Lance ThooIf you have to work on your laptop while travelling around Brunei, there are 3 ways you can connect to the Internet – (1) Connecting to TelBru’s Nationwide WiFi service, (2) Connecting to a shop’s WiFi network (if it is open to the public), and (3) Creating a mobile hotspot with your mobile phone.
There are five prepaid WiFi packages that are available from TelBru (see photo below).
(Image courtesy of TelBru)
If you are at a cafe that has TelBru’s Nationwide WiFi service, you can enjoy high speed Internet access via any one of the mentioned prepaid packages.
For our story, we opted for the 7-gigabyte WiFi plan, which is valid for 28 days. It only cost $15.
However, if you are planning on doing lots of video streaming (say YouTube or Netflix), we highly recommend getting the 1-day unlimited WiFi plan for $3.
TelBru prepaid WiFi cards can be purchased at any TelBru outlet. Alternatively, you can use your credit card to purchase one online (Photo courtesy of TelBru)
For a step-by-step guide on how to access TelBru’s nationwide WiFi service, visit https://www.telbru.com.bn/personal/nationwidewifi.php.
Over the past week, the ‘Neue’ team checked out various places around Brunei that we believe are ideal for getting some work done.
These are our picks:
(1) Depot VLO Cafe, Kiarong
(Photo courtesy of Depot VLO Cafe @depot.vlo)
Where is it?
Unit 6, Ground Floor, Block B, Kiarong Complex.
What are the opening hours?
10.30am to 10.30pm daily (except on Fridays: 10am to noon & 2pm to 10pm)
Is TelBru WiFi available?
Yes.
How much did I spend on F&B?
Just 10 bucks!
$7 for Depot’s Treasure, a basket of mixed deep fried fish fingers, calamari, onion rings and prawns.
$3 for a glass of Depot’s thirst-quenching lime juice.
Why come here?
The first that you’ll notice upon entering this eatery is its cosy ambience. It feels as though the restaurant itself was carved out of a solid block of concrete, leaving unfinished touches as footprints to resemble an aging, but modern warehouse interior.
Food served here is exceptional, and the ever attentive staff are friendly and helpful.
There’s plenty of tables and chairs here.
We highly recommend ordering yourself the breaded lamb cutlets for starters.
(2) Swensen’s, The Mall, Gadong (on Instagram)
(Photo courtesy of Swensen’s Brunei @swensens_brunei)
Where is it?
It’s located on the 2nd floor of The Mall in Gadong, a popular shopping area in Brunei.
What are the opening hours?
10am to 10pm daily (Except on Fridays, closed from noon to 2pm).
Is TelBru WiFi available?
Yes.
How much did I spend on F&B?
Just 10 bucks! $6 for a basket of French fries and $4 for a single scoop of ice cream.
Why come here?
As there are plenty of tables and chairs, you can easily find an ideal spot to get some work done on your laptop.
(3) The Work Space (@theworkspace.brunei on Instagram)
If chairs aren’t your fancy, you can opt to work on the floors as well (Photo: Lance Thoo)
What it it?
This isn’t exactly a cafe per se. It’s a co-working space.
Where is it?
Units 4 & 5, 2nd floor of Airport Mall, Berakas.
How much does it cost?
Per person: $5.50 (9am to 6pm) and $4.50 (from 6pm to midnight)
How much for F&B?
Free. Light snacks and drinks are inclusive of the entrance fee (as stated above).
Why come here?
Although TelBru’s Nationwide WiFi service isn’t available here, you can get free Internet access from the friendly staff manning the reception booth.
It’s advisable to bring a pair of headphones for yourself.
Silence is observed here, so you can be sure that you will stay focused.
Overview of The Work Place (Photo courtesy of @theworkspace.brunei)
Do you have any other recommended places where you can get work done? We’d love to hear from you.