NO SQUARE PEGS. A BRUNEI TOURISM SHOWCASE.

The English idiomatic expression “Square peg in a round hole” is often used to describe someone in a situation, organization where they don’t fit in and feel out of place.” With ongoing efforts to promote Brunei Darussalam as a unique tourist and investment destination, a new name in town Pelangi De’Mutiara Tourist Square surprises us with their “ONE STOP” out-of-town  endeavour and ups the ante in this relatively niche business space occupied only by a few. Once you step inside, everything falls in place and you’ll quickly forget why they are not where you thought they should be.

Located at the far right of the Latifuddin Complex [hint to local residents: old Liang Toon Department Store or previous occupancy by Lucent Technologies] on Tungku Link and almost a stone’s throw from the end of the international airport runway, PD’M Tourist Square not only showcases their growing range of products for tourists but the regular departing and arriving planes also provide the right audio to heighten their customer’s experience! I know this first hand when Korean co-owner In Ju engaged me for images of their new establishment for their up and coming brochure.

Introducing Pelangi De’Mutiara Tourist Square. You’ll be greeted with ample showcase of local and international cultural products, artwork and hand-made handicrafts. The words Pelangi and Mutiara in the Malay language means Rainbow and Pearl or Mother of Pearl respectively but in the context of tourism, they are a universal language, a new destination for tourists both domestic and international.

© Jan Shim Photography  [click to view flash gallery]

The words “ONE STOP” springs to mind as soon as you have an opportunity to look around and not realising where to even begin. That’s what happened to me. It’s one thing to move my equipment from the car into the store, it’s quite another to decide which alley to begin shooting first. There are plenty of interesting subjects from various vantage points and reflecting surfaces just bring out some of the more brilliant bokehs! 

 
© Jan Shim Photography

No tourist stop-over is complete without tee shirts and at PD’M Tourist Square you’ll find a variety of them in local context that carries our tourism theme. Unique to this store is a Pelamin (bridal dais; bridal suite) and complimenting this is a showcase of traditional bridal clothing typically worn at a Malay Weddings.

 
© Jan Shim Photography

© Jan Shim Photography

I’ve not photographed a Proboscis Monkey in the flesh but have seen many pictures of them and I’ll say these soft huggable renditions are way cuter! 

© Jan Shim Photography

Here’s a sneak peek of the veranda where you’ll have a chance to sit back and relax. Give yourself the opportunity to wind down after a tiring day and away from main street traffic and enjoy the scenic surroundings for a change.

© Jan Shim Photography

Here’s a hand-made miniature of a local Bruneian product (bottom left pic) called Gasing (a ‘top’ that spins on its point when set in motion). To the immediate right of the veranda is an fairly elaborate waterfall setup with live kois. If you do not see any chances are they are in hiding under the rocks. This photo was captured in the rain on tripod at ISO 50 and 30 seconds shutter to get that cottony-water effects.

 
© Jan Shim Photography

The indoor and outdoor personalities of the store are separated by a smooth sliding door that I thought was an interesting piece of architecture itself. The veranda doubles as a cafe for the food and drinks they are going to offer (not available at time of shoot) as much as a place to chill.

 
© Jan Shim Photography

Experience is what PD’M Tourist Square is about—the combination of sights and sounds make PM Tourist Square interesting and unique. But don’t take my word for it. In a news release by The Brunei Times …

The Chief Executive Officer of the Brunei Tourism Board, Shiekh Jamaluddin Sheikh Mohamed commended Pelangi De’Mutiara on its “refreshing, modern, world-class” appearance and noted, “It’s exactly what I want to see.”

© Jan Shim Photography

MENTION “SHIMWORLD” WHEN PAYING

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On the day I delivered the images, new items had arrived and staff were busy sorting them out. Check it out soon! For more photos from the shoot, check out the Flash gallery.

http://www.shimworld.com/gallery/pelangi/

Other Tourism Related Links

• A RESORT IN THE MIST. BEYOND THE POSTCARD.
• DOMESTIC TOURISM. AN INSIDE JOB.
• A DAY AT THE EMPIRE HOTEL
• OUR OWN BACKYARD
• CAUGHT ON FILM
• BRUNEI’S INTERNATIOAL TOURISM AMBASSADOR