Gadong, one of Brunei Darussalam’s main commercial hubs, garners high traffic daily and has a good mix of eclectic and high-end shops. Located smack in the middle is The Mall, a shopping complex which houses various amenities including a five star hotel, cineplex, supermarket and numerous food and retail outlets. Visitors can also find other smaller shops in the area.
The Mabohai Shopping Complex houses over 20 shops, including Starbucks, Bossini, The Face Shop, L’Occitane, Royce’ Chocolate, and Toys ‘R’ Us. The complex is best known for its long-time resident Supa Save, offering a wide variety of products from overseas. Visitors can often find popup sales featuring local and international products.
Just a stone’s throw away from the Brunei International Airport is a cluster of shopping centres, namely The Airport Mall, Times Square Shopping Centre and Citis Square Complex. Developed over an old airport area, the area is known for its numerous eatery options, supermarkets and multiple mobile and electrical goods outlets.
Kiulap is another major commercial hub, constantly bustling with life. The area houses a mix of old and new establishments. Found in the vicinity are various cafes and supermarkets. Setia Kenangan II houses a variety of retail outlets such as sporting goods, home improvement, boutiques and health food among others.
Annajat Complex is located in Beribi, featuring a supermarket, an assortment of eateries and stores offering goods from clothing to accessories.
Aman Hills Shopping Centre is located at Jalan Aman, Sungai Tilong Jalan Muara. Designed as a family-oriented shopping destination, Aman Hills offers spacious shopping spaces, luxurious dining and one of a kind leisure entertainment for families.
Rimba Point in Kampong Rimba houses a number of eateries and the newly opened Jaya Hypermart, offering a variety of product selections including stationeries, clothing lines, food and beverages, household items, kitchenware and more at great prices. Because of its location, Rimba Point is a favourite of residents of the nearby Rimba residential area, as well as students from nearby campuses.
Residents of Kuala Belait flock to the KB Sentral Shopping Centre, a popular retail hub in the town. It was constructed to mirror the Times Square Shopping Centre in Berakas, with its similar line up of restaurants and retail units.
The Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex is located in the heart of Brunei, housing shops that consist of fashion, beauty, accessories and household items. In August 2021, the long-awaited Yayasan Hua Ho Department Store officially re-opened its doors. Designed with a modern concept, Yayasan Hua Ho comprises the basement, ground floor and first floor, offering an array of quality products ranging from sport wear, electronic appliances, children’s clothes, toys, cosmetics, fresh groceries and more. A food court is also available in the basement.
The OneCity Shopping Centre opened its doors to the public in 2019, located at Jalan Utama Salambigar, Kampong Sungai Hanching. In addition to housing its anchor tenant Hua Ho Department Store, the shopping centre is also home to One Cineplex, Brunei’s first cinema featuring the Dolby Atmos surrounding system.
Located in Batu Satu, The One is the newest mall in the area offering a wide range of household items and tech gadgets, with a food court located on the second floor.
GRÂND Concept Department Store recently opened in Jerudong, selling furniture and accessories and all other branded household appliances.
First established in 1947, Hua Ho is one of the country’s oldest and most well-known department stores. With over 10 outlets across the country, it is also one of the most easily accessible supermarkets with quality products.
Supa Save is another well-loved establishment among locals and expats. With outlets in Gadong, Beribi, Mabohai, One Riverside and Panaga, the supermarket is best known for its imported goods from Europe, America and Australia, making it a popular among expats looking for a slice of home.
Other supermarkets in Brunei include Soon Lee, Jaya Hypermart, Utama Grand, Milimewah and Sim Kim Huat.
As most of Brunei’s earlier community were dependent on the agricultural sector such as paddy planting, forest products and fisheries, it was only natural for them to produce various tools for assistance. Some of the tools produced were those to carry their paddy and vegetables which required the weaving of various sorts of baskets. Natural materials are often used to make these baskets such as rattan, bamboo, screwpine leaf (daun pandan), bamban, wood, timbaran, sago palm cutter and salingkawang.
Visitors looking for a unique piece of Brunei can head over to the Brunei Arts and Handicrafts Training Centre (BAHTC). It is stocked with handcrafted products that reflect Brunei’s oldest art forms such as silverwork, brass work and weaving. The centre has outlets in Kota Batu, the Brunei International Airport, Gadong, Yayasan Complex and the Royal Regalia Museum. Visitors can also find all kinds of souvenirs at Tamu Kianggeh, located at the banks of Kianggeh River.
Copyright 1993 Borneo Bulletin Yearbook All rights reserved.