Volunteers Pave The Way - Literally!
Two friends of ours, German Jens and Czech Zuzka spent some time with us from 19-29 Aug 2010, as part of our volunteer programme at Sumbiling Eco Village, a stop in their plan of cycling around the region! During their stay, they employed their energy and ideas, through Jens' architectural expertise, to remodel our main hall entrance, and built a pebblestone entrance walkway complete with drainage underneath. They also lent a hand to the local villagers who worked with us, in the process making new friends and having a good time! Jens & Zuzka are just the 2nd pair of volunteers who have gotten the opportunity to spend time here, through contacts in the CouchSurfing network. For more about their experiences, visit their blog (in German ).
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Ferry service Brunei(Serasa)/Sabah ( Menubuk)
Serasa-Menumbok Ferry Ready To Roll On
Written by Syazwan SadikinTuesday, 29 December 2009 07:05
Bandar Seri Begawan - The Bruneian vehicular ferry bound for Menumbok, MV Shuttle Hope, will be fully operating on December 30 after the finalisation of details by the Malaysian counterparts on the operations of the vessel within the terminal.
The final meeting among Malaysian officials, according to the Malaysian Port and Harbour officers, had discussed on the timetable for the ferry operation and the price.
"These are the two things in the final stages of discussion before confirming the first operation on December 30, a one trip per day operation," said the Malaysian officers.
In terms of pricing, the officers confirmed that the fares will be according to the price that has been set in Malaysian currency.
During the "soft launch", the ferry will only carry 20 vehicles, that is half of its capacity and with the ticket prices confirmed at $70 per vehicle plus the driver, $25 per passenger while the children's fare is priced at $12.50 per child.
According to the government officials, the official launch of the operation by the Minister of Communications, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Hj Abu Bakar Hj Apong is planned for a later date.
Meanwhile, the ferry service will continue and at the same time any problem that may arise will be ironed out accordingly in preparations for the official ceremony.
The MV Shuttle Hope arrived at the Serasa Ferry Terminal on December 10 from Osaka, Japan.
The Serasa-Menumbok service is one of the flagship projects under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Establishing, Promoting Efficient and Integrated Sea Linkages between the governments of Bimp-Eaga, the acronym for Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East Asean Growth Area.
The project is one of the projects under the National Development Plan at a cost of $1.7 million, alongside other facilities such as porta-cabins, cabin booths, public toilets, car parks, weighbridge and parking spaces for government staffs.
The ferry has the capacity to carry 200 passengers and nine crew as well as 45 cars at a full speed of 15 knots.
The new service reduces the time taken to reach Kota Kinabalu by several hours.
Currently it takes 13 hours by road to arrive in the Sabah capital.
The direct service will also avoid the current hassle of having to make several stops at immigration checkpoints both in Brunei and Sarawak when driving to Kota Kinabalu.
Taufik, 57, who was travelling from Menumbok to Brunei to attend a relative's wedding said that the arrival of the Muara-Menumbok ferry was a welcome change.
He said that rather than transiting from Menumbok to Labuan and then to Brunei, the direct route is "better this way".-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
More homestay in temburong
Temburong Needs More Guesthouse
Written by Rasidah HABWednesday, 30 December 2009 06:26
Bangar - The Tembumng District Officer has called on the districts community leaders to establish mom homestays and guesthouses, due to the increasing demand for such facilities.
Speaking to the The Brunei Times on plans for the district next year, Matusin Orang Kaya Sum Hj Tuba said that they are experiencing a lack of guesthouses."Mukim Bangar is a suitable place due to its short distance from the town and jetty," he said.
He added: "What we have right now is not enough. The publicity (for the homestays) are there, but not up to our expectations yet." He said that the district is trying to move towards promoting entrepreneurship, as one of its efforts to improve Temburong.
Next year will see also Temburong mom aggressive in implementing its "Youth as the catalyst for development" programme. "Youths are our assets. We want our youths to play their part in all aspects in their respective villages," he said.
He added: "I want youths to be our backbone. We are responsible for providing them with the support and trust. There are many areas our youths can venture into in the district economic and agriculture, among others."
The target for this programme is youths aged 15 to 30 years. "We need to ask our youths what they want. This way, youths in Temburong will be appreciated," he added.
Meanwhile, the district officer said that the Cuti-Cuti Temburong 2009 programme has achieved its objective of promoting the district not only to people of Brunei, but also to its neighbours.
People are looking forward to see what we have to offer in 2010, based on what has been done so far, he said.
The district officer hoped that the month-long programme would continue, but changes may be made to accommodate more events and activities. `We have received encouraging responses from the public on our activities," he said, adding that it was a success for such as small district On terms of its population) to be able to organise such an event.
The programme had put for ward the district's various products locally produced by its members of village consultative councils.
"What is left for us to do now is to continuously upgrade and create a value-added dimension to the quality of our products. I don't want to see any of the projects be stunted," he said.
"We must be dynamic in developing our products. We must not be satisfied and complacent with the current ones," he added.-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Transformation Is The Magic Word At Livewire Camp
Written by Aziz IdrisTuesday, 08 December 2009 07:43
"Physiologically we are hesitant to use the word `change', because the word is taken negatively and we don't expect to change.
"But if we use the word transformation, technically you are not changing anything; we are encouraging people to create a more positive attitude," said Pg Redzuan Pg Hj Abbas, LiveWIRE Programme Director during an interview with the Bulletin.
He also stated that the programme was focused to help individuals be positive and more responsible towards the community as well as ready to serve the society.
According to Pg Redzuan, Bruneians have a common attitude such as `pemalas' or `lazy' and `malastah ku ingau' or ‘I don't care'.
"We try to eliminate this sort of mindset: Imagine if Brunei requires a group of leaders, and if such attitude persists; that can be fearful for our future," he added.
The LiveWIRE Leadership Camp Programme was an extension of the Bright Ideas (BI) workshop and the Become Successful Owner Manager (BSOM) workshop.
It was designed to respond to the need of reassessing and self-assessment of an individual. The focuses of being away 55 hours from home were to enhance and revitalize energy, enthusiasm and re-course direction and plan steps for progress and the ability to lead.
The programme has been attended by various organisations, including Business school, Sixth Form Centre, as well as the Ministry of Culture Youth & Sports. Previous participants were even invited to come back as supervisors' for the programme.
"We've seen a lot of transformation in the people who have attended the programme, for instance the Youth Development Centre made use of the leadership camp as a compulsory subject for their programme, which was also a combination of Bright Ideas and LiveWIRE Leadership camp," said Pg Redzuan.
The programme was divided into seven sessions whereby session one to three were conducted in both the hall and in an open environment. Meanwhile, session four and five were mostly practical activities and session six was also conducted in an open environment.
One of the programmes had an individual working and learning process or group sharing activity where discussion was conducted in every session.
Session seven was more concentrated on personal attributes, the value of sharing and declaration so as to allow every individual to leave leadership camp with renewed enthusiasm.
The LiveWIRE Brunei Business Award 2008-2009 ceremony will be held on December 10. Pg Redzuan said the annual programme is also conducted in countries that uphold the LiveWIRE programme, which includes Brunei Darussalam, Singapore, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
Temburong Family Package
HASA INCENTIVES SDN BHD
(Tour Operator License KPSU/TDD/2002/2TO)
B1, 1st floor, block B, Warisan Mata Mata, and Gadong. Negara Brunei Darussalam
Tel: 673-8-766796/ 2423332 Fax: 673-2-425738 Email: info@borneoguide.com website: www.borneoguide.com / www.sumbiling.blogspot.com
Tour Code: SEV 03Family
Tour Name: SEV-MOTONG – 2 Days 1night
Duration: 2days1 night
Price: B$450 ( 2 Adults+2child under12yr) or ( 2 adults+01 child+01 family member)
Tour Includes: Camping facilities, blanket, 3 meals with Tea break (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner), Local English Speaking Guide throughout, All River & Land transportation, and tours
Exclude: Personal Toiletries, snack etc
Description
Journey begins with an exciting river cruise from Bandar Seri Begawan to Bangar. Beginning the River Cruise takes us on the Brunei River passing through the famous Water Village known as the “Venice of the East” by early European. Boat cutting through River channel lined with dense mangrove rainforest and Nipal Palm same vegetation as those found in Amazon River.
Meet and greet by local guide at Bangar Jetty and transfer overland to Sumbiling Eco Village. Sumbiling Eco Village is an Eco tourism project where local Community of Temburong is involved especially those from Kampong Sumbiling Lama & Batang Duri. It is situated by a calm beautiful Temburong River bank surrounded by rainforest & local exotic fruit trees. Facilities available are traditional Iban huts, jungle herbs trail, camp site, modern clean toilets & shower/changing rooms. Tour include trekking to Mutong River, Bamboo forest, Simpur Forest, Pitcher plant, Jungle grape, jungle Lychee, all sort of Herbs, visit Iban Long house, local lifestyle, traditional local meals, Night walk in search of nocturnal wildlife, team building etc A nature paradise for you to discover!
Itinerary
Day One Sumbiling Eco Village ( D)
1400 hr Meet at Bandar Jetty, Bandar Seri Begawan
1415 hr Depart via Water taxi Boat to Bangar, Temburong
1500 hr Arrive at Bangar, Temburong
1515 hr Depart via Bus to Sumbiling Eco Village
1545 hr arrive at Sumbiling Eco Village with welcome drink, briefing & check in to your camp.
1630 hr Proceed with villager to collect vegetable for dinner.
1730 hr back from village activities, Shower or swim (river permit) and get ready for dinner. .
1830 hr Dinner
2000 hr Night walk to discover nocturnal wildlife like frog &firefly. We will also visit longhouse at night, chit chat, make friends with villager to learn about their lifestyle.
2130 hr Walk back to your camp.
2200 hr Night tea with snack. Get ready for a nice sleep.
2230 hr Light out.
Day Two MOTONG jungle adventure(B/L)
0630 hr Wake up to a great day!.
0730 hr Morning exercise ( Subject to individual, you might like to sleep in & relax)
0800 hr Breakfast & get ready for the day ( Flexible )
0900 hr Briefing by guide before crossing the Temburong River by Temuai (Local longboat)
Trek into the “Heart of Borneo” During your eco trek; learn how the local villager uses the forest as their supermarket. Our trek will include trek into “Simpur forest” (Simpur are national flower of Brunei), “Bamboo Forest” “Wild fruit forest”, “Herb forest” and finally to Mutong River
Enjoy the beautiful sight of Mutong River
1000 hr reach our jungle base camp for a break.
1030 hr Start River trek along Mutong River, we will use our life vest to float down part of the Pristine Mutong River, some part is covered with forest canopy
1200 noon Reach back to Sumbiling Eco Village & shower & freshen up.
1300 hr enjoy a traditional Bamboo chicken lunch
1500 hr Depart for Bangar, for water taxi back to Kianggeh jetty, BSB
16:30 pm Arrive at Kianggeh Jetty, Bandar Seri Begawan
What to expect :
As an outdoor trip, itinerary and times indicated are subject to change without notice, as trips may be affected by rain, heat, high or low water levels in the river. Overnight 2-3 pax per tent, Modern toilet and shower will be provided. Meals will be local cook local style consists of Chicken, Fish & vegetable. It is recommended that you bring your own high energy bar e.g. mixed fruit bar for trekking. Hot water will be available for coffee or tea at Sumbiling Eco village.
Recommended to wear :
Light, easy to dry shorts & t shirts during trekking, light trekking shoes with good grip, a favourite cap to cover your head, face towel for those who sweat a lot.
Evening wear - light, easy to dry long pants, socks, light cotton long sleeve shirt and a pair of sandals or thongs.
Recommended to Bring :
Light rucksack, changes of clothes, sun lotion, hat, raincoat, camera, binoculars (only if you are bird watcher), small towel for the walk, towel + toiletries, swimsuit, insect repellent- non aerosol type, tiger balm will do. A small flashlight or head torch. A change of clothes and towel for use on return to Sumbiling Eco village.
Some snacks like energy bars e.g. mixed fruit bars, chocolate, sweets and drinks (any isotonic drink or packets of oral rehydration salts) in case you get hungry and thirsty en route.
Rules of the Rainforest:
Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints. Bring back nothing but memories
Please Don’t Bring: Suitcases, radios or loud sounding devices.
SEV on BB
Temburong Popular With Foreign Tourists
Written by Achong TanjongSaturday, 19 December 2009 07:52
Bangar - An average of 100 people comprising foreign tourist from different countries visited the Temburong district, according to a monthly report by the Tourist Information Centre in the district.
The visitors hailed from the US, UK, and a wide range of other European countries as well as from the greater Asian and Asean region, such as Malaysia, Singapore, India, China and Japan.
Most of the visitors make use of half-day and full-day tours in the district. According to staff at the information centre, where help is provided in regards to what Temburong has to offer visitors.
Tourists can purchase various unique local handicrafts at shops in the district. Around seven to 10 visitors make a stop at the centre daily.
The Sumbiling Eco-Village (SEV) is an eco-tourism project where the local communities of Temburong are involved, especially those from Kampong Sumbiling Lama, in particular.
The village, which is located next to a calm beautiful Temburong River, is surrounded by rainforest comprising local exotic fruit trees.
The district offers visitors a chance to see traditional Iban huts, jungle herbs trails as well as an opportunity to make use of a campsite where electricity, modern clean toilets and shower rooms are provided.
It's an excellent location that often is witness to company staff undergoing team-building exercises, students and teachers on educational excursions as well as members of the public with a strong passion for nature and the environment.
The traditional but called Balai" can accommodate up to 150 people during the day, while the camping facilities can accommodate up to 100 persons, and is just five minutes walking distance to the longhouse.
Visitors can explore the pristine rainforest of Ulu Temburong National Park, as a day trip, with the help of a local tour guide for a day trip. Visitors can ride on a traditional longboat called a "Temuai", in order to visit the canopy walkway and waterfall, where people can raft down sections of the Temburong River.
For more information in regards to-exploring the Temburong area, contact tour operator Hasa Incentives Sdn Bhd.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
