Group photo with all the media representatives hosted by Porsche Asia-Pacific for the Media Driving Academy at Sepang International Circuit earlier this July

A photo opp with the newly launched Porsche 911 GT2RS

Last year, I had the privilege to attend the Media Driving Academy (MDA) hosted by Porsche Asia-Pacific. They consisted of three courses – Individual, Professional and Elite. As for last year, I entered the Individual course which is the basic course among the lot. It was definitely fun. Why? Because it’s the only time we can break the rules in terms of speeding on the road and it was conducted at the Sepang International Circuit, ideal for racers.

Fast forward to this year (July 2018), I was invited again by Porsche Asia-Pacific where I completed the other two courses – Professional and Elite earlier this month. I met familiar faces especially from the international media representatives in Asia-Pacific.

There were two main highlights for me – the launch of the Porsche GT2RS and the driving experience of the Porsche GT3.

Firstly, the Porsche GT2RS. Wow, wow, wow!!!! A beast among beast, this is a collectors item for Porsche lovers. Car and Driver even labeled it as the chainsaw of the 911 line-up. It has a 700 horse power twin-turbo engine. The previous GT2 model has a hp of 620 so there is definitely a difference. You can tell that the GT2RS is built for speed. The price tag alone is quite high. You’re talking about RM 1.3 million itself in Malaysia. Apparently there’s a Porsche GT2RS on the road in Brunei. Amazing!! Sadly, the GT2RS is only for display for the media and not for a test drive.

Of course, the main highlight of the MDA was test driving the newer editions of the Porsche finest models – 911 GT3 (me likes), 718 Cayman GTS and the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid on the SIC race track.

The favourite among the lot for me is the 911 GT3 – simply awesome and it has a mind of its own. I truly love the handling at high speed as well as the braking. It just gives me more assurance to drive safer especially on the race track.

The instructors were very helpful too and our group (Brunei, Indonesia, Cambodia) was lucky to have William Bamber, brother of Earl Bamber, an accomplished race car driver, who competes for Porsche Motorsport. The hospitality was top notch to begin with and the goodies were awesome too – Adidas racing boots and a racing helmet for completing both Professional and Elite courses.

After all the experiences, I truly understand how magnificent Porsche are in terms of handling, speed and safety. We were given tasks such as the Slolam, the Moose, the Braking and many more. I enjoyed the Slolam one as we did a time lapse for every driver to see who was the fastest.

The second day was much more interesting as we learnt the tracks of the SIC race track from start to finish. I realised how awesome Porsche are on the road. Expensive but you will know where the money is spent on. Unfortunately, in Brunei, it’s not something we can take advantage when we have a monster of a car like Porsche because of the driving laws and also the conditions of our roads in Brunei.

Soon, some selected customers will be having their own session organised by Porsche (Brunei) in early August for the upcoming Porsche Driving Experience at Sepang. I hope they have the same experience as I did and it’s also a great way to showcase what a Porsche can do.

Will I own a Porsche? If the money and timing are right, why not? 😉

Just look at that convoy

My favourite car during MDA experience

Did you realize that the driver side is on the left? Yes, all the Porsche are imported from Europe.

The lead car was always the Porsche GT3

Listening to advices by the instructors at some of the activities

Receiving a pair of Adidas racing boots 😉

These boots are made for racing 😀

Learning how to handle around corners and bends

We had some physical exercises as well. Did you know that racing also involves a good physique such as your hand, neck and body?

Receiving a souvenir from the organiser 😀

Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) held a promotional event in Nanning recently in conjunction with its local partners and RB’s International Brand Ambassador, Wu Chun, to promote the newly launched scheduled services between Nanning and Brunei.

Nanning, the capital of GuangxiZhuang Autonomous Region in South-West China, is the latest scheduled destination added to the growing route network of RB. The national flag carrier of Brunei Darussalam first operated season chartered flights to Nanning back in 2016 and resumed services again as chartered flights between January and March 2018. Only in April this year, it became a scheduled flight twice weekly.

Mr. Karam Chand, RB’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “RB is extremely proud to have launched our twice weekly flights between Nanning and Bandar Seri Begawan. Our Nanning flights have proven to be very popular with our Chinese and Bruneian guests. Going into scheduled services so soon after launching the flights is a testament to the hard work done by RB together with our business partner in China – Hainan Wenhua Air Tourism.”

“We have experienced an average load factor in excess of 80% since the commencement of the services and this is great news for all Bruneians and Nanning tourism stakeholders. RB is pleased with the growth from the new source market and we will continue to monitor this and other regional cities in China with an objective of adding more capacity.”

RB’s International Brand Ambassador, Wu Chun, made a special appearance for his fans to promote RB and Brunei Tourism. He took part in activities with thousands of fans and visitors at the event venue.

Wu Chun said, “I warmly welcome even more visitors from Nanning, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Hong Kong and soon Haikou to my beautiful country – Brunei Darussalam. You will have a unique experience and enjoy our warm Bruneian hospitality together with the many sightseeings, activities and culinary delights which are on offer. With RB’s direct flights and its award winning sales, your holiday will start the moment you step on our aircraft.”

The new A320neo aircraft with members of the local media at Toulouse, France. Image taken from The Scoop.

Her Excellency Datin Paduka Malai Hajah Halimah binti Malai Haji Yussof, Brunei Ambassador to France; Karam Chand, RB Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer inspecting the new A320neo aircraft

It would have been a perfect fit if I had a first hand view of the new A320neo purchased by Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) when it was handed over at Toulouse, France, a few days ago. This is the first of the seven firm aircraft (A320neo) and three option aircraft ordered by RB as part of its fleet renewal program back in 2014. So it’s good to see the plan turn to reality.

Present at the commemorative ceremony in Toulouse was Her Excellency Datin Paduka Malai Hajah Halimah binti Malai Haji Yussof, Brunei Ambassador to France; Karam Chand, RB Chief Executive Officer (CEO); Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer; Mohammad Nazri Mohammad Yusof, Acting Director of Brunei Department of Civil Aviation; Mr Jason Tonich, Vice President and General Manager of GE Aviation Sales and Mrs Elsie Yamanouye, Director, Customer Program Management of Thales.

“Airbus A320neo aircraft comes equipped with Leap-1A26 CFM engines with some of the best fuel, noise, emission and operating efficiency in its class and will allow Royal Brunei Airlines to achieve significant cost savings and reduce its emissions footprint. We are based in Brunei on the Island of Borneo which has some of the most pristine environment on earth and we are pleased to be playing a part in preserving this,” said Mr Karam Chand, CEO of Royal Brunei Airlines.

“The RB A320neo aircraft is also the world’s first narrow body fitted with Thales Avant (Gen5) in-flight entertainment system and this will provide our guests significantly enhanced experience on board and match those generally available on long haul aircraft. These aircraft will have business, economy plus and economy seats with leather covering, USB power outlets and audio/video on demand at every seat. These features have been added keeping in mind the changing needs of our guests and to provide seamless and consistent service to our many transferring guests from the B787 Dreamliner long haul services to the A320 flights,” said Mr Chand.

“The new aircraft will also play an important role in maintaining and improving our operational reliability. RB’s on time performance is ninety percent, one of the best in the industry, however we believe we need to keep improving this as the vast majority of guests travelling to/from/via Brunei use RB services. The extended range of A320neo’s also provides RB with a lower risk option to pioneer new medium haul markets up to seven hours duration and we will be making new route announcement over the next several months,” added Mr Chand.

RB’s first A320neo aircraft will be in revenue service from 7th June 2018 with Singapore selected as the very first destination which is less than two weeks from now.

“Airbus is pleased that Royal Brunei Airlines is the latest airline to take delivery of the A320neo, the world’s preferred single aisle aircraft. With its exceptionally comfortable cabin, low operating costs and excellent fuel efficiency, the A320neo will complement Royal Brunei’s existing fleet and contribute to the airline’s continued success,” said Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer.

RB’s current fleet consists of 10 aircraft; four Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner and six A320ceo. Eight new aircraft will join its fleet by December 2018 (a fifth B787 and seven A320neo). RB will have one of the youngest fleet in the world with an average age of 2 years by the end of 2018. The national carrier of Brunei Darussalam today operates out of its hub airport – Bandar Seri Begawan to eighteen destinations across the world.

Can’t wait for the rest of the A320neo aircrafts to be delivered to Brunei. You can read more news of the delivery from The Scoop.

The traditional welcoming gesture for the new A320neo, a two minute water salute as a sign of respect and gratitude at Brunei International Airport

Now you can download RB app to your smartphones.

Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) is delighted to inform all our guests that effective 18 April 2018 our RB Mobile App will be available for download on both Google Playstore and Apple App Store.

The app provides a more user-friendly experience and greater flexibility to book your next flight, mobile check-in with mobile boarding pass, check flight information and schedules and gather all your upcoming trips all at one finger tip.

The RB Mobile app is one the two apps RB have listed on both operating systems for our guests to download. Our RB Impian app, a cloud streaming technology on-board, allows our guests to stream inflight entertainment via wi-fi directly onto their personal mobile devices on our newer A320CEO aircraft. Both initiatives are part of our initiatives to make the guest experience richer and in anticipation of further product developments throughout the year.

Karam Chand, CEO of Royal Brunei airlines said “2018 is a very exciting year for RB with the delivery of our eight new aircraft and introduction of new destinations. RB Mobile app is part of initiatives planned for this year that will provide a seamless travel experience for our guests. Being able to make your booking, check-in for your flight and have easy access to the status of your fights on a smartphone is something every guest wants and we are very pleased to be delivering this via our the Mobile App.”

The application was developed by Amadeus and lead by our Digital Team for a better travel experience to our guests.  Download our app on Google PlayStore and Apple App Store now.

Pan Bright Travel Service today held a prize presentation ceremony for the January winner of its “Travel & Win a Hyundai or Birkin promotion” campaign at their office in Bandar Seri Begawan.

Sales & Marketing Manager of Royal Brunei Airlines, Awang Hj. Mohd Shamiruddin Bin Hj Sharbini presented the prize to the representative of the lucky winner Awang Mohammad Azujrin Bin Haji Zahini who won himself a return economy class ticket to any short haul destination sponsored by Royal Brunei Airlines.

This is the fifth monthly prize for Pan Bright’s “Travel & Win a Hyundai or Birkin promotion” campaign, launched on the 26 August 2017 and ends on the 31 March 2018.

For the period beginning September 2017 to February 2018, one monthly ticket will be given out where the lucky customer will stand a chance to win one return ticket to any short haul destination of their choice on Royal Brunei Airlines or a return ticket to Singapore on Singapore Airlines.

The Grand Prize of this promotion will be a Hyundai Accent Car or a Hermès Birkin Bag, sponsored by Pan Bright Travel Service. Other prizes for the Grand Draw will include 2 return air tickets to any long haul destination of their choice sponsored by Royal Brunei Airlines, a return ticket to Brisbane sponsored by Singapore Airlines and return tickets to Kuala Lumpur for two person sponsored by Malaysia Airlines. Selection of winners will be held in April 2018.

For more enquiries regarding the promotion, please contact Pan Bright Travel’s offices at 2240980 for Bandar Seri Begawan, 3341154 for Kuala Belait or 3220078 for Seria or follow our Facebook @panbright or Instagram @panbrighttravel for the latest updates.

With the 21st FIFA World Cup™ set to take place on 14 June 2018, Visa cardholders from Baiduri Bank are given a chance of a lifetime to watch the semi-finals live in Moscow, Russia.

The ‘Win an All-Expenses-Paid Trip for 2 to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™’ promotion will kick off on 1 February 2018 until 30 April 2018. During the promotion period, Baiduri Visa Infinite, Platinum, Gold, Classic and Debit cardholders, who spend on their Baiduri Visa cards, will receive one chance in the grand draw for every BND 50 spent.

The grand prize is an all-expense paid trip for two to watch the semi-final match at the 2018 FIFA World Cup™ in Moscow, Russia, where Visa is the official FIFA partner. The package includes two return tickets to Moscow, 5-day/4-night accommodation with breakfast, all scheduled ground transportation, Visa FIFA World Cup™ themed merchandise, Visa Prepaid products, two tickets to watch the semi-final match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup™ and spending money of BND 5000. The Visa event team staff will also be there to assist the winners round the clock.

On top of the grand prize, ten lucky customers will win Visa FIFA World Cup™ themed merchandise in monthly draws.

One of the landmarks in Russia

Ms Mandy Lamb, Group Country Manager, Regional Southeast Asia said, “As the official FIFA partner of the 2018 FIFA World Cup™, Visa is pleased to partner with Baiduri Bank to provide Visa cardholders the opportunity to win this amazing prize for two to watch the semi-finals in Moscow. We continue working closely with our bank issuers and merchant partners to create more rewarding and meaningful campaigns for our cardholders whenever they use their Visa cards. We believe increased usage of electronic payments will drive Brunei to becoming a cashless society.”

Mr. Pierre Imhof, CEO of Baiduri Bank, said, “In line with our vision to enhance customer experience and to deliver a high level of quality products and services, we have once again partnered with Visa on the FIFA World Cup™ campaign. This is just one of the many activities that we have planned for our cardholders and we are excited to reward our loyal cardholders with this once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Baiduri Visa cardholders can find out more about the ‘Win an All-Expenses-Paid Trip for 2 to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ promotion by visiting www.baiduri.com.bn/2018football or by following Baiduri Bank Group on Facebook and Twitter or Instagram @baiduribank.

Pg Azaleen bin PD Mustapha, Head of Retail Banking and Branch Network said, “To further incentivise those who do not have a Baiduri Visa card yet, Baiduri Bank is offering new signups double their chances in the World Cup promotion, on top of a 5-year annual fee waiver and processing fee waiver on the 0% instalment loan.” To be eligible for the double lucky draw chance, new signups must apply for a Visa card at any Baiduri Bank branch from 1 February 2018 onwards.

Terms and conditions of the promotion can be viewed on Baiduri Bank website at wwws.baiduri.com under the Promotions section, or on the Baiduri Bank marketing app – Baiduri Deals. For more information, customers may contact the 24-hour Baiduri Bank Customer Helpline at 2449666.

The Embassy of Japan in Brunei, together with the Japan Foundation and Times Square, will be co-organising “Japanese Language and Culture Week” from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 February 2018 at Times Square.

The event aims to introduce traditional Japanese culture and promote the Japanese language, whilst also highlighting opportunities for studying in Japan. There will be exhibition booths and on-stage demonstrations including a live showcase of new Japanese music, graffiti-art workshops, Japanese Martial Arts demonstrations, exhibitions of traditional Japanese toys, Japanese cooking, a Yoyo and Kendama showcase and Yukata (Japanese casual summer kimonos) dressing up with a commemorative photo service.

The new Japanese music showcases will be led by the musician group, named the” Ryoma Quartet “ from Japan.The band is a fusion of west meets east and old meets new. They will conduct a live performance with a violin and three traditional Japanese musical instruments; three-stringed shamisen, shinobue flute and tsuzumi hand drum. The musicians have been performing together as well as undertaken solo projects, developing music as a band and as individuals. The band is known for the members’ professional performance skills and stage presence, as well as their uniform, Montsuki Hakama (a traditional Japanese costume for men) which represents their determination to perform professionally.

Time table:
–          8.00pm on Friday, 2nd February
–          4.45pm – 5.30pm on Sunday, 4th February
–          8.00pm – 9.00pm on Sunday, 4th February

A musician group, named the” Ryoma Quartet “ from Japan

Click image to enlarge

Partners and sponsors of the 20th Consumer Fair with D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd Adviser Pengiran Salleh Abdul Rahaman Pengiran Haji Damit and D’Sunlit’s Operations Manager, Mr. Ngu Tiing Siang last weekend

A decade into its inception, the most highly anticipated and popular consumer event is back and celebrating its 20th edition! The Event Organiser and Manager, D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd, held a Signing Ceremony for the Official Event and Activity Partners for the upcoming 20th Consumer Fair that is set to celebrate its milestone from the 24th – 28th January 2018 at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas.

The Signing Ceremony took place yesterday afternoon at Starbucks Beribi and was attended by representatives of the Official Event and Activity Partners. On hand during the ceremony to sign on behalf of D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd was the Company Adviser Pengiran Salleh Abdul Rahaman Pengiran Haji Damit who was accompanied by D’Sunlit’s Operations Manager, Mr. Ngu Tiing Siang.

Other than shopping, we also have highly anticipated and exciting activities to make our 20th installment of the Consumer Fair series an enjoyable event for all. Aligning with the theme of Remembering the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Envisioning the Future, the main activity highlight for the event is the After Glow Neon Gallery where several local mural artists from ARTTRALIA were brought in to create unique masterpieces in relation to the theme for this installment.

In addition, there is be a 90s-inspired Vintage Shop which will bring consumers back to past as the reminisce on their childhood through games such as tamagotchi, candies that we popular back in the 90s, fun activities such as sand art, and so much more!

You may have also heard about The Missing Endangered Campaign which is the first ever international collaboration established between WWF Malaysia and D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd. The final pit-stop will be held at the 20th Consumer Fair where 2000 mini ceramic elephant figurines will be on display and are available for purchase. All proceeds made will go to WWF Malaysia. 400 uncolored will also be available at the fair for the general public to purchase and try their hand on colouring the elephants. What more, prizes will be given away to the ‘Wildlife Heroes’ who have successfully completed the scavenger hunt adventure that commenced last October 2017. Come by and support this campaign and don’t miss out the opportunity to be a wildlife hero!

D’Sunlit Adviser Pengiran Salleh Abdul Rahaman Pengiran Haji Damit handing over t-shirt to representative of Starbucks Brunei last weekend

The second signing ceremony with partners and representatives from D’Sunlit

Furthermore there will be plenty of eating competitions brought to you by Olive Tree Corporation, Hui Huang Enterprise, and more! DST will having special promotions, free giveaways, and other fabulous prizes, while Starbucks will also be having promotional offers during the event. To add on to the hype for this 20th instalment or our Consumer Fair series, corporates such as AEC Sdn Bhd and Cuckoo International (B) Sdn Bhd and will also be conducting their own grand draws. Nothing says “New Year” like an unforgettable getaway – that’s why Cuckoo International (B) Sdn Bhd are giving out a pair of flight tickets to join their CUCKOO Media Trip to South Korea! Sign up and get a chance to win a pair of flight tickets now! Terms and Conditions Apply.

Moreover, the most highly favoured and anticipated 20th Consumer Fair Grand Lucky Draw will see one lucky winner to walk away with a brand new Toyota Vios, while others stand a chance to win Royal Brunei Airlines tickets to long haul destinations! Additionally, Royal Brunei Airlines will be offering discounted fares exclusively for the 20th Consumer Fair.

Brett McDougall, Executive General Manager – Sales & Marketing of Royal Brunei Airlines hinted of good discounted rates for RB during the 20th Consumer Fair. The fair will be announced one day prior to the actual 20th Consumer Fair

Speaking of Royal Brunei Airlines, they are happy to announce that there will be a special discounted prices exclusively during the 20th Consumer Fair itself. Brett McDougall, Executive General Manager – Sales & Marketing of Royal Brunei Airlines, hinted that the discounted prices will be announced one day prior to the 5-day event. Currently RB has already given special offers in January. So do expect a better one and it will be on selected destinations based on the market demand. Apart from that, you will still a chance to win short haul and long haul destinations as part of the 20th Consumer Fair Grand Lucky Draw sponsored by D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd.

Jackson Ting, Managing Diretor of D’Sunlit exchanging documents with Dona Eldeyana Johan, Acting Senior Manager Group Marketing, DST 

As for DST, do expect special bundles on the iPhone and Samsung contracts for its customers. If you missed out the December bundle launch for iPhones, fret not 😀 They will be readily available registration and payment service for their customers. There will be activities hosted by DST and do look forward to their current Augmented Reality competition for iPhone users and guess what? the one with the highest points will win an iPhone X. Who’s up for that? Maybe I can own another iPhone x

The 20th Consumer Fair is Organised and Managed by D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd and will be held at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas from the 24th – 28th January 2018 from 10am – 10pm daily except on Friday where doors will temporarily be closed from 12pm – 2pm due to the Friday prayers.

For further inquiries regarding the 20th Consumer Fair, please do not hesitate to contact the Event Organiser, D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd at 2453 666. Don’t forget to like them on Facebook at “Brunei Consumer Fair” and follow their on Instagram @consumerfair.bn for more regular event updates! Use the hashtag #consumerfairbn and #consumerfair20 to share your Consumer Fair experiences with us as we celebrate a milestone event.

I’m glad to be part of the Consumer Fair for the 20th time 😀

When it first started back in 2008, it was called Consumer Food Fair. Image courtesy of anakbrunei.org

The Minister of Home Affairs then graced the first Consumer Fair back in 2008. Image courtesy of anakbrunei.org

One of the vendors during the first consumer fair. Image courtesy of anakbrunei.org

One of the activities during the first consumer fair. Image courtesy of Kulimpapat.

Before @gameon.bn, there was the first Brunei Cyber Game where it all happened. Image courtesy of Kulimpapat.

The original group of Brunei Cyber Game. Really appreciated the team that helped me back then. Now Amar (2nd from left) has built a better team and growth of the gaming industry in Brunei Darussalam. Image courtesy of Kulimpapat.

I’m very grateful for being part of the At-Taqwa Travel & Tours for the current Umrah trip as part of Group 3 (9th December to 20th December). Apparently there are batches of 8 groups in total with the final group departing on 23rd December 2017. It has been a while since I actually stepped my foot in Jeddah, Medinah and Mecca. My last visit was back in the year 1998, together with my beloved family. Hence, it’s good to be back to the Holy land and I’m loving the service here at At-Taqwa Travel & Tours.

Allow me to share with you the journey from when I made the decision to fly for Umrah to my first few days in Medinah. It will be in a form of images and captions to show you the flow of things and why I would recommend future customers to At-Taqwa Travel & Tours for their next Umrah trip this coming February and March 2018. Do enjoy the images for your reference and don’t forget to spread the love around.

The Radiah session with the pilgrims from At-Taqwa a few weeks before umrah. This was to prep them for the Saie for umrah led by Ustaz Qahar.

The briefing session for the pilgrims at Al-Falah school two weeks before umrah for the pilgrims to be familiar and be prepared for the Umrah trip.

The management of At-Taqwa Travel & Tours and the officers for the Umrah December trip during the briefing

One of the appointed officers for At-Taqwa, Ustaz Khairul Nazif, also known as UKN.

The practical session of Umrah for the pilgrims at Sg. Kebun Sports Complex.

The pilgrims had a practice session, walking around seven times for Tawaf while being briefed on the dos and donts during Tawaf

All the customers of At-Taqwa were given a hand carry luggage. Inside the luggage, you will get a slipper bag (for entering the mosque), water bottle, power bank (useful), sling bag, neck pillow, luggage tag and not forgetting the passport cover. All the pilgrims were also given a special name tag so others will be able to identify.

The time where we have to do our finger print session before sending our passport for visa purposes. This is something new implemented by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The queue can get very long as they are only two people working there. I do hope they improve the manpower situation there.

For all those who fly to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, you will have to get an injection jab for influenza. This is a must!! This is at the vaccination centre near Times Square, behind the petrol station.

Thank you, Hitesh, the director of YMRM Galleria, for sponsoring some gamis and songkok 😀

For all the pilgrims, it is required for them to do advanced check-in the night before the flight. This is to make sure smooth journey for the passengers and they don’t have to worry to check in on the actual day itself.

We are allowed 30 kilo of weight for check-in. I reached around 19kilo so far, allowing space for some shopping during my visit to Jeddah, Medinah and Mecca.

Ustaz Abdus-Salam brought his own chilli, just in case. It was recommended by others to bring your own chilli sauce as the local ones (in Saudi) do not taste as good.

What a privilege for the pilgrims to be featured on RTB news before their flight

This was the first batch that flew. Well, it was only Fahmi from this group and his friends sent him off. The first batch flew off on 2nd December.

The first batch of pilgrims from At-Taqwa. They will be returning to Brunei Darussalam on the 13th December.

I belonged to Group 3 from 9th December to 20th December.

Thank you, sis, for sending me off the other day. Thanks for being so concerned of my well being and dropping my room to check on me. Don’t worry, my maggi days are over (for now). Day 67 and counting 😀

All the pilgrims on the flight to Jeddah will enjoy a much better facility on their flight because it’s the Dreamliner 787. Woohoo!!!

After 10 hours later, we have arrived at the International Airport of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

At-Taqwa is a step ahead of other travel agents because they prepared us sim-cards in Brunei Darussalam. This will make the passengers at ease so they can contact their loved ones upon arrival at the airport. A well thought gesture for their customers. Thumbs up!!

We were greeted by the At-Taqwa’s Managing Director at the airport. A man will a strong vision and he makes this happen. I’m happy for his new journey as an entrepreneur and also giving back to the community. May Allah bless you and your family!

The bus trip from Jeddah to Medinah took 6 hours. From the airport, we headed straight to Medinah and we were provided with refreshment on the way.

Every group will have their own Mutawif. A Mutawif is someone who will help to lead and guide us during our Umrah procession with the doas and such. The Mutawif also will help with logistics to make the trip of the pilgrims more smooth and convenient.

Upon arrival at Dar Al Taqwah Hotel, Medinah and making sure that all the room numbers are written on their luggage tags to make it convenient for the concierge to send the luggage straight to their rooms. We arrived around midnight.

Some of the pilgrims having breakfast at the hotel after Subuh prayers at Al-Masjid an-Nabawī

It was definitely great to be back at Al-Masjid an-Nabawī. I fell in love with this place on my first umrah trip decades ago. This will be my fifth time here. Alhamdulillah.

The umbrella outside being erected during the day, to shelter from the heat

The first batch of officers from At-Taqwa at one of the visiting sites near Mecca

They were fortunate to bump into Malaysian celebrity Adflin Shauki

I’m glad to have my friend Ak Nabil Pg Abdul Kadir to be on the same group as me. You might recognized him on my IG previously. I know this lad from toastmasters.

The books I bought and these only cost around BND 4

Pg Razi briefing Group 3 before the visit to makam Rasullullah

It was tricky to steal a shot inside. I still managed.

The view inside Al-Masjid an-Nabawī

The hotel we are staying is strategically located in front of Al-Masjid an-Nabawī. Very, very convenient.

The birds are aplenty nearby

It’s better to change money at Saudi than in Brunei. You will get more 😀

I might be eyeing on this jubah soon. A bit pricey but it has the quality,