Welcome to the last issue of 2019!

We decided to give ourselves a break and have a little fun this quarter by concentrating on the thing that unites us all in fun and laughter: games! We start off by donning some Cosplay and taking part in some Live Action Role Playing (LARP) in the park. Over in Sabah, we zone in on a traditional Murut game that involves jumping on a lansaran (a trampoline made from wooden and plank flooring and tied with rattan), that was once used for Murut warriors to practice their acrobatic skills. In Sarawak we get all sentimental about the days gone by, talking about all the games children used to play before the advent of console and mobile gaming.

Speaking of which, we turn our attention to Game On – an Esports company in Brunei that is all about getting the gaming community together to enjoy what they love best: games! Then we take a trip down to Kampung Putat to meet with 73-year old Haji Junggal, who has been crafting traditional wooden games longer than you’ve been playing them, and has kept the tradition alive.

It’s not all games in this issue of course, but we still managed to have a lot of fun! Our publisher Wan Zainal had a fantastic stay at the lavish Park Hyatt Seoul while our Assistant Editor Sheyenne had a marvellous time in the Philippines thanks to our generous host, the Philippines’ Department of Tourism.

On another note, did you know that Borneo Insider’s Guide is now available on Pressreader - the world’s largest digital newspaper and magazine platform? Go to www.pressreader.com and look for our magazine to read the latest issue online and on Royal Brunei flights!

And so another year has come and gone, and we’d like to think that we’re leaving 2019 on a high note. The Brunei December Festival will be back with all kinds of events this December so if you’re considering a staycation, you’ll have plenty to do. Otherwise, wherever you plan on going, make sure you’re spending it with your loved ones, and like we’ve been doing this issue – have fun!