Kiulap: The Heartbeat of Modern Bandar Seri Begawan

• HelloSelamat sejahtera
  [suh-lah-mat say-jah-ter-ah]
• GoodbyeSelamat tinggal
  [suh-lah-mat ting-gahl]
• YesYa
  [yah]
• NoTidak
  [tee-dah]
• Please/You're welcomeSila
  [see-lah]
• Thank youTerima kasih
  [tuh-ree-mah kah-see]
• Excuse me/SorryMaaf
  [mah-ahf]
• How are you?Apa khabar?
  [ah-pah kah-bar]
• Fine. And you?Baik. Dan awda?
  [bah-ee-k. dahn ow-dah]
• Do you speak English?Awda boleh bercakap Bahasa Inggeris?
  [ow-dah bo-leh buhr-chah-kahp bah-hah-sah ing-guh-rees]
• I don't understandSaya tidak faham
  [sah-yah tee-dahk fah-hahm]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSaya ingin melihat menu, sila
  [sah-yah in-geen muh-lee-haht muh-nyoo, see-lah]
• I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [sah-yah tee-dahk mah-kahn dah-ying]
• Cheers!Yum seng!
  [yoom sang]
• I would like to pay, pleaseSaya ingin membayar, sila
  [sah-yah in-geen muhm-bah-yahr, see-lah]

• Help!Tolong!
  [toh-lohng]
• Go away!Pergi jauh!
  [puhr-gee jah-oo]
• Call the Police!Panggil polis!
  [pahng-geel poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Panggil doktor!
  [pahng-geel dohk-tor]
• I'm lostSaya sesat
  [sah-yah suh-saht]
• I'm illSaya sakit
  [sah-yah sah-keet]

• I'd like to buy...Saya ingin membeli...
  [sah-yah in-geen muhm-buh-lee]
• I'm just lookingSaya hanya melihat-lihat
  [sah-yah hun-yah muh-lee-haht-lee-haht]
• How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [buh-rah-pah har-gahn-yah]
• That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [ee-too tuhr-lah-loo mah-hahl]
• Can you lower the price?Bolehkah awda turunkan harga?
  [boh-leh-kah ow-dah too-roon-kahn har-gah]

• What time is it?Pukul berapa sekarang?
  [poo-kool buh-rah-pah suh-kah-rahng]
• It's one o'clockPukul satu
  [poo-kool sah-too]
• Half past (10)Pukul setengah sebelas
  [poo-kool suh-tuh-ngah suh-buh-lahs]
• MorningPagi
  [pah-gee]
• AfternoonPetang
  [puh-tahng]
• EveningMalam
  [mah-lahm]
• YesterdaySemalam
  [suh-mah-lahm]
• TodayHari ini
  [hah-ree ee-nee]
• TomorrowEsok
  [eh-sohk]
• 1Satu
  [sah-too]
• 2Dua
  [doo-ah]
• 3Tiga
  [tee-gah]
• 4Empat
  [em-paht]
• 5Lima
  [lee-mah]
• 6Enam
  [eh-nahm]
• 7Tujuh
  [too-joo]
• 8Lapan
  [lah-pahn]
• 9Sembilan
  [suhm-bee-lahn]
• 10Sepuluh
  [suh-poo-loo]

• Where's a/the...?Di mana...
  [dee mah-nah]
• What's the address?Alamatnya di mana?
  [ah-lah-mat-nyah dee mah-nah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bolehkah awda tunjukkan (di peta)?
  [boh-leh-kah ow-dah toon-jook-kahn dee peh-tah]
• When's the next (bus)?Bila bas seterusnya?
  [bee-lah bahs suh-teh-roos-nyah]
• A ticket (to ....)Satu tiket (ke ....)
  [sah-too tee-keht (keh)]

Kiulap, a vibrant neighbourhood in Bandar Seri Begawan, traces its origins to the early 20th century. Initially a rural area, it began to develop as Brunei’s capital expanded. This transformation was influenced by the influx of migrants and the establishment of administrative and commercial activities in the region.

Following World War II, Kiulap experienced significant growth as Brunei sought to modernize and rebuild. The construction of new housing, schools, and infrastructure reflected the broader national efforts to improve living conditions and promote economic development. Kiulap became an attractive residential area for both locals and expatriates.

Kiulap is known for its diverse community, which includes a mix of ethnic groups, primarily Malays, Chinese, and indigenous peoples. This cultural diversity has enriched the neighbourhood's social fabric, evident in its culinary offerings, festivals, and daily life. Local markets and eateries showcase a blend of traditional Bruneian cuisine alongside influences from Chinese and Indian cultures.

In recent decades, Kiulap has undergone rapid urbanization, with the development of modern shopping complexes, residential apartments, and recreational facilities. This evolution reflects Brunei's broader economic growth and the government's focus on creating a more cosmopolitan urban environment. Kiulap serves as a hub for both business and leisure, playing a vital role in the capital's economic landscape.

While Kiulap has embraced modernization, efforts have been made to preserve its historical significance. Local initiatives aim to maintain the cultural heritage of the area, including traditional crafts and practices. These efforts are part of a larger movement in Bandar Seri Begawan to balance development with the preservation of Brunei's rich cultural identity.

Kiulap is conveniently located in Bandar Seri Begawan, just a short distance from the city center. To reach Kiulap from other neighborhoods, you can take a taxi, which is the most common mode of transport. Alternatively, local buses run routes that connect various parts of the city, including Kiulap. If you are coming from the Brunei International Airport, a taxi will take approximately 20 minutes to reach Kiulap.

Kiulap is primarily accessible by taxi and private vehicles, as public transport options are limited. Walking is also a great way to explore the neighborhood, given its compact size. Bicycles can be rented at some local shops, offering a fun way to navigate the area. Note that road conditions can vary, so be cautious when cycling.

Kiulap is generally a safe neighborhood for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas at night and being aware of your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but always remain vigilant, especially in busy markets or public transport.

In case of an emergency, dial 991 for police assistance and 995 for medical emergencies. The local hospitals and clinics are well-equipped to handle various situations. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in public places. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, particularly in mosques and during religious events. Public Transport: Do be respectful to fellow passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a smile and a nod. A handshake is common among men, while women may prefer a nod. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offered graciously. Don't waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Kiulap like a local, visit the nearby night markets where you can enjoy local street food and shop for unique handicrafts. Engage with the friendly locals, who are often eager to share their culture and stories. Look out for local events and festivals, which provide insight into Bruneian traditions and customs. Additionally, try to learn a few basic Malay phrases, as locals appreciate the effort to speak their language.