Magnificent Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien (SOAS) Mosque in Brunei Darussalam

A completely unplanned road trip from Seria to Bandar Seri Begawan I made yesterday led me to the photo of the magnificent and historic Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque, which is quite possibly the most photographed landmark of Brunei Darussalam. Leaving the house, I grabbed the Canon PowerShot G11 from the dry cabinet not realizing then that there wasn’t much battery power left. This photo is one of a series I managed to capture before battery power went out for good.

A view of SOAS Mosque from the Edinburgh Bridge on Jalan Tutong

Excerpt from The Brunei Times …

“POSITIONED majestically on an artificial lagoon near the banks of the Brunei River, the Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien (SOAS) Mosque stands as among the most magnificent mosques ever built in the world.

With its golden dome and soaring white minarets, the mosque is often pictured as an oasis of serenity amidst the hustle and bustle of downtown Bandar Seri Begawan. The celebration of its golden anniversary heralds the mosque’s unique long-standing status as the heart of the capital and the symbol of Brunei’s deeply-rooted Islamic faith.

The mosque also incorporates Italian and Renaissance architectural styles, but with craftsmanship that reflects classical Islamic architecture. This makes the mosque as one of the most unique Islamic places of worship across the world. The mosque took four years to complete, from 4 February 1954 until 26 September 1958. His Highness Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien is remembered as the “Architect of Modern Brunei”. During his reign from 1950 until his abdication in 1967, the Sultan steered Brunei safely through the turbulent years following WWII, establishing the foundation for the nation’s independence and sovereignty. Through his determination and dedication, he had implemented the foundation to build the infrastructure, society and economy of modern Brunei and also ensuring the preservation of an independent Malay Muslim Monarchy in the modern world.”

Dramatic Sunset Boardroom Photography

I have in recent years photographed great number of corporate offices including hotels and their business centres. An example from 2012 is Radisson Hotel Brunei’s Business Centre and Boardroom. It’s not everyday I get an assignment to photograph a boardroom that features a 180 degree panoramic view of its surrounding and from the first floor. Trouble is, beyond the windows is a landscape of concrete buildings, workshops and general conditions of surrounding that are still under development — not quite the breathtaking views I’d imagined. Instead of the usual brightly lit pictures of the boardroom, I chose and waited for direct light at sunset to pierce through the blinds casting light rays and shadows for a dramatic finish.

Click on image to view larger version © Jan Shim Photography

 

Colonial Charm of Albert Court Village Hotel

Albert Court Village Hotel reflects the dynamism of the growing arts sub-culture; and also echoes the vibrant atmosphere of Little India. On the fringe of the arts and cultural district, this charming boutique hotel comprises restored pre-war shop houses with Straits Chinese carvings and motifs. Access to the Central Business District and other parts of Singapore is minutes away – at the Little India MRT station – thanks to this hotel’s central location. A short walk away, the Singapore Art Museum, National Library, art schools and more cultural heritage beckon. The nearby Waterloo Street has the popular Goddess of Mercy temple rubbing shoulders with a Hindu temple and a church. Such are the unexpected neighbours you can find here – in Singapore’s multi-cultural enclaves.

More photos of Albert Court Village Hotel on Facebook

The hotel’s 210 rooms and suites offer all the modern amenities valued by today’s contemporary business and leisure travellers. Its Albert Café & Restaurant, Shish Mahal Restaurant and the cosy lobby bar lets you sample international cuisines as well as local favourites such as spicy curries and vegetarian choices from nearby Little India.

The published price for a vacation package at Albert Court Village Hotel is from $215++. SHIMWORLD readers enjoy a special 10% discount when making a reservation from this link (valid till December 31, 2012).

A Trishaw Ride to Singapore’s History by Debbie Too | The Brunei Times

The Brunei Times journalist, Debbie Too, is greeted and welcomed by hotel staff

A perfect crossing between old and new, our guestrooms and suites are housed in carefully refurbished pre-war shophouses that have been thoughtfully designed with handy conveniences for both the business and leisure traveller. | more rooms info

This is the actual room I stayed in for a night. The colonial style bedposts make this photo unique as you cannot find this on the hotel web page. I’m uncertain if this is a Deluxe room.

The colonial nostalgia of Albert Court Village Hotel’s architecture makes it a wedding solemnisation and banquet hotspot.

You can marvel at the hotel’s architecture left and right but don’t forget to look up – you may just be surprised as I was to find this Peranakan (Straits Chinese) style window panes.

Albert Café serves a delectable selection of local and international dishes throughout the day. The Straits Chinese architecture adds to the charm of this cosy café, which overlooks the Albert Court Village Hotel courtyard. Its décor also features intricately carved wooden furniture and distinctive water-colours of local flora and fauna, giving it the perfect ambience for leisurely meal.

Albert Café & Restaurant lets you sample international cuisines as well as local favourites such as spicy curries and vegetarian choices from nearby Little India.

Hotel guests have access to Apple iMacs — the contrast between cutting edge computer technology the hotel’s colonial architecture seems appropriately poetic.

The published price for a vacation package at Albert Court Village Hotel is from $215++. SHIMWORLD readers enjoy a special 10% discount when making a reservation from this link (valid till December 31, 2012).

Albert Court Village Hotel reflects the dynamism of the growing arts sub-culture; and also echoes the vibrant atmosphere of Little India. Well connected by the abundance of buses and two MRT stations (Little India and Bugis), one is only a 15-minute journey away from both the Central Business District and Orchard Road. A short walk away, the Singapore Art Museum, National Library, art schools and more cultural heritage beckon. The nearby Waterloo Street has the popular Goddess of Mercy temple rubbing shoulders with a Hindu temple and a church. See location map.

Culture@Village: Ride along distinctive local iconic landmarks such as the Mustafa Centre, Sungai Road Thieves’ Market, Sri Veeramakailamman Temple and not to mention, hidden gems along Arab Street that presents you a unique side of Singapore!

Catch a glimpse of the iconic Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple on the trishaw along Arab Street

One of my favourite trishaw moments returning to the hotel compound after a 30-mins round trip. Click on image to see more photographs from our tour de ride. Check out the other attractions around the hotel.

A Trishaw Ride to Singapore’s History by Debbie Too | The Brunei Times

Trishaw Tour Route  Albert Court Village Hotel > Short Street > Rochor Canel Road > Serangoon Road > Campbell Lane > Dunlop Street > Serangoon Road > Syed Alwi Road > Weld Road > Arab Street > Queen Street > Middle Road > Prinsep Street > McNally Street > Short Street > Albert Court Village Hotel

Kookaburra Restaurant & Gastrobar has a slew of impressive special mains such as Char-grilled Rump Steak, Kurobuta Rendang, Barbequed Kangaroo and Duck Leg & Goose Rillette amongst other rare treats. Each created specifically for the new outlet by resident Executive Chef Roland Graham, the menu at Kookaburra is a showcase of originality and uncompromising taste and quality. | More dining options.

More photos of Kookaburra’s amazing culinary creations | also on Facebook

Kurobuta Rendang – Kurobuta Pork Jowl slowly braised in herbs and spices toasted fresh coconut green bean sambal, sticky rice.

Fluffy Pancake Stack caramelized apples, crisp pork belly, swirled cinnamon rhubarb ice-cream.