Brunei traveller

Brunei-Australia 1945 Memorial

2009-02-23T08:31:00.004+07:00

It is long overdue but... its better late than never...

Nothing to do...

2008-12-27T18:04:00.002+07:00

During the long break, my friend's family went to KK for a short holiday... on the way back at the Brunei-Limbang boarder, apparently they were stopped by plain-clothes customs/religious officer (?) who ask them, if they bought any meat - ie pork or chicken with them?

See what is wrong with this scenerio?

Why are the enforcement people cared about non-muslims bringing meat that is used for their own comsumption? Had they got nothing better to do? Why don't they catch people who brings in drugs or excessively amount of fruits from Malaysian boarder, and yet keep this stupid antics of stopping non-mulims for getting "non-halal" meat for their own consumption?

CNY is near the corner, and its time to make non-muslims life a bit difficult i guess... according to my friend..

sorry if this is "offensive", but rather than worry about things like this, the customs/religious officers (my friend couldnt tell which dept were they from), our highly paid govt servants should be looking out for more harmful items that crossed our boarder, rather than making people life hell with the long queue that already exist at the boarder...

Religion teaches people to be nice, but ..... sigh....

Fighting Corruption in Brunei

2008-12-23T05:16:00.004+07:00

Everyone knows corruption exists not only in Brunei, but also the whole wide world, not only in developing countries but in developed countries... it is the scale of corruption done that differs from one country to another country... With less FDI into Brunei and not much major private sector economy in the country cept for the oil and gas industry, corruption in Brunei can be seen as "minute" compared to other countries..

Then again, what is wrong, is wrong...

Everyone knows that corruption in Brunei are mostly due to the red tape that exists... and literally its all about red tapes - the opaque procedures that occur around any "procedures".

Take, the tendering process..

Tenders are supposed to be "open" and published by Pelita Brunei and available on the notice board of the departments' concerned. But if you look at Pelita Brunei now (the website anyway, which is not updated), there's barely any projects going around... then again, is this true?

Then once a tender is being publish, then you have to look at the time allowed for contractors to submit the contract. Is it rationale for a contract worth over tens of millions to be estimated, can be completed in just 2 weeks? of coz... the implications are a lot here... probably a particular contract has been selected here.. hehhe...

Then once contractors submit the tender.. then what happens? No one knows until the contract has been awarded and this may take months... 6 months to 1 year perhaps? Why is this so? How difficult is it the tender board to put out the list of the prices of the contractors have bid? why is this against the law? why is not "transparent"? why allow the "wheeling and dealing" behind the scenes?

If the lowest contractor has been the top priority, then obviously, the performance of the said contractor must be assessed. Yet, people knows underperforming contractors are also allowed to take projects even though their other ongoing projects are delayed.

Then consultants... using consultants are good, supposedly having the latest knowldege building and designing a particular project. Being consultants where their fee is based on the tendered project price, obviously they would recomend higher bid contractor. Mind you, you have to check the materials that they have "recomend" to use. Sometimes, it would be unreasonable to have a gold plated door handle that costs say $50 when a silver plated door handle that works perfectly as well, can cost only $20...

Then once a project has been awarded, the contractor who won the project is not announced. It used to be published in the old newspapers on which contractor won a particular project, with the price clearly stated.... not now though... only after everything was done and "groundbreaking" ceremony starts that the price maybe announced...

Then, incase the contractor's job is delayed, yet why is it allowed to be delayed? which organization has the power and authority to make sure they work? and if they dont work, their contact should be cancelled. yet, most contracts are allowed to remain idle for years... why?

While ACB keeps talking about catching the corrupt regardless of creed or breed, it's a wonder why other depts are not involved in supporting ACB's aims... yes, ACB must be careful because Bruneians love to assassinate a character - get it - character assassination lah - heheh... then again, the leaves wouldnt move if there's no wind? it is based on the wise judgement of the people concern to estimate what is jealously and what is real corrupt behaviour... that is easily distinguised one probing is carefully done..

Psssst.... wasnt it staed in the General Orders that assets of public servants must be declared?... is it practiced?

pssst... the new ACB website looks great... BUT the statistics section is useless... why not look at the years of complaints rather than looking a just a few months of a year????

Houses in Brunei?.... in 15-20 years time

2008-10-17T08:57:00.003+07:00

12,000 New Houses In 5 Yrs By Malek Hashim

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Ministry of Development has unveiled plans for the construction of more than 12,000 housing units for the national housing needs.

The housing units are under the Rancangan Perumahan Negara (RPN) or National Housing Scheme and Skim Tanah Kurnia Rakyat Jati (STKRJ) or Landless Indigenous Citizens Housing Scheme under the 2007-2012 National Development Plan, as well as residual housing under the previous National Development Plan.

Also in line with national sheltering strategy, the Infill Scheme and issuing of land titles to qualified recipients have been implemented since the 1980s. To date, more than 2,010 land titles have been issued and more will be issued in the future....

further reading (http://www.brudirect.com/DailyInfo/News/Archive/Oct08/151008/nite01.htm)

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Is it realistic to assume that this can be done in 5 years?... as someone simply calculated, it would take 5 or 6 houses to be completed in a day for this to be realised... or about 300 houses per month...

Do you know the current rate of house production for the National Housing Scheme (NHS) in Brunei?

Its about 300 HOUSES PER YEAR!!! A YEAR, A YEAR, A YEAR... NOT A MONTH, A YEAR!!!!

Do you know what they need to do?

1. STOP giving contracts to the CHEAPEST "bumi" contractors who have totally NO experience other than wheel and deal to find the other cheapest incompetent contractor to do (sub to other contractors when they get the contract!!)

2. ENFORCE the rule which says that if they delay their job, they will be FINED up to certain amount of $$$ when projects are delayed

3. Govt also must ensure payment must be made ON TIME when its time to PAY contractors... It's no FUN to be taxed by the BANKS who take INTERESTS from the LOANS need to finance the projects....

Japanese Buffett in Melbourne A$28 per head

2008-09-20T18:31:00.003+07:00

pre-order the oyster when you make booking...

Dessert....

Shop's Name: J's Surf and Turf,

133 Were Street, Brighton, Victoria 3186, Melbourne.

If you book from 6.30pm, you have to finish at 8.30pm, and the 8.30pm will finish till whenever you finish, i guess... hee..

Visiting Victoria 4

2008-09-20T18:26:00.001+07:00

View from Mt. Dendenong

Visiting Victoria 3

2008-09-20T18:16:00.003+07:00

Possibly the highest bridge in Melbourne, The West Gate Bridge ...

The view of Melbourne city from the top of the bridge... on the left of the picture, you can see the soon to be open Melbourne/Victoria Eye... just like London Eye..

Go to the left (green board line) if you dont want to get charged by the Citylink Toll... heee

Visiting Victoria 2

2008-09-20T18:13:00.001+07:00

Visiting Victoria 1

2008-09-20T18:01:00.002+07:00

An "attempted" trip down to the Great Ocean Road.... took us over 2 hours from Melbourne to reach Geloong/Lorne Road areas... but because it was rainy a bit and the thought of driving another 2 hours just to see the 12 Apostles (now left 7 rocks) wasnt that appealing... decided to turn back after that...

1st Entrepreneurs Award in Brunei - and Wu Chun gets it??

2008-08-30T16:53:00.007+07:00

Well... surprise surprise...

Pehin Lau Ah Kok gets it - is not bad, afterall he's a well known figure in Brunei - the rags to riches story ... he deserved it... it's better late than never :-)

Hope there's a book publish on that - how's that - any aspiring writers out there who wants to write it? they should... I heard stories by uncles and aunties that when they were young, they used to steal from Ah Kok's car (he was like travelling salesman back then) - small items which I'm sure he knows what the kids did but did not take any action... hahah

The guy in the centre is Pehin ("Lord") Lau Ah Kok

The big surprise for me - Wu Chun, gets the "Young Entrepreneur of the Year" award.... how is that possible again?.... If he becomes Brunei's TOURISM representative, thats not bad (he IS that popular among his Taiwanese teenage fans and THE most well known (and the only ???) BRUNEIAN "ENTERTAINER" in East Asia and Southeast Asia) but entrepreneur?... I remembered reading that he wanted to bring the Taiwanese filming crew to Brunei but I guess, there are no nice mansions in Brunei that he used for his dramas... just the Empire Hotel is not enough...

He's an actor la, and ermmm singer.... (ok, i dont actually watch his dramas, cozz.... i dont know, coz i dont think its nice - hahha - no offense, he's a "pretty" boy... after one episode, cant tolerate watching the ending.. sorry... his latest "idol" drama as a supporting cast is Hot Shot, which is currently airing in Taiwan, and you can watch it in Youtube :-) Oh ya, I read that he used to study in RMIT, in Melbourne, so his English should be better than some Taiwanese actors, hahah...

Not that this is relevant to the topic but, but incase anyone wants to watch Taiwanese Dramas, the best ones are Fated to Love You, My Lucky Star and Korean's 1st Shop of Coffee Prince (or just Coffee Prince)... hahha... ehh... out banar...

The newslink to the award ceremony:
http://www.bt.com.bn/en/news/2008/08/30/bruneis_noted_entrepreneurs_honoured

Comparative Study...

2008-08-04T21:14:00.002+07:00

Melbourne
One of the top cities that international students would love to go to. However, students on tight budgets might consider;

1. No transport concessions for students (unless you’re Australian citizen)

2. Rents are crazy – landlords can change and increase the rent prices every 6 months, hence students who can’t afford the rent has to move to a new place. Shifting houses is no joke because of other costs involved. Calculation of rent is different from Bribane, suffice to say, Brisbane rent calculation is cheaper compared to Melbourne.

3. Movie are not that cheap as those who get student concession in Brisbane

4. Internet download is based on the amount of info you downloaded! (at least still can download compared to Brunei’s e-speed la... heheh... BUT BUT can’t beat Manchester, UK where the download for anything is super SUPER super fast!)

5. Petrol price is around A$1.55 to A$1.70 per litre

6. Buses are not on time, worse during weekend (not that i’ve taken public transport in Brunei much, heheh). No shade on every bus stop!!! (as if it never rain!)

7. Train tickets (where you can use for buses and trams as well) are based on Zones, not on the distance. For example, in Singapore, the charges start from where your journey starts. In Melbourne, it depends on zone. So, if you’re in Zone 1 – city and to go to Zone 2 – which is where Clayton is, you will have to buy Zone 1+2 ticket. Not cost friendly.

8. Parking is expensive. So if you want to complain yayasan or parking bertingkat is expensive, come and try to park in Melbourne. 1 hour can cost up to $10 in the city!!!

9. People ask for money on trains and not even ashamed of it!!

10. Hmmm... why cant they build taller buildings outside the city? And Please... use better materials and workmanship for the construction. Baik lagi rumah yang d buat d Brunei, built by our expatriate workers atu – we haven’t thank them enough for our homes... right people??

Site and Scene of St. Kilda Beach, Melbourne

2008-07-09T17:53:00.002+07:00

The Best and Worst Pie/Pastry in Aussie

2008-07-04T08:29:00.003+07:00

The BEST (frozen) pies around are the SARGENTS brand of pies....

The WORST pasties around is the HERBERT ADAMS's pastry (misleading advertisement on TV!!!!) Couldnt even stomach the content!!!!

Victoria Market, Melbourne

2008-06-22T11:46:00.002+07:00

So now we appreciate Supasave prices as the prices here are not that cheap either... higher living standard, higher food prices... its a cycle.

Melbourne, Australia

2008-06-22T11:06:00.003+07:00

Hotel Windsor in Melbourne

Monash University, Caulfield Campus (next to the Caulfield train station, its in Zone 1)

Ikea at Richmond...

Scenes from Victoria Market

ps. been to the McDonald restaurant, dont understand why they dont have wash basin to wash hand. Where's the cleanliness and hygiene of a big city?

Brunei's B$202 Million Subsidy

2008-05-25T18:17:00.003+07:00

What Is Foregone For The $202mil Subsidy
By Za'im Zaini

Bandar Seri Begawan - A total of 2,880 units of low-cost housing, 20 health centres, 12 schools, 170km of new roads, 100,000 new computers for schools and 1,400 scholarships for students on a first degrees course overseas.

That is the estimate the government could have spent on instead of the $202 million that the government pays in subsidies for gasoline and diesel (2007 stats). This was among what was revealed in a pamphlet distributed yesterday during the Subsidy Awareness Campaign launched at the Gadong petrol station. Present M guest of honour was Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister's Office.

The event began with a welcoming speech from Hj Zolkiflee Hj Abdul Karim, Acting Director for Petroleum Unit. This was followed by the minister launching the awareness campaign by distribution of pamphlets and an informative poster.

The pamphlet also reveals that the amount $202 million in subsidies for gasoline and diesel is the highest figure paid by the government ever since the introduction of subsidies in 1978.

The subsidies paid for 2007 on premium 97 gasoline per litre is $0.3293, super 92 is $0.3207 per litre, regular $0.4127 and diesel $0.4990.

At the moment according to current market price, subsidies paid on premium 97 gasoline per litre is $0.49, super 92 is $0.48 per litre, regular $0.55 per litre and diesel $0.67 per litre.

Gasoline remains the highest in petroleum products used as in 2007 with over 250 million litres while in 2006 it was more than 300 million litres. Diesel use last year was less than 250 million litres usage and slightly above 200 million litres.

Brunei's price for gasoline is the lowest priced in the region per litre at a rate of $0.53 per litre as well as diesel at $0.31 per litre.

Thus, the public is urged to plan their journeys more wisely, use the bicycle or are encouraged to walk, to slow down, to make sure the car engine is in good condition — to name a few of the tips given.

The campaign is to inform the public on the price difference between subsidy and commercial, amount of government subsidy and also practical tips on how to save on gasoline and diesel usage. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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B$16.8 million for one school

B$10 million for one health centre
B$1.1 million per km of road
B$144,000 for an overseas degree
B$70,000 each for a perpindahan house
B$2,020 for a computer

One wonders how much does the government spent on rentals to house public servants? It must run into millions of dollars as well. If these are taken into account as well, am sure that the government can save a lot of money.

But while saving money is most important, one do wonder that if the savings are made, will the money actually go to build or pay for the infrastructure? Why then do you hear that contractors are not paid on time? I remembered hearing that the cleaners in govt institutions were not even paid on time, and mind you, how much do these people actually earn? Sigh... so many things to "clean up" before all those saving will really benefit the whole society.

Birthday Buffet at SKR... (Seri Kemayan Restaurant)

2008-05-18T11:30:00.003+07:00

Dont Forget the Egg..."I got the most ballons... U cant have it.."

The balloon maker..

Longevity noodle...
Lamb...

The fish

The Chicken

The Prawns

Dinner at Seri Kemayan Restaurant

2008-05-18T09:02:00.002+07:00

Happy birthday baby... :-)

For Chinese, the red eggs are a must when celebrating birthday... The reason... have to check with the elders on this

Good food!!!

Jalan2 to Gadong and Meragang on a Friday

2008-05-16T11:52:00.003+07:00

My fav food when at Ideal... however, the sauce is not like before... not that tasty anymore....

Above: The road to Gadong, the "workshops" of Brunei...

Above: Meragang Beach or Crocodile beach, in Muara.

Above: Hey, they even have a surau here!!

Above: The shorelines used to be further than it is now.. look at the distance of the sea and the trees... I hope the authorities will save our coastline...

8 Course Chinese Wedding Dinner in Brunei

2008-05-15T21:52:00.004+07:00

Below: Quite watery Sharkfin soup...

The chicken was not bad... then again maybe coz i like chicken.. hehe

Always a favourite to all, fish no matter what form...

The fried rice is also best..

Butter prawns was good.. big and everyone only got one to eat...

Hmm.. the beancurd wasnt that good... got smell.. hehe..

sago with rockmelon... not bad

The DJs... not bad, but 2 wedding dinners at the same place in 3 weeks, we have heard of the songs before la... by the way, when it comes to "yam seng", NO MATTER what, I believed that the DJ SHOULD ask all the diners/guests to STAND UP and hold up their glasses to the bride/groom family as a mark of respect

Congrats to the friends and many happy returns for your wedding! :-)

We are Forever Grateful to our Late Sultan...

2008-05-14T08:27:00.006+07:00

2008/05/14 New Straits Times...

Oil royalty to states stays at 5%

THE 5% royalty going to Sabah, Sarawak and Terengganu on oil and gas extracted by Petronas will not be reviewed.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Senator Datuk Amirsham A. Aziz, said financial considerations prevented the government from acceding to their requests for an increase in royalty.

This was because any increase in royalty to the states would eat into the 10 per cent royalty the government received from Petronas.

He was replying to a supplementary question from Alexander Nanta Linggi (BN-Kapit) on whether the federal government would look into increasing its royalty from 10 per cent to 20 per cent.

To another supplementary question from Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (PKR-Permatang Pauh), Amirsham said the formula involving royalty on oil and gas saw the government receiving 10 per cent, of which five per cent was given to the three states.
To the original question from Dr Wan Azizah, Amirsham said that between 2004 and last year, Petronas paid a total of RM26.839 billion in royalty to the federal government, Sabah, Sarawak and Terengganu.

The Federal Government received RM13.4 billion, Terengganu (RM7.3 billion), Sabah (RM1.2 billion) and Sarawak (RM4.8 billion).

Amirsham said that based on current oil extraction methods, crude oil and oil condensates were expected to last 22 years while gas reserves would last 39 years.

"Even though there are many years for the reserve period (oil and gas) to expire, the fact is that the country also imports oil and gas to meet some local energy needs.

"Thus, the country is expected to be a net energy importer by 2014," Amirsham said.

To another question, Amirsham said oil production in Terengganu, Sabah and Sarawak for the financial year ending March 31, last year, stood at 241.3 million barrels of crude oil.

Gas production was 2,081.4 billion square feet, he added.

He said crude oil and gas products exported by the subsidiaries of Petronas were sold at current world prices whereas the price for domestic sale of gas-based products for the electrical and non-electrical sector was fixed by the government.

------------------------------------------

The Sabah, Sarawak and Trengganu people are angry that the Federal Government is refusing to increase the oil royalty and some bloggers mentioned that Bruneians were lucky to opt out of Malaysia when it was formed in 1963.

Yes, we are forever grateful to our late and beloved Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin III for his wise decisions on not to join Malaysia, otherwise, we would be one of the top 3 poorest state in Malaysia... as what is happening in the 3 oil producing states in Malaysia now.

After the statement from the Minister, I wonder would any katak lompat to Pakatan Rakyat now since Anwar Ibrahim promised to increase the oil royalty to the oil producing states??? Interesting times in Malaysia now....

Chinese Miri Temple

2008-05-13T16:55:00.006+07:00

The Miri Chinese temple (Tua Pek Kong Temple) located near to the Central Fish Market, Miri, Sarawak, was completed in 1972.

According to the history of the temple as supplied by the TPK Temple Committee of the Miri Chinese Charitable Trust Board, when Miri was booming due to the discovery of oil in the early 20th century, an unknown epidemic struck the town that caused a lot of deaths. A Chinese wise man, Chan Chak suggested that a monk must be called to appease the evil spirits.

A spirit pacifying ceremony was carried out near the Miri river and an altar was placed. It worked and in gratitude, the local population erected a temple around 1913 near the river to honor the revered Tua Pek Kong, a god commonly worshiped by Chinese immigrants.

During the 2nd World War, the temple was the only building in town which survive the Japanese bombings and all the Chinese who took refuge in the temple... Hmm... even the Brunei Town's Chinese temple survived the Japanese bombing... I wonder if there's any particular reason for that...

Today, it's architecture is as magnificent as the one in Kuching's and is one of Miri's tourist attraction.

Brunch in Tutong Town...

2008-05-13T16:40:00.003+07:00

I wonder how many people actually go to other districts during their off day just to explore our country Brunei Darussalam, or do people just think of going to Miri, Singapore or KL as the only time that we actually have a holiday or relaxing time?

For me, i like to wonder around the whole country and if possible the whole island of Borneo, just to see whats around us...

Anyway, this pic are the pics of the food from a restaurant in Tutong Town which I think is not bad... at least the restaurant's aircon is working and the staff are quite attentive to the customers....

The infamous Halim Plaza... from the moment it was constructed, there were many problems and until it was finished, it never see any light of hope of being profitable investment....
Hardly anyone goes there and the tiles are dropping pieces by pieces....

Chix chop... well worth the $$$... heheh...

Kolomee....

Bakut teh... the one in Jln Tutong is better, so say the customer...

By the way, who are the people who plan Tutong Town? Have they actually see how terrible is the planning there? Why are the roads made in such haphazard manner??? No wonder the Halim Plaza could not get any customers.... well, almost any.... anyway... get it?

Lunch again... But not so nice...

2008-05-11T07:26:00.003+07:00

Above: The last food to come was the nestum chicken, it was terrible!.. something wrong with the chicken meat...

Local scallop... but the chef didnt clean it properly, so made the food un-edible...

Black pepper crab..

Drunken Prawns...

Butter Prawn - udang galah ni....

supposedly salt and pepper crab, but the chef add egg on it, so we wonder what was he thinking of...

Limbang Chinese Temples

2008-05-11T06:55:00.004+07:00

Anyone know about the history of these temples?... do send me some info thanks...

The temple facing the Limbang River... View from the front..

The Limbang Chinese Temple near to the Brunei immigration Post....

Pau, Wywy, Halal-Haram saga in Brunei

2008-04-29T21:40:00.003+07:00

Around the 3rd of April 2008, RTB carried the news regarding the restaurant that served the "pork enzyme" chicken buns. .. Within several hours of the news, everyone in the country knows it is the famous Wywy restaurant. The next day, the restaurant saw a drop in the number of customers that enter its doors...

By the 4th week of April, Wywy restaurant published a notice in Brunei Times and Borneo Bulletin newspapers claiming that their product is halal and they used non-pork ingredients in the making of the pau. Anyone who says otherwise would be sued by the company.

Since that statement, the authorities haven't come forward to either agree or disagree with the statement published by Wywy restaurant.

So the question now is, what is going to happen? Is anything going to happen to whoever was responsible in making the news report?

Since some of the most resourceful bloggers in Brunei managed to get the Ministry of Industry and Resources memo in their blog for all to see the content of the "lab test," what then is the actual story of the whole thing?

Some people actually believed that Wywy's success has always bring many jealous enemies who wanted to destroy its business. From its cleanliness to its operating hours, someone is really "sakit hati" with wywy's business success. I hope that mole is exposed.... heheh...

Anyway, the point is, since Wywy published such statement for all to see, the government must respond in kind... they cannot just let the public be in suspense in the whole saga... Where's the transparency and accountability? Could someone just misused his position to target some business in Brunei and get away with it so easily??

As long as the govt remains silence, then i guess Wywy is right and they didn't actually served anything non-halal, and it could be due to sabotage by some unhappy former or currently working staff (ps. i ever went to one of their new branch, and the manager of the branch was really "kuai lan" to the staff, who were not attentive to customers. One does not criticized staff loudly in front of customers, not only embarrassing the staff but also making customers feel - why such manager/boss exists!).

Brunei law on halal-haram is quite "unique" - as long as the cook and owners of the restaurant are non-Muslim, their restaurant are automatically "Not Halal". So this is quite tricky... One could say that this is really bias, but I guess there are several sides of argument in this matter.

How halal is Dynasty, Emperor's Court, Empire, Sheraton, etc.... can Bruneians just eat food from Indonesian restaurants or Indian restaurants all the time? how halal are those restaurants? Have you check the cleanliness of the restaurants... sometimes the toilet are darn dirty and yet the restaurants could still operate.

"Muslims" restaurants by the sidewalk, road ways are allowed to operate but when non-Muslim try to ask permission, it is always denied. Must use "ali-baba" license then can get approval. Does this actually help the people or just allow them more dependent on other people???

Interesting Story ...

2008-04-20T17:34:00.000+07:00

Tunku Azizah is one tough princess

BY KEE HUA CHEE

Tunku Azizah

Anyone would think Tunku Azizah Maimunah Iskandariah Sultan Iskandar, the beautiful Tengku Puan Pahang, has led a fairytale life. Yet she has endured great heartache in her desire to be a mother.

The fourth child of the Sultan of Johor, she has 10 siblings. Her marriage in 1986 to the Crown Prince of Pahang was a week-long affair attended by 8,000 guests � her father was then the Agong.

�We married in March 1986 but up to July that year, we only went out as husband and wife once! Even then we were surrounded by our retinue and the bodyguards. In Johor Baru, I lived with my parents at Istana Bukit Iskandar which is next to the Johor State Prison. Tengku Mahkota Pahang used to ask me which building was actually the prison!� she laughs.

Both fathers-in-law are extremely close. �They are best friends and give each other nicknames. The Sultan of Pahang calls my father Sultan Mahmud Iskandar, �Moody�, while he calls Sultan Ahmad �Addy�,�� says Tengku Puan Pahang with a laugh.

Her marriage marked the third union between the two royal families. In the 19th century, her great great grandfather, Sultan Abu Bakar of Johor married a Pahang princess while Sultan Mahmud of Pahang married her great grandaunt who became Tengku Ampuan Mariam. Both marriages, strangely enough, did not produce any children.

Not surprisingly, Tunku Azizah, 44, feared the same fate might befall her marriage. After nine years, she had six miscarriages.

�I was afraid history would repeat itself, third time unlucky. As I had married the Pahang Crown Prince, I was expected to produce an heir and spare. I fully sympathise with Crown Princess Masako of Japan as I know exactly how she feels,�� she says.

She miscarried a few months into her marriage and experienced her first heartache. Four years later, her hopes were lifted when she discovered she was pregnant with twins. It was even more heart-wrenching when she lost the first twin at two months.

�I thought I could keep the second twin but I lost it too at four months. I was devastated. Tengku Mahkota and I broke down in London, where we had hoped to get the best medical care.

�My husband was supportive and caring throughout. He told me to never give up on him. He said everything was in God�s hands and if we were meant to be childless, it was not my fault and I should not worry.�

But worry she did. It was her grandmother, the late Sultanah Aminah of Johor who was her source of inspiration in these hours of darkness.

�My grandma and I had a lot in common. She too had six miscarriages! She had seven children of whom only three lived to be adults. The rest died before they turned one. It took her 12 years before she had a child who lived beyond a year old! When I couldn�t conceive, I thought of my grandmother. If she could persevere, so could I. I reminded myself that she did not enjoy such medical treatments as I was undergoing.

�So I put my trust in God and never gave up hope I would be a mother one day.�

Tunku Azizah and her children.

Python�s revenge?

After her 15th fertility treatment, Tunku Azizah became pregnant, again. She was two-and-half months pregnant and all was going well. Then one afternoon at Istana Abdul Aziz, Kuantan, the palace guards caught and killed a 20-foot (six-metre) python. The princess was upset over this unnecessary spilling of blood and scolded the guards.

�That night, I had a miscarriage. My husband was in England so I rang the Sultan of Pahang who rushed over. I hugged him and we wept.�

Blessings from the Sultan of Brunei

Finally, the Sultan of Brunei�s second consort, Pengiran Isteri Hajjah Mariam sent her fertility expert Datuk Dr Prof P.C. Wong over.

The Tengku Mahkota of Pahang is a loving father...

He achieved the seemingly impossible and successfully saw Tengku Puan Pahang through a pregnancy.

�Mind you, the nine months were not a bed of roses as I was in bed most of the time � in fact, I was horizontal for six months!

�I was only allowed to go to the bathroom once a day. I did everything else in bed, praying and eating what the doctor ordered,�� says Tunku Azizah.

When a healthy baby arrived in 1995, they named him Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim.

�We named him �Hassanal� in honour of the Sultan of Brunei and �Ibrahim� as he was born on the same day as Sultan Ibrahim of Johor.�

She never tires of telling this tale.

�I went to the best and most expensive fertility clinics in UK and the US and all failed me. It was Dr Wong from Parit Buntar, Perak, who gave me Hassanal, using IVF (in vitro fertilisation). I travelled the world only to discover the best expert was right at home!�

Two years later came Tengku Muhammad, an ICSI (intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection) baby and it was back to bed for the mother.

...and supportive husband.

�This time, I spent only three months in bed. I was getting more confident. He is named after Prophet Muhammad. My son is a twin but I lost the other at two months. I was reading Muhammad � the Man and Prophet and vowed that if I could have this baby, I would name him Muhammad.�

Happily, her third pregnancy produced twins, Tengku Ahmad and Tengku Afzan, in 2000. They were named after her in-laws. This time, she used the frozen embryo technique.

�We used five embryos, two from Hassanal�s batch in 1995 and three from Muhammad�s batch in 1997. The five eggs were thawed and replaced in my uterus in 2000.

�Because of this, one twin could have been made in 1995 and the other in 1997, so in a way, I don�t know their exact ages!� she jokes.

One night after the twins� birth, her husband asked if she wanted another child. �I said �No�. God has blessed us enough. Then came a miracle � our last child was a DIY (do-it-yourself) baby! We did not resort to any fertility treatment.

�Jihan, born in 2002, was a completely natural baby. She was conceived without any artificial means! We named her Jihan Atho�atullah, which means Gift from God. I think God wanted to show His greatness by granting us Jihan after the trials and tribulations I suffered.�

She is now using her experience to help fulfil the wishes of childless couples by launching the Tunku Azizah Fertility Foundation (TAFF). Each couple selected will receive three free treatments worth RM15,000 each.

�It is pronounced �tough�, because I tell women undergoing treatment they have to be tough. I had to endure so many disappointments.

�You must believe in the miracle of God and the miracle of science. In my wildest dreams, I never thought I would have so many children. Even now, as I see them playing and running around, I am still amazed and sometimes ask if they are really my children.� W

http://allmalaysia.info/services/printerfriendly.asp?file=/2005/3/19/people/10436107

Originally published in The Star on Saturday March 19, 2005

Dinner Again

2008-04-18T07:51:00.003+07:00

We thought that when we bring fresh food to a restaurant to cook, it would not only be fresher but also cheaper, but what we thought was wrong. Not only was it more expensive than the previous dinner where I complained that was "very expensive". yesterday, we had another dinner, at a different restaurant, and man, the "workman" ship for the food, for example is $50 per kilo of fish is really a "night time robbery" (remember daylight robbery saying?) since that fish is the one we bought ourselves!

Lamb stew.. nice

Chili Crab... again would be better if more gravy

Thai Style Chicken

Cheese Prawns (Tiger Prawns)

Asam Fish... would be better if the gravy was more...

Chinese Temple in Brunei

2008-04-16T21:28:00.006+07:00

Is the above pictures that of Brunei Town's Chinese Temple? It should have been taken when the Allied or Australian forces freed Brunei from Japanese Occupation.

The current location of the Bandar's Chinese Temple

Chinese Way to get baby Boy...

2008-04-14T21:47:00.002+07:00

The chart, said to be 99% accurate for couples to have baby boy

"Tui Bin Kang" Cemetery

2008-04-14T21:27:00.004+07:00

Above: Some of the tombs at the top of the hill.
Bottom: Some of the damaged pictures in the cemetery complex.

Another damaged tomb....

Above: To protect from soil erosion...

Oldest Chinese Cemetary in Brunei?

2008-04-14T18:12:00.006+07:00

The Chinese Cemetery on the "other" side of Brunei River could be the oldest Chinese cemetery in Brunei (or the Tasek Chinese Cemetery could be the oldest). In order for descendants to pay respects to their ancestors who were buried there, they must hail a boat from one of the many boats cruising in the Brunei River.

The cost per person to go to the other side of the Water Village is just 50cents. According to a colleague of mine, to ask for the whole boat will just cost about $10 to $15 and to pay more than that for the whole boat is already too much. Problem is that, he told me this after I have taken the boat ride to see other interesting things in the Brunei River and I have to pay double the price, i.e. $30!

Nevertheless it was the first time for me to go and visit the Chinese Cemetery at "Tui Bin Kang" (The other side of the river), though the name of the village where the Cemetery is located confused me... its either Kg. Bebakut, Kg. Sungai Si Amas or what?... I have to check this up...

Above: The entrance to the Cemetery is littered with rubbish... mostly washing machines...

The view from the top of the Cemetery...

Chinese Cemetary in Brunei

2008-04-14T17:56:00.003+07:00

There are several Chinese cemetery in Brunei Darussalam, a testimony of how long the Chinese has been part of Brunei's society for such a long time.

Top and botton: The view from the Muara Chinese Cemetary

Top and bottom: The view from the Tasek (Tasik) Chinese Cemetary (within the Tasek Recreation Park, Bandar Seri Begawan)

A Very Expensive Dinner...

2008-04-07T17:46:00.006+07:00

This Udang Galah (Brunei's Lobster :)) I bought for $12/kg...

The prawns above I bought for $8/kg...

Vegetable from the Restaurant

Sapo Tafu from the Restaurant...

Kerapu Fish we bought $6/kg, bought outside...

Fish we bought from Jerudong Market at $10/per kg...

We bought 2 types of fish and 2 types of prawns and asked one of the famous Chinese restaurant in Brunei to cook it..... When the bill arrived, just for the "workman ship" costs $75!!! We were all shocked. Even seafood restaurant in Jalan Muara only cost $10/kilo for any seafood brought for cooking.

I guess it would be the last time I would ever bring anything to be cooked by that restaurant... Mahal Gila...

Wajid Temburong

2008-04-05T16:40:00.003+07:00

Besides Udang Galah and Chendol, one of Temburong District's most famous product is wajid. This brown sticky rice is sold for $2 for 8 small pieces... See how expensive it is?

The main ingredient is the one on the right, marked B$37

Lobster Trouble...

2008-04-03T16:28:00.004+07:00

The above meal, with four dishes, costs about RM66, which is not bad... Apparently at night is very popular in Penampang, Sabah. Every night the restaurant is full and we like the garlic chicken and claypot which the waiter is the restaurant's several best dishes. (The waiter cant entertain us much coz there were so many people waiting for seats).

Lots of story behind this lobster.... But this is for my family to know.. haha..

Brunei to allow more access to AirAsia??

2008-04-03T16:10:00.003+07:00

Crazy or what, those people who let AirAsia "steal" passengers from Brunei to KK and Kuching (See today's Borneo Bulletin).

Tiger Air was given approval several months back and yet Brunei still haven't let them fly in (I'm assuming its Brunei side still lagging here). Why gives AirAsia priority???

Do all those policymakers up there realize how far develop KK is already by now? It used to be a ghost town but now, it is expanding far bigger than Brunei. AirAsia is having its second hub in KK, that could cater flights from KK to China, the Philippines, etc... Almost every few minutes there will be a flight landing or leaving KK aiport. How about in Brunei? After several hours then you get to see one aircraft landing or departing from Brunei Airport.

AirAsia is buying more and more new aeroplanes and yet Brunei??? Is RBA thinking of anything new to buy to replace the old Airbus/Boeing aircraft???? I guess they could "think" but couldnt do much about it.

Even Singapore airlines is reducing its flights to Osaka, Japan and Bangkok (coz many budget airlines flying there) and diverting flights to Brisbane and Dubai.

Entah, why is the transport industry in Brunei is not friendly to others and YET letting others to monopoly the industry... Kan buat airport baru pun nada kena approve, just expand the old one they say... who wants to come to Brunei? I see the amazing developments in Sabah now, so many international flights flying there, and yet Brunei, supposedly more advance and richer neighbour, yet in reality...............................................

Why let it be??? Brunei must have more investments in its leisure industry so it could REALLY compete with Sabah or Sarawak!

Don't just invest in other countries when other countries wouldn't even invest in Brunei. No one is going to help Brunei, unless Brunei helps Bruneians!

Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu (III)

2008-04-03T15:31:00.005+07:00

cute rabbits... ehhh... geram I see...

kissing fish...

Mice... wonder if its for people who rear snakes? Its not hamster right?

Cute but caged dogs... sigh...

Reminds me of CCK of Bangkok, Thailand, though this is far smaller than the one in Thailand...

Could Brunei ever have this type of Sunday Market?... Jgn tah saja kan jual baju, begs and hmm.. what else, all those boring things la... something arty and crafty that is not imported from neighbouring countries and sold as "local"...

Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu (2)

2008-04-02T18:16:00.003+07:00

Trip to KK.. Jalan Gaya Sunday Market

2008-04-02T18:02:00.002+07:00

The Jaring Fruit

2008-03-28T16:34:00.003+07:00

Buah Jaring....

Told the elderly that this is a fruit for the elderly.... and they laugh.. if you young people know how to eat it, they replied, finish, it taste so good that no one would have the chance to eat it... haha.... Im still not convinced...

Is it endemic in the Borneo Island only?

Never see the flower before?

The fruit grows on the stalk of the tree branches....

OK... my uncle is asking, how does one plant this tree? He tried getting the seedlings but it wouldn't grow. He tried the young tree which grows beside the big tree, it still wouldn't grow... so what is the "petua" or skill to plant this tree?

We were lucky as it just grow on our garden without us knowing until it started to bear fruit...

Muara Town (II)

2008-03-28T13:15:00.003+07:00

The old veg and fish market... only the fish market is still open though with only one or two fishmongers selling their fish there (the rest now go to Serasa Beach to buy their fish as fishermen made makeshift table to sell their fish fresh from the sea). As for the tamu, many moved out because infront of the petrol kiosk, the govt built a new tamu (below), apparently either the rent was cheaper or dont know what's the reasons, many prefer to go to the tamu below.

Above the "new tamu"

Towards the Muara roundabout, near to the fire bridgade, is the construction of Muara Town's tallest building. A flat supposedly built for the army personnel as the policy is now to move army personnel away from the camp (not to live in camps coz of security reasons). That's why some people say, to invest in shophouses is not good anymore as its better to built flats and rent it to the government... hehe... on the opposite side of the road, is the new Muara Town library which is just next to the Muara Town post office.

Next to the new flat is the new shophouses, built on the land used to belong to the Lai family...

Site and Scene of Muara Town

2008-03-28T12:56:00.005+07:00

Muara Town used to be busy with activity, but ever since the expansion of the Muara Port, the resettlement of the Kg. Majid Lama residents and possibly more police and army personnel living out of Muara area, the town became more quiet.

The Maulud Nabi (Prophet Mohammad's Procession) procession in Muara Town

The expansion of Muara Port where the previous plan was to engulf the whole of Muara Town doesn't seemed to be materialized since the idea was mooted out and talked about for the last 20 years... Will the next 5 years realize that plan or maintain Muara Town as it is, remains a question.

The old petrol kiosk

Part of the original structure of the old shophouses (probably built during the 1960s) and the new ones (3 storey high) after a huge fire burnt 6 rows of the shophouses in the 1990s.

How to Make Popia

2008-03-26T19:05:00.002+07:00

Dinner Tonight

2008-03-26T18:52:00.002+07:00

Its popia night!!!

Fruit: RockMelon (Indonesia), not sweet...

Indomee noodle...

Then put chicken curry on it.. and you have curry chicken noodle :)

Malaysian Election - A view from "Penyibuk" (bz body lah tu)

2008-03-25T17:16:00.005+07:00

I used to admire the Regent of Perak, Raja Nazri Shah because of his modern view of government and governance issues. However, when, the opposition party won the majority of the Perak state seats (http://www.nst.com.my/Election08) in the recent election, 31 Vs UMNO’s 28, he choosed the Menteri Besar from the party which won the LEAST seats in the State Election. No doubt this small party (PAS) is the king maker, i.e., 2 of the members could defect to UMNO, giving UMNO 30 seats hence a majority to form a government, however, logically one would think that DAP should have the right to be upset. Then came the statement, that the people in Perak must remember that Perak is a “Malay” land…. So much for a progressive, modern and fair Prince….

Anyway, I was impressed with Sultan of Selangor’s support and understanding of different races in his state though no deputy Menteri Besar from the minority was chosen. Nevertheless, I began to admire him because of obvious his respect for other races. I remembered that he was the one who started to reduce the number of datoship (knighthood) in Malaysia as he realized that there were too many datoship was given out annually, some bought, some through cronyism via the Menteri Besar’s suggestion and some with dubious record. Those who are convicted of criminal offense would be strip of his/her datoship... Maybe we should have that kind of system in Brunei... there are too many dato who berlagak too much... mengambang lagi... sekali kena sue bankrupt, habis ilang title... padan mua

Then came the impasse from Trengganu. After two weeks of state election, Terengganu still has no Menteri Besar because the person chosen by Abdullah Badawi was rejected by the Malaysian King, who is also the Sultan of Trengganu. It’s about time that royalty ask the Menteri Besar to be transparent and not be corrupt during their tenure, as exemplified by the former Kedah Menteri Besar, who was also rejected by the Sultan of Kedah? Terlampau banyak business yang dubious... check this site why the Sultan of Terengganu IS angry with former Menteri Besar, Datuk Idris.. http://www.malaysia-today.net/2008/content/view/4974/84/

If there’s nothing to hide, then why all state documents were missing from the Menteri Besar office when a new one was appointed? More excitement to be seen in Penang as the new Chief Minister will surely reveal any embarrassing politically motivated projects which enrich some section of the society…

No party hopping in the future? Well, Dr. Mahathir wouldn't like that, he was the one who perfected the art of party hopping ... otherwise, in the 1990s, Sabah wouldnt have fallen to the hands of the BN team... The opposition party of course, would love to have this law pass in Parliament, its the BN group which has to be careful.

Si Bei Lo... Uniquely Singapore

2008-03-24T22:34:00.004+07:00

Tourist attraction, from far and wide, to the Kuan Yin Temple, at Bugis.

Just like when we fly to Bangkok, Thailand, we always stop and pray at the Kuan Yin Temple

Performing Artists...

The Physically Challenged are they to earn some legitimate income...

Bus stop with a map to guide a visitor... do you see this thing in Brunei?..

The temple is located inbetween flats... but since the temple is there first before the flat, the temple is surrounded by the (newer) HDB flats

What Brunei Could Learn...

2008-03-24T22:18:00.004+07:00

Urban Planning in Brunei needs to be improve... When we go to other countries we are quite impress with the infrastructure provided, but when we look at our country, we just wish they could do better if not the same as Singapore..... Not KL though... its badly managed and so darn polluted!

Well maintain walkways and grounds

But not the hanging laundry!

Proper bus stop with proper shading

Bus station at each major town

Ugly KL... Polluted everyday
KL Mayor cant seemed to stop the taxi drivers from parking at bus stops, not using meters and other cars from using the bus lane... and many more lah..

Chinese Temple and Miri....

2008-03-24T22:03:00.003+07:00

Muara Chinese Temple on Chinese New Year's Day

The Nasi Lemak at this Miri Town shop is not bad.... you can try it next time you drop by Miri..

CNY 2008, Site and Scene at BSB Chinese Temple

2008-03-24T21:51:00.004+07:00

Must have items for CNY - Prawn Crackers... Brunei have one of the best prawn cracker in the region... depends on where you buy it I guess...

Praying for good luck at the Bandar Seri Begawan Chinese Temple, the day before Chinese New Year

From young, they have to be taught....

CNY 2008

2008-03-24T21:36:00.003+07:00

It's been nearly 2 months since I last update anything in this blog. I got a new digital camera but feel a bit awkward when taking picture... self conscious... duno why.. Anyway, here are some of the pictures taken this past 2 months...

Nuts

Shark Fin... though how real it is, i dont know.. ahha

Begawan Solo cookies from Singapore seemed to be a new trend in Brunei, not only for CNY but also for Hari Raya and other occasions.

Lunch in Limbang Town...

2008-01-30T18:00:00.001+07:00

Lemiding with Thai sauce?Udang Galah in Sambal Sauce - yummy

Pork leg and mun-tou

Crab in ... dunno what's the sauce name, something like bettermilk but they add on "telur masin" on it

Site and Scene of Bandar Seri Begawan

2008-01-30T17:19:00.000+07:00

Site of Tamu kianggeh..

The Brunei Hotel in BSB

A scene in the BSB's Tamu Kianggeh...BSB's only Chinese Temple... behind the temple is the PGGMB building

Durian kuning, ubi, lengkuas?....

Kuching trip

2008-01-25T08:17:00.000+07:00

Sibu town

The famed Astana, former resident of the White Rajah of Sarawak

The new Chief Minister's office in Kuching??

Some historic buildings on the Sarawak riverbank

Eastwood Valley hotel, Miri

2007-12-26T09:22:00.000+07:00

Merry Christmas and Happy Advance New Year 2008 for all readers.... Cheers

Back to Brunei, via Miri...

2007-12-26T09:07:00.001+07:00

Things happened along the way back... but I wouldn't write it down... Basically we spent our Christmas eve in a uncomfortable area and position. Thank God, things went well...

We had to stop and stay in Miri and while all the major hotels were full, we were introduced to Eastwood Valley: Golf and Country Club, along the Miri by-pass, Padang Kerbau. It was a $$$ well spent as the rooms /chalets were spacious and cozy. Though it was quite a distance from the Miri town, about 3-5km, however, with RM100 per night, what more could you ask???

Dragon fruit was sold around RM8 per kilo along the Sibu road... there were numerous durians but as long as its not durian kuning, malas to stop... hee

The Eastwood Valley chalets...

The major hall for reception. According to the locals, many people go to this hotel for Wedding reception, its the grandest in Miri apparently...

Trip back to Brunei from Kuching

2007-12-26T08:47:00.000+07:00

We couldnt booked a hotel from Brunei before our trip as it was all full and the only ones offered are the expensive family suites... we opted to go to Hotel Grand Continental. Though it was a bit out of the way, but its still near the Waterfront, Kuching. Only after we returned, we were told that next to hotel there's a famous Kuching Laksa, sold somewhere near there. In our next trip... By the way, the hotel is really value with $$$, it costs less than RM200 for us to get a big room (king size + single) and with 3 brakefast meal... Getting ready to go back to Brunei, passed by Serian Town...

Sri Aman rest place. Usually people pee at this rest stop. If you see this stop, get read to turn to the right, going straight on the road would lead you to Sri Aman, instead of the road to Sibu...

Gosh, another 700++km journey back to Brunei

As forcasted, it was rainy along the way....

Site and Scene of Kuching 3

2007-12-26T08:30:00.000+07:00

Its fruit seasons in Sarawak... All along the way from Sibu to Kuching, there were lots of Durians along the way. However, when we bought one at Kuching market for RM18, we decided not to waste $$$ and our body (fat) for that.. hahah

Scene of Kuching from the other side of the river...

The Chinese Museum, Kuching. Entry is free

One of the many city statues in Kuching, though it was said that the origin of Kuching town was either derived from the Mata Kuching tree or "Ho Ching", the Chinese word for a water"Well"

In Brunei, we have the NBT's annual decoration for the major festive season, in Kuching, it was ...... (have to check the name of the hotel) hotel with its nice decoration, thought it cant beat Brunei's NBT decoration... heheh

Site and Scene of Kuching 2

2007-12-26T08:16:00.000+07:00

The journey will not be complete without the visiting Sarawak Museum....

The Merdeka Palace hotel is just next to the Museum... its quite pricey

Sentral Police Station, 1931

Pasar in the heart of Kuching City

The Harmony Arch... i think, i read about this arch when it was officially opened by the Chief Minister last year or so...

Site and Scene of multicultural Kuching

2007-12-26T08:02:00.001+07:00

Chinese temple

Sikh Temple

Mosque with graveyard infront... was a bit surprise with this scene as I havent come across a graveyard next to a mosque. For churches, yes but not a mosque

The oldest mosque in Kuching? Very unique

Cheap fruits

Trip from Brunei to Kuching 2

2007-12-26T07:51:00.001+07:00

Uncompleted huge Chinese temple along the Sibu/Bintulu road

Scene of Sibu Town...

The traffic to Sibu

Trip to Kuching from Brunei 1

2007-12-26T07:34:00.000+07:00

We have been talking about going to Kuching, Sarawak for several months and while asking, many had advice not to take the 1000km route from Brunei to Kuching. Stories of hijack, Bruneian cars being attacked and rough locals in some of the major towns along the way, didn't stop our determination to reach Kuching by using cars...

Armed with a map and lots of water, we set off from Brunei around 8.30am with the aim of reaching Sibu town to stay overnight. The reason being that, since it was our first trip, it would be better to stop at Sibu for a rest. The whole journey from Brunei to Kuching takes about 12 hours, 6 hours to Sibu and another 6 hours from Sibu to Kuching.

According to some, they could reach Kuching in 10 hours if you're fast enough, but we have seen one fatal accident along the way back, when a car ram into a oncoming bus. It was said that some lorry, trucks, bus drivers and other vehicles refused to let overtaking cars pass by and enter immediately if there's oncoming car on the opposite side, just to spite the racing cars.... regardless of how it would endanger the lives of the people. From our observation, it's better to be safe and overtake only when its safe. Imagine the people who drive up the mountain in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, then you will see the same way of people driving to Kuching like that, no matter how big or small the cars are.

Here are some of the photos taken during the long trip.

Dead and young palm oil trees along the road from Miri to Bintulu... (Old Road)

Niah Cave rest stop

Logs cut - a common scene in Sarawak

Chinese kueh...

2007-12-20T13:30:00.000+07:00

My mum loves to eat this Chinese"kueh" however, she didn't know how to do it... Determined to find out how to make this, she bought several cooking books and tried to make it today....

How it looks before it is steamed...

Coconut leaves are used as the base

Have to use books to check the correct recepie

In a few days time, it would be the "tang chueh" celebration. Chinese are supposed to make and eat the "tang chueh", pray to our ancestors for it, as it mark the coming of Chinese New Year soon... (I think anyway.. haha).

By the way, to all Muslim readers, Selamat Hari Raya Haji (Aidil-adaha) 2007 which is celebrated in Brunei today, 20th December 2007.

Bukit Pagon

2007-12-14T11:44:00.000+07:00

When we were studying geography at primary and secondary level, we were told that Bukit Pagon is Brunei's highest hill (or mountain which was the actual word the teacher said).

Now, if you look at your Geography book, I wonder if this is still true.

Why?

Look at the Map of Sarawak and you will see that the Sarawak (Malaysia) government map will show that it is in the Sarawakian territory.

So, who is right? Does Bukit Pagon belongs to Brunei or Sarawak?

If it belongs to Brunei, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade should do something about it, I think. Dont let the Malaysian just re-draw the territory without us protesting. This is what's happening in Singapore Vs Malaysia's Pulau Batu Putih.

We should bring this matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). We don't want things to repeat themselves after what happened over 100 years ago....

Vanilla cocktail Cake...

2007-12-13T21:15:00.000+07:00

Nothing to do... just buy a cake to eat...

There's also something wrong with my camera. Gotta re-charge the battery.

ps.... The cake is getting eggier (more eggs added), the cakehouse need to check the quality of its cake...

Dogs needs a good home/owner...

2007-12-12T16:25:00.000+07:00

If anyone wants a dog for Christmas, New Year or Birthday, do have a look at Pertama Jaya's notices....

Pictures of Recent trip to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

2007-12-12T16:07:00.000+07:00

The magnificant view of Mount Kinabalu, from Shangri-La, Tanjung Aru.

The Orchidville in KK, well, its not that interesting or worth to visit unless you have a lot of time to kill. Its quite far from KK, taking about 45minutes or more to reach this area.

Buah Kampog...

2007-12-12T15:52:00.000+07:00

Durian tree and banana trees

Kelapa Sawit (Oil Palm) fruit.... is it ripe already?

Oil Palm fruit when its still young?

Papaya tree

Brunei Richest???

2007-12-11T07:18:00.000+07:00

"Brunei is ranked as the richest economy and third biggest spender among the developing Asia Pacific economies, according to a report by the Asian Development Bank.

The Associated Press and Bernama, Malaysian national news agency, quoted a study by the Asian Development Bank saying "Brunei was the richest economy with a per capita GDP of HK$269,971 or BND$49,866.92 (US$34,629.00) (rate as at Dec 10, 2007) which is more than 13 times the regional average which is HK$20,432 (US$ 2,621) and more than 40 times larger than the lowest ranked economy, Nepal the region's poorest.

The study, the 2005 International Comparison Programme Asia and the Pacific: Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) and Real Expenditure, was released hereon Monday. The report showed wide disparities in Asia's living standards.

Coming in second was Singapore with HK$235,923 (US$30,262.29) followed by Macao HK $211,907 (US$ 27,181.82), Hong Kong HK $ 202,941(US$26,031.73) and Taiwan HK$148,275 (US$19,019.80).

Nepal has a per capita GDP of HK$6,146 (US$788.349), Bangladesh HK$7,215 (US$925.483) and Cambodia HK$8,266 (US$1,060.31)."

-----------------------

A recent report by the ADB. But how true is this? Are we really rich or only certain part of society is very rich?

If one goes to BSB, would you think that the city is rich? Compare to the City of London or Singapore. Does it shows that BSB is a city of wealth? Look at Brunei's infrastructure, is it comparable to world's richest cities?

Joke of the day...

2007-12-06T17:09:00.000+07:00

Five months ago, supplier came to a contractor's office and demand the contractor to pay a $6,000 debt.

Contractor say, please wait, because government payment haven't come in. Its the same with other contractors.

Supplier (sales manager) said, no, if u don't pay, then will send lawyer's letter, etc etc.

Five months later, supplier (sales manager), nicely knock on the door of the contractor. Ohhh... can you order the item from us? we will give good price.

Contractor, why? afterall, less then $10,000 debt already shouting up and down for repayment. supplier say, ohh nooo.. that's wrong, its the office mistake.... (By this time, contractor won a major project and all suppliers have been calling to ask for business).

Next day, big boss of supplier call up contractor bos, who was overseas and asking for business.... not enough... salesman called everyday looking for the contractors boses...

Moral of the story: You know how business is done and knowing how is the payment in Brunei. Don't be arrogant as people fortunes can change. When you need that person, it might be too late. Being humble is the best policy.

25days to New Year 2008

2007-12-06T16:40:00.000+07:00

In 3 weeks time, we would welcome the arrival of New Year 2008.

Some have reflected upon what has been achieved in Brunei.

Despite the announcement in Brunei Times on RBA buying new and used Boeing aircraft, that, to someone in the industry is very very far-fetch... RBA simply do not have the budget for it, at the moment. This is quite sad actually as RBA could be a major player in the industry if it is properly managed and not abused. The Government has no choice but to support this national airline.

The Pulau Muara Besar Project? Well, international and experienced port operators doesn't seemed interested in it. This a far car from 10 years ago when PSA came to Brunei, thinking that all the business generated by the Jerudong Park and other projects would make it a profitable venture. Unfortunately, Asian Financial Crisis put to an end to many economy boosting activities.

The Methanol Plant... well, the earthwork project is still going on.

Housing Projects.... the waiting list is still over 60,000 people with about 300 houses being develop every year!

Govt payment to contractors? Apparently it's even worse now... according to some friends, companies are not being paid for over 2 years become someone haven't sign the necessary documents. Hence, when contractors loan in the bank ballons, someone else is earning NON-HALAL salary for not doing the work mandated by the Government.

1 million tourists vision again? Maybe the Immigration Department would have update data so that the figure could be released the week after new year 2009 so that they would't get blamed for unable to give the data as it was said in the 2001 Visit Brunei year.

Govt telephone operators still not working.... I mean, i called up one department today from 2pm to 4pm... operator wouldn't pick up! Gosh.... so the forecast for public sector services, still require major major improvement....

Nevertheless, Brunei is the best country to live so far as it has a stable, social and political environment, unmatched in any countries, free from earthquakes, typhoons, major flooding, water shortages, desertification and major violence. Indeed, Brunei, is the Abode of Peace.

Clean Energy in Brunei?

2007-12-05T13:05:00.001+07:00

That's a good news.... at least the government is thinking of other energy resources beside gas... from nuclear power, to hydro-electric dam and solar energy panels.... though the last option seemed the best.

For the solar energy business to take off, the govt must give incentives to the people to use the technology. Pilot projects can be done with the houses built for the national housing schemes, where energy usage seemed to be and power doesnt seemed to be well supplied - i.e. just look at the street lights....

Anyway, I for one wouldnt mind having solar energy power panels on my car park roof it could generate the light to light-up the night.

Taxi update from Singapore

2007-12-05T13:00:00.000+07:00

Yesterday's Straits Times announced that Taxi drivers in Singapore will be increasing their taxi fares soon.... i.e., the meter will jump faster than before

The Worst Taxi in ASEAN goes to....

2007-11-22T16:37:00.001+07:00

The proton saga of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The cars are so small that they cant fit more than 4 people in a taxi! Taxis are dirty and drivers do not want to use the METER (ehhh... sounds familiar la in Brunei.... BUTTTTT at least in Brunei our taxi is huge! heehee)

The Malaysian Government should just ban that old Proton Saga running in KL - making places congested saja...

Malaysia - Look at Thailand and Singapore - Drive a TOYOTA.... its probably more economical and environmentally friendly - haha

80% un-used budget???

2007-11-22T16:30:00.000+07:00

80% of B$1billion budget for IT infrastructure in Brunei not used in the last 5 years?

Wow, I didn't even know we still have that much. Why not they used that $$$ to improve the internet connection... the prices of these facilities should be cheaper now that US$ is going down and we can be a "Smart Country" as Singapore is "Intelligent City".

I nearly had a laugh when I read that University of Tanjungpura students visited UBD to look at its IT infrastructure. Sorry to say that our IT infrastructure is terrible compared to those in Singapore or UK universities. Even Unimas of Sabah is bigger than UBD. KK is possibly the biggest city in the Borneo Island now.... Should our planners do something drastic now?

Been a Long Time... What does ERP means?

2007-11-22T16:23:00.000+07:00

When was my last visit to update this blog?

Can't remember.... anyway, I learned a new term from Singaporean taxi driver recently.

To the Government, "ERP" means "Electronic Road Pricing" but to ordinary Singaporeans its "Everyday Rob People" - this is quite true as drivers who had to pass this road toll do not understand why they are charged for something they had paid for already... i.e. ROAD TAX.

To add to the injury, car prices are so expensive, as well as the Certificate of Entitlement... then the oil or petrol prices is at about $1.90/litre now... we in Brunei should be thankful that its just 53cents per litre while diesel is just 37cents.

The Worst Building Design in Brunei goes to....

2007-08-12T05:58:00.000+07:00

Completed several years ago, the New Seria Market in Seria Town, Belait District, is considered to be one of the worst building design in Brunei.... by the public....

The main reason is because the food court was design was built without having any toilets for the 20-30 stalls customers! One would think that since Architects in Brunei are all educated overseas, a simple food court cant even be properly design. ITs crazy!

Th next building which is irrationally design is the Shell petrol station at Kg. Sungai Teraban, Belait District as well. The petrol station's oil pump on the right side was placed so near to the office that when cars passed through - they got stuck along the way as the design of the roadway could not accommodate 2 cars to pass.... one would think that Shell station would be conscious about any health safety issues....

Worst Restaurant This Month Goes To....

2007-08-09T21:25:00.000+07:00

The worst Restaurant i went to this month is T___ Restaurant located at Jalan Batu Bersurat, Gadong. I'm sure they know why their food and their service is not that impressive. Furthermore, with prices averaging $6 per plate, I dont think many people would be going back for a 2nd time.

I sure wouldn't..... I rather spend my $$ at CDP Curry House - at least the buttermilk chicken is best!

Improving Brunei's Public Services....

2007-07-17T17:53:00.000+07:00

Well, one of the way to make sure the Government is more in tune to the private sector's need is to make sure that "business transaction" can be made more friendlier than it currently is.

One example is one of the licensing body under the Ministry of Development.

By right, all government servants starts work at 7.45am, it is only 8.30am that the counter to take forms opens. By 11am, that section will not entertain any queries or forms submitted. What are those people doing after 11am??? Isn't it the lunch time starts at 12.15noon? If they stop working after 12noon, then its ok but at 11am?.... May the government should start slashing their salary since they also slash the time they work.

After lunch, government offices are suppose to open at 1.30pm, however many counters will tell you to come at 2pm. Better be quick to rush from one building to another to get receipt of payment, or else you can't do anything. Payment counter close at 3pm, again, after 3pm, what do people at the counter do???

After 3pm, the certain unit, would not even entertain people who ask for questions, let alone give you any forms to those who are unfamiliar with the government timing.... the counter people especially the aunties will give you very ugly face if you dare to ask for anything... Is this the right thing to do? What new ideas have been implemented by the people in the certain departments or unit to make it easier for the public to get information fast and not to waste time as they obviously like to do so?

Changing the face of the public service? Still a very long time.... Pension off the uncles and aunties and maybe things would be better....

ps. 10minutes before the closing time at 3pm, when ask still can pay, the aunty at the counter --- ohh the uncle went to the bank already - WAH.... how- like this also can ...... Me think not the Bank but the coffee-shop.......

Almost daily brakefast...

2007-07-06T17:24:00.000+07:00

Bee hoon and keowy tiaw goreng using Seria pasar pricing.... Nice been hoon goreng - chicken just cost $2 and with teh-c 50cents

Bee hoon kawin with keow tiaw goreng... mix saja...

Back to Brunei... home sweet home

2007-07-06T08:15:00.000+07:00

After two weeks of holiday, it was finally great to be at home... and in just a few days, we were off to one of our latest hobby, fishing... and instead of catching fish, we managed to catch a crab!

We took the crab to home for a while before releasing it several hours later... dunola... just one crab is not enough to feed both of us... hahah

This is how to catch a crab... haha

Bukit Tempayan Pisang ahead

Hi crab...

A plane was flying over the beach, couldnt resist but take a picture of the plane with my new camera

One local Halal restaurant ...

2007-07-05T23:17:00.000+07:00

One fo the owners of Qi Ji used to work in Brunei for nearly 20 years before coming back to join the family business.
selling old Malay and halal food

This rice cost $4.20 only...

Back to Singapore again....

2007-07-05T23:01:00.000+07:00

Well, we spent about 2 days in KL only, then went back to Singapore for the final shopping before the 5% GST hike to 7% GST hike on 1st July 2007. What bugs me is that, when i claim my 5% GST, they never refund 5% to tourists but less than 4% of the amount you bought.... its not fair to tourists.... No wonder Singaporeans are not really happy with all the taxes, levies, fines, etc introduced by the Government..... Government richer but people getting poorer with higher living standard...

Singapore's Chinatown....

So the message is clear... Jaywalking and jaytalking kills....
the new MRT Circle line... (Yellow in Colour)

Site and Scene of Kuala Lumpur

2007-07-05T22:44:00.000+07:00

Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown
Petronas Twin Towers - do you know that when you go to the 1st or 2nd floor of the shopping complex, you can actually feel the building shaking? I wonder why... can anyone tell me? I was quite worried and went out after a quick window shopping....
View from our hotel at Pudu... the KL Tower

Scene taken from the LRT station, looking Masjid Jamek

To Genting Highlands...

2007-07-05T22:25:00.000+07:00

After reaching singapore from Bangkok, the next day, we used the the night coach from Golden Miles Complex at Beach Road all the way to Genting Highlands for S$39 for each person. We left with the bus at around 10.15pm and reach Genting at about 5am the next day. Sounds long but it wasnt really...

Genting is well-known for not only the casino but its theme park as well.

After spending half a day at Genting, we went down using the bus to KL for about RM7 each person. Man, the ride down the mountain was so terrifying for me because I think the bus driver was driving quite fast for a steep mountain. Reminds me of the road to Mount Kinabalu, which i swear I wouldnt go anymore... but for Genting where the road is bigger and constantly improved, still can go....

Cheaper way to go down to Kuala Lumpur. Would have use the cable car but its out of service until the middle or until next month...

The building available on the Genting Highlands

The First World Hotel... there's a new hotel being built near this hotel...

After flying back to Singapore...

2007-07-05T18:12:00.000+07:00

The first thing is to find food :-)

Free dessert
Then have a walk to the park which provides fishing activities to the local...

Bye bye Bangkok...

2007-07-05T14:48:00.000+07:00

Tip for those going there first time - well, when getting a taxi, try to insist on the meter but if not, then you have to pay 400baht to go to Bangkok. If they say, oh you pay the toll, just say yes, because when we used the airport taxi, the darn taxi driver only paid 20baht compared to the 300baht that the airport taxi mafias were saying.... I hope the Thai airport authorities would do something about this rigging...

Our trip back, the pilot of the plane was not as informative as the one which flew us in... i was wondering what weather report the pilot would tell us, but i guess they were tired as well...

Advert in Bangkok newspaper to Brunei - Unseen in Asia... hahah.. interesting...
Pie bought at the aiport, this is nicer than Han's - eheheh

The display in the airport

The new aiport in Bangkok, impressive but maybe Thais are still angry with Singapore... why?... we used Tiger Airways to go Bangkok and the plane was parked at the end of the building and when its time to collect our luggages, it was on the complete opposite of the building....

Food in Bangkok

2007-07-05T14:34:00.000+07:00

Well, our last night in Bangkok, we went to a tourist-known restaurant called Somboon - over 40 years in business, it serves seafood, not extremely cheap but, ok...lah...

Was too hungry to take more pictures after this... hahha...

Bangkok's China Town

2007-07-05T14:14:00.000+07:00

Bangkok's Chinatown is one of busiest area in the city. Many do not know of its existence ... but it is as good as JJ Market as it sell wholesale goods, mostly on women clothes, accessories, textiles, etc... its a place worth exploring.

Site and Scene of Bangkok 3

2007-07-05T13:51:00.000+07:00

One of the reveared kings of Thailand who Thais prays to...
It was durian season in Thailand...
Durian chips are famous but expensive here...
Roses for less than $5!!!
Flowers again..

Four Face Buddha - the best religious attraction in Bangkok City

2007-07-05T13:33:00.001+07:00

The view from our hotel room... the tallest building in Bangkok...
Rebuilt after it was destroyed by a disturb man early this year, the 4 face Buddha is one of the most reveard monument in Bangkok and tourists like ourselves would offer prayers everytime we go to Bangkok.

This is another 4 face buddha but its not as famous as the one on the top.

Site and Scene of JJ Market 4

2007-07-05T07:25:00.000+07:00

Uploading the pictures took more time than what i expected, so i guess it would be several days of uploading before all the pictures taken during the vacation nearly complete.... Buying fighting fish.... you can even "test"the strength of the fish...
All aquatic life fit for your aquarium

Earlier we haveminiture dogs, here its miniture rabbits, its soooooo darn qute...

Goldfish here are soo darn cheap... maybe i should open one shop in Brunei for this.... hmmm...

Site and Scene of JJ Market 3

2007-07-05T07:08:00.000+07:00

When asked to quote the price of this big plant, the owner said 10,000 baht! Impressive but dont think its worth that much...

Ideas, ideas...

Site and Scenes of JJ Market 2

2007-07-04T23:25:00.001+07:00

Orchids is one of Thailand's best export and JJ Market has a few beautiful species on display... as the vendor told me, its not the season yet...

Beautiful flower pots... maybe can bring back and do business in Brunei... heheh

Site and Scene of JJ Market 1

2007-07-04T23:07:00.001+07:00

Many items are sold in JJ Market, so one cannot miss going to this Market when one travel to Bangkok, Thailand... its fun, tiring, its hot and its irritating when the locals increase the price once they know you're a tourist....

Old maps of Thailand also sold ....

Wanted to buy this beautiful wall deco, but i think it was quite pricy...

Food are sold side by side to the many clothes, furniture, animals, fishes, etc., sold in the JJ Market

The thought of bringing these back.... i dont think so...

Site and Scene of Bangkok 2

2007-07-04T22:47:00.001+07:00

There were many pictures taken during my 2 weeks holiday... so many pictures will be uploaded in this blog.... (helps with a new digital camera :-)

Bangkok's MRT is really cleaner than Kuala Lumpur's (Malaysia)

The colourful taxis lining up the JJ Sunday Market

Wanted to buy this deco when we first saw it, 2 hours later, we couldnt find where this was displayed. (priced at 950baht)

These dogs were soo darn qute.... its miniture dog!

Site and Scene of Bangkok 1

2007-07-02T23:58:00.000+07:00

Pineapple Fried Rice.... the classic sprite bottle - only in Thailand... in our region, everyone is using tin cans...
The Thai Kuai Tiaw... look at the quantity... sikit la.. .
The only thing i could eat at the brakefast buffett prepared by the hotel
Rows of Tuk-Tuk on the road... need to bargain on the price before entering the Tuk Tuk. For experience wise, its ok to use it but if you can get a metered taxi, its better to get the taxi as you wouldnt inhale exhause pipes of cars when you stop due to the traffic light... taxis is quite cheap as well... as long as you insist on a meter....
Old buses contribute to Bangkok's air pollution...

Fruit season in Thailand...

2007-07-02T23:43:00.000+07:00

My favourite fruit, rambutan is selling at about 60cents and here supermarkets are charging at $4.90.... aiyah what to do...

Lots of bees to feed?

Hello Bangkok....

2007-07-02T23:29:00.000+07:00

Arrived in Bangkok, Thailand using Tiger Airways which costs around $150 including taxes from Singapore to Bangkok. Our first time using the flight... the flight was good and the capitain on the plane was very informative...

Exchange Rate in Bangkok for Singapore dollar is S$1 to 22baht. Lower if we used Brunei dollar, at about B$1 to 21baht. Fried kolomee

Refreshing coconut in Bangkok... costs about 20baht (less than B$1)
Beef noodle?... dont remember
Monthong Durian - two slab of these durians costs 100baht, less than $5 our money. If you look at the shops in town, monthong is sold by the kilos at $5.90 per kilo. Makan pun berabis la di Bangkok since its fruit season as well!

Singapore's Budget Terminal

2007-07-02T23:04:00.000+07:00

Located next to Singapore's Changi Airport, the budget airline is as big as the airport in Miri, Sarawak... Tiger Airways took most of the counter and the other was Cebu airlines? counter.... I wonder where did ValueAir park their planes?....

Ps. The budget airline terminal is accessible via the free feeder bus from Changi Airport Terminal 2, where RBA lands...

The entrance of the aiport, where Han's restaurant monopolise the F&B business there.... well, for the chicken pie and cabonara pie, well its not a money well spent... its expensive and no taste at all, all flour... stay away from this restaurant.... sorry Han's but its the truth... :P