› Bike Routes and Safety
Measures
› Composting in Panaga
› An Anti-travel Guide
Panaga Outpost Pages
Seria, Brunei Darussalam
May-June
Contact us at outpostbrunei@shell.com.
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Panaga Outpost Pages Issue 3: May-June 2020
Seria, Brunei Darussalam
Welcome to Outpost
Contact us
Telephone: +673 337 4927
Email: [email protected]
Website: seria.globaloutpostservices.com
Facebook: Outpost Seria, Brunei
Or come visit our office!
Outpost Brunei, Seria
Panaga Club, 1st Floor
(opposite gym entrance)
Jalan Utara, KB 3534
Opening Hours
Monday - Friday: 9 - 11 a.m.
About Outpost Brunei-Seria
Outpost is an information hub for expatriate
families in all stages of their posting. We provide
the following services:
› Meet-n-Greet for newcomers
› Networking events including information
mornings
› Workshops on topics like CV writing, first aid,
how to prepare for your move, wildlife in
Panaga, and third-culture kids
› Weekly language classes
› ... and many more!
Check our Facebook page (Outpost Seria,
Brunei) for up-to-date information.
Contents
Welcome to Outpost 2-3
Bike Routes and Safety Measures 4-6
Gratitude in Times of Corona 7
Rotting in Panaga 8-11
International Day of Forests 11-14
Nature Walk in Panaga! 14-15
Online Learning 16-17
An Anti-travel Guide 17-18
A Happy Ramadan 18-19
Tamu Time: Tempeh 20-21
Hellos & Goodbyes 21-23
Snapshots 23-25
Notice Board 26
Language Classes at Outpost 27
Brunei Public Calendar 28
Panaga School Calendar 29
Community Events 30
Local Etiquette 31
Emergency Numbers 32
Panaga Health Centre 33
Outpost Brunei Team 2020 34
* Cover photo by Jenna Anand
Outpost office is closed until further notice.
For any enquiries, please contact us on
outpostbrunei@shell.com or visit our Facebook
page.
Travel Stories
For many of us, living in Brunei
is an opportunity to explore the
region, so we’re always eager
to hear unique and interesting
travel stories. If you have visited
an unusual destination or taken
part in an exciting activity in a well-travelled place we
would love to hear from you.
Volunteering
We would love to hear about
your volunteering experi-
ences in Brunei and nearby
countries: Where have you
volunteered since moving
here? How did you like it?
Would you recommend it to other expats? Help your
fellow expats find a good cause to support!
Share with the community through Outpost!
Editor’s Note
Seria, Brunei Darussalam
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Panaga Outpost Pages Issue 3: May-June 2020
Welcome to Outpost
Welcome to the May-June issue of Panaga Outpost
Pages (POP). It’s just the fifth month of the year 2020
and as we know it, coronavirus has transformed our
lives. Schools, offices, markets are closed and peo-
ple are coming up with creative ways to stay positive
during this pandemic. In the last two months, Panaga
saw many efforts from residents to stay positive and
spread awareness towards a healthy lifestyle. From
positive chalk messages on roads and windows to
socially distanced time trials running challenges on
Strava by Panas Runners group, people across Panaga
practice safe exercises.
As we celebrate the holy month of Ramadan during
a pandemic, in this issue, we encourage ways to help
local businesses. This issue also brings you insights
from enthusiastic residents and sees what they have
been exploring lately. Being at home is a perfect time
to learn new skills. With biking routes in Brunei, online
learning, composting, tree planting and new recipes,
we explore the creative expressions in a time of cri-
sis. In our regular section of Green Panaga, for the
first time we introduce a sub-section of Nature Walk
in Panaga! where we explore local plants growing
around us. In every issue, we investigate one type of
plant and learn their uses and properties.
The Outpost team would like to thank Inma Iglesias,
who helped us as Interim Event Coordinator while
Pratibha was on her maternity leave. Also, welcome
back Pratibha! The whole community joins us in thank-
ing Jeremy Ptak and family for helping with logistics of
pet or stray animals in Panaga. They are leaving Brunei
permanently next month. We appreciate all their hard
work and efforts.
Our Outpost office is closed until further notice, so we
cannot take any visitors at the moment. If you have any
questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us
via email or Facebook page.
If you have any ideas to serve
this community better, please
don’t hesitate to share with us.
Happy Reading!
Tripti Sharma
POP Editor
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Panaga Outpost Pages Issue 3: May-June 2020
Seria, Brunei Darussalam
Cycling in Brunei
Bike Routes and Safety Measures
By Wijnand Hoitinga, Michael Scheck, Alastair Comley
and Chris Reijmer
For many expats in our community, sports are an
important aspect of life. There is ample choice and
something to suit everybody’s needs. Many sports clubs
are sections of the Panaga Club, but there are also
group initiatives that are organized independently. A
WhatsApp group to communicate is generally sufficient
to get started. One of these initiatives is the Panaga
Lanterne Rouge Cycling Club, better known as PLR. It’s
an active cycling club with over 40 expat and Bruneian
members in the WhatsApp group and over 80 members
in a Strava club; Strava is an online platform to which
people can register and share their sport activities. It’s
like Facebook for athletes.
Cycling in Brunei Darussalam
Brunei has beautiful scenery, and cycling here is a joy.
Labi, Sungai Liang, and even large parts of the high-
way between Labi and Bandar are some of the prime
roads the club rides on. It may become a bit warm
between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., but just keep on cycling
and that air-cooling gets going.
Unfortunately, on the big roads there are no dedicated
cycling lanes like the ones inside Panaga camp. An
often-heard concern is safety while cycling, especially
because much of it takes place on the highway shoul-
der. It has to be said that for many cyclists it does not
feel unsafe at all, but obviously a dedicated cycling
lane would be safer. On the upside, there are not
many cars and the shoulders are wide and generally
of good quality. Often car drivers are very respectful
of cyclists and give way. Maybe it helps that in recent
years cycling has gained substantial popularity among
Bruneians, and car drivers are becoming accustomed
to meeting cyclists on the road. There are also quiet
roads that form an alternative to highways: Labi Road is
probably the best example.
Regardless of where one cycles, it is important to install
proper front and rear lights and to wear bright or reflec-
tive clothing to maximize one’s visibility.
Panaga Lanterne Rouge Cycling Club
PLR meets for training on Tuesday, Thursday and Sat-
urday, and sometimes even for a ride on Sunday. The
rides on Tuesday and Thursday are shorter ones as they
happen after work. The ride on Saturday is usually a
longer one to boost endurance and is more a social
ride. For the longer rides, the group stays together till
the end; this is not the case on training days, especially
if you cannot keep up with a speed of 40+ km per hour.
However, there is always someone to match your level
so it’s challenging and fun for everyone. Furthermore,
it stimulates everyone to improve. The meeting point is
always the Bina office, which is near the highway when
leaving Panaga from the KB side.
A simple Whatsapp message “Who’s in?” is usually the
call, followed by a short “In”, an emoji of a finger (not
the middle one), or the occasional “Intend to be there!”,
showing commitment to PLR but slightly more to the job.
PLR leaves at 5:30 p.m. sharp or, during the weekend,
slightly less sharp around 6:30 a.m.
Weekday Training
On Tuesdays the cycling route is a loop from Bina onto
the highway towards Anduki (see map on p.6). A bit
past the Anduki exit there is a u-turn. Till here every-
one usually stays together, or better, manages to stay
together. Just before the u-turn tension builds up, and
it starts to become more exciting. Sometimes over 30
cyclists compete for who can cycle back to Bina the
fastest. Who takes the lead? Who attacks first? It’s a
serious contest, and the trick is to stay with the front rid-
ers and take your turn in pulling the group. Pulling a bit
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Panaga Outpost Pages Issue 3: May-June 2020
Cycling in Brunei
too long before falling back may drain your energy too
much to accelerate and attach again to the last rider.
It’s not just a matter of strength and endurance but also
of strategy.
On Thursdays, if the group is small enough, PLR does
Mumong loops. From Bina all take a right turn to the
Panaga roundabout, then move to the teapot round-
about and return by the highway. This is repeated three
times, or as many as you can, and each time is faster
than the previous. As you may guess, the aim is to stay
with the group as long as possible, and speeds are
high. For instance, the Strava Final Sprint segment King
of the Mountain (KOM) time is currently 960 meters in
1 minute. That’s over 57 km per hour! Good luck beat-
ing that even with a tailwind.
Social Saturday
It is clear that with all this racing there is not much time
to talk. Therefore, on Saturday morning at 6:30 a.m.,
there’s a somewhat slower yet longer social ride. Often
starting with a beautiful sunrise, the aim is to cycle
around 3 to 4 hours and everybody stays together. The
group rides in a train of pairs, chatting and shuffling
at random moments. There are refreshment breaks at
local shops (see picture and map on next page), but
it’s important to bring sufficient water, gels, food and
spare tubes for the occasional flat. Don’t forget the sun
protection either! After 9:30 a.m. it will get hot.
Most of the time the group cycles towards Labi and
once there (approximately 30 km from Bina), several
options are available. Just to the first shop (where
one can have a break with refreshments) and back is
around 90 km. The option to Labi Reservoir involves
some climbing. The whole loop from Bina to the reser-
voir, the first shop and back to Bina has around 700 m
of total elevation gain. If one wants to go a bit further
than the first shop, turning at Lalak Lake is an option, or
even further to the second shop, where again refresh-
ments are available. If you’re feeling strong (or have
nothing else to do that day), the Long House at Teraja
is the ultimate destination and where the paved road
ends. The latter is about 165 km of cycling, and when
you’re home you’ll probably enjoy this ride till bedtime,
which may come earlier than usual that day.
A nice long-distance alternative is to Tutong, turning
right at the first traffic light and then all straight. This is
also part of the yearly Brunei Classic route. The Brunei
Classic is an annual race of 100 or 160 km across
Brunei from KB to Bandar, but it can also be enjoyed as
a long ride with water stands in between. The choice is
yours.
Quite a bit shorter but definitely worthwhile is a loop
via Sungai Liang. Passing Labi Road take a left turn
towards the coast, and at the T-junction take another
left. You will pass a shop where you can take a break.
Before heading back home, try a small detour through
the agricultural area close to Sungai Liang town with
a steep hill at the start. It’s challenging but also comes
with a beautiful view! Once you’ve returned to Panaga,
finish with a well-deserved coffee at Azul.
Unfortunately, with the current COVID-19 situation it is
not possible to cycle as a group. Therefore, PLR does
not meet, but the virtual contact has not stopped. Every-
body stays connected via WhatsApp and has found
new ways of challenging each other. With the border
closed, traffic towards Miri is minimal, and this makes
the road excellent for some Individual Time Trials. The
current challenge is to cycle fastest to the border and
back. Everyone pays close attention to the Strava
updates. Even in times of social distancing and isola-
tion, PLR stays closely connected.
Do you dare to take up the challenge? You know where
and when PLR meets. Need a bike? The Specialized
store in Bandar and Miri has good equipment. Have a
look and join PLR!
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Panaga Outpost Pages Issue 3: May-June 2020
Seria, Brunei Darussalam
Cycling in Brunei
Bike routes and safety measures
PLR Group photo. (Photo credit: PLR group)
Stop shop at Tutong. (Photo credit: Ajay Bhatia)
PLR group cycling. (Photo credit: Chris Reijmer) Save the map. Social Weekend route. (Photo credit: Wijnand Hoitinga)
Badas loop route. (Photo credit: Wijnand Hoitinga)
Sungai Liang route. (Photo credit: Wijnand Hoitinga)
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Panaga Outpost Pages Issue 3: May-June 2020
Observations om a Hermit’s Shell
Gratitude in Times of Corona
By Petra Moelker-Pronk
“No worries. Distance is only relative. If something is
really going on, I will be in the Netherlands within 2
days.” That's what I said to my kids before we left for
Brunei. Actually, I said it just as much to myself - an
incantation against the sadness of parting, to make the
move to the other side of the world a bit easier.
But the coronavirus put an end to this assumption - and
many others. The world as we know it has crumbled
at a rapid pace. It's hard not to get gloomy with the
daily news and the uncertainty about how long this will
last. However, the longer it lasts, the greater my need
for counterbalance. I am longing for a different focus,
positive people and stories of hope. Whatever you pay
attention to grows. So I try not to focus on what I miss
but on what I still have. My new motto is “Count your
blessings”, and there are quite a few.
I absolutely love the many beautiful and creative
initiatives of people all around the world. Neighbours
are cooking, running errands or walking the dogs for
those in home isolation. A friend used the time to start
a food channel. People are busy building community.
Home-schooling parents exchange ideas about how
to keep the kids busy (and offline…). Actions such as
“the big clap” or “spread a bit of happiness”, by one
of the Panaga teachers, result in rainbow drawings and
positive messages in windows. I also enjoy the Sari
Challenge, a spectacle of pictures of people wearing
colorful saris. And my personal favorite: The “View from
my window” Facebook group! It’s a rapidly growing
global community of people showing the view from the
window where they are in quarantine. The stories (not
to mention the pictures) of all these people sharing the
same experience are highlights of my day. I have never
had so many messages from people asking how I’m
doing. And I have never sent so many myself. Suddenly
I speak to my brothers and sisters every week instead of
every two months, and I know much more about their
lives.
Corona has also brought something else: peace and
quiet. Although I do miss having coffee, socializing
and traveling, I also secretly enjoy the fact that my
choices are limited. Normally I have to make so many
decisions. Do I spend the early morning cycling, beach
walking or just waking up quietly? If I choose the latter,
how do I compensate - gym, swimming, tennis, or all
three? But then again, what about work social con-
tacts…? The days have always been too short to do
everything I want to do, resulting in stress. Now that we
can’t go out, I have more peace of mind and a better
work-life balance. There is a yoga mat in my office
inviting me to exercise regularly and I allow myself to
just relax. Apparently, it took a corona crisis to teach
me that.
But the most unexpected gift is that by being more at
home, I also feel more at home. I do try to stop my mind
wandering to Holland, since that is a whole different
universe, completely out of my reach. Instead, I'm
focusing on the Here and Now: this place, my house
and the people in Panaga who share this particular
moment in time. This helps me to stay grounded and be
more appreciative. It is a strange experience we are
going through, but it’s one that forges a bond precisely
because it intervenes so deeply in all of our lives.
When someone asks me in a few years “Where were
you during the corona crisis?” I will probably smile
and say, “In Brunei, in my beautiful, spacious, light-
filled, stilted house with a unique garden view and
some amazing, whimsical trees that luckily escaped my
neighbors' chainsaw, surrounded by dear friends.”
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Panaga Outpost Pages Issue 3: May-June 2020
Seria, Brunei Darussalam
Green Panaga
In our new regular feature “Green Panaga” we bring you interviews, in-depth articles and events in celebration of the beautiful and precious
jungle environment we live in. This initiative is brought to you by several BSP departments and Panaga Club sections, including the Panaga
Natural History Society (PNHS), Last Straw Initiative, Panaga School, and BSP’s Environmental Affairs Department.
Rotting in Panaga:
Advice From Composting Enthusiasts
by Rachel Laramee
When I started asking around Panaga for advice
about composting, I found that most people fall into
two categories. Some have been doing it forever.
Others assume it’s like a neon sign calling monkeys,
rats and snakes to visit the garden for all their meals.
And if we’re being honest, it also sounds kind of gross
and laborious. So why bother?
Well, there are some compelling reasons. Up to 30%
of household trash and lawn waste can be com-
posted at home, and when this very biodegradable
material slowly decomposes in the anaerobic con-
ditions of a landfill, it creates huge amounts of meth-
ane. Also, collecting the waste and transporting it to
landfills requires a lot of fuel. Home composting mit-
igates both of these environmental impacts and has
the further benefit of reducing the need for chemical
fertilizers in your home garden, which run off into our
local water supplies and can wreak havoc on those
delicate ecosystems.
In short, composting is a great way to reduce your
carbon footprint and help protect local marine-life,
and it comes with the warm-fuzzy feelings you might
expect from a save-the-planet gesture.
Moreover, it’s not hard at all.
The Nammaris have been composting for years,
and Diya was kind enough to walk me through
their tried-and-true process. They collect their com-
postable materials (vegetable scraps, eggshells,
coffee grounds) in open containers in the sinks in the
laundry room. I’m happy to report that this weirdly
does not stink. About once a week, Diya dumps the
scraps into the plastic, rotating composting bins in the
backyard along with some garden waste (cut grass,
dry leaves). If the material gets too wet, he adds more
yard clippings to the bins. He emphasized the impor-
tance of balancing carbon-rich (green) and nitro-
gen-rich (brown) material for faster decomposition.
Every few weeks, Diya transfers the contents of one of
the bins to a brick-lined compost heap, which he built
off the ground to keep it clear of the rainwater that
floods the garden. He digs a hole in the heap, dumps
the partially decomposed material into the hole and
covers it with more soil. After about a week, it’s bro-
ken down enough to be used in the garden, where
the basil in particular is flourishing.
The Nammaris are not the only ones composting
around here. Jenna Anand, who sought advice
from Diya, has an even simpler system: “I’ve dug a
pit (about a foot deep), lined it with bricks, and put
waste in the pit. I then cover with sandy soil.” And
that’s pretty much it. She collects kitchen scraps in
a container and then transfers them to the compost
pile. She keeps a shovel handy to dig a hole for the
scraps, which helps turn the contents. “Typically things
disappear very quickly,” she says. She doesn’t use
Follow @panaga_environment on Instagram for more information on these and other
environmental activities in Panaga!
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Panaga Outpost Pages Issue 3: May-June 2020
Green Panaga
the soil, but “some plants have sprouted out of the
pile, which is of great interest to the kids.”
Outpost’s own POP Editor, Tripti Sharma, just started
composting last December after getting a composter
as a birthday gift. Her family has a long tradition of
composting and she was eager to handle her house-
hold waste more responsibly. Her husband, Vivek,
was supportive but skeptical, worried it would stink.
Now, Tripti says, he doesn’t even notice it’s there.
Tripti uses one plastic composting bin and no com-
post heap. (I purchased a similar bin at The Tool Box
in Bandar.) She collects kitchen scraps in a container
and puts them into the composter every two or three
weeks, along with an equal amount of brown mate-
rial, including hay and sawdust from her pet rabbit’s
cage. By the time that batch is ready to use in her
garden, the kitchen scrap container is full again and
ready to go into the vacated composter.
But, really, what about the monkeys?
Believe it or not, the composting Panagans I spoke
with assured me this is not a problem. “I’ve never
had any issues with monkeys as it is underground,
buried,” Jenna says. Macaques are regular visitors
to both the Nammaris’ and the Sharmas’ gardens,
but because there’s no animal waste and because
the kitchen scraps are mixed with yard waste, the
monkeys are not particularly interested in the com-
post.
Ramon van Dijk has had some experience with
opportunistic wildlife coming by for a snack. “In the
beginning I just put some kitchen scraps out for the
chicken,” he says, “but it also attracted mice. Then
I started putting it into a hole I dug in the backyard
and that worked ok, though monkeys did come and
rummage through it a bit. Then recently I built the sim-
ple composting box from wood I found on the beach
and that has proven to be quite handy… and rodents
and monkeys are reduced/eliminated.”
That said: Don’t put animal products (except egg-
shells) in your compost! These things will definitely
decompose and would probably add lots of great
nutrients to your garden soil, but they will also attract
all of the rodents and reptiles you’d rather not see on
the property.
Ready to start composting? Check out the linked
resources or chat with one of our friendly local com-
posting enthusiasts. Switching to a more sustainable
practice can seem like an enormous undertaking and
a huge lifestyle shift. In reality, it’s just a matter of
setting up a system and starting a new habit, which is
probably not much more labor-intensive or time-con-
suming than whatever you were doing before. And
what better time to switch up household habits than
now, when many of us are spending so much time at
home? As Jenna says, “It’s easy, just put it back in the
ground.”
Brown
› Dry leaves
› Straw or hay and
sawdust
› Paper (e.g., newspaper,
paper plates/napkins,
coffee filters)
› Cotton fabric
› Corrugated cardboard
(shredded, without
waxy/slick paper
coatings)
Green
› Grass clippings
› Coffee grounds, tea
bags
› Vegetable/fruit scraps
› Eggshells
› Animal manures (except
dog/cat poop)
› Seaweed
Green (nitrogen) and brown (carbon) matter
New office hours!!
Now open every
The Nammaris’ kitchen scraps get some air while awaiting dispatch.
(Photo credit: Rachel Laramee)
When one of the bins is full, the other is usually ready to be emptied onto the
heap. (Photo credit: Rachel Laramee)
Top: Don’t forget to add garden waste.
(Photo credit: Rachel Laramee)
Tripti’s simple system yields rich potting soil.
(Photo credit: Tripti Sharma)
Left: Diya built this compost heap with bricks left by the previous
resident. (Photo credit: Rachel Laramee)
Seria, Brunei Darussalam
Panaga Outpost Pages Issue 3: May-June 2020
10
Green Panaga
Tree Planting for International Day of Forests
by Ramon van Dijk
On 14 March, the world celebrated the Interna-
tional Day of Forests (IDF), and we celebrated here
in Panaga as well. In the style of the moment, we
celebrated separately, but together. It was the first
day that events around Brunei were required to be
cancelled, and many of the components of Pana-
ga’s first IDF celebration were postponed to a future
date, including the outcome of a photo competition
of Panaga trees, a silent art auction and exhibit with
hors d’oeuvres and a “seed race”. One part of the
IDF did proceed, albeit in a different format than
originally planned: a tree planting and tree sale.
From all over the community, people came to the
Panaga Club to plant saplings. Over the course of
the morning, hundreds of trees were planted around
the Club grounds and on the golf course. The indige-
nous tree types were selected to represent a variety
of trees that can do well in the coastal environment of
Panaga and be of value to birds and other animals
by supporting habitat and biodiversity. For instance,
some trees provide berries, which are desirable for
numerous birds, and others provide leaves for local
silver leaf monkeys.
Families and individuals helped plant the ten tree
varieties. The saplings were available for selection
and pick up on the padang and from there were
carried individually or in bulk to various locations.
Many trees were sponsored ($5 donation per sap-
ling) by the people who planted them, making the
event a little extra special for them. In addition to the
trees planted at the Club, a large number of trees
were purchased for planting at or near people’s
homes in the Panaga area. You may have noticed
some of these saplings around camp. Altogether
324 saplings were planted.
That Saturday morning over 60 people contributed
their time, energy and enthusiasm to the event –
sincere thanks to each of them!! Their contributions
will be appreciated even more in the future when
the grown trees contribute to the beauty and well-
being of Panaga by helping cool the surroundings;
supporting ground water regulation; providing food
and shelter for all manner of birds, mammals, rep-
Ramon says, “My box is put together so there is plenty of space
for air and water to circulate through the box to assist in the
biodegrading process… composting is accelerated, dirt is more
easily contained and used…” (Photo credit: Ramon van Dijk)
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Panaga Outpost Pages Issue 3: May-June 2020
Green Panaga
Resources
› https://www.thespruce.com/composting-
greens-and-browns-2539485
› https://www.eco-business.com/press-releases/
small-scale-co-composting-process-and-effi-
cient-methods/
› https://www.epa.gov/recycle/compost-
ing-home
tiles, insects and other creatures; absorbing carbon
and providing shade.
It’s not too late to help! With the irregular rainfall at
the moment, some saplings may struggle to survive,
so a moment of your time to water a sapling would
be another way for you to contribute to this initiative.
Also, there are still some saplings available to plant in
your own garden or in empty areas near your home.
If you wish to purchase a sapling for your home ($5
contribution to cover costs), please check and follow
@panaga_environment on Instagram and Facebook
for more information.
The Panaga_Environment Instagram and Facebook
accounts are also a good source of information about
upcoming environmentally themed events organized
by Panaga Club, Future Energy Lions (FEL), Panaga
Natural History Society (PNHS), The Last Straw (TLS),
Outpost and Wildlife Warriors. Please join us!
Planted Sapling Types
› Binca loi (dipterocarpaceae anisoptera)
› Bunga Tanjung (mimusops elengi)
› Gaharu Tempatan (thymelaeaceae aquilaria)
› Kapor Paji (dryobalanops lanceolate)
› Kapur Paya (drybalanops rappa)
› Keruing Sindor (dipterocarpaceae dipterocarpus
borneensis slooten)
› Ketapang (beach almond) (combretaceae termi-
nalia catappa)
› Panaga Laut (clusiaceae callophyllum inophyl-
lum)
› Ru Runang (caelia pinaceae gymnortona nobila)
› Sepetir (sindora wallichii)
› Ubah (myrtaceae syzggium)
Akash Anand (left) and Kris Anand (right) planting a tree at Golf
club. (Photo credit: Chetan Anand)
A volunteer happily planting a sapling. (Photo credit: Jenna Anand)
Shovel casualty in the yard.
(Photo credit: Christina Landry-Boullion)
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Panaga Outpost Pages Issue 3: May-June 2020
Green Panaga
Marten Adema and son Olly planting a tree.
(Photo credit: Marleen Spaans)
Andre Boullion and Eliot Boullion planting a sapling.
(Photo credit: Christina Landry-Boullion)
A collection of tree saplings waiting to be planted.
(Photo credit: Lisa Thieme)
Andre Boullion and Norah Boullion planting a sapling.
(Photo credit: Christina Landry-Boullion)
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Panaga Outpost Pages Issue 3: May-June 2020
Green Panaga
Andre Boullion and Elise Boullion planting a sapling.
(Photo Credit: Christina Landry-Boullion)
Eliot Boullion, Elise Boullion and Norah Boullion with their respective
tree saplings. (Photo Credit: Christina Landry-Boullion)
Nature Walk in Panaga!
Environmental enthusiasts are joining forces to create a detailed listing of common plants
found in Panaga. A 3 km route of Nature walk in Panaga will be set up in few weeks. In this new
section of POP we will explore many different aspects of the wonderful biodiversity in Panaga
Camp. Keep an eye on our Facebook page, “Outpost Seria, Brunei”, for more updates.
NEW
Flame lilly
by Ratna Arif-Powell
Common name:
Flame lilly, Climbing lilly,
Tiger lilly, Claw lilly and
Glory lilly
Local name: Bunga songsang
Scientific name: Gloriosa superba
General information:
› Native to tropical Africa.
› Climbing plant with tubers.
› All parts of this plant, particularly the tubers, are
extremely poisonous and ingestion can be fatal.
› Sap can cause skin irritation.
› Contain colchicines and gloriocine alkaloids.
› G. superba has long been used in many cultures
across Africa and Asia as traditional medicine.
Mainly for external applications but also ingested
in small quantities (incorrect dosage has caused
human deaths). Ingesting this plant can kill a small
mammal in 15 minutes!
› Cultivated in India for the pharmaceutical industry.
Photo credit: Ratna Arif-Powell
Seria, Brunei Darussalam
14
Panaga Outpost Pages Issue 3: May-June 2020
Green Panaga
› Used as poison for arrows.
Plant parts and uses:
Seeds-
› Best source of colchicine.
› In powder form, used traditionally for treating
rheumatism, gout and other diseases. Approved
by the FDA in 1961 for treatment of gout and
Familial Mediterranean fever.
› Traded commercially in India. Seeds are sold for
up to US$100 a kilogram!
› For making decorative necklaces.
Leaves-
› Juice of leaves drunk as an antimalarial.
› Administered in an enema as a decongestant.
› Leaf decoction applied as a liniment to ease
coughs, asthma, general pain, dropsy, rheuma-
tism and to treat acne.
› Paste applied externally to remove headlice.
Sap-
› Sap from tip of leaf applied externally to treat
pimples.
› An ingredient of a drink for treating insomnia.
Tuber-
› In Ayurvedic medicine the tuber is used as anti-
arthritic, antihaemorrhoid, antileprotic, antiperi-
odic (such as malaria), alterative, cholagogue,
abortifacient, purgative and tonic.
› Also used for treating ulcers, venereal diseases,
leprosy, piles, inflammations, abdominal pains
and itching.
› Paste applied externally for treating a wide
range of ailments and sicknesses; bruises, colic,
chronic ulcers, haemorrhoids, cancer, facilitate
childbirth (by inducing labour), snakebites and
scorpion stings.
› As ingredient in poultices for relieving neural-
gia, treating arthritic conditions, swellings of the
joints, sprains and dislocations.
› Juice is used as drops for treating earache and
toothache.
Whole plant-
› Use as an anthelmintic to treat infections such as
guinea worms, schistosomes (causing bilharzia),
roundworm, tapeworm, liver fluke and filarial.
› For treatment of cancer and cirrhosis of the liver.
Photo credit: Ratna Arif-Powell
Photo credit: Ratna Arif-Powell
Seria, Brunei Darussalam
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Panaga Outpost Pages Issue 3: May-June 2020
Green Panaga
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Panaga Outpost Pages Issue 3: May-June 2020
Seria, Brunei Darussalam
Career and Development
Online Learning
By Savannah Jung
With the internet being an ever-expanding place, the
opportunities to learn whatever you want, whenever
and wherever is most convenient for you, are unlimited.
For many expats, continuing their education abroad is
a priority and, now more than ever, the ability to learn
from the comfort of your home is essential. Even if you
aren’t interested in obtaining a Ph.D. while practicing
social distancing, there are plenty of ways to keep you
and your family entertained and expand your knowl-
edge on anything from art to technology to history.
Online College
If you are like me, you have varying interests
that make sticking to one topic difficult or nearly
impossible. There are many colleges that offer classes
through online educational platforms like Coursera
and edX. Both online learning sites offer free or low-
priced courses taught by professors from universities
like Yale, Princeton, Havard, Stanford, MIT and many
more. You can access course materials and lectures
for free, and some courses, for a fee, even grant
you certificates upon completion, which you can put
on your resume or LinkedIn profile. Check out this
Business Insider article (https://www.businessinsider.
com/free-online-courses-from-best-colleges) for a
full list of universities that offer remote learning and
the courses available.
Museums
Whether you are an art connoisseur or just enjoy the
whimsical experience of walking through a gallery, art
is something that anyone can appreciate. No matter
your age, educational background or walk of life,
there is always something to learn and relish through
the experience of a museum. Now, you can visit some
of the most famous museums in the world, right from
your living room couch. Places like the Louvre, the
Guggenheim, the Smithsonian, the British Museum and
others offer online tours where you can virtually walk
their halls and view all their exhibits for free. Other
institutions like the National Gallery of Art and NASA
offer virtual tours and online exhibits along with audio
lectures about the history of different art pieces and
artifacts. You can find the full list of museums offering
online tours here: “https://www.mentalfloss.com/
article/75809/12-world-class-museums-you-can-visit-
online”.
Additional Courses
There are so many online classes and remote learning
websites out there that it can be overwhelming to get
started. Here are some platforms that can help you find
exactly what you’re looking for.
Khan Academy (https://www.khanacademy.org/):
If you could use some helpful home-schooling mate-
rials for your kids, check out Khan Academy, which
works with many secondary schools to offer a depth
of information on different subjects. They have short,
informative lectures that build on past lectures to pro-
vide learning at a manageable pace. With the current
Photo by Marvin Meyer on unsplash.
Seria, Brunei Darussalam
Panaga Outpost Pages Issue 3: May-June 2020
17
Career and Development
Travel
closure of many schools, Khan Academy can provide a
way to keep students on track.
CodeAcademy (https://www.codecademy.com/):
Technology can be daunting, sometimes even scary. For
those who want to conquer web design and flex their
creative muscles at the same time, CodeAcademy is just
the resource for that. You can learn a variety of formats
from HTML, Java Script, CSS, Python and many more.
They have videos of real-life see demonstrations and
step by step instructions so you can always refer back
to prior steps if you get stuck.
TED-Ed (https://ed.ted.com/): If you have never heard
of TED talks, you are in for a treat. These lectures can
be anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour and cover a
wide range of topics from space theory, mental health,
technology’s impact on the world and so many others.
The range of subject matter makes it easy for you to
take learning at a casual pace or take on more serious
topics when you feel like it. Their library of videos and
podcasts is constantly expanding so you will never run
out of material.
No matter where you are or what is going on in the
world around you, there is always a way to continue
learning. Challenging yourself mentally is a great stress
reliever, regardless of whether you have lofty aspira-
tions or are just looking for a fulfilling way to pass the
time. Take your education into your own hands and
check out some of the websites mentioned here. You
never know what you may learn today.
An Anti-travel Guide
By Nova Dudley Gough
I’m a city girl at heart, and when my friends and family
heard that we were moving to Brunei they were a little
concerned. What about the shopping? What about the
nights out with friends? Seriously, what about the shop-
ping? Do not worry, I reassured them. I’ve done four
winters in Moscow. I can deal with Brunei. And now, in
these times of social distancing, the skills I learned there
are proving to be surprisingly useful.
Moscow was a fabulous city, but even when you have
great public transport and world-class museums, ice
and snow and very low temperatures would discour-
age you from spending a serious amount of time out-
doors. Flights could be cancelled due to weather, and
even if the roads were clear, we didn’t have a car and
it was often a bother or too expensive to hire a taxi.
So, we got used to spending a lot of time at home, and
not seeing many (any) other people for days on end.
This is how we did it.
Plan (imaginary) holidays for when you
can actually travel
An enforced break at home can often mean that you
have time to think about what you’d really rather be
doing. Fancy Thai food more than is strictly healthy?
Do some reading about Thailand. Fantasising about
excessive amounts of Starbucks? Plan a road trip in
the US. Longing for fields and walks and cosy eve-
nings by a fire? Research the Yorkshire Dales. The point
Photo by Samuel S. Lara on Unsplash.
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Panaga Outpost Pages Issue 3: May-June 2020
Seria, Brunei Darussalam
Travel
here that you don’t ever actually have to go on these
trips, so push the boat out. Look at the amazing hotels,
crazy sunsets and enormous meals and then, when you
surface from your laptop, you can relish the fact that
you haven’t gained 35 lbs from eating American pan-
cakes, haven’t spent a month’s salary on a hotel made
entirely of bamboo and smiles, and you will probably
never have to walk up a hill unless you’re forced to.
Of course, if you’re so inclined you can book all these
things and have actual dates in your diary where you
will get off the sofa and leave the house. Well done,
you.
Do things together as a family (separately)
I’m always impressed when I see families playing
board games together, cooking together and being
jolly together, especially in a slow motion montage.
Obviously I only ever see these families on TV. Real life
(in our house) is somewhat different. Something that
worked for us when we were stuck in our apartment for
days on end was to do what we as individuals want to
do, but in the same location (volume and mess permit-
ting), so we have the physical closeness that people
do need but without having to actually communicate.
Open plan living really lends itself well to this. So, let
the kids paint while you read a book and your spouse
idly watches TV. Just because you’re together doesn’t
mean you have to do the same things. But if you do,
please put it on Facebook so the rest of us can feel
inadequate as we try and justify excessive time on
iPads as “research” (see above) or hours spent doing
Minecraft as “geography” or internet shopping as
“economic stimulation”. In the meantime I shall get back
to watching Mad Men and pretend it’s an intellectual
exercise examining the rise of modern culture and femi-
nism while really I just like watching Jon Hamm in a suit.
Stick to a routine (or not)
Some families stuck inside over the winter would be
almost gleeful at the start of their winter hibernation. A
new timetable would surface, with ice skating and cross
country skiing and extra music lessons and and and -
oh gosh, I’m exhausted at the memory of them. While it
is important to get up and not laze around, being stuck
at home for any length of time requires a little more
flexibility and, much as I hate to use the word, chill. You
can’t spend every day in your pyjamas watching TV,
but every now and then doesn’t hurt anyone. When
the daily routine has already taken a change, mixing
things up does everyone good. Have cereal for dinner,
have a picnic in a bedroom, spend the day watching
an entire series of movies from start to finish. And then,
the next day, get up, get dressed and follow the usual
routine. It will feel a little easier.
This too will pass
The thing about winters in Moscow is that spring would
come eventually. There would always be a few extra
snowfalls and drops in temperature just to taunt you
when you thought the worst was over, but one day
you’d realise that the coat you were wearing felt odd.
And the odd feeling is that you were warm again,
despite being outdoors, and you’d made it through
another winter.
There are no fix-all tips or tricks that work for everyone
when forced to stay at home for any extended length of
time. Have patience. Be gentle with yourself and others.
Move your body. Do things that you enjoy, and some-
times do things that you don’t much enjoy but that make
others happy (see Minecraft, above). Eat the biscuits,
watch the TV and stay in touch with the people you like
the best. You don’t need to make use of the time if you
don’t want to; there isn’t a timesheet at the end to fill
out to say what you’ve been doing. Getting through is
absolutely enough.
And as for the shopping? Well, ASOS and M&S deliver
to Brunei in four days, so as long as they can get
through so will I. With Jon Hamm for company.
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Panaga Outpost Pages Issue 3: May-June 2020
19
About Ramadan
A Happy Ramadan
By Savannah Jung
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar
and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of
fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran
to Muhammad. This annual observance is regarded as
one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The month lasts 29–30
days based on visual sightings of the crescent moon,
in accordance with numerous biographical accounts
compiled in the hadiths.
From dawn until sunset, Muslims refrain from eating,
consuming liquids, smoking and sexual activity. All
Muslims observe these restrictions unless they are trav-
eling, ill, menstruating, breastfeeding, elderly, pregnant
or diabetic. Fasting is safe for healthy individuals, but
those with medical conditions should seek the advice of
a healthcare professional. Those who participate in fast-
ing will either see weight loss or sometimes weight gain.
This is usually attributed to your metabolism adjusting to
this new schedule. Before dawn is when the first meal of
the day (known as suhur) is had, as well as the morning
prayer. During Ramadan, Muslims redouble their focus
on salat (prayers) and recitation of the Quran, as well
as good deeds and charity.
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the current
order for all mosques and places of worship to close
in order to reduce the spread of the disease, many are
likely wondering how this will affect the celebration of
Ramadan. So far, the annual Ramadan bazaar has
been cancelled to encourage social distancing. In lieu
of a physical bazaar, the government has set up an
online portal for Ramadan vendors to conduct busi-
ness on this platform, with micro, small and medium
enterprises (MSMEs) encouraged to provide delivery
services, according to the Borneo Bulletin.
Otherwise, the fasting and prayer aspects of Rama-
dan should continue without interruption despite the
ongoing pandemic. This means that it is important for
those who are not observing to remain respectful and
supportive of those observing the holiday. When out in
public, refrain from drinking, eating and chewing gum,
even when in your car. Do not offer food or drink to
friends who are observing Ramadan.
If you are not observing Ramadan, you are somewhat
able to maintain your normal routine. Purchasing gro-
ceries is allowed as is ordering takeaway or delivery
from local restaurants. Ordering delivery and pickup
from restaurants, who are likely losing revenue due to
the ban on in-house dining, is encouraged and a great
way to help local businesses in these difficult times.
To learn more about Ramadan visit the Outpost holi-
days page or read this article from a previous edition
of POP. Stay safe during social distancing and have a
happy Ramadan everyone!
Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan. (Photo by Anders Blomqvist taken from Getty Images)
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Panaga Outpost Pages Issue 3: May-June 2020
Seria, Brunei Darussalam
Tamu Time - Tempeh
By Petra Moelker-Pronk
This time our featured tamu item doesn’t look like a fruit
or vegetable, and technically it is not one. You don’t
find tempeh growing in nature, but this strange looking
fluffy package is definitely a 100% vegetable product.
Tempeh is made from cooked and slightly fermented
soybeans. As a result of the fermentation process, the
soybeans stick together and form a firm, white block
with a cake-like structure and a spongy texture. It looks
and smells a bit funny if you are not used to it. Tempeh
has a big advantage over raw soybeans: digestibil-
ity. While soybeans are not easy to digest, tempeh is,
thanks to the fermentation that breaks down the phytic
acid in the beans.
Though tempeh originated in Asia, nowadays it is
common in the Western world. Because of the high
protein level (18 gram protein per 100 gram tempeh),
it is a popular replacement for meat in vegetarian
and vegan cooking. It also contains a lot of calcium,
magnesium and iron. Because of its fairly neutral taste,
tempeh provides a great base for a lot of dishes, since
it takes on the flavor of a sauce or condiment perfectly.
Its adaptability is phenomenal. With BBQ seasoning,
you can even create tempeh that tastes a bit like meat.
Steaming or simmering the block for about 10 min-
utes before marinating makes it better able to absorb
flavors.
Tempeh can be prepared in a lot of different ways: stir-
fried in cubes for burritos, simmered with pineapple in
a sweet and sour sauce or grated for soup or vege-
tarian chili. If you like a crispy touch, you can fry it or
cook in on the grill. Vegetarian BBQ? Just infuse a slice
of tempeh in a nice marinade for one hour and roast in
on the BBQ until it’s dark brown.
Uncooked Tempeh. (Photo credit: Petra Moelker-Pronk)
Spicy Tempeh cooked by Petra Moelker-Pronk.
Tamu Time: Tempeh
(Photo credit: Rachel Laramee)
Tamu Time
Hellos & Goodbyes
Hello to Lara Mulder
By Petra Moelker-Pronk
Name: Lara Mulder
From: The Netherlands
Spouse: Marcel
Kids: Melle and Julie
Occupation: Lawyer
Arrived in Brunei: 7
March (and pre-visit in
January)
What is your first impression of Brunei?
Our first visit to Brunei was in January, before the
corona situation developed into a worldwide crisis. We
experienced Brunei as a beautiful country with very
welcoming people. It still is, only we do not see much of
it now, nor do we interact with many people.
Rough start, arriving in the corona crisis?
Obviously it is not ideal to say the least. Luckily, we
could move into our house quite quickly, which gave us
a bit more space. The transit apartment – Cube Apart-
ments – was very good, but for the children with the
social distancing and closing of school and the Club,
it was a bit limited as to outdoor possibilities. For the
kids it is more difficult than for Marcel and me. We can
rationalize the situation, but they really miss school,
sports and playing with other children.
What was the best decision you made during your
preparation for Brunei?
Bringing a lot of toys in the airfreight!
Anything essential you wish you had packed, but did
not?
A mosquito net… I was told that was not necessary, but
I guess these people are not very “tasty”.
What do you like most about this place?
The surroundings, very nice people and that it is (will
be) a great place for the kids.
And what do you miss most?
At the moment our friends and family in the The Nether-
lands are overeating themselves with white asparagus…
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Panaga Outpost Pages Issue 3: May-June 2020
Tamu Time - Tempeh
Recipe Spicy Tempeh
Ingredients
1 block of tempeh
1/2 cup of sweet soy sauce
2 tablespoons oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
¼ teaspoon of chili
Method
1. Slice the tempeh into thin cubes.
2. Mix the rest of the ingredients to make the marinade. If it is too thick, add
some water.
3. Pour the marinade over the tempeh and let it marinate for at least one
hour.
4. Remove the tempeh and discard the marinade.
5. In a pan, cook at low heat until brown. (Stand by it because caramelized
soy sauce easily burns!)
Tamu Time
yes, please! And of course, these friends and family.
Biggest surprise about this country?
I guess we do not know yet, but that we will experience
soon!
Happy with your house?
Yes, we are very happy with our house in E8. Because
we have quite some time on our hands, we managed
to get the garden prepped within a week. Now we are
waiting for the belated arrival of our container. Certain
family members know that there is a pool stored.
How about the onboarding process? Anything you
missed?
Some face-to-face interaction.
What are you looking forward to?
Getting back to normal!
What will be your biggest challenge?
This is our first expat posting, and Brunei will have to
become our home. We will have to leave the rough
start behind us as soon as possible.
What are your hopes and dreams for the next years?
I hope that when we return to The Netherlands or go
elsewhere in four years’ time, we will look back to
Brunei and the region as an amazing adventure and
experience.
Goodbye to Margot
Stroeken
Name: Margot Stroeken
From: The Netherlands
Occupation: Expat Coach
Spouse: Lieuwe Nas
Kids: Tara (6) and Philip (4)
Arrived in Brunei: December 2015
Leaving for: Oman via The Netherlands
Looking forward to leaving? What’s the overwhelming
emotion?
Leaving is a suitcase full of mixed feelings for me. I am
looking forward to new adventures in different parts of
the world, but also sad to leave Brunei, the kind people
of Panaga and beautiful nature behind. It will always
be my kids’ early childhood memories. And it is strange
to leave in COVID-19 times; it won’t be the goodbye
we imagined.
How do you look back on your time in Brunei?
It wasn’t an easy transition from China to here. We
loved our life there, and arriving with a newborn baby
and a toddler and spending 7 months in temporary
accommodation in the middle of jungle fire season
was not ideal. But as the dust settled, I really came to
appreciate the community and the nature. Some of the
highlights include dancing barefoot in the rain at Bolly-
wood Night and walking to the different waterfalls on
Labi Road with friends. And of course the great travel
opportunities.
What will you miss?
Sitting on our patio surrounded by green, with an
accompanying soundtrack of birds and frogs and the
occasional passing-by squirrels, monkeys and monitor
lizards.
What will you definitely NOT miss?
The sandflies, of course.
What was the best decision you made here?
To pursue a work permit with Clarity Brunei, which pro-
vides psychological services to individuals and compa-
nies here. It was a long wait for the official paperwork,
but it was worth it.
What would you do differently in hindsight?
Not much really.
Photo credit: Juls Ibarra
Seria, Brunei Darussalam
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Panaga Outpost Pages Issue 3: May-June 2020
Hellos & Goodbyes
Tamu Time
Did living here change you, professionally and person-
ally?
Yes to both. There have been some challenging times
here, also related to my family back home. We saw
each other less due to distance and health reasons,
which was tough at times. At the same time it has made
me appreciate all the good things in life even more.
Professionally, I have grown a lot as a coach, a career
change I started in China and continued in Brunei.
As an expat coach you helped expats with the chal-
lenges of living abroad. What’s the most important thing
you learned yourself?
You have a lot more power over your mind than you
think. If you are not happy with the way things are
going for you, start imagining how you would like
things to be and start making small changes to that
effect. These will add up to big changes over time. Be
a self-leader, especially when you are on a dependent
pass.
When you look back at your time here, what are you
most proud of?
That we’ve made a home here as a family, and proud
of my kids handling the continuous changes that come
with expat life. And also a bit proud of winning the
Table Topics competition at our local Toastmasters. ;)
What will be your next step?
We have a plan, but it is not certain it will go like that
due to COVID-19. We are moving back to The Nether-
lands for a few months before continuing to Oman.
What’s your advice to the people who stay behind?
How can we make the most of our time here?
Keep connecting with others. There is little to find on the
internet about Brunei, but word of mouth is everything.
Get out of the bubble regularly and create your own
opportunities here in life or career. There is so much to
see, do and start in Brunei, but you will need to put on
your explorer’s hat to discover it.
Snapshots
By Marleen Spaans
On 23 March, at the initiative of BSP’s MD, Outpost
Brunei began a donation drive within the Panaga
expat community. Meant to show the community’s
utmost appreciation for all the hard work carried out by
Brunei's COVID-19 frontline workers (such as nurses,
cleaners, caterers and receptionists), Outpost asked the
expats to donate any or all of the following:
“Care bags”: unused airline bags (with all the travel-
ling us expats do, these are things we’ve all got lying
around the house!) with original content and/or any
nice hotel toiletries added to them
Panaga Community Supports COVID-19
Frontliners
Children’s books for the children of those working on
the frontline, who might not have access to e-learning/
internet. Small, clean fluffy toys for the children of the
workers
While it is of course a treat to receive luxury toiletries
and pre-loved books or toys looking for a new home,
the Panaga community was also asked to accom-
pany each donation with a personal card written by
a Panaga child and/or adult to say a big thank you
for all efforts – hoping to give each donation a small,
personal touch.
Two boxes were placed at Panaga Club reception,
ready to accept donations from Tuesday, 24 March,
Seria, Brunei Darussalam
23
Panaga Outpost Pages Issue 3: May-June 2020
Hellos & Goodbyes
Seria, Brunei Darussalam
24
Panaga Outpost Pages Issue 1: January-February 2020
Snapshots
Donation boxes at Panaga club. (Photo credit: Marleen Spaans)
Donation boxes at Panaga club. (Photo credit: Marleen Spaans)
More donation bags at Panaga club. (Photo credit: Panaga Club)
On Friday 27 March, all donations were delivered to the Tutong Isola-
tion Centre admin ofce by a representative of BSP’s CEA Team.
On Friday 27 March, all donations were delivered to the Tutong Isola-
tion Centre admin ofce by a representative of BSP’s CEA Team.
through to Thursday, 26 March. The community was
reminded of the importance of adhering to social
distancing while dropping off their goods.
The Panaga Club Team also got involved, donating
several bags with towels and other goodies to the
frontliners, and helping to sort the community dona-
tions into the different categories. On the morning of
Friday 27 March, all donations were delivered to the
Tutong Isolation Centre admin office by a represen-
tative of BSP’s CEA Team. The centre was extremely
appreciative of the community’s efforts – and were
especially delighted by the lovely handwritten cards
from the kids and parents in Panaga! Thank you all!
Snapshots
Seafood Paella Cooking Class, 29 January 2020
Seria, Brunei Darussalam
25
Panaga Outpost Pages Issue 1: January-February 2020
26
Panaga Outpost Pages Issue 3: May-June 2020
Seria, Brunei Darussalam
Notice Board
Jeremy and family are leaving Brunei permanently
on June 1. If anyone has any last questions or
concerns or is looking for additional contact details
please contact Jeremy this month before he leaves
for good. Please contact Outpost if you want to
volunteer for animal care in Panaga.
Seria, Brunei Darussalam
Panaga Outpost Pages Issue 3: May-June 2020
27
Amid the ongoing situation with COVID-19, all events are cancelled until
further notice. Keep an eye on the Outpost Facebook page for updates.
Language Classes at Outpost
Malay - Beginner
(Starting September 2020)
Tuesdays with Adriana
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Malay - Intermediate
Tuesdays with Adriana
8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Mandarin - Beginner
Wednesdays with Nancy (and others)
9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
All language classes are held at the Outpost office (Panaga Club, 1st Floor).
To register, send an email to [email protected].
Language Classes
Brunei Public Calendar
Date Weekday Holiday Name Holiday Type
1 January
Wednesday New Year’s Day
25 January
Saturday Chinese New Year 1st day of lunar month
27 January
Monday Chinese New Year Holiday
23 February
Sunday National Day Independence from the UK in 1984
24 February
Monday National Day Holiday
22 March*
Sunday Israk and Mikraj
Prophet’s Night Journey and Ascen-
sion
23 March*
Monday Israk and Mikraj Holiday
24 April*
Friday Ramadan begins
10 May*
Sunday Nuzul Al-Quraan Revelation of the Quran
11 May*
Monday Nuzul Al-Quraan Holiday
24-27 May*
Sun - Wed Hari Raya Aidil Fitri End of Ramadan Festival
31 May
Sunday Royal Brunei Armed Forces Day RBAF formed 1961
1 June
Monday Royal Brunei Armed Forces Holiday
15 July
Wednesday H.M. Sultan’s Birthday Holiday
31 July*
Friday Hari Raya Aidil Adha Festival of the Sacrifice
20 August*
Thursday Al-Hijra Islamic New Year 1441
29 October*
Thursday Maulud Prophet Muhammad SAW’s Birthday
25 December
Friday Christmas Day
* Date may vary due to the lunar calendar.
Seria, Brunei Darussalam
Welcome to Outpost
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Panaga Outpost Pages Issue 3: May-June 2020
Seria, Brunei Darussalam
Brunei Public Calendar 2020
Seria, Brunei Darussalam
Panaga Outpost Pages Issue 3: May-June 2020
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Panaga School Calendar 2020
Panaga Events
Amid the ongoing situation with COVID-19, all events are cancelled until
further notice. Keep an eye on Outpost Facebook page for updates.
Seria, Brunei Darussalam
Panaga Outpost Pages Issue 3: May-June 2020
30
Community Calendar
Want your Panaga picture featured
on our next cover page?
Email us at outpostbrunei@shell.com
by 15th June, 2020
Dear New Arrivals and visitors to Brunei,
Welcome to Brunei. Bruneians and the Bruneian culture is warm, hospitable and welcoming. Bruneians value family, community, respect,
honour and care. In the context of these values and their strong Islamic beliefs there are several behaviors that are deemed not acceptable
which we urge everyone entering Brunei to be aware of.
While residing in Brunei or visiting Brunei, be mindful of the following behaviours that are not culturally accepted and can be misunder-
stood. It is important not to underestimate the potential legal consequences resulting from these behaviours. Anyone who gets into legal
diculties in these areas should report them to Legal Team in BSP. Please take some time to review the list and keep in mind that anyone
detained or questioned by ocials should remain calm, polite and cooperative.
As Islam is the ocial state religion of Brunei Darussalam, with its political system governed by the constitution and national tradition
of the Malay Islamic Monarchy (‘Melayu Islam Beraja’ or MIB), there are strict rules and behaviors that everyone is expected to adhere
to. e role of face, shame and honor is crucial to Bruneians, emphasizing the importance of respect and manners. Homosexuality is not
condoned.
Please refrain from:
• Making disparaging comments about (i) His Majesty e Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam; (ii) e Govern
ment of His Majesty e Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam; and (iii) the Royal family of Brunei Darussalam
• Making public anti-Islamic/blasphemous statements
• Giing religiously inappropriate presents to Muslims (e.g. toy dogs, anything made of pigskin and non ‘halal’ foods)
• Failing to cooperate with the police or armed forces
• Swearing or using obscene language and gestures in public
• Pointing with the index nger is considered extremely rude in Bruneian culture
• Public displays of aection (kissing, hugging etc.)
• When meeting locals of the opposite sex, it is inappropriate to have any physical contact and it is not customary to shake hands
(you can nod your head in greeting and wait for them to extend their hand).
• Non-Muslims in the company of a Muslim of the opposite sex in a secluded place in considered inappropriate.
• Wearing clothes that are revealing or not conservative in the oce, public and government oces (bare shoulders, low cut blous
es, shorts or skirts above the knee etc.) are not acceptable
• When entering a Bruneian person’s home, it is recommended to take o your shoes
• If you own a dog, please keep it out of the way if you expect Muslim visitors to your home
• Entering someone’s private property without formal permission
• Possession and/or use of illegal drugs
• Possession of re-arms
• Being intoxicated in public, drinking alcohol in a public place and oering alcohol to a Muslim
• Don’t eat and drink in the presence of Muslims during the month of Ramadan
• Disseminating false information on social media
• Proselytizing (i.e. trying to convert Muslims)
• Failing to inform the Police if a person you sponsor, such as a maid, goes missing
If you have any questions or require further information, please contact any of:
out[email protected]m: Outpost Focal Point;
Kannan.Govindasamy@shell.com: Head of Ethics & Compliance, BSP;
Beverley[email protected]: Lead Policy & ER/IR, BSP HR;
Ivo.I.V[email protected]: Shell Shareholder Representative, Upstream
Seria, Brunei Darussalam
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Panaga Outpost Pages Issue 3: May-June 2020
Local Etiquette
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Panaga Outpost Pages Issue 3: May-June 2020
Seria, Brunei Darussalam
Emergency Numbers
Government Hotlines (24 hours)
Ambulance .............................................................. 991
Police ....................................................................... 993
Fire & Rescue .......................................................... 995
Search & Rescue ..................................................... 998
BSP Emergency Contact Numbers
BSP Emergency ...................................................... 337 2999
BSP HQ Security (24 hours) ................................... 337 4292 / 337 4296
BSP HSE Duty Security .......................................... 873 0905 / 872 1041
Medical & Health Services
Ambulance (24 hours) ............................................ 337 2200
Panaga Health Centre Outpatient Reception ........ 337 2306 / 337 3033
Dental Clinic (office hours) .................................... 377 2540
Animal And Vector Control (24 hours): ................. 872 3006
Integrated Facilities Management
Housing Gen. Civil & Electrical Maint. (24 hours) 719 3547
Camp Services ........................................................ 874 2034
Others
BLNG Security.................................................. 337 8247 / 337 8248
BSM Security.................................................... 337 6820 / 277 3715 / 277 4277
Panaga School Hotline (office hours) .................... 337 2139
Panaga School Hotline (after working hours) ....... 877 7028
BSRC Hotline (office hours) .................................... 337 3503
BSRC Hotline (after working hours) ....................... 337 4091
Panaga Club Hotlines ............................................ .337 2265 /337 5754 / 337 2234
Travel Application Hotline................................... 223 5962 / 223 5963
BSP Immigration Hotline...................................... 729 7788
PHC COVID-19 Hotline....................................... 337 3902
why not hang these on your fridge for
easy access?
Outpatient Clinic
Service hours
Monday - Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Friday 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Registration to see doctor
Monday - Thursday 7:00 - 11:00 a.m.
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Friday 7:00 - 11:00 a.m.
2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Extended Hours Clinic
(Medical Emergency Response Unit)
Monday - Friday 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Public holidays 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
New timings to see the doctor! If this is
on your fridge, don’t forget to replace it.
Seria, Brunei Darussalam
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Panaga Outpost Pages Issue 3: May-June 2020
Panaga Health Centre
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Panaga Outpost Pages Issue 3: May-June 2020
Seria, Brunei Darussalam
Outpost Brunei Team 2020
Marleen Spaans
Focal Point
Wijnand Hoitinga
Secretary
Aanchal Bhushan
Relocation Advisor
Olayinka Idowu
Treasurer
Robbert-Jan Pierik
Public Relations
Tripti Sharma
POP Editor
Savannah Jung
Webmaster
Naincy Varma
Comms Coordinator
Pratibha Prasad
Event Coordinator
