12.28 12.28 12.28 12.28 Asar 3.51 3.51 3.52 3.52 3.52 3.52 3.52 3.52 3.52 3.52 3.52 3.52 3.52 3.52 3.52 3.52 3.52 3.52 3.52 3.52 3.52 3.51 3.51 3.51 3.51 3.51 3.51 3.50 3.50 3.50 3.49 Maghrib 6.36 6.37 6.37 6.37 6.37 6.37 6.37 6.37 6.38 6.38 6.38 6.38 6.38 6.38 6.38 6.38 6.38 6.38 6.38 6.38 6.38 6.38 6.38 6.38 6.38 6.38 6.38 6.38 6.28 6.37 6.37 Isyak 7.52 7.52 7.53 7.53 7.53 7.53 7.53 7.53 7.53 7.53 7.53 7.53 7.53 7.53 7.53 7.53 7.53 7.53 7.53 7.52 7.52 7.52 7.52 7.52 7.52 7.52 7.51 7.51 7.51 7.51 7.50 MUHIBAH Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd78 78 15/6/11 2:46:35 PM 3 6 7 8 THE ROYAL REGALIA BUILDING TAMU KIANGGEH Tutong 9 10 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. 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.. KAMPONG AYER 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. Belait 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. 4 5 LAPAU AND DEWAN MAJLIS The Royal Ceremonial Hall features an exquisite golden dome and hosts all of the Sultanate’s traditional royal ceremonies. 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. OFF THE BEATEN TRACK Temburong THE SULTAN HAJI HASSANAL BOLKIAH FOUNDATION COMPLEX 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. The capital’s most popular shopping venues, it combines both traditional Malay and modern architecture. For more information on Brunei, email: info@bruneitourism.travel August 2011 Sya’aban 1432 / Ramadhan 1432 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 Hijriah 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 1 2 Day Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Imsak 4.46 4.46 4.46 4.46 4.46 4.46 4.46 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 4.47 4.47 4.47 4.47 4.47 4.47 4.47 4.47 Subuh 4.56 4.56 4.56 4.56 4.56 4.56 4.56 4.57 4.57 4.57 4.57 4.57 4.57 4.57 4.57 4.57 4.57 4.57 4.57 4.57 4.57 4.57 4.57 4.57 4.57 4.57 4.57 4.57 4.57 4.57 4.57 Syuruk 6.16 6.16 6.16 6.16 6.16 6.16 6.16 6.16 6.16 6.16 6.16 6.16 6.16 6.16 6.16 6.16 6.16 6.16 6.16 6.16 6.15 6.15 6.15 6.15 6.15 6.15 6.15 6.14 6.14 6.14 6.14 Doha 6.41 6.41 6.41 6.41 6.41 6.41 6.40 6.40 6.40 6.40 6.40 6.40 6.40 6.40 6.40 6.40 6.40 6.40 6.39 6.39 6.39 6.39 6.39 6.39 6.38 6.38 6.38 6.38 6.38 6.38 6.37 Zohor 31 12.28 12.28 12.28 12.28 12.28 12.28 12.28 12.28 12.27 12.27 12.27 12.27 12.27 12.27 12.26 12.26 12.26 12.26 12.26 12.25 12.25 12.25 12.25 12.24 12.24 12.24 12.24 12.23 12.23 12.23 12.22 Asar 3.49 3.49 3.48 3.48 3.48 3.47 3.47 3.46 3.46 3.45 3.45 3.44 3.44 3.43 3.42 3.42 3.41 3.40 3.40 3.39 3.38 3.38 3.37 3.36 3.35 3.34 3.33 3.33 3.32 3.31 3.30 Maghrib 6.37 6.37 6.37 6.37 6.36 6.36 6.36 6.36 6.35 6.35 6.35 6.35 6.34 6.34 6.34 6.34 6.33 6.33 6.33 6.32 6.32 6.31 6.31 6.31 6.30 6.30 6.29 6.29 6.29 6.28 6.28 Isyak 7.50 7.50 7.50 7.49 7.49 7.49 7.48 7.48 7.48 7.47 7.47 7.47 7.46 7.46 7.45 7.45 7.44 7.44 7.44 7.43 7.43 7.42 7.42 7.41 7.41 7.40 7.40 7.39 7.39 7.38 7.38 JULY | AUGUST 2011 Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd79 79 79 15/6/11 2:47:18 PM Muhibah205x260mm_JulAug2011.indd80 80 15/6/11 2:47:34 PM Dorchester Collection hotels are landmarks of individuality, prestige and comfort with peerless reputations that continue to attract royalty, dignitaries, celebrities, and an international set accustomed to the finer things in life. No matter where you stay each of our hotels offers a rich and unique provenance. See dorchestercollection.com Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival 15 June – 31 August 2011 Malaysia Year End Sale 15 November 2011 – 1 January 2012 F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N , P L E A S E C O N TA C T T O U R I S M M A L AY S I A ( B R U N E I ) , T E L : + 6 7 3 - 2 3 8 1 5 7 5 / + 6 7 3 - 2 3 8 1 5 7 6 O R W W W. F A C E B O O K . C O M / T O U R I S M M A L AY S I A . B N Muhibah_JulAug2011_Cover.indd 2 The Dorchester The Beverly Hills Hotel Le Meurice Hôtel Plaza Athénée Hotel Principe di Savoia The New York Palace Hotel Bel-Air Coworth Park 45 Park Lane LONDON BEVERLY HILLS PARIS PARIS MILAN NEW YORK LOS ANGELES ASCOT LONDON 15/6/11 12:06:48 PM JULY | AUGUST 2011 Inflight Magazine of Royal Brunei Airlines • July/August 2011 Muhibah_JulAug2011_Cover.indd 1 MAJESTY IN THE SKY HIS MAJESTY SULTAN HAJI HASSANAL BOLKIAH MU’IZZADDIN WADDAULAH www.bruneiair.com 15/6/11 12:06:34 PM
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