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Two days ago I sent off my new reporter for RA off to Malaysia for her first oversea assignment under the Tourism Malaysia FAM trip which is also sponsored by AirAsia. Not many of you are aware that Aliya Zin is now helping me out in covering events which also gives me time for myself and also focus on the business aspect of my career.

I couldn’t make it for the Colours of 1 Malaysia MegaFam trip as it will clash with my upcoming itinerary which is the most anticipated race of my life so far – Sundown in Singapore. Three more reporters are also invited for the FAM trip (FAM btw means familiarisation). Nabilah Haris of The Brunei Times, Loh of United Daily and Emelda of Media Permata were invited to experience the Colours of 1 Malaysia in the next few days.

Jamilah Abdul Halim, the director of Tourism Malaysia (Brunei) sent the reporters off at the Brunei International Airport and thanked them for their support. As quoted by Mariani Hj Sabtu, the Acting director of Tourism Development Board (Brunei) that there are more than 1 million passengers that visit Malaysia and I believe it’s merely for shopping purposes. Now our role here is to spread the news that there are many places of interest in Malaysia apart from shopping 😀

So do check out RA for the updates on the happenings and places of interest in Malaysia and most of the report and pictures are courtesy of Aliya Zin.

Jamilah Abdul Halim the director of Tourism Malaysia (third from right) with Cindy of AirAsia Brunei (2nd from right) with the local media and representatives from Tourism Malaysia (Brunei)

Jamilah speaking to the media before sending them off to KL via AirAsia

Jamilah and Jessie having a conversation about Tourism Malaysia in general

Aliya Zin in KL & Pahang. Day One of Colours of 1 Malaysia MegaFam.

After arriving on AirAsia’s afternoon flight on Thursday, we were taken to the Royale Chulan Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

It’s a public holiday today in KL, so the streets were strangely empty, as most people tend to leave the city during public holidays and long weekends, so traffic was non-existent and we sped towards Pahang, and arrived at Berjaya Hills in just over an hour. We were visiting the Colmar Tropicale, a charming is a unique and charming French-themed attraction resort. It’s located  about 2,700 feet above sea-level amidst 80 acres of ancient rain forests, the cool weather was just enormously refreshing from the pace of the city. The resort is inspired by the famous 16th century Colmar Village in Alsace, France.  

When we arrived, the resort was still relatively quiet, with few people walking around, and we were taken to see the rooms, which have incredible views of the surrounding rain forests, and the nearby golf course.

The resort has a total of 235 rooms and suites, offers 8 food & beverage outlets / lounges with excellent food variety ranging from local & international cuisine to an authentic French fine dining restaurant. It also offers meeting rooms and banqueting facilities, and the activities offered there are good for families who want a different experience, or for team building and leadership activities. One of the things I found quite amazing was that they had an organic farm nearby, which grew the vegetables for the resort, and also for the Prime Minister’s table. No chemicals are used on the farm, and even the food waste from the resort is recycled into compost which is then used as fertilizer. It’s a great example of going green, which was significant given the gorgeous green setting.

Animals also play a big role at Colmar Tropicale, as a couple of their attractions are a small animal park, where you can pet and feed animals such as deer and rabbits (I had a total Disney Princess moment where there were 5 deer trying to grab food out of my hands!), and see peacocks and guinea pigs running around. There’s also a horse-riding stable run by an equestrian professional, who happened to train one of the coaches at Jerudong Park not so long ago. All of the experiences are subject to fees, but if you’re staying at the resort, these will be refunded to you.

If you are more into action though, you NEED to check out the Adventure Park. Paintballers get a real jungle experience, as they have to trek a bit of the way in to get to the game grounds. Unfortunately we didn’t get to see it, but one of the best (AND SCARIEST!) experiences of my life was to ride South East Asia’s longest Flying Fox! A harrowing 900 meter ride above amazing rainforest views, and even though I was overwhelmed a couple of times while climbing up to the flying fox, the excellent team really assuaged my fears and were so encouraging. I wholeheartedly recommend it, and as someone who is totally terrified of heights, I can honestly say, that even though my legs were jelly for the rest of the day, it was so totally worth it! There is also an awesome canopy walk which we got to experience during the flying fox, and rock climbing.

If the adventure stuff is not your thing, there’s also an authentic Japanese Village just further up the way. Designed in a rustic style to address the rugged hills and mountains, the Japanese Village boasts a stone walkway, Zen garden, waterfall, koi pond, rock formations, beautifully carved stone lanterns and a delightful teahouse.

Colmar Tropicale is best experienced in a 3 day/2 night package. Bookings can be made online on their websitecolmartropicale.com.my. The staff can even tailor special packages for you. Currently there are shuttle services from Berjaya Times Square, but they can also provide transport direct from LCCT to the resort when you make your reservation.

That was only the first day, I can only imagine what’s going to happen next!

The entrance of the Colmar Tropicale

Doesn’t this place look unique?

Emelda gearing up for some flying fox action

Loh made to the other side

Nabilah capturing some moments while suspended in mid-air

 

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From the 24th to the 28th of May, BIBD will be organizing the BIBD Home Showcase 2 which is a follow up to last year’s event. It will be held at The Mall Gadong from 10am to 10pm and visitors will be able to :-

• find out about BIBD home financing and improvement products

• home interiors exhibition by companies like Ikon Designworks, Signature Kitchen, Luzzone, Happy Star and others

• view properties on sale locally and internationally by a number of property agencies

• receive assured gifts when signing up for BIBD financing services

• convert their ATM card to BIBD Debit Card and many more

So whether you’re improving your current home or getting a house, come and drop by for the right financing solution. For more information call BIBD’s Contact Centre at 2238181 or visit www.bibd.com.bn/homeshowcase

Guest of honour, the Ministry of Development, Permanent Secretary (Administration and Finance) Hj Muhammad Lufti and Acting Commissioner of Town and Country Planning Shahron Suhaimi officiating the BIBD Home Showcase 2 while BIBD Managing Director Javen Ahmed looked on

Hj Muhammad Lufti receiving token of appreciation from Javen Ahmed

 

It’s happening this Sunday

The programme for AITI Carnival

 

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The Management of the Mabohai Shopping Complex is pleased to announce that it will be hosting yet another exciting family event this weekend, Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 May.

The Mabohai Shopping Complex Teddy Bears’ Tea Party will be a high-tea event with a teddy bear oriented theme. There will be a free flow of coffee and tea for parents, and hot chocolate with sprinkles for children, along with assorted sandwiches and cupcakes. Children and the young at heart are encouraged to join in the fun by bringing along their favourite teddy bear!

The Management of the Mabohai Shopping Complex said: “We are delighted to once again be hosting a family oriented event that our community can participate in. We are sure that parents and children alike will enjoy having high-tea with a teddy bear twist, and we hope to see many happy families and their teddy bears there.”

The event, to be held on the 1st floor of the Mabohai Shopping Complex from 2pm – 6pm on Sat, 25th & Sun, 26th May, aspires to create a unique quality family bonding experience and projects the Mabohai Shopping Complex as the place for families to shop in, with activities to enjoy together.

The Management adds, “The Teddy Bears’ Tea Party is just one of many family-friendly events that we have planned for the year. Look out for more fun and colourful events for the entire family at the Mabohai Shopping Complex soon!”

For more information on participating in this event and future events, please call MABOHAI SHOPPING COMPLEX Manager on 8111623 or 7250110 or Event Solutions on 8722249. Or find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

 

Are you ready??

 

Group photo with guest of honour Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Hj Mohd Rozan Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Yunos with the sponsors, NGOs and the cast and crew of Enchanted Forest. Click image to enlarge.

Relentless Entertainment Brunei will be continuing their efforts to improve performing arts in the Sultanate.

Following the success of its ‘Enchanted Forest’ musical recently, Managing director of Relentless Entertainment Brunei Amy Cheongyesterday presented selected charities with a sum of $3,000 collected from proceeds of the musical.

The donation and certificate presentation ceremony, held at the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports, was officiated by Permanent Secretary HjMohd Rozan Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Yunos.

The managing director of Relentless Entertainment Brunei, in her opening remarks, also announced another production in the works scheduled for the end of the year.

The donations were handed over by the guest of honour were President of SMARTER (Society for the Management of Autism Related Issues in Training, Education and Resources) Malai Hj Abdullah Hj Malai Othman, Assistant Director of Welfare Home Complex (Kompleks Rumah Kebajikan) Pg Mahdi Pg Salleh, Acting Head of Administration at Pusat Ehsan Nurul Huda Hj Muhin, Vice President of the Centre for Children for Special Needs (KACA) HjAbdul Alim Othman, Derek Wong of Learning Ladders and Children’s Cancer Foundations (YASKA) Treasurer Tsara Nawwarah Abdullah Chen receiving on behalf of their respective organisations.

Each organisation received $500 out of the total amount which consisted of the earnings from their musical performance which debuts on 4 May 2013 at the Jerudong Park Amphitheatre with a successful turnout of an almost full house.

Handover donation to Pusat Ehsan

Handover donation to Yaska

Handover donation to Learning Ladders

Handover donation to SMARTER Brunei

Handover donation to KACA

More than a quarter of the 4000 seats were allocated to the children from various children charities in the Sultanate who were fortunate enough the two hour musical for free.

Yesterday’s ceremony was attended by members of Relentless Entertainment Brunei as well as the musical cast members and volunteers of the production.

Among the list of sponsors and supporters for the musical include the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports, Jerudong Park Country Club, HSBC Brunei, Rai’atul Al-adawiyah Enterprise, Digimark, Adison Marketing Services, Ban Lee Hua Company Sdn Bhd, Fun Bee Park, Patisserie Cake Shop, Misato Japanese Restaurant, Brunei Gas Carriers, Aewon Brunei QAF Eurokars Sdn Bhd, TK Asco Enterprise, Atmosphere Music Production Studio, Ranoadidas, Brunei Buzz and Brunei Tweet. Text courtesy of The Brunei Times.

Appreciation token to Adison Marketing

Handover donation to Patisserie Cake Shop

Handover donation to KFC

Handover donation to TK Asco Enterprise

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The Fisheries Department under the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources (MIPR) officially launched the Local Shoot Out and International Shoot Out competitions last Friday, May 17.

The competitions, which were officially launched by Acting Deputy Director of the Fisheries Department Ranimah Hj Wahab, comprise of both local and overseas photographers, with a total of nine participants competing.

Photographers will be shooting in selected diving spots in Brunei: the Australian Wreck, Abana Rocks and Brunei Patches. The winners for the competitions will also known as the Most Influential Underwater Photographer, as their winning images will be used for education and conservation of the region.

Apart from the prestigious title, the winners of the Portfolio, Digital Portfolio and Best Marco categories will receive amazing prizes.The winner of the Portfolio category, which is the contestant to produce the 10 best images, will receive $2,500, as well as a medal and a certificate. Meanwhile, the winner of the Digital Portfolio of the best three images will win $800, along with a medal and a certificate, and the winner for the Best Macro category will also win $800, with a medal and certificate.

The International Brunei Shoot Out also carries the same three categories, however, the winner of the Portfolio category will receive US$3,000 (about $3,778), as well as a medal and a certificate, while the winners of the Digital Portfolio and Best Macro categories will each receive US$1,000 (about $1,259) and a medal and certificate.

Activities such as these hope to unearth new talent in underwater photography, while simultaneously promoting awareness of the beauty of the ocean floor and marine life, and the importance of keeping the waters clean and protecting the endangered species of the deep blue sea.

The competitions are held in conjunction with the Fisheries Department’s World Ocean Day 2013 event, which will be held from June 7 to 9, alongside the 12th “Celebrate the Sea” festival at The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong.

For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/asterabrunei or emailcontact@asteraconsultant.com. Text courtesy of Zatty Joanda of The Brunei Times.