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Torch Ginger

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local. Torch ginger is usually planted in home gardens, where it blooms straight out of the ground, and it is also known as ‘torch ginger’ because it looks like a torch. The varieties of this genus are just as amazing.

Forest ginger is commonly found in the rainforests of Africa and South-East Asia. It is known by many names, such as Porcelain Rose or Torch Lily.

Its striking colour and exotic taste make it a choice in traditional cooking and local dishes.

For example, in the local cooking of Brunei, torch ginger is used as a garnish and also as a flavour enhancer for dishes such as nasi ulam, rice served with local herbs like cassava leaves. Torch ginger delicately perfumes these dishes, and together with other fresh herbs, it helps to make the nasi ulam fragrant. Torch ginger is also used in preparing asam laksa, as an accompaniment with sambal, and it can also be turned into a light sauce with a little soy sauce and vinegar. In cooking, the hard, oily petals are thrown away and only the red, soft interior is used. Torch ginger, given the scientific name Etlingera elatior, has been used for centuries by the people of Borneo. Its shoots and flowers are regarded as vegetables in cooking, or as a seasoning for laksa soup when finely sliced. Its fruit can also be eaten; in fact, the plant can even be used as a natural shampoo!

Its leaves too have antioxidant, antibacterial and tyrosinase-inhibiting properties. The forest ginger plant has similar characteristics. In the country of Brunei Darussalam, there are 77 recorded species of ginger plants.

There are several types, namely Etlingera brevilabrum, which are used

as decorations, while others are used in traditional medical treatment.

One area rich in forest ginger species is Taman Negara Ulu Temburong, where 46 types have been recorded from the survey carried out by Dr Axel Dalberg Poulsen on an expedition in 1991-1992. Of the more than 1,300 species in the ginger family, only a few types of wild ginger are edible. Forest ginger is not yet used in the production of cosmetic products, but scientific studies show encouraging potential because of the presence of active compounds.

Among them is the presence of the active compound phenol, specifically in chlorogenic acid, which is known to support moisture and skin hydration, while at the same time being able to maintain a youthful appearance. To taste edible forest ginger in Brunei, awda can visit any local market or tamu, such as Tamu Kianggeh. Torch ginger flowers are usually sold in bunches, and awda only needs a couple of stalks to add flavour to a dish or salad.

Slice its root finely and awda will be able to enjoy its fragrance, and will understand why torch ginger has for so long been a choice in local cooking…

On 7 April 2016, Brunei Darussalam’s National Forestry Department celebrates its 18 years. The flora chosen for this year’s theme is Etlingera elatior, better known as torch ginger.

Galangal rhizome is used in various Asian cuisines: for example, in Thailand and Laos it is used in tom yum cooking. Although the taste of ginger is a little like galangal, most cooks who use both of these rhizomes will not substitute one flavour for the other.

Source: MUHIBAH, the Royal Brunei Airlines in-flight magazine, 2016 May-Jun, pages 53-55. Printed in Bahasa Melayu and translated into English for this site; text recovered from the scanned page by OCR and lightly corrected.

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Skye to Kyle of Lochalsh

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INVERNESS Skye to Kyle of Lochalsh, train from Kyle of Lochalsh to Inverness 2ns-45mins The capital of the Highlands sits on the picturesque River Ness which flows into the dolphin-filled Moray Firth. Nessie, Loch Ness’s monster, has her home about eight miles away, There are 24 lots of buses that gothat way if you decide to stay longer, but The Pineapple near Stirling out

the train has plenty of other treats. Look for the Culloden viaduct, the windswept moorland of Drumochter Pass and Stirling palace Aviemore, and stunning pine forests, You’ll then reach Perth

the shores of the River Tay and the ancient Scot apital of

Stirling before reaching Edinburgh. Royal Brunei Airines flies Londondaily via Dubai

Smarter than Cash! Enjoy the convenience and flexibility of debit card without the burden of added fees and interest. Debit Card is card that lets you shop worry-free and cash-free with bill payments at the end of the month as you make purchases using your own money.

Safer, smarter and more convenient than cash.

Source: MUHIBAH, the Royal Brunei Airlines in-flight magazine, 2013 Sep-Oct, pages 20-22. Text recovered from the scanned page by OCR and lightly corrected; spelling may differ from the printed edition.

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Snowdonia in autumn, from mountains to forest trails

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Beel VisitBritain/Lee One of the most scenic regions in Britain, Wales’s Snowdonia is all about rugged mountains, coastal areas and forests. In autumn, it comes alive in the red and golden hues of trees, purplish heather on the mountainsides, and the deep blue of the sea. Autumn is the best time to visit as it is calmer and quieter place minus the chock-a-block of tourists. Plus, you can take advantage of the off-peak offers to grab yourself bargain. The days are warm, making it perfect for walking through fallen leaves while the evenings are cool enough to enjoy hot chocolate in front of cosy fire. Places to check out include Glynllifon Park, Snowdon for panaromic views, the historic town of Bala and formal gardens, and woodland walks.

SEPTEMBER 17

Broadbent David FOREST OF DEAN One of the last ancient forests in the UK, Forest of Dean in Gloucesteshire, has been inhabited since the Iron Ages and was used by the Anglo-Saxon kings as royal hunting grounds. Today, aside from its historical significance, it is place of natural beauty that comes alive with spectacular colours during autumn. If you’re into walks, this is the best place to get taste of British autumns. Located nearby are also picturesque villages like Newent and Cinderford, and historical landmarks such as the Tintern Abbey. If you want to really soak in all that history, check-in at the Speech House Hotel, former 17th century hunting lodge at the very heart of the forest.

LAKE DISTRICT With colours in full bloom, autumn is the prettiest time of the year to visit the Lake District. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers bit of everything picturesque wa nd camping escapades in its national parks, historic inns to explore, great restaurants to dine on the best of British food and artisanal shops selling the best of

Lake District produce and goods.

Source: MUHIBAH, the Royal Brunei Airlines in-flight magazine, 2019 Sep-Oct, pages 18-21. Text recovered from the scanned page by OCR and lightly corrected; spelling may differ from the printed edition.

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Lost Map of Wonderland guides visitors through Alice’s rooms

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Moffatt ACMI/Anne

Visitors are handed out their own Lost Map of Wonderland that begins in Lewis Carroll’s drawing room. The map is both physical guide and digital prop that unlocks interactive parts of the Hallway of Doors, followed by the contemplative surrounds of the Poo! of Tears, the quirky Looking Glass House, before visitors are invited to get hands-on in the Queen’s Croquet Ground. highlight of the exhibition is an immersive centerpiece where visitors are invited to join in the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Seated around table set with empty plates and tea cups, the room looks dreary at first. But then the projections start and the room transforms into stunning digital display

that sets up the walls as lurid forestry and the

table as stuffed full of food and treats witha trail of ants included. It will leave your head spinning, especially when you factor in the plates turning

into clocks at the end.

and range of bespoke digital interactive activities, will draw visitors into an enchanted world where expectations are upended and curiosity is rewarded. Whether or not you’re an Alice fan, one thing is certain: the more curious

you are, the more you’ll discover.

Wonderland will run from now till 22 September, 2019.

Royal Brunei Airlines flies

Singapore 2x daily. Discover thingsto do in Singapore in ior

Source: MUHIBAH, the Royal Brunei Airlines in-flight magazine, 2019 May-Jun, pages 25-27. Text recovered from the scanned page by OCR and lightly corrected; spelling may differ from the printed edition.

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Boat ride down the Brunei River past the new Temburong bridge

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ain, but al: of life and the stre: Darussalam, and silent reflection are many.

tranquili And, with canbe visited by

one of the 33 is:

that have been developed as an

tination. It For 48) under the For ified as Forest Ri

under an hour and began at

sive Raja mmonly known wan. From here,

we took boat ride down Brunei River, past mosques and kampongs (villages) that come alive with the chatter of the residents and the muezzin’s call to prayer. The new bridge to Temburong, marvel of

modern its sinuous the river at

engineering, also comes into view shortly

form floating in the silvery expanse of first light. Early mornings are often calm

However, boat ride in calm sea with distant views of raging clouds marching down the Crocker Range can quickly become wild and thrilling with sudden

storm. The journeyis never dull.

Arriving Selirong Island and upon registering at the guard post, we began paddling at the eastern extremity of the reserve on the Malaysian border in the broad channel of Sungai Raya. If you are lucky, you will make start in the company of the elusive

smaller channels flow into the river proper, providing pi ge into the stands of the many mangrove

The route can be challenging for inexperienced kayakers, but thankfully, there is another option to enjoy slow walks on the boardwalk that takes them past the island’s impressive mangroves. The route is dotted with rest huts perfect for snack break or to take in the sights and sounds of the forest.

For those with keen eye, sightings of the curious colugo or flying lemur and the proboscis monkeys with their comical nose and pot belly are not rare.

But Selirong is not only for nature lovers. It provides an attractive option to plan an escape from the daily grind. An ecological habitat buzzing with life just in

backyard, Selirong indeed is an amazing place waiting to be discovered.

The boardwalk allows easy access to Selirong’s unique mangrove habitat. Kayaking promises tons of wildlife sightings.

On occasion, you may even get to catch sight of the resident Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra)

Source: MUHIBAH, the Royal Brunei Airlines in-flight magazine, 2019 Jan-Feb, pages 50-51. Text recovered from the scanned page by OCR and lightly corrected; spelling may differ from the printed edition.

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Carefree luxury at Bawah Reserve private island

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Remote-and intimate, is-all about the experience.

It’s been called The Maldives of Asia.

New Eden. However way you cast it, Bawah Reserve is best described as fesson in blissful, wild abandonment.

Though it spans 300 hectares, much ‘Of it remains enveloped in lush tropical forest, hence why.since it opened in 2017, Bawah accolades for offering carefree luxury in the midst of tranquil private island, Bawah Reserve is part ofthe 255 islands in the Anambas clusterin the Riau Archipelago. Though 260km northeast of Singapore, Bawah’s existence was only.known to dedicated

sailors, which was how owner Tim Hartnoll found it through this twin passions. Determinedto preserve-as._ much of Bawah’s natural possible, it wilhtake five years for him and Singapore architectSim Boon Yang to réalise the Bawah of their vision.

This blueprint that woultforego heavy machinery, constructing by hand.and. using as much sustainable material could.

And this is why. Bawah is every explorer’s dream come true. Within its six islands, thtee lagoons and

»13 beaches that make up the luxury. retreat that is Bawah Reserve, guests

have every opportunity to explore

nature, appreciate the remoteness and bask in the intimate tranquillity in both: luxury and comfort. The adventure starts with the island transfer. Guests arrive into Bawah Reserve from Batam via an 80-minute private seaplane journey from Hang Nadim Airport. You know you’re off to laidback start when even the captain goes barefooted in the cockpit.

As the plane makes the approach to. the resort, it tips its wings just slightly for you to get your first glimpse of the feserve. And whata glimpse it is! Multi- -hued crystalline waters call out to you from beneath; their shallow water corals

mottled.carpet of moss green. And then you make.a’splash entrance.as the ‘plane lands on the waters, announcing your arrival te the awaiting resort team at the jetty. The resort’s tagline: “Do as much or as little as you wish” will béYoutr island playbook. With wifi limited’td room ‘only, Bawah éncourages you’to explore and to reconnectaTheré are to lookout points, where guides:can point out torthe local flora and fauna; private picnic to enjoy-at any two of the beaches, where access is strictly yours; sunsetisland cruises to seeksthe nique in all’ofBawah Reserve’s islands;‘daily pampering at the Aura Spa; water activities that range from kayaking NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2018 Pd

paddleboarding and snorkelling; irgazing at jaw-dropping, licorice- ‘black skies and snuggling up for er the star:

till worthwhile. At the 11 overwater villas, you can jump right off from the deck into the lagoon. for aswim every morning. The 21 beach fronting suites offer easy access to the ».waters while the three garden suites

erfect for familyor group of Aailivingroom and

35 intimate ehvillas you choose is:equallyie inviting. Each is Handbuilt,some.from

sustainable bamboo, others ‘bamboo and recycled teak. have his-and-hers vanity. ar

call you évery evening in their recycled

Everywhere you look, effort in which founde) painstaking! resort’s desigr

water, rainwateriscollected fromthe roof gutters and harvested and treated

water that runs in guests’ heated by solar energy,

is treated and recycled

“We are not just building resort, we are building town,” Hartnoll said as he gave back of the house tour of the resort, pointing out to the generator room, the water treatmentplant and sites where FErOU

underwater cables and pipes run the resort selfsustainable. is Still lot to do.

We hope to grow more of our fruit and» vegetables in the garden to rely less on

stuff coming we are working environment,” entirely on

from the mainland. And

towards he says. also run renewable energy microgrid

that harnesses energy from multiple sources solar, wind and hydropower.

In the rooms and restaurants, treated water is bottled in glass that can be washed afd’teused. Bamboo straws replace plastic ones, while amenities

shampoos, shower gels and body lotions ae stored in refillable bottles. Food waste and paper are composted and all otherwaste is recycled and sent back toBatam. Even guest bath towels weré specifically.” selected for its quick-drying and:quick Jaundering time against typical terrycloth towel (though this available should aguest one). So popular

with guests that they run out at the resort boutique as soon as they are stocked!

Bawah has four F&B outlets that, despite its remoteness that prove to be achallenge in supply logistics, celebrate the richness of the archipelago. At Treetops, the elevated main dining venue overlooking one of the lagoons, locally caught fish are always on the menu and Chef Roberto gives his own spin to bring the food up notch.

Tongkol, akin to tuna, is cleverly used in Bawah’s version of the nicoise salad while grilled Red snapper or Giant trevally is served with three local condiments, one of which is an Indonesian favourite sambal matah.

At the Boat House that overlooks the eastern lagoon, the vibe is more pub-style with fish and chips, burgers and chargrilled seafood served amidst swing chairs and wicker daybeds. At the Jules Verne Bar and the Grouper, tropical fruits such as honeydews and watermelons are turned into ice cold designer drinks that are perfect thirst quenchers in the island heat.

As Bawah Reserve is an all-inclusive resort, it does take the worry off you so you can enjoy everything the resort has to offer (meals, non-motorised water sports, non-alcoholic drinks, roundtrip transfers are all included).

This also means daily pampering at the Aura Spa, with foot reflexology, body massages and scrubs to enjoy.

There is still much Bawah Reserve

can offer, says Hartnoll. “We draw inspiration from all over the world in terms of sustainability and remote

locations, from places like the Green School in Bali to Richard Branson’s Necker Island. There is sustainable

learning across the globe and anything we can pick up and

implement, we will do it!”

Source: MUHIBAH, the Royal Brunei Airlines in-flight magazine, 2018 Nov-Dec, pages 40-44. Text recovered from the scanned page by OCR and lightly corrected; spelling may differ from the printed edition.

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Inside Singapore Zoo on its 45th anniversary

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KEEPING As Singapore Zoo celebrates its 45th anniversary, it continues to reinvent itself to be the best open-concept zoo this side of Asia.

GRACE OO! WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE

merely being place where on “dis much on activ memory

the elephant was to time. Many children’s elephants

encl¢ them and wit years later, home, the same

animals are put more focused closer to leir feeding volunteering with sight of the addened me

Viewing the leopards during Night delight the Two-toed sloth at the Fragile Forest. Guests can have breakfast with the orangutans as part of the zoo’s activities,

The Douc langur at Primate Kingdom, The lemurs delight at Fragile Forest.

There remains today continuous debate on whether animals should be kept in zoos or allowed to live in the wild. like healthy debate. More importantly, do believe that the future generation needs to be able to the different species of wildlife for them to understand the importance of conserving their habitat. And one of the zoos that find is working hard towards this is the Singapore Zoo.

When Singapore Zoo first opened in 1973, it was among the pioneers of the open concept

zoos, in which the animals are housed in

open enclosures landscaped to resemble their natural habitats. In doing so, it breaks the barrier between visitors and animals while giving the animals room to roam freely. It was

the first zoo in the world to have free-

range orangutan habitat. Today, Singapore Zoo remains committed in providing these moments of connection, but it has also gone to invest in other ways, seeking to further conservation, education and scientific understanding of animals. Its Wildlife Healthcare and Research Centre,

that arranges special group visits to its viewing gallery for real-time observation of animal surgery, was set up to also provide better healthcare to the animals while promoting research. The facility, opened in 2006, is also one of the ways visitors get to discover firsthand the work of zoo vets.

Endangered animals also get new lease of life at Singapore Zoo. The zoo was the

first to successfully hatch the Komodo dragon in Asia, outside Indonesia where the dragon is native feat that was made possible through meticulous planning and some cutting-edge technology intervention.

Source: MUHIBAH, the Royal Brunei Airlines in-flight magazine, 2018 Sep-Oct, pages 31-33. Text recovered from the scanned page by OCR and lightly corrected; spelling may differ from the printed edition.

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Palawan Island is the Philippines’ hidden piece of paradise

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The island is accessible by boat or plane. Coming by air, it gives you your first look at just how beautiful Palawan is. From above, Palawan’s stunning blue and emerald waters will hypnotise, as will the forest-covered mountains that seem to rise from the ocean. By boat, the small fishing villages dotting the island and limestone caves will greet you upon arrival. Seasonal turtle watching, caving, kayaking, bird watching, snorkelling, diving these are some of the things you must absolutely do to take advantage of Palawan’s archipelago.

Itis also home to UNESCO World Heritage Site, the underground Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, two-hour drive from the capital Guests can’t get enough of local handmade jewellery, shell craft, wood carvings and woven products from Binuatan weavers. There are also great local markets to explore local fruits and food. If you really need the mall, there are two on the main island of Palawan.

STAY Pangulasian Island Resort (elnidoresorts.com/pangulasian-island) fronts 750-metre white powder beach overlooking the bay, with 42 villas all with private balcony that overlooks the beach or garden. The resort also has secluded cove perfect for kayaking, and

sanctuary right at its doorstep.

Snorkel, dive then go island hopping which the resort can arrange for guests.

For more information, go to: experiencephilippines.org

Royal Brunei flies Manila daily for connections to Palawan.

Source: MUHIBAH, the Royal Brunei Airlines in-flight magazine, 2018 Jan-Feb, pages 62-63. Text recovered from the scanned page by OCR and lightly corrected; spelling may differ from the printed edition.

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Pyeongchang’s Goblin filming sites and the 2018 Winter Olympics

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Joeng Gang Wong, Hanmi bookstore. In Pyeongchang where the Goblin was filmed at the Daegwallyeong Samyang Ranch and Woljeongsa Temple Fir Forest Path, among others, visitors to the area can also witness the preparations underway for the 2018 Olympic Winter Games. rural county few hours’ drive east of Seoul, Pyeongchang residents are truly proud of their third-time-lucky winning bid for the Olympics. The area has long been favourite training ground for professional marathoners and skiers who take advantage of its 800-metreabove-sea-level altitude serving fresh mountain air and ample seasonal snow.

The DMZ, just under 65 kilometeres away, makes for an interesting conversation for visitors but, if that’s bit too unnerving, then there is always the zen-like Fir Forest Path to calm the senses. Also in PyeongChang, Joeng Gang Wong, the Institute of Traditional Korean Cuisine, is anotable place worthy of exploring.

Set up with the purpose of researching and preserving food culture, the institute has managed to avoid the

trappings of being tacky visitor centre with its dedication to maintaining age-old traditions. The grounds house different buildings that include culinary hideaway where visitors can have hands-on experience cutting rice cakes and mixing bibimbap. In one dedicated area, jars containing cooking sauces and pastes processed on site in onggis (Korean earthenware) can be seen arranged neatly in rows. Onggis are used to store and ferment gochujang (chilli paste) and doenjang (fermented soybean paste). Back in Seoul, the traditional Bukchon

Hanok Village becomes the starting point for Goblin fans in search of the various quaint little alleys that made it to

the film. There’s the Seoul Jungang High School, the Yoon Boseon-gil (stonewall street) and the back alley of Jeongdok Library, all accessible on foot from Anguk Station. In one alley, local resident Jinny Kim walked thoughtfully towards an artisan coffeehouse, the Coffee Mill. This creative space, run by artisanal roaster,

Jerudong Park Medical Centre

YOUR HEALTHCARE PARTNER FOR LIFE THE ONE AND ONLY JCI-ACCREDITED HOSPITAL IN BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

Organization Accredited Joint Commission International Take advantage of our wide range of excellent the coastline of The South China Sea, The Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) offers serene and private atmosphere for you and your loved ones as you undergo your treatment during your stay here.

For more information, call us at +673 261 1433 or visit

our website at jpmc.com.bn.

Source: MUHIBAH, the Royal Brunei Airlines in-flight magazine, 2017 Sep-Oct, pages 28-30. Text recovered from the scanned page by OCR and lightly corrected; spelling may differ from the printed edition.

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Brunei’s Nepenthes pitcher plants and where to find them

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The best places to see wide variety of Nepenthes species in Brunei are the open white sand habitats along the coastal highway between Tutong and Telisai, and the kerangas

and peat swamp forests of Belait. The sub-montane and montane forests of Temburong are the only places in Brunei where some of the spectacular highland species can be found, such as Nepenthes veitchii, Nepenthes lowii, Nepenthes stenophylla and

Nepenthes tentaculata. pitcher plants still hold many secrets today.

Distinct varieties and species rely on different trap components and have evolved specific trap adaptations to target different prey.

For example, few studies have found that the Nepenthes hemsleyanais favourite daytime roost. The plants benefit from the bat’s nitrogen-rich faeces. Such study helps scientists discover the mutualism aspect of

In Brunei, all other Nepenthes except for the Nepenthes gracilis (common roadside pitcher plant) are regarded as high value as their hispida, Nepenthes albomarginata, Nepenthes

hemsleyana, Nepenthes mirabilis, and Nepenthes bicalcarata) and/or they are of interest to collectors; thus subject to

over-collection.

Furthermore, all pitcher plants species in the genus Nepenthes are regarded as threatened and listed in Appendix II of CITES, thus are restricted from being moved across national borders. Sadly, the habitat of lowland Nepenthes species is under threat from coastal, industrial and urban development. It is time that we safeguard these natural habitats so that the plants can continue to flourish in the wild.

Source: MUHIBAH, the Royal Brunei Airlines in-flight magazine, 2015 Nov-Dec, pages 51-51. Text recovered from the scanned page by OCR and lightly corrected; spelling may differ from the printed edition.

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