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Miri The Resort City - Borneo Talk

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ISSN 1823-9625 | PPK380/10/2008(010667)<br />

VOL.6 OCT-DEC 2007<br />

<strong>Miri</strong><br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Resort</strong> <strong>City</strong><br />

Endorsed by<br />

Ministry Of Urban Development &<br />

Tourism Sarawak<br />

Sarawak Tourism Board<br />

Also<br />

Pustaka <strong>Miri</strong> Padawan River Safari 2007 <strong>Borneo</strong> Games<br />

Mega Hotel <strong>Miri</strong> Marriott <strong>Resort</strong> & Spa <strong>Borneo</strong> Tropical Rainforest <strong>Resort</strong>


Contents<br />

What’s in this issue . . .<br />

<strong>Miri</strong><strong>Talk</strong><br />

DiningOut<strong>Talk</strong><br />

23 Festive Celebrations At<br />

Merdeka Palace & Suites<br />

Foreword by the Deputy Chief Minister<br />

Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan<br />

Welcome to Sarawak!<br />

It is easy to welcome people to our country and state but we must make sure that visitors enjoy themselves<br />

while they are here otherwise they will not come back nor recommend others to come. This is where<br />

the Sarawak government has invested heavily in over the past twenty years in infrastructure and places<br />

of interests to ensure that when people come, they will get excellent facilities and fond memories of the<br />

places they visited while here. Many of the prime hotels were started by the government led organisations<br />

to assist the tourism industry attract visitors and later the many infrastructure facilities in our cities, towns<br />

and places of interest including the famed national parks spread throughout the state. <strong>The</strong> foresight of<br />

our Chief Minister has been instrumental in moving the tourism industry here to where it is today even<br />

though funds for such developments were often hard to come by due initially to the small number of<br />

tourists arrivals which did not justify the amount spent on such facilities. However, we persevere and<br />

spending wisely we have managed to bring Sarawak into the world map of eco tourism which is<br />

envisaged as a sustainable industry for the state for a long time to come.<br />

Naturally, Kuching the capital city enjoyed the bulk of the development which puts it a notch above others in the<br />

state in terms of facilities and other amenities. Nevertheless, <strong>Miri</strong> the northern gateway for the state and<br />

<strong>Resort</strong> <strong>City</strong>, is also a place that inspires people from all walks of life to visit. It is a melting pot of ethnic<br />

and cultural diversity, lush beaches and famed highlands as well as the staging point for trips to Sarawak’s<br />

only World Heritage site, Mulu National Park, Niah and Lambir Hills National Parks as well as daily trips to<br />

neighbouring Sultanate of Brunei and state of Sabah. From its humble origins as an oil town, <strong>Miri</strong> is now<br />

a bursting city with modern amenities and entertainment outlets for everyone as well as one of the most<br />

diverse range of foods available, both local and foreign alike. This is due mainly to the vast number of<br />

expatriates who call <strong>Miri</strong> their home and also the large number of indigenous people who have migrated<br />

here. In fact, today, many come to <strong>Miri</strong> for diving which is just a short distance from the shore to enjoy<br />

the fantastic underwater world and next hop on a plane to our highland towns to experience the cool<br />

and fresh environment which has not changed since time immemorial.<br />

As this issue of the Kuching <strong>Talk</strong> is focusing on <strong>Miri</strong> which I originated from, I would like to say thank you<br />

to the publisher for this honour. I am proud that a local publisher like Bumi Serasi has taken the initiative<br />

to produce this interesting and informative magazine to highlight Sarawak’s tourism potential which<br />

complements the government’s efforts in promoting the state to the world. While our annual Rainforest<br />

World Music Festival has attained international acclaim, this is just one aspect of the numerous potential<br />

Sarawak has for tourism including the world’s largest cave structure in Mulu and one of mankind’s<br />

earliest ancestors found at Niah Cave, both of which can be reached from <strong>Miri</strong>. I believe that in up coming<br />

issues, Kuching <strong>Talk</strong> will also explore other towns in Sarawak and highlight their rich tourism potential<br />

to visitors. In this aspect, those involved in the tourism industry need to support the magazine to ensure<br />

that Sarawak’s tourism potential is made known to the world.<br />

Thank you!<br />

Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan<br />

Deputy Chief Minister<br />

<strong>Miri</strong> – Underwater<br />

Eastwood Valley Golf and<br />

Country Club<br />

Biolife Health &<br />

<strong>The</strong>rapeutic Centre<br />

Mulu World<br />

Heritage Area<br />

Boulevard<br />

Restaurant<br />

Royal Mulu<br />

<strong>Resort</strong><br />

Heelim Trading<br />

Atelier<br />

Gallery<br />

SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED<br />

To Advertise In This Publication<br />

Call (6) 082 427423<br />

Kuching <strong>Talk</strong> is published by Bumi Serasi. <strong>The</strong><br />

contents of the magazine may not be reprinted or<br />

reproduced without prior written permission. <strong>The</strong><br />

publisher is not liable for statements made and<br />

opinions expressed in the publication.<br />

Write to us at Kuching <strong>Talk</strong>, 242E, Lorong 3,<br />

Jalan Green, 93150 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.<br />

Tel: (6) 082 427423/238968, Fax: (6) 082 235152,<br />

email: iconnec@streamyx.com Editor-In-Chief Ivy Pan<br />

Editor Melvin Goh Public Relations Christina<br />

Mamora Marketing Ivy Pan, Juliana Lim, Nancy<br />

Shukri Administration Rebina Noh Contributors<br />

S I Ten, Yahya M Iskandar, M Goh, Norni Mahadi,<br />

Letitia Samuel Design and Art Direction Steven Yap<br />

Photography Azariah Umar Front Cover Image<br />

Sarawak Tourism Board Printer Teknik Print Sdn<br />

Bhd, Malaysia. <strong>The</strong> next issue of Kuching <strong>Talk</strong> is<br />

out in January 2008.<br />

4 An Enchanting Playground<br />

For Sea Faring Enthusiasts<br />

5 <strong>City</strong> Of Living Cultures, Traditions<br />

And Inspirations<br />

6 Staging Point For Adventure<br />

7 Shopping Haven<br />

8 Pustaka <strong>Miri</strong><br />

10 Places.of.Workship.in<br />

<strong>Miri</strong><br />

<strong>Miri</strong><strong>Talk</strong><br />

11 Discover <strong>The</strong> Difference<br />

Understand <strong>The</strong> Importance<br />

12 <strong>Miri</strong> <strong>Resort</strong> <strong>City</strong>’s Most<br />

Convenient Location<br />

Mega Hotel<br />

13 <strong>Miri</strong> Marriott <strong>Resort</strong> & Spa<br />

14 Eastwood Valley Golf And<br />

Country Club<br />

15 <strong>The</strong> Perfect Getaway With<br />

Luxury Facilities<br />

<strong>Borneo</strong> Tropical Rainforest <strong>Resort</strong><br />

16 Boulevard Restaurant<br />

17 In.a.Day<strong>Talk</strong><br />

DiningOut<strong>Talk</strong><br />

19 More Varieties, Great Taste<br />

And Friendly Atmosphere At<br />

TOM’S<br />

LocalityMap<br />

20 Kuching Area<br />

22 <strong>Miri</strong> Area<br />

11<br />

Product<strong>Talk</strong><br />

24 Tebaloi<br />

<strong>The</strong> sago snack that is right for any occasion<br />

25 Kuih Cincin<br />

Traditional snack made with the goodness of<br />

nipah palm sugar<br />

26 Rice Is Life<br />

28 Sarawak Keropok<br />

Crackers that tickles the taste buds!<br />

Health<strong>Talk</strong><br />

29 Benefiting From Hyperbaric<br />

Oxygen <strong>The</strong>rapy<br />

Event<strong>Talk</strong><br />

30 <strong>Borneo</strong> Games<br />

31 Padawan River Safari 2007<br />

Fashion<strong>Talk</strong><br />

32 Trendy Wear For Today’s<br />

Fashion Statement<br />

ie@cocoon<br />

33 COZZI Boutique<br />

Local<strong>Talk</strong><br />

34 Your Partner In <strong>The</strong> Sky Over<br />

Sarawak<br />

Hornbill Skyways<br />

<strong>Resort</strong><strong>Talk</strong><br />

35 Special Promotions For Holiday<br />

Seasons!<br />

Santubong Kuching <strong>Resort</strong><br />

People<strong>Talk</strong><br />

36 Gerald Goh<br />

37 RMB<strong>Talk</strong><br />

38 What’sOn&Absolute<br />

Essentials<br />

39 AbsoluteEssentials<br />

2 Kuching<strong>Talk</strong>Oct-Dec2007<br />

www.kuchingtalk.com<br />

Oct-Dec2007Kuching<strong>Talk</strong> 3


<strong>Miri</strong><strong>Talk</strong><br />

<strong>Miri</strong><strong>Talk</strong><br />

<strong>Miri</strong> - <strong>The</strong> <strong>Resort</strong> <strong>City</strong><br />

An enchanting playground<br />

for Sea Faring Enthusiasts<br />

Though fondly called Sarawak’s ‘oil town’, <strong>Miri</strong><br />

is today appropriately known as the <strong>Resort</strong> <strong>City</strong>,<br />

having achieved city status since 2005. A modern<br />

city with all the amenities to complement visitors<br />

and business enterprises alike, <strong>Miri</strong> is the northern<br />

gateway for Sarawak with the busiest airport in<br />

the state as it is the hub for many of the domestic<br />

rural destinations and also for international arrivals.<br />

Unlike other tourism cities elsewhere, here locals<br />

treat visitors like neighbours as the city was born<br />

from an influx of expatriates and locals of different<br />

ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds, all<br />

drawn here at the height of the oil boom that<br />

started in 1921. Situated at the northern fringe<br />

of the state, the town grew steadily despite its<br />

remote location which also forged a much closer<br />

relationship between the people here.<br />

As a resort city, <strong>Miri</strong> is blessed with ample beautiful<br />

beaches and a modern marina to cater to water<br />

sports activities and leisure cruises, especially<br />

between the various yachting clubs around<br />

the region. A regular event, the <strong>Borneo</strong> Cup<br />

Yachting Challenge where sailing boats compete<br />

for prizes, takes competitors from Labuan to<br />

Brunei and all the way down to <strong>Miri</strong> as the ending<br />

destination. Brighton beach is conveniently<br />

within the city’s sea side boundary with ample<br />

facilities for outdoor activities and children’s<br />

play area as well as food outlets. A mere 15<br />

minutes out of the city is Luak Bay esplanade<br />

where leisure walks on the beach during sunset<br />

makes for a romantic end to the day. Stalls here<br />

sell drinks including fresh coconuts and other<br />

juices. Sibuti beach, about an hour’s drive away,<br />

is usually more peaceful and less congested,<br />

providing the ideal place to relax and get in<br />

touch with nature’s abundant wealth here. <strong>The</strong><br />

coastal town of Bekenu offers many of the<br />

best seafood dishes available together with<br />

an assortment of local delicacies and fresh<br />

vegetables.<br />

Just off shore in a 30 minute boat ride is the<br />

underwater heaven of diving sites with some of<br />

the most impressive and diverse aquatic life forms<br />

anywhere in the world. Situated in a cluster of<br />

around 150 sq km triangle off the shore are<br />

various reefs of different origins ranging from<br />

natural formations to sunken vessels and<br />

abandoned rigs but it takes about a week to<br />

explore these sites! Visibility is good here, ranging<br />

from 10 to 30 meters as some of these reefs are<br />

about 7 to 30 meters deep which is excellent for<br />

beginners to accomplished divers. With names<br />

like Barracuda Point, Anemone Garden, Grouper<br />

Patch reef, Atago Maru wreck and Seafan Garden<br />

you can gather what you will likely see and meet<br />

at these various sites. <strong>The</strong> added bonus here is<br />

that currents are generally absent from the waters<br />

around the reefs and there are professional outfits<br />

to cater to the different needs of divers.<br />

Believe it or not, when in <strong>Miri</strong> it is often hard to<br />

tell who is the visitor or resident of this resort<br />

city. <strong>The</strong> reason is simple; as the main northern<br />

hub for national, regional and rural arrivals,<br />

<strong>Miri</strong> is a city where different people meet and<br />

share experience. In fact, even local residents<br />

are mostly from other areas, having migrated<br />

here since the oil boom in the 1920s followed<br />

by the rise of the timber industries and more<br />

recently, the emergence of tourism industry as<br />

the main driving force for the influx of people<br />

and services. Its attractions are many and varied,<br />

ranging from those related to nature tourism<br />

to cultural diversity and hosts of modern facilities<br />

to make every visit here a pleasure and fun<br />

experience.<br />

To get a close up view of <strong>Miri</strong>’s multi-ethnic<br />

nature, the fresh produce market at Tamu<br />

Muhibbah, located right in the heart of the city,<br />

is where many of the traditional favourites are<br />

found, ranging from vegetables to live worms!<br />

Another place is the Saberkas Weekend Market<br />

where non food products like handicrafts too<br />

are available together with food stalls which<br />

stay open from Friday evening to Sunday noon.<br />

As for excellent choices for ethnic crafts, the <strong>Miri</strong><br />

Handicraft Centre is the one stop centre, here<br />

almost all the main handicrafts of the various<br />

ethnic groups can be found, including tips from<br />

the craftsmen and women. <strong>The</strong> colourful beads<br />

crafts always draw people here, mainly produced<br />

by the Orang Ulu.<br />

When it comes to food, the resort city is a<br />

vibrant centre for the whole range of roadside<br />

stalls to fine restaurants with traditional fares<br />

a common theme in many places. <strong>The</strong> choices<br />

range from Chinese to Indian, Japanese to Korean<br />

and western to local Malay cuisines, all within<br />

<strong>City</strong> of living<br />

cultures,<br />

traditions and<br />

inspirations<br />

easy access in the city. <strong>The</strong> city is also the main<br />

attraction for Brunei residents on weekend<br />

as many descend here for a taste of the local<br />

dishes missing in the sultanate. Diners can<br />

adjourn to a host of night entertainment places<br />

which include karaoke lounges to nightclubs,<br />

music cafes and discotheques with their own<br />

music beat.<br />

4 Kuching<strong>Talk</strong>Oct-Dec2007<br />

Oct-Dec2007Kuching<strong>Talk</strong> 5


<strong>Miri</strong><strong>Talk</strong><br />

<strong>Miri</strong><strong>Talk</strong><br />

Closer to the resort city is Lambir Hills National<br />

Park which can be reached by car or bus in<br />

about, 30 minutes on the way down to Bintulu.<br />

<strong>The</strong> main attractions for the park are its<br />

waterfalls and pleasant rainforest with rich<br />

varieties of plant species; it is one of the best<br />

places to sample ferns, gingers, vines, palms,<br />

mushrooms, moss and lichen, flowering and<br />

fruiting shrub trees. Visitors can venture out<br />

in 4 trails which are well marked here and<br />

accommodation facilities are available. <strong>The</strong> Niah<br />

National Park is most famous as Southeast<br />

Asia most important prehistoric sites where the<br />

Niah Man who lived there some 40,000 years<br />

ago, was found in an archeological dig. Other<br />

significant findings are the wall painting<br />

as well as the burial cave discovered inside the<br />

cave structure. Loagan Bunut National Park<br />

is actually a fresh water lake; it is the largest<br />

such lake in Sarawak! However, its size varies<br />

according to the season; vast stretches of water<br />

during the wet months and patches of pools in<br />

the dry times. A great site for bird watching, it<br />

is also home for the Berawan people who have<br />

made it their main abode.<br />

Shopping Haven<br />

While it is true that most visitors to <strong>Miri</strong> the<br />

<strong>Resort</strong> <strong>City</strong> come for the adventure and pleasure,<br />

there is also another good reason to coming<br />

here. This is the best shopping paradise in the<br />

northern part of Sarawak as lavish and modern<br />

malls have almost anything that shoppers want<br />

from these places. Since the early days of the<br />

rise of the oil town, shopping has been one of<br />

the most talked about aspect here as visitors<br />

and expatriates make up most of the clients<br />

as well as those from neighbouring Brunei.<br />

Everything, from branded goods to the smallest<br />

ear-rings and fashion to supermarkets, there<br />

seems to be an endless way to spend time<br />

browsing these malls.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Imperial Mall and Suites has over 120 retail<br />

stores providing shoppers with a diverse range of<br />

goods and services. Patrons of its 157 suites just<br />

need to step out of their high rise homes to<br />

go to the shopping floor where food and banking<br />

facilities are also available apart from the full range<br />

of retail outlets. <strong>The</strong> mall is also within easy access<br />

to many places of interest such as the Flower<br />

Garden and <strong>City</strong> Fan.<br />

which includes hypermarket, departmental store,<br />

post office, bank and other services. When the<br />

shopping is done, finding a taxi ride is usually easy<br />

as many are found outside the complex.<br />

Bintang Plaza has the distinction of being<br />

home to a bowling alley within its complex<br />

apart from the over 100 shopping outlets. Food<br />

court is also found together with a Cineplex.<br />

Apart from these huge centres for shopping,<br />

there are also a few other big outlets in the resort<br />

city, including King’s Commercial Centre, Mos Jaya<br />

Commercial Centre, Saberkas Commercial Centre<br />

and Yakin Commercial Centre.<br />

Staging point for<br />

Adventure<br />

6 Kuching<strong>Talk</strong>Oct-Dec2007<br />

In addition to the beauty of the underwater<br />

world off <strong>Miri</strong>’s shore, there is another vast<br />

world of adventure and nature waiting to be<br />

explored in the vast hinterland. Gunung Mulu<br />

National Park, a World Heritage Site in Sarawak,<br />

is the most well known for its majestic beauty,<br />

natural splendour and breathtaking caves<br />

systems. <strong>The</strong> rock pinnacles are a spectacle on<br />

their own; massive, inspiring and a must see<br />

for those who are physically capable of making<br />

the trip. <strong>The</strong> Canopy Skywalk is a new feature<br />

of the park whereby brave souls can experience<br />

the trees from the top along this, the world’s<br />

longest tree-based structure, some 480 metres of<br />

walkway suspended 20 metres from the ground.<br />

<strong>The</strong> park is just a short hop from <strong>Miri</strong> using fixed<br />

wing airplane but advance booking and other<br />

travel arrangements must be made prior to visit<br />

to get the full benefits of visiting the place.<br />

Another shopping centre located close to a hotel<br />

is the <strong>Miri</strong> Square Mall which is just adjacent<br />

to the Grand Palace Hotel. It has numerous<br />

eating outlets beside the departmental and<br />

retail stores. <strong>Miri</strong> Plaza commercial complex is<br />

also just a hop away while the Pelita Commercial<br />

Centre is within walking distance; together<br />

these buildings make up one of the largest<br />

shopping areas in <strong>Miri</strong>.<br />

Among the latest addition to the world of<br />

shopping here is Boulevard Shopping Complex.<br />

<strong>The</strong> complex contains more than 80 shop outlets<br />

For further information, please contact:<br />

Sarawak Tourism Board<br />

Visitors’ Information Centre <strong>Miri</strong>. Tel: (6) 085 434181 Fax: (6) 085 434179<br />

Email: vic-miri@sarawaktourism.com Website: www.sarawaktourism.com<br />

<strong>Miri</strong> <strong>City</strong> Council<br />

Jalan Raja, 98000 <strong>Miri</strong>, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: (6) 085 433501/433504<br />

Fax: (6) 085 415486<br />

Oct-Dec2007Kuching<strong>Talk</strong> 7


<strong>Miri</strong><strong>Talk</strong><br />

<strong>Miri</strong><strong>Talk</strong><br />

Pustaka<strong>Miri</strong><br />

<strong>Miri</strong>ans are a fortunate lot when it comes to enriching their<br />

lives with knowledge as the library is right in the centre of the<br />

city! <strong>The</strong> aesthetically beautiful building is the envy of many<br />

and having a treasure throve of wealth in it is an extra bonus<br />

for city folks. In any great city around the world, since time<br />

immemorial, the measure of a rich city for its people is the<br />

public library where culture, history and civilisation come<br />

together to define the city’s image and status in the country.<br />

“<strong>The</strong> staff are willing to help and serve. It’s good.<br />

<strong>The</strong>re is sufficient information resources for us to<br />

do research and study.”<br />

- Chew Lun Wu (Student Member Reg. No. 66863)<br />

“We want to make life long learning the key to enrich<br />

everyone’s life and we promote this principle in every city,<br />

town and centre wherever libraries are found in Sarawak,”<br />

enthuses Puan Rashidah Bolhassan, the Chief Executive Officer<br />

of Pustaka Negeri Sarawak. “Life long learning is something<br />

that we need to inculcate to all levels of our society, whether<br />

they are in the urban or rural areas, school children or adults<br />

and even retirees; there is no end to acquiring knowledge<br />

and that is why libraries are the depository of information for<br />

everyone to go and be exposed to such information. In this<br />

aspect, the culture of reading is something that needs more<br />

emphasis from a very young age so that the habit of life long<br />

learning will carry on in later years of life.”<br />

8 Kuching<strong>Talk</strong>Oct-Dec2007<br />

“Simply two words -<br />

Friendly & Good Service!”<br />

- Stephani (mother of Child Member Christopher Sia - Reg. No. 159043)<br />

An undisputable fact is that libraries carry many materials<br />

that cannot be found in most homes or institutions and with<br />

modern information technology, the library is the centre for<br />

information gathering and dispersal. In fact, a good library<br />

is one of the prerequisites for any town to attain the status<br />

of city as it must be a place where the people can get and<br />

share information. Building on this, the <strong>Miri</strong> library is not just<br />

sitting back and waiting for city folks to walk in, they have<br />

in fact been going out with their outreach programs to rural<br />

areas to reach as many people as possible. <strong>The</strong>y also conduct<br />

courses to train the trainers and many local authorities have<br />

benefited from these courses.<br />

“Overall, Pustaka <strong>Miri</strong> is well-maintained and<br />

clean - providing the users a cozy environment<br />

to read, learn or just simply relax.”<br />

- Leong Ka Hiung (Adult Member Reg. No. 161620)<br />

Surprise yourself with the number of privileges when<br />

you register yourself and members of your family at the<br />

library; you will get a package of things that will enable<br />

you to make the fullest use of the facilities at the library.<br />

Today’s library is not the old place where you get a<br />

book to read; it is now a centre of information just<br />

waiting at the tip of your fingertips and you have the<br />

friendly library staff to assist you in whatever pursuit<br />

of information you want. Make it a point to drop by the<br />

library whenever you want to get a book or to give the<br />

children some time to browse through the wide range<br />

of books to broaden their young minds. You can always<br />

surprise yourself with new information everytime you<br />

come here and be awed by the possibilities of the mind<br />

as some users have shared.<br />

“All my children enjoy coming to Pustaka because it provides exciting and<br />

educational activities for them. <strong>The</strong> opening hours should be extended so<br />

that the children can stay here even longer!”<br />

- Suryatu Hamdan (mother of three Child Members - Luqman, Hakim & Mahathir)<br />

For more information, please contact;<br />

Pustaka <strong>Miri</strong><br />

Jalan Kipas, <strong>Miri</strong> <strong>City</strong> Fan, 98000 <strong>Miri</strong>, Sarawak, Malaysia<br />

Tel: (6) 085 422525 Fax: (6) 085 414444<br />

Website: www.pustaka-sarawak.com<br />

Oct-Dec2007Kuching<strong>Talk</strong> 9


Places.of.Worship.in<strong>Miri</strong><br />

<strong>Miri</strong><strong>Talk</strong><br />

At-Taqwa Mosque was the third mosque built in 1955 by<br />

<strong>Miri</strong> Malay Charity Trust Board (MMCTB) located at the<br />

junction of Jalan Permaisuri and Jalan Merbau. Due to the<br />

increasing number of Muslims, more mosques were needed,<br />

thus prompting MMCTB to plan for the construction of a<br />

new mosque in 1979. <strong>The</strong> State Government subsequently<br />

allocated a piece of land at Jalan Merpati for the purpose and<br />

it was eventually completed on August 1, 1985.<br />

Discover the Difference,<br />

Understand the Importance<br />

MASJID AT-TAQWA<br />

<strong>The</strong>re are various rooms for prayers, meetings, a religious<br />

library and also special room for preparing bodies for<br />

burial. <strong>The</strong> architecture is a modern one with prominent<br />

white colours and golden dome surrounded by a beautiful<br />

garden.<br />

As the oldest Chinese temple in the <strong>Miri</strong>, Tua Pek Kong<br />

Chinese Temple is an important icon of the city’s early history.<br />

Located at the junction of China Street and Jalan Bendahara<br />

by the <strong>Miri</strong> river, the temple was originally built in 1913 by<br />

Chinese migrants then working in <strong>Miri</strong>’s recently- established<br />

oil industry. It has long been a sacred place for the Chinese to<br />

worship, vow and pray for good luck, safety, health as well<br />

as prosperity.<br />

Inside, as like most temples, visitors will be able to see colourful<br />

and decorative features of the various deities on display. <strong>The</strong><br />

place becomes a hive of activity during certain times of the year<br />

when the faithful come with offerings and prayers.<br />

TUA PEK KONG CHINESE TEMPLE<br />

GURDWARA SAHIB - THE SIKH TEMPLE<br />

Standing majestically one kilometer from <strong>Miri</strong> town centre,<br />

Gurdwara Sahib is the only Sikh temple in the city and the<br />

symbol of unity for the minority Sikh community. Besides<br />

being a centre for religious activities, this temple is also a<br />

social and learning venue for young Sikhs. It has library which<br />

houses Sikh literature as well as a classroom for the children<br />

to learn the Punjabi language.<br />

Interestingly, the building escaped the damage from aerial<br />

bombings during World War 2 and today the temple is<br />

shaded by a more than 100 year old Angsana tree. Record<br />

shows that the temple was built in 1919.<br />

Mulu World Heritage Area<br />

Tel: (6) 085 792300 | enquiries@mulupark.com | www.mulupark.com<br />

Royal Mulu <strong>Resort</strong><br />

Tel: (6) 085 790100 | sales@royalmuluresort.com | www.royalmuluresort.com<br />

Weather Forecast (October-December 2007)<br />

Kuching Temperature Rainfall<br />

October 2007 20.5˚C - 35.2˚C moderate rain<br />

November 2007 20.5˚C - 34.5˚C much rain<br />

December 2007 20.6˚C - 34.5˚C much rain<br />

Weather forecast provided by courtesy of Meteorological Services Department of<br />

Malaysia.<br />

• Caving • Rain forest • Night Walk Tours • Bird Watching • Hiking •<br />

• Pinnacles • Kayaking • Bat Watching • River trips •<br />

10 Kuching<strong>Talk</strong>Oct-Dec2007 Oct-Dec2007Kuching<strong>Talk</strong> 11


<strong>Miri</strong><strong>Talk</strong><br />

<strong>Miri</strong><strong>Talk</strong><br />

<strong>Miri</strong> <strong>Resort</strong> <strong>City</strong>’s most convenient location<br />

Mega Hotel<br />

Whether guests at Mega Hotel come for<br />

business or pleasure, the one thing that will<br />

always pleases them is the central location of<br />

the venue. Just a mere 15 minutes drive from<br />

the airport, it is within walking distance to most<br />

shopping and entertainment hubs and business<br />

premises too. When residing here, guests can<br />

be assured that they are at the perfect spot for<br />

the activities they want to do while in the city as<br />

most are within easy reach.<br />

Mega Hotel has the admirable position in the<br />

city for offering guests with rooms of unusually<br />

large sizes (343sq metres onwards) in comparison<br />

to other hotels of similar stature. Each of the<br />

293 rooms comes with a super king size bed<br />

or one super king size plus a super single bed.<br />

In addition, modern amenities are standard<br />

facilities in the rooms and services wise, Mega<br />

Hotel has pleasant staff who will ensure that<br />

their guests’ stay will always be a pleasurable<br />

one too.<br />

Depending on one’s choice of food, guests can<br />

go for the Lotus Court Chinese Restaurant (4 th<br />

floor) or Chatterbox Coffee House located<br />

off the main lobby in a cozy place where one<br />

can be assured of good atmosphere for both<br />

dining and entertainment. Here too there<br />

are a number of in-house specialties that<br />

will tease the taste buds and a good selection<br />

of favourite western style cooking. Lotus Court<br />

Chinese Restaurant offers exquisite oriental<br />

cuisine and a host of local delights that brings<br />

people back for more. <strong>The</strong> interior décor has<br />

been carefully chosen to<br />

suit the dining atmosphere<br />

of the venue which is both<br />

elegant and comfortable<br />

for different functions.<br />

Walk into the Imperial<br />

Ballroom and be surprised<br />

by the size and magnitude<br />

of the venue. From the<br />

sparkling crystal chandeliers to the interior<br />

décor, the ballroom exudes a sense of largeness<br />

as it has no standing pillars to block views or<br />

obstruct layout of theatre style seating or for<br />

large functions. With a capacity for 1200<br />

participants in theatre style seating, it can be<br />

configured for banquets for 750 people at any<br />

one session. <strong>The</strong>re are 6 other smaller rooms<br />

suitable for a host of other functions within<br />

the hotel for events catering to 50-300 people.<br />

Whatever the functions and events, Mega<br />

Hotel can cater to your choice of setting.<br />

12 Kuching<strong>Talk</strong>Oct-Dec2007<br />

For more information please contact us at:<br />

Mega Hotel <strong>Miri</strong> • Lot 907, Jalan Merbau, 98000 <strong>Miri</strong>, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: (6) 085 432432<br />

Fax: (6) 085 427372 / 433433 Email: info@megahotel.com.my Website: www.megahotel.com.my<br />

Oct-Dec2007Kuching<strong>Talk</strong> 13


<strong>Miri</strong><strong>Talk</strong><br />

<strong>Miri</strong><strong>Talk</strong><br />

<strong>The</strong> perfect getaway with<br />

Luxury Facilities<br />

<strong>Borneo</strong> Tropical Rainforest <strong>Resort</strong><br />

Eastwood Valley Golf<br />

and Country Club<br />

<strong>The</strong> perfect golf getaway and more!<br />

As a resort city, <strong>Miri</strong> promises much<br />

to everyone, including those with a<br />

passion for golf. <strong>The</strong> Eastwood Valley<br />

Golf and Country Club, situated just<br />

5km from the city, is an 18-hole,<br />

par-72 course that sits in the valley<br />

of natural forest surroundings. Teeing<br />

off from this Nicholas Golf Group<br />

of USA-designed course is always<br />

a pleasure as the natural setting is<br />

both serene and beautiful, providing<br />

for relaxation and a good round of<br />

golf.<br />

Eastwood Valley is more than just a golf<br />

course; it is a club that caters to almost<br />

all your other needs. For the warm-up<br />

session, there is the 46 bay outdoor<br />

driving range and practice greens to<br />

get yourself into the swing of things<br />

before teeing off. Buggies are available<br />

for those who want the convenience<br />

of moving about the 6,630 metre<br />

course which is suitable for international<br />

tournaments. Eastwood Valley was<br />

the host of the 2006 Malaysian Ladies<br />

Open. Whether you are out in the<br />

greens with friends or competing in<br />

team tournaments here, the course<br />

with water hazards and natural forest<br />

14 Kuching<strong>Talk</strong>Oct-Dec2007<br />

trees is always a challenge for the<br />

serious and social golfers alike.<br />

Back at the Clubhouse there is a proshop<br />

that meets all your golfing needs,<br />

from brand names clubs to the latest<br />

shoe fashion. <strong>The</strong> clubhouse offers a<br />

choice of western, chinese and local<br />

dishes to cater to every taste and for<br />

more elaborate functions, the Grand<br />

Ballroom can easily accommodate 1000<br />

people in a dining setting. For bigger<br />

functions, the Musical Corridor can<br />

accommodate up to 3000 people in any<br />

one session and when fully completed<br />

in November 2007, the extension here<br />

will allow for up to 6000 people to be<br />

comfortably entertained for a banquet<br />

specially dedicated for the occasion. In<br />

addition, 9 other meeting rooms are<br />

located in the premises of Eastwood<br />

Valley to cater for seminars or private<br />

dinner setting.<br />

Guests at Eastwood Valley can retire<br />

for the night at either the Chalet<br />

or Longhouse-style accommodations.<br />

Plans are now underway to increase<br />

the number of rooms from 80 to about<br />

200 rooms to prepare for the surge of<br />

patrons making the club the ideal choice<br />

for private and social functions. Coming<br />

from overseas or just a short hop from<br />

neigbouring countries, the club can<br />

arrange for airport pick up services to<br />

either the club or the city.<br />

Teambuilding activities can be<br />

conducted here as there are excellent<br />

facilities available, such as the obstacle<br />

course, rafting where teams build their<br />

own rafts and paint ball arena. At<br />

Eastwood Valley Golf and Country<br />

Club, there is always something for<br />

everyone to do whether they are here<br />

for business or just to enjoy the natural<br />

scenery and get away from the noise<br />

of the city. For more information,<br />

contact us at the address below and<br />

we will take care of all your needs!<br />

For more information, please contact;<br />

Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club<br />

Lot 379, Block 17, Jalan <strong>Miri</strong>-by-pass,<br />

98000 <strong>Miri</strong>, Sarawak, Malaysia<br />

Tel: (6) 085 421010 Fax: (6) 085 425828<br />

Website: www.eastwoodvalley.com<br />

Email: info@eastwoodvalley.com<br />

Getaway retreats are ideal for family,<br />

corporate and even public departments<br />

and ministries as they provide the<br />

unique sharing, enjoying of resources<br />

and facilities while enhancing closer<br />

ties and relationships. <strong>Borneo</strong> Tropical<br />

Rainforest <strong>Resort</strong> is just one of these<br />

places, conveniently reached from<br />

the <strong>Resort</strong> <strong>City</strong> of <strong>Miri</strong> but yet private<br />

enough for relaxation with friends<br />

and kins alike. Located along the<br />

<strong>Miri</strong> – Bintulu road, this resort is right<br />

in the midst of the tropical rainforest<br />

teemed with wildlife and yet able to<br />

provide the facilities and amenities<br />

for everyone.<br />

Upon arrival, guests can choose the<br />

type of accommodation they want,<br />

ranging from the exclusive individual<br />

chalets to family rooms in this 48 room<br />

resort. In fact, there are 7 different<br />

types of accommodation available here<br />

which gives everyone a chance to find<br />

the right combination. Depending on<br />

the type of rooms, the services available<br />

include air-conditioning, fans, private<br />

baths, satellite TV, kitchenette facilities,<br />

laundry and room services and others<br />

as expected of any standard hotel. <strong>The</strong><br />

view from some of these rooms is just<br />

breathtaking as they look directly out to<br />

the lush tropical rainforest and the lake<br />

that forms part of the resort’s property.<br />

Morning calls are in the form of sweet<br />

melodies of the wildlife comprising<br />

mainly birds and others.<br />

For breakfast, the One Tree Hill café is<br />

available daily from 8am while lunch<br />

hours are from 11.30am and dinner is<br />

from 6.30pm. <strong>The</strong> culinary team is well<br />

trained for all these meals and best of<br />

all is that you can even have your meals<br />

out in the open decks and enjoy the<br />

morning kiss of the sun or the breeze<br />

of the late evening. Alternatively, for<br />

fine dining, there is also the Palm<br />

Restaurant & Bar which serves fusion of<br />

east meets west dishes, Chinese style<br />

fares, astounding seafood combination<br />

to local delights, all depending on your<br />

picks. Here too, patrons can dine in the<br />

open air deck or just chat away after<br />

meals with their favourite drinks from 5<br />

in the evening to 11pm.<br />

On corporate missions or teambuilding,<br />

seminars and conferences, the resort<br />

has a choice of three functions rooms<br />

which can easily accommodate anything<br />

from 24 to 1250 persons at<br />

any one session. <strong>The</strong>se rooms can be<br />

configured from theatre style to classroom,<br />

banquet to cocktail functions and<br />

comes with all the support equipment<br />

that you need for these events. <strong>The</strong><br />

resort can also arrange for recreational<br />

activities for guests and participants<br />

ranging from sporting contests to<br />

sightseeing tours and jungle trekking.<br />

Besides, there are also the fruit farm<br />

visit with tasting of these fruits and river<br />

boat ride, waterfall visit to fishing at the<br />

lakes or just catching sight of the birds<br />

and insects that abound near the resort.<br />

Indoor facilities include badminton game,<br />

table tennis and basketball.<br />

<strong>Borneo</strong> Tropical Rainforest <strong>Resort</strong><br />

combines a little of the wild and<br />

imaginative with a blend of luxury<br />

in its offering to visitors and patrons<br />

with all these facilities and escapades.<br />

It is within easy reach to Lambir Hills<br />

National park and the nearby Bekenu<br />

town where fresh catch of the day are<br />

always available as well as fresh farm<br />

produce in the local market. Historic<br />

Niah Cave National park is about two<br />

hour’s drive away. An Iban longhouse,<br />

Entulang kampong is 20 minutes from<br />

the resort while Liam Longhouse is<br />

nearer, about 15 minutes away and<br />

guests can make a tour to these places<br />

for a sample of visit to a longhouse.<br />

Whatever you choose, this <strong>Resort</strong> is<br />

bound to make your stay a pleasant<br />

and memorable one and for you to<br />

tell friends about it!<br />

For more information, please contact;<br />

<strong>Borneo</strong> Tropical Rainforest <strong>Resort</strong><br />

KM36 <strong>Miri</strong>-Bintulu Road, Lot 15, Block 2,<br />

Sibuti Land District, <strong>Miri</strong>, Sarawak, Malaysia<br />

Tel: (6) 019 8858593 / 8852193<br />

Fax: (6) 019 8340113<br />

Website: www.<strong>Borneo</strong>Rainforest<strong>Resort</strong>.com<br />

Email: info@borneorainforestresort.com<br />

<strong>Miri</strong> Office: Lot 101, Airport Road, 98000 <strong>Miri</strong>,<br />

Sarawak, Malaysia<br />

Tel: (6) 085 613888 Fax: (6) 085 613808<br />

Oct-Dec2007Kuching<strong>Talk</strong> 15


<strong>Miri</strong><strong>Talk</strong><br />

Boulevard<br />

Restaurant<br />

Where fine food and<br />

pleasant surroundings abound in <strong>Miri</strong><br />

Entertaining guests and business associates is always<br />

a pleasure at the Boulevard Restaurant in <strong>Miri</strong> <strong>Resort</strong><br />

<strong>City</strong>. <strong>The</strong> ambience of the restaurant comes from its<br />

touch of elegance with a sophisticated look and is<br />

ideal for private functions to large gatherings for<br />

weddings or corporate events as its 1500 seating<br />

capacity can easily accommodate such expectations.<br />

More importantly, its range of exquisite Cantonese<br />

cuisine, regional specialties and local favourites give<br />

wide varieties of dishes to suit every taste and the best<br />

way to do that is try out the choices available.<br />

Boulevard Restaurant first opened its doors in 1996 and<br />

since then, it has gone on to become one of the top<br />

and biggest restaurants here. Whether it is ala carte or<br />

buffet style, the quality of the food served is always<br />

impressive and colourful with generous helpings.<br />

Presently buffet lunch is served every Saturday and<br />

Sunday featuring varieties of Chinese and Malaysian<br />

style cuisines. However, if dim sum is your choice, then<br />

this is the place to be every Friday to Sunday and public<br />

holidays! <strong>The</strong> delicious Cantonese specialty, so popular<br />

in Hong Kong, is served here with over 40 different<br />

varieties that come steamed, baked or fried in their<br />

traditional round bamboo containers.<br />

Certainly there is no need to wait until an event for<br />

you to drop by Boulevard Restaurant; come for its daily<br />

lunch fares in a relaxed atmosphere and take a break<br />

from the ordinary during the hottest part of the day.<br />

Sharing with friends and colleagues the afternoon<br />

break here is an opportunity to sample dishes that will<br />

bring you back for more. What’s more, if you want,<br />

catering can be arranged and you can be assured that<br />

the same attention to detail will be given for your<br />

choice of dishes. As many city folks have discovered<br />

over the years, Boulevard Restaurant is the place to be<br />

for good food and pleasant surroundings.<br />

Boulevard Restaurant • Lot 2228, Block 5, Commercial Centre, Jalan Pujut-Lutong, 98000 <strong>Miri</strong>, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: (6) 085 658176 (restaurant) /<br />

659176 (office) Fax: (6) 085 659196 Email: fulihua1996@hotmail.com<br />

16 Kuching<strong>Talk</strong>Oct-Dec2007<br />

a day<br />

in the<br />

city<br />

Step out into the city and discover some of its unique secrets<br />

which can only be experienced first hand. On your free day<br />

do explore the city following in the footsteps of a local who is<br />

familiar with the places mentioned. You’ll probably enjoy the<br />

places too! Please give us some feedback when you are through<br />

and we will see to it that this day tips will benefit visitors to our<br />

city. For locality, kindly refer to our Kuching Map.<br />

Thank you!<br />

email: feedback@kuchingtalk.com<br />

8.00 am Choon Hui Cafe<br />

Sarawak Museum<br />

<strong>The</strong> Sarawak Museum is one of the oldest buildings in the<br />

state; in fact it is classified as one of the heritage buildings in the<br />

city. However, it is not just its age that attracts visitors here.<br />

<strong>The</strong> collections of the museum is awe-inspiring by itself, dating<br />

back to the prehistoric age with discovery of the Niah man<br />

(more recently classified as woman) remains at the Niah cave in<br />

<strong>Miri</strong>. <strong>The</strong> vast collection of both animals and insects as well<br />

as artifacts from the people of various ethnic origins found in<br />

the state, further makes a visit here an interesting and fun one.<br />

Due to the expansion of the museum, another wing was added<br />

to the old building, a separate building just across the road from<br />

the ancient museum. This new wing houses the administrative<br />

and also more modern display.<br />

If a place is unusually busy with customers waiting for seats almost on a<br />

daily basis, chances are that it serves delicious food which just tickles the taste<br />

buds of people. In Kuching <strong>City</strong>, there is this one place called Choon Hui at<br />

Jalan Ban Hock where many come for the best boiled eggs and toast. <strong>The</strong><br />

quaint little shop which is actually a detached house, is always full in the<br />

morning and you will just have to wait your turn for the next available seats.<br />

You can also go for laksa, noodles and popiah, a rolled up serving of vegetables<br />

that is ideal for weight watchers. For others the real catch here is the drink; the<br />

coffee is aromatic while the tea is unusually savoury, served at just the right<br />

temperature.<br />

10.00 am In.a.Day<strong>Talk</strong><br />

Secret Recipe<br />

12.30 pm<br />

It’s no secret that Secret Recipe offers some of the most<br />

sumptuous cakes and pastries anywhere in the country; they<br />

have been receiving recognition for their range of culinary<br />

recipes and so where’s a better place for lunch than here! In the<br />

heat of the afternoon, a long cool glass of apple or other fruits<br />

juices prepared specially by the franchise outlet is the best way<br />

to start the lunch. Why not start with Japanese Soba, the fine<br />

noodles that is famous world over for its great taste and<br />

nourishing properties. It comes in a large bowl and with the<br />

ample garnishing, it is bound to fill your growling stomach!<br />

Another favourite is Thailand’s Tom Yum which is hot, spicy and<br />

a must try for all food lovers. Of course, if Asian delights are not<br />

your choice, there is always the western fare of fish and chips,<br />

lamb stew and host of pies to satisfy your cravings. Children’s<br />

favourite of pizzas are also available so there is no worry that<br />

these young ones will have something they like for sure.<br />

Oct-Dec2007Kuching<strong>Talk</strong> 17


In.a.Day<strong>Talk</strong><br />

DiningOut<strong>Talk</strong><br />

3.00 pm<br />

Mian Ann Restaurant<br />

With the earlier visit to Atelier Gallery, the mood is<br />

set for a fine evening dinner of authentic Chinese<br />

cuisine at Mian Ann restaurant at Jalan Petanak<br />

near to the Waterfront itself. Located in a fairly new<br />

building, the restaurant is beautifully decorated<br />

for quiet dinners and lunch or open up for large<br />

gatherings like weddings and family reunions<br />

as it can comfortably sit 600 guests at any one<br />

time.<br />

For dinner, guests can choose from the menu for a<br />

variety of food, from vegetables to soups and meat<br />

to seafood followed by dessert of fruits to pastries.<br />

Again the choice is further accentuated by the<br />

varieties of cooking styles available so finding<br />

the right combination here is always one of the<br />

pleasures for choosing the place. Even if Chinese<br />

dishes may not be for you, by all means try out<br />

the western cuisines styles or local favourites;<br />

either way, you can always be assured of getting<br />

the right ones to satisfy your appetite.<br />

In addition to the in-house dining, Mian Ann<br />

restaurant also do have catering services in the<br />

event that you may want to have the dinner at<br />

home. For special parties like birthdays, festive or<br />

graduation, you can also opt for the in-house style<br />

buffet dinner or outside at the venue of your choice.<br />

<strong>The</strong> restaurant is open daily from 11.00am - 2.00pm<br />

and 6.00pm - 10.00pm For more information, call<br />

Mian Ann restaurant at (6) 082 240548 / 236828<br />

or fax at: (6) 082 251037.<br />

18 Kuching<strong>Talk</strong>Oct-Dec2007<br />

Atelier Gallery<br />

A stroll along Main Bazaar Road is not complete without a<br />

visit to Atelier Gallery, owned by the globe-trotting and<br />

ultra chic Lucas Goh. So well known is the Kuching born and<br />

breed interior designer that he regularly jets off to decorate<br />

the homes of the rich and famous right up to Hollywood.<br />

Lucas has an eye for mixing contemporary and traditional<br />

style in a modern and fresh way. Colours are his forte. That<br />

to him is the key to successful decorating. His shop is a<br />

testament to his many years spent overseas. Gorgeous woven<br />

chairs and handmade furniture sourced from Bali sit alongside<br />

antiques from Asia, Chinese vases and modern ceramics styled<br />

by various international designers. Interesting designers lighting<br />

made from natural materials are also available which will<br />

surely stand-out in any homes.<br />

6.30 pm<br />

<strong>The</strong>re is something new coming at Tom’s,<br />

the place for food connoisseurs in Kuching.<br />

A new menu will be added to the choices<br />

currently available to discerning diners.<br />

As always, only the freshest and highest<br />

quality ingredients can satisfy the keen<br />

eye of Thomas Yii, the owner. Included in<br />

the new menu are different creations of<br />

appetizers and main meals to whet the<br />

appetite. Naturally, the dessert range will<br />

see new additions too as Tom’s homemade<br />

cakes are simply mouth-watering<br />

and a must when eating here!<br />

More varieties, great taste<br />

and friendly atmosphere at<br />

Try the veal with button mushroom in<br />

creamy sauce, served on a fine crispy layer<br />

of potato hash brown – the veal, thinly<br />

sliced compliments the mushrooms simply<br />

stimulate your appetite! Large enough for<br />

one but it makes sense to share with your<br />

partner so that you can get to taste more<br />

varieties from the gastronomical kitchen.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Tiger prawn with potatoes and broccoli<br />

dish, will surely grasp you with a “Wow!”<br />

as the two huge crustaceans simply<br />

overwhelm your expectations. Grilled to<br />

perfection with minimal additives so as not<br />

to deprive diners of the fresh prawns’ great<br />

taste and natural aroma, it is just perfect<br />

for any occasion. By the way, the deep fried<br />

prawn with fresh fruits salad appetizer is<br />

something that has to be seen and eaten<br />

to understand. <strong>The</strong> intricate workmanship<br />

in the creation of the prawns wrapped up<br />

with a fine coating of potato gives it the<br />

crispy bite on the outside <strong>The</strong> fresh fruits<br />

salad comprises cut cubes of fruits neatly<br />

arranged in a cute circle that is both<br />

attractive and artistic in concept.<br />

For further information, please contact us at:<br />

Traditional favourites from the current menu<br />

still dominate the dining atmosphere here<br />

and these and other new creations serve to<br />

enrich the choices for diners at Tom’s. <strong>The</strong><br />

dessert corner will also see new creations<br />

added to the already vast choices available<br />

and all these are home-made and fresh<br />

which is why they remain as one of the<br />

favourite take-aways after dinner. Cheese<br />

and chocolate based dessert continue<br />

to draw the attention of cakes lovers here<br />

so expect more interesting ones when you<br />

drop by next time.<br />

With the Raya and Christmas festive<br />

seasons fast approaching, make your<br />

reservations early at Tom’s for the wide<br />

varieties of festive dishes for homes. From<br />

finger food to buffet lunch choices and<br />

dinner fares, you are assured of quality<br />

and freshness when served by Tom’s. Just<br />

one look at the Christmas turkey baked<br />

to golden brown is enough to tell the<br />

succulent bird is the right fixture for a<br />

delightful Christmas gathering of family<br />

and friends. Let this festive season be<br />

especially special and fulfilling by letting<br />

Tom’s specialty dishes delight your family<br />

and friends in the spirit of the festivity!<br />

Tom’s also caters for private functions.<br />

82, Jalan Padungan, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: (6) 082 247672<br />

Oct-Dec2007Kuching<strong>Talk</strong> 19


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K U<br />

A K R i V E R<br />

ABDUL<br />

F R O N T<br />

R<br />

C H i N G<br />

T<br />

W A<br />

JALAN MAIN BAZAAR<br />

Sarawak<br />

Tourism<br />

Complex<br />

JALAN BARRACK<br />

Open Air<br />

Market<br />

MARKET<br />

Riverbank Suite<br />

Electra<br />

House<br />

Souvenirs Shops<br />

JALAN KHOO<br />

RAHMAN<br />

CHINA STREET ULU CHINA STREET<br />

2<br />

Sarawak<br />

Plaza<br />

H<br />

4<br />

Police<br />

Station<br />

HUN YEANG<br />

L E B U H<br />

Centrepoint<br />

Shopping Centre<br />

CARPENTER STREET<br />

CAT<br />

Statue<br />

Chinese Museum<br />

H<br />

General Post<br />

Office<br />

JALAN<br />

Residen Office<br />

Yayasan Sarawak<br />

JALAN<br />

Wet Market &<br />

Hawker Centre<br />

JALAN<br />

Tun Jugah<br />

Great Wall<br />

Cozzi<br />

J A L A N TUN<br />

LEBUH WAYANG<br />

W AWASAN 2020<br />

J A L A N P A D U N G A N<br />

PADANG<br />

MERDEKA<br />

JALAN MOSQUE<br />

Wisma<br />

Ting Pek<br />

King<br />

Crowne<br />

Plaza<br />

Riverside<br />

Kuching<br />

1<br />

OPENG<br />

H<br />

Crossway<br />

H<br />

DATUK<br />

AJIBAH ABOL<br />

ABELL<br />

L EBUH TEMPLE<br />

H<br />

Medan<br />

Pelita<br />

Sikh Temple<br />

Poliklinik<br />

Air Asia<br />

Thiam Ming<br />

Carus Wood<br />

BARRACK<br />

B<br />

C<br />

Stutong Road<br />

Song Road<br />

Wan Alwi bin Tengku Ibrahim Road<br />

LocalityMap<br />

A<br />

India Mosque<br />

INDIA STREET<br />

PEDESTRIAN MALL<br />

Siang Ti<br />

Temple<br />

Divisional Mosque<br />

D<br />

Hong San Si<br />

Temple<br />

Tua Pek<br />

Kong Temple<br />

St. Thomas Church<br />

CAT<br />

Statue<br />

Top Spot<br />

Food Court<br />

H H<br />

JALAN<br />

CHEOK<br />

JALAN McDOUGALL<br />

ABANG HAJI<br />

TAHA<br />

Tom’s<br />

Kuching<br />

Plaza<br />

St. Mary’s<br />

School<br />

H<br />

H<br />

Merdeka Palace<br />

Hotel & Suites<br />

Dewan Tun Abdul<br />

Razak Muzeum<br />

HAJI<br />

Mian Ann<br />

Police<br />

Station<br />

Malaysia<br />

Airlines<br />

PADUNGAN<br />

at&a Home<br />

Ideas Sdn. Bhd.<br />

S<br />

Secret Recipe<br />

H<br />

E<br />

State & DBKU<br />

Library<br />

JALAN PETANAK<br />

JALAN SONG THIAN<br />

H<br />

M<br />

A L A N<br />

H<br />

St. Thomas’s<br />

School<br />

Sarawak Museum<br />

Red Crescent<br />

Building<br />

I R<br />

O<br />

R E<br />

JALAN TUN<br />

Islamic Museum<br />

J A L A N R A M L E E<br />

JALAN<br />

Spring Organic<br />

Spring Florist &<br />

Gifts<br />

H<br />

Aquarium<br />

Chung Hua<br />

School<br />

Buan Kua Hng<br />

Kuching High’s<br />

School<br />

N<br />

J A L A<br />

Radio<br />

Television<br />

Malaysia<br />

Hopoh<br />

Shopping<br />

Centre<br />

CAT<br />

Statue<br />

JALAN KULAS<br />

H<br />

H<br />

Hock Lee Centre<br />

Sara Fruits<br />

Sdn. Bhd.<br />

H<br />

Aroma<br />

Café<br />

Heroes’<br />

Monument<br />

Islamic<br />

Garden<br />

Syariah<br />

Court<br />

Bank<br />

Negara<br />

Wisma Satok<br />

H E N G H O<br />

J A L A N A N G C<br />

Fire<br />

Station<br />

Sri Shan<br />

H<br />

JALAN SATOK<br />

JALAN SATOK<br />

BAN HOCK<br />

JALAN<br />

JALAN DATUK ABANG ABDUL RAHIM<br />

H<br />

H<br />

JALAN PADUNGAN<br />

RESERVOiR<br />

PARK<br />

Telekom<br />

Malaysia<br />

Dewan<br />

Masyarakat MBKS<br />

Swimming Pool<br />

JALAN DESHON<br />

Choon Hui<br />

Cafe<br />

Hindu Temple<br />

JA L A N TABUAN<br />

SUNDAY<br />

MARKET Mirama<br />

H<br />

Chung Hua<br />

No. 3 School<br />

Chung Hua<br />

No. 1 School<br />

H<br />

Pasar Tamu<br />

Crowne Square<br />

JALAN<br />

JUBiLEE<br />

RECREATiON<br />

GROUND<br />

JALAN TAMAN<br />

St. <strong>The</strong>resa’s<br />

School<br />

St. Joseph’s<br />

School<br />

PENDING<br />

JALAN CENTRAL TIMUR<br />

JALAN RUBBER<br />

Hockey Stadium<br />

St. Joseph Church<br />

JALAN PARK<br />

BUDAYA<br />

JALAN ELLIS<br />

Amphitheatre<br />

St. Peter’s Church<br />

JALAN NANAS<br />

Kuching South <strong>City</strong><br />

Council (MBKS)<br />

J A L A N D A T U K<br />

Sarawak Club<br />

(JALAN CENTRAL BARAT)<br />

JALAN<br />

JALAN BADRUDDIN<br />

JALAN TAN SRI ONG KEE HUI<br />

J A L A N F O O C H O W<br />

W I<br />

N<br />

T A<br />

L L<br />

A<br />

J A L A N L U M B A K U D A<br />

BUDAYA<br />

Planetarium<br />

JALAN SEKAMA<br />

JALAN SIMPANG TIGA<br />

CROOKSHANK<br />

JALAN BAMPFYLDE<br />

JALAN PALM<br />

JALAN<br />

JALAN TUN ABANG HAJI OPENG<br />

Police<br />

Contingent HQ<br />

H<br />

to Magenta<br />

SRB Chung<br />

Hua No. 4<br />

Tunku Putra<br />

International<br />

School<br />

H<br />

Land & Survey<br />

Divisional Office Intan<br />

Civic Centre<br />

H<br />

Kua Ning<br />

Temple<br />

hodist Church<br />

Police<br />

Station<br />

Sarakraf Pavilion<br />

JALAN PISANG<br />

Kuching Area<br />

JALAN CH AWAN<br />

H<br />

JALAN MENDU<br />

Green Road<br />

Secondary<br />

School<br />

General Hospital<br />

LEGENDS<br />

Baptist Church<br />

Shop House / Office<br />

Food Outlet / Restaurant<br />

/ Entertainment Outlet<br />

Sarawak Tourism Board<br />

H Hotel / Motel<br />

Sarawak Transport Co.<br />

Station<br />

Kuching Matang<br />

Transport<br />

Visitors’ Information<br />

Centre<br />

Sarawak Tourism<br />

Federation<br />

Tourism Malaysia<br />

Office<br />

Chin Lian Long<br />

Petra Jaya Transport<br />

Taxi Station<br />

Sarawak Craft Council<br />

Shopping Complex<br />

OTHER ENQUIRIES (KUCHING)<br />

JALAN TUN ABDUL RAHMAN<br />

To Pending To Kuching<br />

To Kuching To Satok & Kuching<br />

Batu Kawah Road<br />

To Serian<br />

Sherip Mashor Road<br />

Laksamana Road<br />

Tourism Malaysia-Sarawak 082-246575 / 246775<br />

Infoline 1300-88-<br />

5050<br />

Sarawak Tourism Board 082-423600<br />

MAS Office 082-244144 / 246622<br />

Air Asia 082-283222<br />

KCH International Airport 082-454255 / 454242<br />

Immigration Department 082-245661 / 230280<br />

Custom 082-333133<br />

24-hour Public Service Line 082-555999<br />

Taxi Service 082-480000 / 341818<br />

Police Station 082-245522 / 999 /<br />

241222<br />

Traffic Police 082-241133<br />

JPJ 082-258811 / 628700<br />

DBKU 082-446688<br />

MBKS 082-238080 / 242311<br />

Telekom 082-429191 / 255994<br />

Post Office 082-244141 / 339937<br />

Normah Medical Centre 082-440055<br />

General Hospital 082-230689 / 257855<br />

Padawan Council 082-615566<br />

SESCO 082-333111<br />

Kuching Water Board 082-240371<br />

BOMBA (Fire Brigade) 082-241033 / 994 /<br />

417712<br />

Rescue 991 082-256685<br />

JKR 082-203100<br />

20 Kuching<strong>Talk</strong>Oct-Dec2007 Oct-Dec2007Kuching<strong>Talk</strong> 21<br />

Petra Jaya Area<br />

Stadium Negeri<br />

Kraftangan Malaysia<br />

To Santubong,<br />

Damai Beach<br />

Stadium Sarawak<br />

dBku<br />

(Cat Museum)<br />

Stadium<br />

Perpaduan<br />

JALAN BAKO<br />

SESCO<br />

Sarawak<br />

State<br />

library<br />

State<br />

Jamek<br />

Mosque<br />

Bulatan Datu Haji<br />

Mohammad bin Salleh<br />

JALAN SEMARIANG<br />

Bulatan Datu Haji<br />

Sulaiman bin Haji Taha<br />

Normah<br />

Medical Centre<br />

Baitul<br />

Makmur<br />

Building<br />

JALAN ISTANA<br />

RAHMAN<br />

JALAN TUN ABDUL<br />

JALAN ISTANA<br />

To Matang<br />

JALAN DEMAK<br />

Bulatan D P<br />

Abang Hj. Abdillah<br />

JALAN MATANG<br />

Bank / Money Changer<br />

Kuching Court<br />

Bulatan Datu Temenggong<br />

Abang Kipali bin Abang Akip<br />

Dewan Undangan<br />

Negeri<br />

Astana<br />

JALAN SEMARAK<br />

Kampung<br />

Surabaya Kampung Panglima<br />

Seman Lama<br />

Kampung<br />

Gersik<br />

Kampung<br />

Boyan<br />

fort Margherita<br />

Kampung<br />

Semarang<br />

Kampung<br />

Pulo Hilir<br />

S A R A W A K R i V<br />

Water<br />

Kuching<br />

f r ont<br />

Kuching 2nd Bridge<br />

(Tanah Puteh)<br />

To Pending<br />

&Kuching<br />

R<br />

E<br />

JALAN KULAS<br />

To Kuching<br />

Datuk Patinggi Haji Abdul<br />

Rahman Bridge<br />

JALAN SATOK<br />

Jalan Upland<br />

To Hui Sing, 3rd Mile & Batu Kawa To 3rd Mile & Batu Kawa<br />

To 7 Mile<br />

To Batu Kawah New<br />

Township (MJC)<br />

Airport Road<br />

Simpang Tiga Road<br />

Tun Jugah Road<br />

Penrisen Road<br />

Bulatan<br />

Perpaduan<br />

To Airport<br />

Police<br />

Station<br />

Green Road<br />

RH Plaza<br />

MAONG<br />

MARKET<br />

King<br />

Centre<br />

Keretapi Road<br />

Tun Razak Road<br />

Blessed<br />

Sacrement<br />

Church<br />

Police<br />

Station<br />

Penrisen Road<br />

Jade Pot Tea House<br />

Nexis<br />

Tiang’s Cafe<br />

Ruby<br />

Buddist<br />

Temple<br />

Kartini<br />

TABUAN<br />

HEiGHTS<br />

BdC<br />

TABUAN<br />

HEiGHTS<br />

Green Road<br />

CENTRAL<br />

LAND<br />

Beauty Works<br />

Lorong BDC<br />

Rock Road<br />

Urat Mata Road<br />

friendship<br />

Garden<br />

Wisma Saberkas<br />

Rock Road<br />

Buddist<br />

Temple<br />

TABuAn JAyA<br />

CoMMeRCiAl CenTRe<br />

Methodist<br />

Church<br />

Rock Road Seafood<br />

Restorant<br />

To Kota Samarahan<br />

To Kota Samarahan<br />

To Kota Samarahan<br />

Rojak Kuchei<br />

Buddist<br />

Temple<br />

To Kuching &<br />

Tabuan Jaya<br />

To Stampin,<br />

BDC & Airport<br />

3rd Mile Area Tabuan Jaya & BDC Area


S<br />

LocalityMap<br />

LEGENDS<br />

MiRi Golf CluB<br />

H Hotel<br />

Bus Station<br />

J A L A N P E N I N S U L A<br />

M i R i R i V E R<br />

P<br />

Church<br />

Temple<br />

Mosque<br />

Shopping<br />

Complex<br />

P Petrol Station<br />

Taxi Station<br />

Bank / Money<br />

Changer<br />

Visitors Information<br />

Centre<br />

National Park &<br />

Wildlife Office<br />

J A L A N P E R M A I S U R I<br />

MARinA PARk<br />

SRK Syed Othman<br />

<strong>Miri</strong><br />

Waterfront<br />

OTHER ENQUIRIES (MIRI)<br />

J A L A N M E R P A T I<br />

<strong>Miri</strong> Waterfront<br />

Commercial Centre<br />

Mini<br />

Indoor<br />

Stadium<br />

AT-Taqwa Mosque<br />

Multi-Storey<br />

Car Park<br />

Pustaka <strong>Miri</strong><br />

Federal Complex<br />

Immigration<br />

Department<br />

J A L A N N O R T H Y U S E N G<br />

H<br />

H<br />

Islamic Garden<br />

H<br />

Soon Hup<br />

Shoping Complex<br />

Public<br />

Swimming<br />

Pool<br />

<strong>Miri</strong> <strong>City</strong> fan<br />

Telekom<br />

Imperial Mall<br />

H<br />

Visitors’ Information 085-434180<br />

Centre, <strong>Miri</strong><br />

Visitors’ Information 085-615181<br />

Counter, <strong>Miri</strong> Airport<br />

Airport Office 085-614144<br />

P<br />

Flight Information 085-615433<br />

Customs<br />

J A L A N P O S T<br />

J A L A N P A R R Y<br />

I P A<br />

J A L A N K<br />

Flower Garden<br />

J A L A N R I C E M I L L<br />

J A L A N H A J I L A M P A M<br />

Persiaran Kabor<br />

Chinese Garden<br />

H<br />

<strong>Miri</strong> Post Office<br />

J A L A N M E R B A U<br />

H<br />

Mega Hotel<br />

H H<br />

Malaysia<br />

Airlines<br />

B E N D A H A<br />

Air Asia 085-438022<br />

085-429677<br />

H<br />

Persiaran Kabor<br />

J A L A N<br />

H<br />

Sin Liang<br />

Supermarket<br />

Fish Market<br />

Tua Pek Kong Temple<br />

Dewan Suarah <strong>Miri</strong><br />

J A L A N S Y L V I A<br />

H<br />

J A L A N B R O O K E<br />

<strong>Miri</strong> High Court<br />

J A L A N B E N D A H A R A<br />

J A L A N M E R D U<br />

H<br />

H<br />

H<br />

<strong>Miri</strong> Central<br />

Merket<br />

Hornbill Skyways 085-611066<br />

Immigration Department 085-442112<br />

Custom & Excise 085-433611<br />

Department 085-433351<br />

Police Headquarters 085-432533<br />

J A<br />

SRK Bintang<br />

J A L A N B I N T A N G<br />

L A N<br />

J A L A N C I N A<br />

T<br />

C H A Y<br />

E O<br />

<strong>Miri</strong> Heritage<br />

Centre<br />

J A L A N O L E A N D E R<br />

J A L A N<br />

E W<br />

C H<br />

S O N G<br />

S I M<br />

J A L A N M E R B A U<br />

J A L A N K W A N G T U N G<br />

J A L A N C H I N A T Z<br />

<strong>Miri</strong> <strong>City</strong><br />

Council<br />

Hawker<br />

Stalls<br />

085-433730<br />

Police<br />

Station<br />

J A L A N B I N T A N G J A Y A<br />

J A L A N H O K K I E N<br />

JALAN KENARI<br />

E C H I N<br />

J A L A N J A L A N K I N G S W A Y<br />

H<br />

H<br />

Center Point<br />

Commercial Centre<br />

P<br />

Multi-Storey<br />

Car Park<br />

Resident<br />

& District<br />

Office<br />

H<br />

H<br />

Polyclinic<br />

M E L A Y U<br />

Bintang Jaya<br />

Commercial Centre<br />

Fruit<br />

Market<br />

<strong>Miri</strong> <strong>City</strong><br />

Medical Centre<br />

P<br />

J A L A N A N G S A N A<br />

J A L A N P A D A N G<br />

J A L A N K U B U<br />

To Pujut Lutong<br />

Bintang Plaza<br />

Family<br />

Planning<br />

SRB<br />

Chung Hua<br />

Wisma Pelita<br />

Tunku<br />

H<br />

Police<br />

Headquater<br />

Bus Station<br />

1<br />

<strong>Miri</strong><br />

Park<br />

Taxi Station<br />

SRB St. Joseph<br />

2<br />

J A L A N P A D A N G<br />

SRK North<br />

H<br />

H<br />

H<br />

<strong>Miri</strong> Marriott <strong>Resort</strong> & Spa<br />

H<br />

Tamu<br />

Muhibbah<br />

J A L A N M I R I P U J U T<br />

P<br />

J A L A N M I R I P U J U T<br />

<strong>Miri</strong> Municipal<br />

Council field<br />

Tamu<br />

Khas<br />

Fire<br />

Station<br />

J A L A N M I R I B I N T U L U<br />

To Airport<br />

P<br />

To Grand Old Lady<br />

<strong>Miri</strong> Police Central 085-433222<br />

Station 085-433677<br />

<strong>Miri</strong> Post Office 085-433423<br />

Telekom 085-424977<br />

Taxi Station 085-432277<br />

National Park & 085-436637<br />

Wildlife Office<br />

Visa & Entry Permit 085-442104<br />

Section<br />

Ambulance 085-420033<br />

Fire & Rescue 994<br />

<strong>Miri</strong> General Hospital 085-420033<br />

Polyclinic 085-412322<br />

<strong>Miri</strong> Area<br />

Ristorante Beccari<br />

17 th – 22 nd December | 5 course<br />

Italian Christmas Set Meal<br />

RM 68 ++ per person<br />

* Complimentary party packs and a bottle of wine for<br />

booking of 10 persons and above with full pre-payment.<br />

23 rd & 30 th December | <strong>The</strong> Great Sunday<br />

Festive Feast<br />

| 6.30 p.m. – 10.30 p.m.<br />

RM 59 ++ (adult)<br />

RM 25 ++ (child)<br />

Festive Celebrations<br />

Aurora Court<br />

24 th December | Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner<br />

| 6.30 p.m. – 10.30 p.m.<br />

RM 78 ++ (adult)<br />

RM 25 ++ (child)<br />

* Christmas carol, Santa’s treat & party pack inclusive<br />

25 th December | Christmas Day Brunch<br />

| 11.00 a.m. – 3.00 p.m.<br />

RM 48 ++ (adult)<br />

RM 19 ++ (child)<br />

* Santa’s treat & party pack inclusive<br />

24 th December | Christmas Eve Italian<br />

Buffet Dinner | 6.30 p.m. – 10.30 p.m.<br />

RM 78 ++ (adult)<br />

RM 25 ++ (child)<br />

* Christmas carol, Santa’s treat & party pack inclusive<br />

31 st December | New Year Eve Dinner<br />

& Dance | 7.30 p.m. onwards<br />

RM 99 ++ (adult)<br />

RM 55 ++ (child)<br />

* Deluxe 5 course Italian set dinner / * Live band<br />

entertainment / * New Year Eve Countdown / * Party<br />

pack inclusive<br />

Victoria Arms<br />

Live band entertainment by GROOVE<br />

COMPANY, our resident band and<br />

in-house DJ.<br />

21 st December | Christmas Ladies<br />

Nite Party | 7.00 p.m. – 9.00 p.m.<br />

RM 15 nett cover charge inclusive of party<br />

pack and Santa’s hat<br />

* Free flow of selected beverages / * 50% discount<br />

on food / * Ladies only<br />

24 th December | Christmas Eve Traditional<br />

English Set Dinner | 7.00 p.m. – 9.00 p.m.<br />

RM 55 ++ per person<br />

* Christmas carol, Santa’s treat & party pack inclusive<br />

www.merdekapalace.com<br />

DiningOut<strong>Talk</strong><br />

At Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites<br />

25 th December | Christmas Day Buffet Dinner<br />

| 6.30 p.m. – 10.30 p.m.<br />

RM 59 ++ (adult)<br />

RM 25 ++ (child)<br />

* Santa’s treat & party pack inclusive<br />

31 st December | New Year Eve Buffet Dinner<br />

| 6.30 p.m. – 10.30 p.m.<br />

RM 89 ++ (adult)<br />

RM 29 ++ (child)<br />

* Party pack inclusive<br />

24 th December | Christmas Eve Party<br />

| 9.00 p.m. onwards<br />

RM 40 nett cover charge inclusive of first drink<br />

* Party pack inclusive<br />

28 th December | Ladies Night Finale 2007<br />

| 7.00 p.m. – 9.00 p.m.<br />

RM 15 nett cover charge<br />

* Free flow of selected beverages / * 50% discount<br />

on food / * Ladies only<br />

31 st December | New Year Eve<br />

Countdown Party | 9.00 p.m. onwards<br />

RM 55 nett cover charge inclusive of<br />

first drink<br />

* Party pack inclusive<br />

Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.<br />

Telephone: 6 082 258000 Facsimile: 6 082 425400 E-mail: info@merdekapalace.com<br />

22 Kuching<strong>Talk</strong>Oct-Dec2007 Oct-Dec2007Kuching<strong>Talk</strong> 23


Product<strong>Talk</strong><br />

Product<strong>Talk</strong><br />

Tebaloi<br />

<strong>The</strong> sago snack that is right for any occasion<br />

Visitors to Sarawak who have been to the annual Kaul festival<br />

in Mukah, a coastal village in the central region usually comes<br />

away with packages of tebaloi, the sago cracker snack that’s<br />

just ideal for any occasion. Mukah is well known as the main<br />

tebaloi producing area in Sarawak and in fact, the most<br />

famous location for its production.<br />

Crispy and tasty, the main ingredients are sago flour,<br />

freshly grated coconut and sugar, baked to a golden<br />

brown colour and packed in plastic or aluminum foil. Due<br />

to the popular demand, there are hordes of producers in<br />

the market all claiming to be the best. Now, for discerning<br />

customers, the easiest way to detect quality and choice<br />

tebaloi is to look for the packages with the Sarawak Best<br />

logo. This particular product has been certified by the<br />

State Government through the Ministry of Modernisation<br />

of Agriculture Sarawak and the Department of Agriculture<br />

Sarawak which is the main organisation that provides<br />

assistance to women in business enterprises. Food Small<br />

Industry is the branch that promotes women entrepreneurs<br />

in the state in cottage industries to small and medium size<br />

enterprises.<br />

To qualify for the Sarawak Best certification, the producers<br />

have to undergo very stringent checks and procedures and<br />

are regularly monitored to ensure that the standards of their<br />

products are maintained at the highest level. For tebaloi<br />

producers, the cottage industry has moved to the semi<br />

automated stage of using machines to do most of the manual<br />

tasks and modern ovens to ensure the right temperatures for<br />

the baking process. Following Good Manufacturing Practices,<br />

the grated coconuts are mixed with the sago flour before the<br />

mixture is flattened on a container with banana leaves at its<br />

base. Connoisseurs insist that without the banana leaves the<br />

taste of the original tebaloi is just not right!<br />

Currently, these Sarawak Best tebaloi are available at the<br />

WEDA choice centre and even at the Kuching International<br />

Airport outlet. Depending on the type of packing, the cost<br />

ranges from RM1.00 to RM3.50 each. <strong>The</strong>y also make ideal<br />

gifts as the crunchy snacks make every occasion a pleasure to<br />

share it with friends and talk about your Sarawak adventure!<br />

Kuih<br />

Cincin<br />

Traditional snack made<br />

with the goodness of nipah palm sugar<br />

Among the most popular item as gifts or souvenirs to take<br />

back from Sarawak is the Kuih Cincin or ring crackers. Made<br />

from the wholesome goodness of nipah palm sugar as the<br />

main base ingredient, it is processed without any chemical<br />

additives or preservatives and so the natural taste just lingers<br />

in the mouth after the first bite.<br />

When planning to buy this snack, again the rule of thumb<br />

is to look for the Sarawak Best logo on the package. This is<br />

your assurance that the products have been certified by the<br />

State Government through the Ministry of Modernisation<br />

of Agriculture Sarawak and the Department of Agriculture<br />

Sarawak which is the main organisation that provides<br />

assistance to women in business enterprises. <strong>The</strong> main<br />

producing centers are in Kuching and the WEDA Choice<br />

Centre is the main outlet for the product. Alternatively<br />

it is also found in some tourism markets as well as at<br />

the Kuching International Airport and prices range from<br />

RM3.00 to RM20.00, depending on the content amount<br />

and size.<br />

Produced under Good Manufacturing Practices, the nipah<br />

palm sugar is cooked and mixed with other ingredients<br />

before being laid out on a dough sheeter where the<br />

moulding process takes place. <strong>The</strong> final part is the frying<br />

of the Kuih Cincin before the final packaging takes place.<br />

Throughout the process, care is taken to ensure that a<br />

clean environment is observed in the machine operated<br />

outlet. Traditional producers employ manual methods<br />

which are at times unhygienic and slow and the consistency<br />

of the product is not there. By choosing the Sarawak Best<br />

packaged products, buyers can be sure that they will<br />

always get quality products at reasonable prices.<br />

Department Of Agriculture Sarawak • 12-17 Floor, Menara Pelita, Jalan Tun Abdul Rahman Yakub, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching,<br />

Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: (6) 082 495146 / 447841 Fax: (6) 082 443017 Website: www.doa.sarawak.gov.my<br />

24 Kuching<strong>Talk</strong>Oct-Dec2007<br />

Department Of Agriculture Sarawak • 12-17 Floor, Menara Pelita, Jalan Tun Abdul Rahman Yakub, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching,<br />

Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: (6) 082 495146 / 447841 Fax: (6) 082 443017 Website: www.doa.sarawak.gov.my<br />

Oct-Dec2007Kuching<strong>Talk</strong> 25


Product<strong>Talk</strong><br />

Rice is life<br />

Management & Staff of<br />

BERAS CORPORATION SDN BHD<br />

express their best wishes to all<br />

patrons and friends<br />

Experience quality eating while maintaining good health for<br />

a healthy future!<br />

Do you know the foods that you consume each day do<br />

affect your health, not only for today but also for tomorrow<br />

and the future.<br />

As the leader of rice business in Malaysia, it is within our<br />

realisation that this Malaysian staple food (rice) is indeed<br />

one of the most important elements to be considered for<br />

healthy eating-style. For Malaysians, rice is the main source<br />

of energy and nutrition, thus it becomes our obligation<br />

and commitment in ensuring the best quality of rice in the<br />

market and for this we introduce PILIHAN BERNAS.<br />

What Is Pilihan Bernas<br />

PILIHAN BERNAS is a brand development in the form of<br />

product endorsement engineered by BERNAS. <strong>The</strong> main<br />

objective of this program is to provide the best quality<br />

of rice in the market. As a proof of our dedication,<br />

commitment and responsibility toward consumers, the<br />

quality and originality of PILIHAN BERNAS product is<br />

compulsory and uncompromised.<br />

How Pilihan Bernas Guarantees <strong>The</strong> Quality<br />

And Makes You A Smart Consumer<br />

BERNAS, in collaboration with University Putra Malaysia<br />

(Science & Food Technology Faculty), has conducted a research<br />

and analysis program for all rice brands in various categories.<br />

<strong>The</strong> rice have to go through detail lab analysis and test<br />

such as physical, chemical, cooking, smell, microbes and<br />

DNA before being endorsed under PILIHAN BERNAS.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Benefits You Can Have For Making Pilihan<br />

Bernas Endorsed Brand Your Top Choice<br />

• Guaranteed quality and healthy eating style for the whole<br />

family – with the selection of rice that has gone through<br />

the quality assurance process and thorough lab test.<br />

• Guaranteed reasonable prices for every rice brand and<br />

type for every level of the society.<br />

• Diversity of choice available from four different rice<br />

categories – Local White Rice, Imported White Rice,<br />

Fragrant Rice and Specialty Rice which can be purchased<br />

all over Malaysia under Pilihan Bernas endorsed<br />

brands.<br />

• Exclusive education, which assist in identifying and<br />

selecting the proper type of rice to be used in certain<br />

dishes.<br />

Selamat Hari Raya<br />

Aidilfitri<br />

dengan ingatan tulus ikhlas maaf zahir batin<br />

&<br />

Blessed Christmas<br />

& Happy New Year<br />

Pilihan Bernas Brands ( Available in Supermarkets and Stores Near You! )<br />

2008<br />

BERAS CORPORATION SDN BHD (480493-H) No. 96-M, Lot 2654-2656, Block 195, KNLD, Jalan Green, 93150 Kuching,<br />

Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: (6) 082 243002 / 245002 / 248002 • Fax: (6) 082 234000 • Website: www.bernas.com.my<br />

26 Kuching<strong>Talk</strong>Oct-Dec2007<br />

[ A member of BERNAS Group of Companies ]<br />

Oct-Dec2007Kuching<strong>Talk</strong> 27


Product<strong>Talk</strong><br />

When you are eating keropok, there is no hiding from<br />

anyone, especially if in the house as the aroma of the prawn<br />

or fish crackers just spread all over the surrounding area.<br />

Made usually from fish and prawn, keropok or commonly<br />

referred to by Westerners as prawn/fish crackers, the<br />

snack used to be only served during festive occasions<br />

like Chinese New Year celebrations when guests come<br />

to visit. However, with the rise of the snack industry all<br />

over the world, this traditional snack has slowly but surely<br />

become one of the favourite snacks among young people.<br />

It can usually be found in schools, grocery shops and food<br />

outlets, and even some restaurants serve these crackers<br />

as part of their appetizers to set customers on the ‘eating<br />

mood!’<br />

Sarawak Keropok is a brand name as far as quality<br />

keropok is concerned; this title comes from its long<br />

established record as supplier of high quality prawn and<br />

fish crackers. What started out as a hobby back in 1973<br />

by the grand mother of Choo Cheng Joo to pass time and<br />

also to provide nourishing food for the family has since<br />

flourished into a factory whereby some of the best<br />

keropok can be found. Known for her fussy nature of<br />

only using the freshest ingredients in making keropok,<br />

grandma Choo always demanded to get the freshest fish<br />

and prawns available before making her keropok. She<br />

would share her crackers with neighbours and friends and<br />

soon word spread around that she made really good and<br />

tasty keropok! <strong>The</strong> rest as they say is history.<br />

Keropok<br />

Sarawak<br />

28 Kuching<strong>Talk</strong>Oct-Dec2007<br />

Crackers that<br />

tickles the taste buds!<br />

Operating from its factory outlet in the city, Sarawak<br />

Keropok is now synonymous with quality keropok which<br />

is in great demand from all over the state. Still sticking<br />

to the tried and proven recipe of only using the freshest<br />

ingredients, the Choo family that runs the factory ensures<br />

that even with the constant high demand, this particular<br />

aspect of the brand name will not be compromised.<br />

Unlike in the past when everything had to be done<br />

manually by the old lady, today’s production of keropok<br />

is almost produced entirely by machines that ensure<br />

quality and consistency demanded by the modern<br />

marketing standards. Initially the products were sold only<br />

in specific outlets but demand has since surged and now<br />

they are found in supermarkets’ shelves.<br />

Freshly fried keropok should be kept no longer than 4<br />

months otherwise the taste will diminish and it is also not<br />

so fresh and so the advice is to make sure that when you<br />

buy keropok the next time, make sure that the expiry date<br />

is not near to the four months expiry date. For the Choo<br />

family, they have also included other types of crackers into<br />

the range of keropok available like yam, bananas and<br />

others like crispy pepper anchovies, hot sesame peanut,<br />

cereal peanuts, ready salted peanuts and many more. .<br />

For inquiries please contact: Heelim Trading, 26 Jalan<br />

Deshon, 93100 Kuching Tel: (6) 082 688686.<br />

Health<strong>Talk</strong><br />

Benefiting from<br />

Hyperbaric Oxygen <strong>The</strong>rapy<br />

Biolife Health and <strong>The</strong>rapeutic Centre<br />

Oxygen is the source of life on earth and in human, it is vital for the<br />

bodily functions; in fact, some ninety percent of the energy produced<br />

by the body comes from oxygen alone with the rest from the food<br />

we eat. Furthermore, the nasty viruses, toxins, bacteria, parasites<br />

cannot survive in an oxygen rich environment. Hence, increasing<br />

the body’s blood plasma oxygen content will greatly assist the body<br />

in its daily functions, especially for those who are into sports,<br />

suffering from allergies, sleeping disorders to jetlag fatigue.<br />

To increase the oxygen content of the blood, there is now a therapy<br />

available locally; the Biolife Health and <strong>The</strong>rapeutic Centre provides<br />

this service to all. Comprising of a specially designed inflatable chamber,<br />

the air supplied to it is filtered with additional oxygen concentrator<br />

which will allow for the body to absorb the oxygen into the blood<br />

stream. A state-of-the-art Vitaeris 320 chamber is currently the best<br />

choice available in the various types<br />

of mild hyperbaric chambers.<br />

Many who have gone through<br />

the hyperbaric chamber experience<br />

acknowledge that they feel better<br />

overall, with more energy, strength<br />

and endurance. <strong>The</strong> 60 minute<br />

treatment generates calmness and<br />

relieves the tension and stress of the<br />

body while strengthening the heart<br />

and lungs which in turn detoxifies<br />

the blood and supports the immune system. All these lead to<br />

heighten concentration, alertness and memory while promoting<br />

healing and counters aging. It also certainly speeds up the recovery<br />

process of plastic or cosmetic surgery and found to be highly<br />

suitable for those suffering from Alzheimer, Parkinson, brain<br />

dysfunctions and other disorders.<br />

<strong>The</strong>re are no restrictions on one’s activities after undergoing the<br />

hyperbaric therapy; you can continue normally with everyday activities<br />

and eat or drink straight away. This is highly recommended<br />

for those who are highly stressed out by their work or<br />

surroundings, those who consume a lot of alcohol on a<br />

regular basis and those who exercise heavily. In the<br />

ever increasing pollution of the air we breathe in<br />

from exhausts fumes to factory emissions and<br />

deforestation, our body needs to be recharged<br />

with a dose of oxygen rich air and the hyperbaric<br />

therapy is one way to safely do so.<br />

For more information on hyperbaric oxygen therapy<br />

using the oxygen chambers, contact the experts<br />

at Biolife Health and <strong>The</strong>rapeutic Centre at<br />

Tel: (6) 082 454003 or (6) 082 570485<br />

Oct-Dec2007Kuching<strong>Talk</strong> 29


Event<strong>Talk</strong><br />

Event<strong>Talk</strong><br />

Finishing Point<br />

Padawan<br />

River Safari<br />

2007<br />

Adventure and fun<br />

for everyone !<br />

<strong>Borneo</strong> Games<br />

Games of friendship and solidarity<br />

From November 19 – 25 this year in Kuching, there is a special<br />

sport event taking place in various venues around the city.<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Borneo</strong> Games is making a comeback to Kuching where<br />

twelve sporting events comprising badminton, football,<br />

hockey, track and field, lawn bowling, sepak takraw, tennis,<br />

tenpin bowling, futsal, snooker, gasing and blowpipe<br />

shooting will be competed in. Unlike other sporting events,<br />

<strong>Borneo</strong> Games is participated by countries and states in the<br />

island of <strong>Borneo</strong> which include Brunei, Kalimantan Indonesia,<br />

Federal Territory of Labuan, Sabah and Sarawak. For this<br />

edition, Terengganu has also been invited as the state will be<br />

hosting the 2008 SUKMA games.<br />

<strong>The</strong> host for this edition of the <strong>Borneo</strong> Games here is the<br />

Ministry of Social Development and Urbanisation Sarawak<br />

which is headed by its Minister, Dato Sri William Mawan<br />

Ikom, who is also the games management committee<br />

chairman. He has expressed optimism that the games this<br />

year will see more competitiveness amongst the 2000<br />

sportsmen and women who are expected to take part in<br />

the various events even though the main aim of the games<br />

is to foster closer relationship and enhancing bilateral ties<br />

between the teams and uplift the standard of athletes.<br />

Interestingly, the first <strong>Borneo</strong> Games were held in 1954 and<br />

participated by Brunei, Sabah and Sarawak athletes only. <strong>The</strong><br />

event continued to be hosted on a regular basis during the<br />

60s but were suspended in the 70s due to budget constraints<br />

30 Kuching<strong>Talk</strong>Oct-Dec2007<br />

and other factors. <strong>The</strong> revival of the games was first mooted<br />

by Dato Sri William Mawan Ikom to the Sabah sports minister<br />

in 2004 and received positive response from Brunei and also<br />

Labuan. Towards this end, the committees meeting in 2005<br />

agreed to hold the Games on a two-year rotation with the<br />

various participating countries, states, taking turns to host the<br />

event, with Sabah kicking off the event in December 2005. It<br />

was then also agreed that the next host would be Sarawak in<br />

2007 and Brunei in 2009 and Labuan in 2011.<br />

Certainly, the games would not be complete without a<br />

sample of some of the traditional display of cultures and<br />

culinary delights of the host and participants in this year’s<br />

event in Kuching will get a sample of these during the<br />

games. It will also give the participants an opportunity to<br />

see the various parts of the city and to enjoy the hospitality<br />

that is prevalent in Sarawak. Make a date during this time<br />

to watch the various events and strike up a friend from one<br />

of our neighboring states and countries.<br />

For more information, please contact;<br />

Ministry Of Social Development & Urbanisation<br />

3 rd Floor, Bangunan Baitul Makmur, Petra Jaya, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.<br />

Tel: (6) 082 440441 Fax: (6) 082 446360<br />

ROAD RIVER / STREAM<br />

Starting Point<br />

Picture yourself in a bamboo raft with family or friends<br />

cruising down a river and surrounded by the beautiful<br />

scenery of nature all the way. That’s basically what the<br />

Padawan-River Safari 2007 is about, a chance to get<br />

close to nature, enjoy its wealth and possibly win<br />

attractive prizes too! Comprising of both bamboo rafts<br />

and kayak categories, the event is divided into Men<br />

and Ladies Open for rafting while the Kayak is an open<br />

category only to be held on 21 st October starting at<br />

Kampung Danu and ending at Kampung Git, a total of<br />

approximately 16km in the Padawan area.<br />

<strong>The</strong> main reason why many participants come back for<br />

this river safari is the great scenery and the chance to get<br />

close up to nature along the ride down the river. With<br />

dense forest lining either side of the river bank, the huge<br />

outcrops of rocks at various stretches of the river are a<br />

For more information, please contact the organisers at:<br />

marvel to see. <strong>The</strong> water is relatively clean and of varying<br />

depths and participants can experience the Giam Rapids<br />

as part of the thrill of the river ride. It would be very<br />

difficult and costly for anyone to experience this river ride<br />

on their own and so this safari is the opportune time to<br />

enjoy nature’s bounty here.<br />

Organised by the Padawan Municipal Council, this<br />

year’s race promises even more fun with a host of other<br />

activities. <strong>The</strong>re will be an open sale at Kampung Danu<br />

on 20 th October while cultural shows and live band<br />

performances will be held during the evening for the<br />

entertainment of the participants at both kampungs.<br />

Register yourself or team at Padawan Municipal Council<br />

today as the event is on a first come first served basis<br />

and there is a limit to the number of teams eligible to<br />

participate.<br />

Padawan Municipal Council • Kota Padawan Kuching, Sarawak. Mr. Rangen Jamang/Mr. Barry Wong at:<br />

(6) 082 615566 Fax: (6) 082 611832 Email: mpp@tm.net.my Website: www.mpp.gov.my<br />

Oct-Dec2007Kuching<strong>Talk</strong> 31


Fashion<strong>Talk</strong><br />

Fashion<strong>Talk</strong><br />

Trendy Wear<br />

for Today’s Fashion Statement<br />

@Cocoon’s choices of quality<br />

clothes, be it silk to cotton and others, are<br />

all carefully selected for both comfort and<br />

fine workmanship. Located at 3 rd level,<br />

Tun Jugah Centre in the heart of the city,<br />

their trendy fashion is always changing<br />

with new arrivals, including accessories like<br />

necklaces and belts.<br />

Want a glimpse of the latest fashion trends hitting<br />

the city Head for Cozzi boutique at Jalan Padungan,<br />

in the heart of the city where you can be assured<br />

of a regular supply of the most trendy wear for<br />

women. <strong>The</strong> reason is simple - the boutique gets<br />

fresh supplies every week from Singapore, Thailand,<br />

Taiwan and Hong Kong so chances are you will likely<br />

find one that is just right for you. What’s more, you<br />

can even request them to get the styles and materials<br />

that suit your taste and budget.<br />

Most boutiques get supplies from fixed sources with limited<br />

choices for customers. This is Cozzi’s main difference; it only<br />

gets those which are among the latest to hit the fashion capitals<br />

of the world and at affordable prices too. As acquaintances<br />

are established, you will even be informed of the latest arrivals<br />

or having your choice of dress specially picked and delivered<br />

here!<br />

So, if new fashion is your thing, Cozzi is the place for you. In<br />

addition, the boutique also carries accessories that will add to the<br />

beauty of your wear and give you that special glow among friends.<br />

In fact, these little additional pieces often get conversation going<br />

and building more ties in business and friendship circles.<br />

Take a closer look at the blouses, skirts, pants or dresses on<br />

display and assure yourself that the intricate stitching and cuttings<br />

make these clothes a pleasure to wear and look good in. In<br />

fact, many of the creations in the shop have Japanese and<br />

Korean inspired designs which are bold and outstanding<br />

yet feminine in look. Perfect as office wear or at events and<br />

parties with the accessories, these limited editions clothes<br />

are continuously replenished to give trend setters the choice<br />

they want.<br />

Cut here<br />

Drop by at ie@Cocoon and browse through the collection; you<br />

will probably want to try as many as possible to make sure that<br />

the choices are just the right ones for you!<br />

level 3, Lot 308-309, Tun Jugah,<br />

Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman,<br />

93100 Kuching, Sarawak.<br />

Tel: (6) 082 232822<br />

Email: ivypgmt@yahoo.com<br />

32 Kuching<strong>Talk</strong>Oct-Dec2007<br />

RM20<br />

Voucher<br />

Terms & Conditions:<br />

• Applicable for purchases above RM88 on normal priced items.<br />

• Rebate of RM2.00 for vehicles parked at Tun Jugah parking bay.<br />

• Valid till 31 st December 2007.<br />

COZZI boutique • 1 st Floor, No. 35, Padungan Road<br />

(operates daily from 10am to 9pm) Tel: (6) 082 238655<br />

Oct-Dec2007Kuching<strong>Talk</strong> 33


Local<strong>Talk</strong><br />

<strong>Resort</strong><strong>Talk</strong><br />

your partner in<br />

the sky over Sarawak<br />

Special promotions for holiday seasons!<br />

Travelling in Sarawak is most convenient<br />

by air as distances between cities and<br />

towns are far apart and some even<br />

inaccessible by roads or rivers. This is<br />

where Hornbill Skyways, Sarawak’s own<br />

regional and domestic air services<br />

provider, stands head and shoulders<br />

over others. With thirty years experience<br />

in serving the rural air services routes<br />

and a fleet of fixed wing aircrafts and<br />

helicopters, Hornbill Skyways is often<br />

the only means to reach some of these<br />

places and people, including essential<br />

medical services.<br />

Operating on the basis of providing<br />

services for the people rather than pure<br />

business principles, Hornbill Skyways<br />

has been assisting the Lands and Surveys<br />

team as well as the Environmental<br />

Department in carrying out many of<br />

their tasks as well as the Elections<br />

Commission, Tourism Board, Sesco and<br />

many others over the years. Its record<br />

of over 130,000 flying hours bears<br />

testimony to its reliability and dedication<br />

to the job at hand, especially the over<br />

120 staff members serving in the<br />

different sections of the company.<br />

Currently, Hornbill Skyways operates<br />

from Kuching International Airport where<br />

its headquarters is. It also maintains a<br />

hangar in <strong>Miri</strong> to serve the northern parts<br />

of the state. Meticulous in upgrading its<br />

existing aircrafts and helicopters, Hornbill<br />

Skyways is optimistic that the emergence<br />

of the BIMP-EAGA growth area and<br />

trade will spur more travels between the<br />

participating nations while the oil and<br />

gas industries continue to be potential<br />

markets to tap into for further growth.<br />

<strong>The</strong>re is no doubt of the need to<br />

maintain this domestic air service<br />

provider in Sarawak given the vastness<br />

of the state and scattered distribution<br />

of population centres in many remote<br />

areas. Socio-economic growth in many<br />

such areas is dependent on this essential<br />

service while cultural ties are maintained<br />

in this multi-racial state. Hornbill Skyways<br />

is your link to Sarawak and its vast<br />

hinterland of people and resources.<br />

In conjunction with the upcoming holiday<br />

seasons of the Hari Raya, Christmas and<br />

New Year, treat your family to a vacation at<br />

Santubong <strong>Resort</strong> at the Damai peninsula just<br />

outside Kuching <strong>City</strong>. During these festive<br />

occasions the resort is always a favourite spot<br />

for families to spend quality time together in<br />

the quiet surroundings of the resort like leisure<br />

walks on the beach, watching the setting<br />

sun in the late evenings or just frolicking in<br />

the swimming pool with the children. As the<br />

resort provides a full range of services ranging<br />

from food to personal needs, you can just<br />

spend the whole day enjoying yourself and<br />

relaxing as breakfast, lunch and dinner are<br />

served at its Café Gunung and restaurant.<br />

Located on a 25-acre lot, the spacious resort<br />

has 380 suites, chalet-type rooms and<br />

functions rooms that can accommodate 1400<br />

guests at any one session. For this coming<br />

Raya special, the Deluxe Queen Room is<br />

priced at RM172.50 per night only while the<br />

Deluxe King Room is only at RM138 with<br />

breakfast for two for either choice of room.<br />

This special offer is for the period from 12 th -15 th<br />

October 2007 and to avoid disappointment,<br />

make your bookings early! For those planning<br />

to come for the Christmas and New Year<br />

period, the Deluxe Queen Rooms will be<br />

going for RM172.50 per night while the<br />

Deluxe King Room will be at RM138 only,<br />

inclusive of breakfast for two for either choices<br />

of room. <strong>The</strong> validity period for this special<br />

promotion is from 24 th December 2007 to<br />

1 st January 2008 only. <strong>City</strong> folks are known<br />

to have the habit of going out of the city for<br />

these festive seasons and so it is advisable to<br />

confirm your bookings early to ensure that<br />

you and your family enjoy the holidays.<br />

For those not from Kuching, Santubong <strong>Resort</strong><br />

is a beachfront property just next to the<br />

18-hole Damai Golf and Country Club and it<br />

also has facilities for outdoor activities like<br />

tennis, mini football field, obstacle course and<br />

a gymnasium. Sitting at the foothills of the<br />

majestic Santubong mountain, it is surrounded<br />

by greens as the garden is well maintained to<br />

provide that aesthetic look and atmosphere<br />

to the resort. This exclusive setting also<br />

makes the resort a favourite place for private<br />

functions like weddings, corporate seminars<br />

and team-building activities and for the more<br />

adventurous, there is always the climb up the<br />

mount Santubong for a rigorous test of both<br />

stamina and physical challenge. <strong>The</strong> reward is<br />

an awe inspiring view of the surrounding<br />

landscape of the peninsular from the top!<br />

For more information, please contact;<br />

Hornbill Skyways Sdn. Bhd. • North Pan Hangar, Kuching International Airport, P.O. Box 1387, 93728 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: (6) 082 455737<br />

Fax: (6) 082 455710 (Marketing Dept.) / (6) 082 455736 (General) | <strong>Miri</strong> Base, <strong>Miri</strong> International Airport, P.O. Box 1702, 98008 <strong>Miri</strong>, Sarawak, Malaysia.<br />

Tel: (6) 085 611066 / 614220 Fax: (6) 085 614066 Email: marketing@hornbillskyways.com<br />

34 Kuching<strong>Talk</strong>Oct-Dec2007<br />

For further information, please contact:<br />

Santubong Kuching <strong>Resort</strong> | Jalan Pantai Damai, Santubong, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: (6) 082 846888 Fax: (6) 082 846666<br />

Email: skresort@po.jaring.my<br />

Oct-Dec2007Kuching<strong>Talk</strong> 35


People<strong>Talk</strong><br />

f i l m review<br />

Tel: 6 082 234 077<br />

Tuesday | Ladies Day, Ticket only RM6<br />

(not applicable for male and public holiday)<br />

RMB<strong>Talk</strong><br />

Wednesday | Movie Day, Ticket only RM5 / RM6<br />

(not applicable for movie marked (“) and public holiday)<br />

*All booked tickets must be collected 45 min before show times.<br />

Coming from a family of artisans in the ceramic industry,<br />

Gerald has been exposed to art forms since an early age and<br />

it is no wonder that he has that artistic flair when it comes<br />

to things dealing with art. An accomplished painter in his<br />

own right, this third generation ceramic artisan has been<br />

instrumental in bringing ceramic art into a new dimension<br />

with creations of dining sets from the combination of wood,<br />

ceramic and glass into tables and chairs, murals, gifts sets and<br />

works of art using ceramic as the base. Currently as Company<br />

Manager of Sarakraf Sdn Bhd, Gerald has his hands full in<br />

overseeing the coming of age of the Pavilion. <strong>The</strong>re artists<br />

showcase their skills in weaving, ceramic art and painting to<br />

visitors as well as sampling local cuisines with a touch of<br />

cultural dance amidst the fine selection of souvenir items on<br />

sale at the quaint colonial style building where it is housed in.<br />

“What Sarakraf is trying to do is to promote the local arts<br />

industry in its many styles and forms; that is why there are<br />

baskets, beads to pua kumbu on sale here apart from the<br />

assortment of others,” he began. “Of all the states in the<br />

country, Sarawak probably has the most diversified groups of<br />

ethnic people and their cultures which make us a treasure<br />

throve of native designs and art forms, something that we<br />

should capitalise on for our own people and also to ensure<br />

that these different cultures and arts remain alive for the<br />

future. “At the same time, I feel that the private sector need<br />

to work closely with the government to overcome some of<br />

the problems we are facing in developing the industry here<br />

and they should not be dependent on the government to<br />

bring the industry to a new level,” Gerald opined.<br />

36 Kuching<strong>Talk</strong>Oct-Dec2007<br />

Gerald<br />

Goh<br />

Company Manager, Sarakraf Sdn. Bhd.<br />

It should be noted that the Pavilion is also a place where foot<br />

massage is also available, something which was brought in to<br />

highlight the traditional ways of soothing tired feet using local<br />

herbs and oils. “This is also one of the ways that we are trying<br />

to bring more locals into the industry and giving them a new<br />

direction to venture into as entrepreneurs in their own right,”<br />

he added. As a board member of the Blind Centre in Kuching,<br />

he is fully aware of the need to find new ways for some of<br />

these talented masseurs to earn a living on their own and<br />

this art form is something that the blind could be good at. In<br />

addition, Gerald is also the vice president of the Sarawak<br />

Arts Society, Secretary General of Sarawak Handicrafts and<br />

Souvenir Association and also served as a board member<br />

of Kraftangan Malaysia. Busy as he is with his daily<br />

managerial tasks, Gerald still tries to find time to do his<br />

paintings, something which he yearns to do more but always<br />

had to be put off due to other commitments.<br />

“Understandably, it is still difficult to make a living as an<br />

artist here, especially since the society is still not at that level<br />

where such skills are fully appreciated. Only some, in fact a<br />

select few artists, make a living from their arts pieces here<br />

and so it is quite a task in trying to convince young people<br />

to pick up the skills in the arts and crafts industry as a way<br />

of making a living. Sadly I see that some of the arts forms<br />

are rapidly dying away and there is so little that we can do<br />

about that. In a way we are losing some of our local cultures<br />

with the demise of these artists and artisans so the need<br />

to bring up the industry is really crucial to preserving our<br />

heritage for the future generations.”<br />

<strong>The</strong> Seeker :<br />

<strong>The</strong> Dark Is Rising<br />

Genre: Action/Adventure, Drama,<br />

Science Fiction/Fantasy and Adaptation<br />

Rated: PG On Cineplex: 4 October<br />

2007<br />

An 11-year-old boy discovers that<br />

he is the last member of a group<br />

of immortals dedicated to fighting<br />

dark forces of evil. As he uncovers<br />

a series of clues, some dating back<br />

to biblical times, the boy also<br />

discovers the future of the world<br />

rests in his hands.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Resident Evil: Extinction<br />

Genre: Action/Adventure, Suspense/Horror, Adaptation and<br />

Sequel Rated: PG-13 On Cineplex: 4 October 2007<br />

Alice, now in hiding in the Nevada<br />

desert, once again joins forces with<br />

Carlos Olivera and L.J., along with<br />

new survivors Claire, K-Mart and<br />

Nurse Betty to try to eliminate<br />

the deadly virus that threatens to<br />

make every human being undead...<br />

and to seek justice. Since being<br />

captured by the Umbrella Corporation,<br />

Alice has been subjected<br />

to biogenic experimentation and<br />

becomes genetically altered, with<br />

super-human strengths, senses<br />

and dexterity.<br />

B O O K s & C D Review<br />

<strong>The</strong> Sarawakiana Series<br />

– Sarawak Artists / Culture & Heritage –<br />

Discover Sarawak – Tan Wei Kheng<br />

Mary Ann’s Tan Wei Kheng - Discover Sarawak entices readers to further pursue more<br />

knowledge on this unusual portrait artist from Marudi, one of the coastal towns on the<br />

northern fringe of the state. Known primarily for his detailed capture of the Orang Ulu people<br />

in portrait style, Wei Kheng’s art pieces certainly captures the essence of these rural<br />

folks in their traditional attire and settings. Having travelled into the interior areas to capture<br />

these images, the paintings reflect all the fine details that one would expect from a<br />

photograph but all these are on canvas and a collector’s item. Considering that the artist<br />

was a self taught one, the potent skill of this artist is well displayed for all to see.<br />

Lions For Lambs<br />

Genre: Drama and Politics/Religion<br />

Rated: PG-13 On Cineplex: 8<br />

November 2007<br />

Two determined students at<br />

a West Coast University, Arian<br />

and Ernest, follow the inspiration<br />

of their idealistic professor, Dr.<br />

Malley, and attempt to do<br />

something important with their<br />

lives. But when the two make the<br />

bold decision to join the battle<br />

in Afghanistan, Malley is both<br />

moved and distraught. Now, as Arian and Ernest fight for survival in<br />

the field, they become the string that binds together two disparate<br />

stories on opposite sides of America.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Golden Compass<br />

Genre: Action/Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction/<br />

Fantasy and Adaptation Rated: PG On Cineplex:<br />

6 December 2007<br />

Lyra Belacqua is an orphan who<br />

lives happily in Jordan College,<br />

Oxford, playing with local boys<br />

and terrorizing the professors.<br />

However, when Lyra overhears<br />

scholars discussing a plot against<br />

her uncle, Lord Asriel, centering<br />

around a mysterious substance<br />

called Dust, her curiosity is roused.<br />

Soon Lyra is in over her head as she<br />

uncovers a frightening plot and a<br />

whole new world of possibilities.<br />

SARAWAK STATE LIBRARY<br />

Jalan Pustaka, Off Jalan Stadium, 93050 Petra Jaya,<br />

Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: 6 082 442000<br />

Fax: 6 082 449944 www.pustaka-sarawak.com<br />

<strong>The</strong> Sarawakiana Series is a series of custom made interactive CD-ROM with written supplement, which gives the local and the tourist<br />

alike, a glimpse of the State’s rich and diverse heritage. It covers everything from history, race, culture, belief and tradition. All based<br />

on thorough research and studies, the multimedia CD insures that future generations can have access to this information. Each series<br />

is priced at RM60.00<br />

Contact person: Syeeida Ali Hussein | Email: syeeidah@sarawaknet.gov.my<br />

Sarawak Malay Culture – Traditional Malay Wedding: “Nikah”<br />

In an effort to record the traditions of the Malays in Sarawak, this booklet by Zaferi Borhan Mohamad<br />

carefully guides the reader on the many aspects of a traditional Malay wedding, Sarawak style.<br />

While most people are only aware of one type of wedding, the book points out that actually<br />

four types of marriages are observed with only one, permissible marriage the one that couples<br />

should aspire for.<br />

Oct-Dec2007Kuching<strong>Talk</strong> 37


WhatOn&AbsoluteEssentials<br />

What’sOn October – December 2007<br />

20 OCTOBER - 4 NOVEMBER<br />

Sarawak Cultural ARTS & craft festival<br />

Venue: Sarawak Tourism Complex, Kuching<br />

21 OCTOBER<br />

Treasure hunt for road safety awareness<br />

Venue: <strong>Miri</strong><br />

21 OCTOBER<br />

PADAWAN RIVER SAFARI 2007<br />

Venue: Padawan, Kuching<br />

25 - 28 OCTOBER<br />

MIRI INTERNATIONAL BEADS EXHIBITION<br />

Venue: <strong>Miri</strong> Handicraft Centre, <strong>Miri</strong><br />

26 - 27 OCTOBER<br />

Ulu Baram White Water Rafting Challenge<br />

Venue: Kayan & Kenyah Village, Long Silat & Long Apu, <strong>Miri</strong><br />

1 - 4 NOVEMBER<br />

BIMP-EAGA TRAVEL EXCHANGE – “Tourism<br />

and food fair”<br />

Venue: Permata Exhibition Centre, Kuching<br />

2 - 3 NOVEMBER<br />

Asia Pacific Marketing Conference 2007<br />

Venue: Unimas, Kuching<br />

19 - 25 November<br />

BORNEO GAMES<br />

Venue: Kuching<br />

30 November - 30 DECEMBER<br />

ART FEST 2007<br />

Venue: Galleria, Wesberly House, Kuching<br />

8 DECEMBER<br />

Nanyang wushu drum festival<br />

Venue: Kuching<br />

(Note: Event dates are subject to change without prior notice) For further enquiries, please contact:<br />

Kuching North <strong>City</strong> Hall (DBKU) Tel: (6) 082 446688 • Kuching South <strong>City</strong> Council (MBKS) Tel: (6) 082 242311 • Padawan Municipal Council Tel: (6) 082 615566<br />

Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) Tel: (6) 082 423600 • <strong>Miri</strong> <strong>City</strong> Council (Tel: (6) 085 424111) • Sibu Municipal Council (Tel: (6) 084 333411)<br />

AbsoluteEssentials<br />

Enjoy free unlimited national calls when you sign up for Let’s <strong>Talk</strong><br />

from 1 September till 31 October 2007. So, whether it’s from<br />

east to west or up north to down south start talking for free.<br />

Package<br />

RM388<br />

FREE<br />

Applicable for calls to and from TM Fixed Lines between 1st September - 31st December 2007 only. Terms & conditions apply.<br />

Streamyx<br />

@1Mbps<br />

Call 100 Click www.tm.com.my Visit TMpoint<br />

Telekom Malaysia Berhad (128740-P)<br />

During this Holy month of Ramadan, one<br />

of the greatest gifts for friends is the Holy<br />

Koran and at My Bookstore, you can<br />

find a choice of these beautiful books<br />

together with other Islamic books suitable<br />

for the occasion. Of course, these books<br />

and Raya cards are the perfect gift ideas<br />

for the festive occasion and if choosing<br />

the right title is a problem, you can always<br />

opt to give your love ones and friends our<br />

gift vouchers for them to come and select<br />

the books for themselves!<br />

Christmas is time for the children and our<br />

collection of children books caters to the<br />

different age groups among them. <strong>The</strong>re<br />

are also great gift ideas that will light<br />

up the faces of these young ones inside<br />

our shop. So come around and browse<br />

through the collection. Better still, bring<br />

the children along and let them have the<br />

time of their life by going through the<br />

books and gifts on their own.<br />

Book reservations for the coming school<br />

year too can be done and avoid the hassle<br />

of getting the required texts during the<br />

last minute rush. If there are titles that<br />

you may want that are not carried in our<br />

selection, we can do the ordering for you<br />

too. By the way, we provide free wrapping<br />

service for every customer who wants to<br />

present the special gift sets with flair,<br />

elegance and beauty.<br />

38 Kuching<strong>Talk</strong>Oct-Dec2007<br />

Ground & 1st Floor, Lot 234, Jalan Haji Taha, 93748 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: (6) 082 416606 / 429157<br />

Fax: (6) 082 237952 Email: info@my-bookstore.com.my Website: www.my-bookstore.com.my<br />

Oct-Dec2007Kuching<strong>Talk</strong> 39

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