The Handmaiden's Necklace

I made a vow to myself that I would try to balance my reading between an english and a malay novels. For quiet some times now, I had been reading lots of malay novels and somehow I just 'lost touch' reading english novels.

So, last Thursday, for the first time, I went to the public library near my place. It's still new hence not many books are available and there is lots of empty spaces yet to be filled. But I managed to borrow 2 malay novels and an english historical romance book. I LOVE historical romance novels especially if it's from MIRA publishing and from Judith McNaught.






Title: The Handmaiden's Necklace
Author: Kat Martin
No of Pages: 407 pages
Publisher: MIRA






The Handmaiden's Necklace from Kat Martin. The first time I heard of her and as expected, this is definitly her first novel I read. Apparently, The Handmaiden's Necklace is the final book of the Bride's Necklace trilogy. Shoot! Now I have to look for the first two - The Bride's Necklace and The Devil's Necklace. I hope the public library have those books on their shelves or I would be restless. Haha! Once m addicted, I definitly hooked!

The Handmaiden's Necklace is set in the year 1806 and of course, it's started in London. Don't know if any of you noticed if you are reading historical romance novels but every novels that I read always start in London. I guess where it's all the glamarous, well bread people, high society people and the ton originated from.

Anyway, the story of Danielle Duval. She was shun by the ton when one night she was discovered by her fiance in a bed with a naked nobelman. When she couldn't prove her innocence and her fiance, Rafael, Duke of Sheffield didn't believe her either, she went to find comfort in her aunt's country estate.

5 years after, due to her aunt's request, Dani accompanied her aunt to a social function back in London, forcing her to face the scandal once more. Rafael, believed that he had been betrayed by Dani, got engaged to a very well bread young lady.

To make this review short (mind you if I let myself loose, it would be a long one), Dani went to America (that's what it was called back then, not USA) to be married to a businessman. Rafael hired a Bow Street runner to find what really happened 5 years ago and when he knew the truth, he tracked Dani down all the way to America.

Feeling guilty for what he had accussed Dani, Rafe determined to see that Dani is happily married and when he found out that Dani's American fiance intended to keep several mistresses even after he married Dani, Rafe blackmailed Dani into marrying HIM instead! or Rafe would tell the American society about The Scandal. Leaving her with no choice, Dani married Rafe out of revenge.

Things got complicated when Rafe found out the necklace he gave Dani was gone (as Dani claimed) when infact she gave it to Robert, a British manservant who was bought by a wealthy American. Caroline, Dani's lady maid cum companion cum bestfriend loves Robert and asked Dani to help him escape America and back to London.

When Rafe found out the truth about the necklace and Robert, he forgave Dani for lying to him but he found out that Dani couldn't conceive (due to a riding accident she suffered 5 years ago), he was angry at first. His love for Dani made him overlooked Dani's shortcoming. But when Dani realized how important for him to have a heir to the dukedom, Dani unwillingly seeked for divorce so Rafe could marry another and have a heir.

One thing led to another when eventually, Dani was kidnapped, Rafe tried to save her, Dani got shot and lost her will to live. But no worries, it comes to a happy ending ;)

I might not doing the best review but trust me, this book...wow! It's really a page turner. I finished it within 24 hours and now m already thinking to get the first 2 books.

Thank You!

I would like to say thank you to my mum, dad, brothers, sis-in-law, my nieces, my aunts, my bff, my friends, my acquittances, may it be from Facebook, Tagged and Bloggers for their birthday greetings and well-wishes...

BIG thanks to my dad for treating the whole family dinner last night and to my bff for treating my birthday lunch...love you guys to the bitssss....

Thank you all..

Oh...I nearly forgot! Thanx for my boss and my partner in crime for calling me up in the morning and sang Happy Birthday to me over the phone...ur manly voices are sucks! LOL!!! But million thanx!

Chasing Harry Winston

Title: Chasing Harry Winston
Author: Lauren Weisberger
No. of Pages: 308 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins Publisher






At last! Another book I managed to finish. Actually this book had been long overdue. I started reading this book somewhere in August and only managed to finish it now....2 months later! Geeezzz...what a lousy reader I am!

Anyhow, if anyone out there who doesn't know Lauren Weisberger, she is the author of the bestselling book and movie, The Devil Wears Prada. UUuuhhh...I love that movie.

Chasing Harry Winston is a story of 3 bestfriends - Emmy, Adriana and Leigh. Emmy just broke up with her bf for 5 years decided to 'live her life' by taking a job that required her to travel the globe and her mission: to sleep with at least 1 man from each continent!

Adriana, beautiful and rich by nature. Has no proper job apart from partying and spending her dad's money. Can't keep to a guy for a period of time. When her bestfriends challenged her to get a man to propose and secure a 5-carat Harry Winston on her fourth finger, she just couldn't resist the challenge.

Leigh, a successful editor to a scandalous writer, engaged to the hunkiest prince charming. When everyone says that she's the luckiest girl, why she didn't feel that same? Why is she attracted to a bad boy?

"...two people grow closer and thrive, or the connection slowly fizzles and it's time to break up."
- Chasing Harry Winston by Lauren Weisberger, page 221

Haha! It's a good read! Although it took me 2 months to finish this book, it still captivate me how good the storyline is. It's been a while I didn't read any english novels but I think m gonna hook back to read more of english novels , trying to equal it with malay novels.

At the moment, m searching for Sophie Kinsella's latest novel, Twenties Girl! I found it in Miri but it is wayyyy to expensive for a novel. So now m waiting for the 'cheaper' version of that book. Hehe!

Makna Cinta

Title: Makna Cinta
Author: Maria Alina
No. of Pages: 501 pages
Publisher: Alaf 21







I was supposed to finish reading Tidak KuPinta by Kamsiah Abu first but somehow, I got 'reader's block' (if there's such a word..haha) while reading that book hence I started reading Makna Cinta by Maria Alina. In between meals, toilet breaks, tv and fetching my brother from school, I managed to finish this book in a day ;)

This is Maria Alina's second novel (that I had read) after Rahsia Hatiku. The story of Yusuf and Zulaikha. No, it's not the story of Nabi Yusuf AS and Zulaikha but let's just say that this is one heck of a love story.

I decide not to write the review here. I know! Bummer! Haha! But let's just say that this book is a page turner. I basically can't stop reading. I have a bad habit of reading the first few pages (to know the main characters) then I would jump straight to the last few pages (to know the ending) before reading the whole book. Many fanatic readers out there would be frustrated with what I did but hey, that's what got me motivate to read.

SACRIFICE, SACRIFICE AND MORE SACRIFICE - that one word I gotta say about this book. Zulaikha's mum sacrifice her love for her bestfriend, Zulaikha's dad sacrifice his love and responsibilities for Zulaikha's grandma, Azril sacrifice his feeling and love when he knows that his brother, Yusuf loves his fiance, Zulaikha, Ras Adiba sacrifice her feeling for Azril when she knows that he's getting engaged with Zulaikha, Azimah sacrifice her whole life to have Yusuf's love....soooo many sacrifices! Trust me, sometimes I got frustrated reading this book but it's not a disappointment.

It makes me shed some tears. It is really a must-read book.

"Pada saat hati terlalu menginginkan sesuatu, yang diinginkan pergi semakin jauh dari kita. Sebaliknya pada saat hati sudah bersedia melepaskan, yang ingin dilepaskan itu datang bergolek pula dihadapan mata."
- Makna Cinta by Maria Alina. Page: 406

You would be amazed how true that statment is.

More Books!

Today, I spent half the day in the neighbouring country, Miri Malaysia. For me, he sole purpose of me going there is either for the clothes or the books but mainly the books. Today I managed to grab 2 books - Makna Cinta by Maria Alina and Aku Cinta Dia by Sharifah Abu Salem; a shoe at Fabiano Ricco and some personal stuffs at Guardian. It's been a long time I didn't go shopping (haha..yea right!) and it was fun to shop 'carelessly' once in a while..haha!

Perception

We have to admit that people perception of who we are effects our daily life. If someone ever said to him/herself that he/she doesn't care what other people think of him/her, then that person must be a hypocrite. Admit it, that most of our misery is because we think too much of what other people thinks of us. You might be frustrated of something/over something because this person says bla bla bla. It happens everyday! I might be a hypocrite some times but I do admit that m affected by what people think of me. And being a front line to the patients aka the customers, I do have to make a good first impression coz that might be my last impression to that person.

For me, there are 3 types of people perception of you - positive, negative and neutral perception. And after so many years of making friends online and 3 years of blogging, I tried to grasp these 3 types with open mind. If a person gave me an appreciative remarks, I would try my very best to muster a sincere smile and say thank you while if m given criticism, I would try to be quiet and politely say it's noted. But being a rebellious, defensive type of person, I rarely handle criticism very well. Trust me, m trying to simmer down on my anger.

For people who don't know me personally, the first impression they always say to me is that I look nice, sweet, kind bla bla bla. M not making this up! For the last few days, I spent some of my time online, chatting with someone I never meet before or with someone I meet before but don't really know them. Mostly I know them from Tagged or Facebook. M not saying that they are wrong about me (me being 'looked' nice, sweet and kind). I AM all those (haha!) but what amaze me is that these people actually sincerely complimenting me, not because they want to flirt around but because they are just plain sincere.I know I shouldn't trust this cyberworld but I think in life, you need to put your trust out there, if not much, maybe a bit?

A 'friend' I met through Tagged today said that he liked to be my friend very much. A good friend, as he said. I don't know him at all but the funny thing is that he had meet me. Or rather he had see me. Working with public, I meet lots of people and it's quiet impossible for me to remember them all. Unless they are 'the regulars'. Anyway, he said that next time he sees me, he will say hi. Uuuhhh! Kindda scary coz behind all these chivalrous facade, I am a very shy person. Haha! I know! Some of you might not believe it especially who knows me for my loud, blaring voice but I am! I might be cheeky, naughty and all but honestly I just a simple shy person who like to socialize.

Anyhooo...what m trying to say here is that there is nothing wrong to make a good impression on someone. Because as I said, it may be your last chance in doing so. BUT bear in mind, no matter how much you want to impress someone, don't lose the real YOU. You can impress someone, everyone even with your designer clothes, makeup, shoes, bags and brand expensive car but when it comes to a long term commitment, you need YOUR-OWN-SELF to go further! Cheerz peeps!

eBook

I had searched and searched Brunei's online stores to get the ebook but funny thing, it's not available. Funny how Brunei is up-to-date with the latest handphones, latest cameras, latest laptops and so many latest gadgets but no ebook. Not a single-freaking one!

Being a passionate reader, I have always wanted the ebook. Of course there is the pro and con of the ebook but I so badlyyy want one. I was thinking to buy online but before buying I want to see and feel how it loooks like on my hand; what are the functions; m I comfortable with it and so many questions. I don't want to spend some hundreds dollar buying online and in the end, regret buying it. Hmmmm.....*sooo very big sigh*

A Nearly-Forgotten Cruise

I started my leave already and I was planning to go to the local library today but somehow, it was closed. Haven't got the slightest idea why. Anyway, got nothing else to do so basically I spent my day sitting on the couch, watching the telly. So many nice movies airing at the moment. I watched The Amazing Race in the morning continued with Titanic.

This is the first time I watched the Titanic again after so many years. True, when the film was out in 1997, I think I watched it over and over again. Not because I fancy Leonardo di Caprio. Not a big fan of his. But basically I like the storyline - part history, well, mostly history I guess.

So, today, after those so many years, this movie still can make my eyes glued to the screen. I nearly forgot how amazing this movie was. Won sooo many Oscars and all those awards. Watching Titanic this morning, it reminds me of my desire to go for the Star Cruise. Believe it or not, I nearly went for a cruise while I was in Singapore. The Star Cruise was docking at Harbour Front at that time and I remembered asking for the tickets and all. Came home and I voiced out my plan to my 2 roomies. Turned out, they are not a big fan of sea cruise. One roomie easily got seasick while the other plan, well, just plain uninterested. I wanted to go that badly I was even considering to go alone but when I think about it, what the heck m gonna do alone on a big ship, with no friends at all for 3 days?? And so, I didn't go......

I never thought of the cruise anymore after that coz I don't want to feel the disappointment. It just too hard to bear *so dramatic*. A colleague of mine once said that sea cruise is suitable for honeymoon and for couples. What? Single people cannot go?? But when I think about it, he was right. Lots of people who go on a sea cruise are either honeymooners or couples. Ceh...nevermind! One day, I would break the tradition...haha! I wish!

Ready for a Change?

M thinking of changing my car! I had been driving the Mondeo for the last 7 years and I guess it's time for a change. But now I got 2 dilemma - am I ready to change to a new car with a new bank loan? and which car?? I got so many options but I learnt from my lesson not to choose the European expensive car, not that I can afford it that much...haha!

Surrogates

Managed to watch it last Tuesday and truth to be told, kindda regret watching it. Let's just say that m disappointed with the movie.

It's a sci-fiction movie where human were replaced by robots in living everyday life. From walking, working, shopping, everything basically while the operator - the human just sat on a chair and operate their surrogates from home. I was thinking myself if that's really happen in few years, wow, life would be soooo boring. True, you would be protected from all the diseases, outbreaks, considering that the real you are at home, safe and comfy while your surrogate do all the dirty work. But where's the fun in living?

Oh well, I don't know about the rest of you guys who had watched this movie but for me, m really disappointed watching it. Just because Bruce Wills is the hero made me to go and see this movie at the first place...

Have I Lost It?

My guts, that is.

After nearly 2 months of no exercise, this morning I decided to go and hike at Bukit Shahbandar. I rarely go to Shahbandar nowdays mainly because for me, Shahbandar is an eerie place after all those incidents. Even before all those incidents, I stopped going there when I pushed myself resulting in pure exhaustion.

So, this morning, after I sent my brother to school, I went straight to Shahbandar. When I arrived, around 7am, the parking lot was basically empty, only few cars were around. On my way up, I saw a guy coming down and I had my doubt. I looked up the hill and I saw no one in sight. Hmm.. m alone and the place is soooo quiet and truth to be told, the place kindda freaking me out. So after half way thru' the hill, debating with myself, whether I should go on or turn back, the rational part of me won. I turned back. Haha! As I was walking around the playground (just to loosen up some sweats), I saw 3 individuals going up. So I said to myself, "if these people going up on their own, m sure I can do it too. Besides, m sure can catch up with them".

With that on my mind, I started to hike up the hill again, seeing only one of the 3 individuals. 1 of the women went to the other tracks and the other 1, I have no idea. Seems like she vanished into the thin air. Anyway, by the time I reached the top of the first hill, I lost sight of the guy. Being wise, I adopt the shortest route. And believe me, it's the quietest hike I ever had. Not a soul around, just me and the nature. I don't know whether I like it or not but I still prefer some people around. On my way down from the hill, from afar, I saw a group of monkeys roaming around. Considering that they are wild monkeys, I don't want to take my chances so guess what I did? I hike back up to the hill!!! Haha! Trust me, I really did my exercise this morning. On my way up, one of the women I saw earlier came down and believe it or not, I just tagged along wit her! Eventually I made it back to my car but the question still remains - have I lost my guts? Or Shahbandar just quiet nowdays? Both I think.

3 years back, I can hike the Shahbandar every single day and I don't mind hiking alone. I enjoyed hiking alone. At least I don't have to wait to anyone or anyone to wait for me. Well, it gave me a lesson today - not to go to Shahbandar in the morning while everyone is at work.

Cambodia

"Jumreap sooa". It means hello in Cambodian.

Up to this day, I still have no specific idea why m soooo captivated by Cambodia. Siem Reap, I totally understand why I want to go there. I am firstly and foremost spellbound by the temples - Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. M not a buddhist but there is no harm fascinated by history, right?

I never meet someone who had actually been to Cambodia. But about 2 weeks ago, a colleague came by to the pharmacy, asking for all those travelling and anti-malarial drugs and I was asking her, where she intends to go? Cambodia and Siem Reap! I am sooooo jealous of her and I didn't tell a person straight to her face of my jealousy that often *big sigh* but to her, I did!

After some 'emotionally intelligence' (some people called it buzybody) questions, found out that she is on a missionary mission, to help the poor and the orphans, medically and provide them medical supplies. Ahhh...so nice. I, once had that dream, you know? Want to be a volunteer and help others but well, we gotta do what need to be done to live - work and get paid! But I won't dismiss the idea of volunteering totally. One day, I might be able to help others in need. I just don't know when. If I am given a choice, I would like to go to Sudan and other parts of Africa.

The Amazing Race

Being an adventure freak, I have to say The Amazing Race is one of my favourite shows on TV. I was watching The Amazing Race 15 last night on the telly where they were in Cambodia. Ahhh...I just love Cambodia! I know I love so many things but hey, that's me. Being fascinated by history, I have to love Cambodia for it's history. When I was in KL, I bought this TravelGuide book - Loas and Cambodia just to have an idea where to go and what to do and not IF I ever go there. Which I will...hehe. Positive thinking!

Okay, back to The Amazing Race. It was a tough race but honestly, eventhough m not a big fan of Zev and Justin, I have to say m disappointed with the way they have to go. FYI, they were the first team to arrive at the pit stop but soon after they found out that Zev's passport is missing and they have to retrace back their steps! WHAT? I was frustrated last night but then, I guess that's why their call it 'The Amazing Race' - anything could happen!

This morning, eventhough I know which team wins The Amazing Race 14, I still watch the rerun. Yea, I really got nothing to do. Well, technically, I got tonnes and tonnes things to do but then, I think for now, m just gonna lie back and relax and njoy watching the telly while m on the mood. Hehe! Besides, TAR 14 was in Siberia. Oh..I also love Russia. Haha! Well, let's just say that I love the planet Earth hence m loving everything in it except for the wars, famine and everything associated with misery.

What's the fun way of having an adventure and travel at the same time. The answer - The Amazing Race! Ever dream of joining it? You bet..hehe

The Death of 1 Boy

Stephen Gately (17 March 1976 - 10 October 2009) a member from an Irish boyband, Boyzone had passed away yesterday. It came as a surprise to a lot of fans.

As for me, I just found out about it today. I still remember the time, back in high school, me and the rest of the girls were drooling all over Smash Hits just to see and read all the pictures and gossips of this boyband and another, Take That. Good old days. Oh well, he had been a great singer and he surely will be missed.

Note: I copy his picture from his official website coz I think this is his nicest photo I see.

The Most Exhausting Night

....and I still have 1hr and 40mins to go.

I don't know what happened today but it seems like everyone who is sick come to this hospital to get their treatment. I think these people don't know what it means by A+E = Accident and Emergency. I mean, if you have an acne problem, is that consider an accident or an emergency? I don't think it's one of them. You would be surprise what kind of people and their 'sickness' I had encounter in my 6 years experience of working.

For the last 5 hours, the amount of patients I received is more than what I had for 7 hours for the last 6 nights. Maybe it's a 'test' for me given by the Almighty. To 'test' my patience and all. Oh well, I still have my patience but m exhausted.

Dear God, if you are reading this and listening to my prayer, please lessen my burden a bit. I don't ask much but a bit....Thank You!

P.S. I Love You

While m on the subject of movies and Gerard Butler (hehe! just couldn't get enough of him), one of his movies that I love the most is P.S. I Love You. No matter how many times I watched this movies, over and over again, I still cry....shhhuussshhh...Haha!

It really amaze me how a man loves a woman and likewise. Can you imagine how you feel when you are heartbroken? Devastated, angry, frustrated and all those mix feelings. But in this story, the husband passed away. Someone so young, full of love, jovial, jolly...how do you feel? When I was watching this movie, I tried to put myself in Hillary Swank's shoe or rather the female character shoe, Holly. But somehow I just couldn't. Maybe because I never feel that deep love for someone (a man) before.

I guess it's true - Sometimes there's only one thing left to say "P.S. I Love You"

The Ugly Truth

I just LOVEEEEE Gerard Butler! Hahaha! He is (in my opinion) one of the sexiest men on screen. With that body, that male aura and the 'dirty-unshaven' face, which girl doesn't fall for this guy? Oh well, I don't know about the rest of you, but me, being a normal female (which I sometimes do), surely fall for him! Haha!

Okay, enuf about Gerard Butler (well, not really!). Let's talk about his latest movie with Katherine Heigl. Being a fan of both actor and actress, this movie is a must-see movie for me.

It's a story of a control freak producer (Heigl) and a happy go lucky man (Butler). They have different perspective of relationships. Heigl believed in true love while Butler only believe in pure lust. In order to get her 'dream' guy, Butler agreed to help her out. It's a funny + romantic + touchy movie. I was watching it with 2 of my brothers and there is this 1 part that they (my brothers) really love. It's the scene where they were having dinner and Heigl was wearing this vibrating panties and it was so hilarious! Does the vibrating panties really exist? Haha! In this world and technologies, I wouldn't be suprise.
I personally like the poster #2 coz in my personal opinion, it reflects on how different men and women can be. Women tend to 'follow' the brain while men, tend to 'follow' their....errmm...you know what I meant. Hehe!

The Countdown Begins

1 night and 2 hours to go = 9 hours of duty to go before I can officially enjoy myself. Starting Monday, I am truly FREE as I would be having my long awaited leave!

Last year, I took a 3-week holiday and everyone asked me what a single lady like myself doing with that long holiday. Everyone assumed I was getting engaged and I got no chance to correct them either ;) This year, I'm taking nearly a month holiday. And my big boss asking whether m getting married? Hahaha! That would be a shock to everyone...hmmm...

Anyway, I got things-to-do list for my holiday! And who knows, what might happen! Hehe!

Plain Stupid o What??

It's my 5th night working and the first 5 minutes I opened the counter, a young mother just pissed me off! For those people who knows me, m the type of person that is easily pissed off! Every single simple things managed to trigger 'my pissed off mode'.

I was asking the mother, nicely, about the weight of the baby considering that the information was not written in the prescription and you know what the mother said to me, (in a very rude way), "sana nda bertulis kan?" DUHHHH!!! Does she thinks m that stupid to ask something if I already know the answers?

If she thinks m stupid then I think she is THAT stoooopppiiddd!

Note: M just venting up my anger here considering that I got no one to talk to at the moment..hehe!

Dang Ayang or Raja Ayang??

I posted 2 entries before about the legend of Dang Ayang and no, there is no error in the legend/history. But what made me confused at the moment is the title. Few days back, I heard in the news that instead of Dang (short for Dayang which means Miss), she was referred to Raja Ayang (if you translate it into english, it would be King Ayang). M so confused at the moment. BUT the good news is that, the tomb will be opened to public but not "until a caretaker is hired." Being an enthusiast in all kind of history, I could hardly wait. If they couldn't find any caretaker, I don't mind doing the job part-time...hehe!

"THE centuries-old tombstone in the heart of the capital has revealed a tragic love story between two blue blood siblings who were banished to live in an underground house by the then king.

That part of the story found inscribed on the tomb of Raja Ayang, located at the heart of the capital just in front of the Brunei Post Office building, will soon be open to the public as a new tourist attraction in Brunei Darussalam.

The tomb is now housed in a new building, which was officially handed over from the Public Works Department to the Brunei History Centre yesterday after six months of construction work that cost around BND$400,000.

The guest of honour who witnessed the hand over was Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Hj Ahmad bin Hj Jumat, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.

Pehin Jawatan Dalam Seri Maharaja Dato Seri Utama Dr Haji Awang Mohd Jamil Al-Sufri bin Begawan Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Seri Paduka Hj Awang Umar, head of Brunei History Centre received the key from Dayang Hajah Marhani binti Abdullah, Acting Director General of Public Works Department.

Pehin Jawatan Dalam Seri Maharaja Dato Seri Utama Dr Haji Awang Mohd Jamil Al-Sufri described the story of the tombstone saying, “According to written history, Raja Ayang was part of the Brunei royal family, a sibling who committed unlawful acts that contravened Islamic religious laws and due to their action, they were sentenced to death.

“According to inscriptions on the tombstones of Raja Ayang, both siblings were not prince or princess because the name Ismail doesn’t exist in the Brunei royal family.

“However, there is a possibility as Ismail bin Yusof Al Aziz Al Khawlani could have been the son-in- law of the Sultan of Brunei or a person who was called King (not from Brunei).

“From the date on the tombstones, the incident took place during the reign of Sultan Sulaiman (1432-1485). Two concerned members of the royal family were punished and willingly served out the punishment because they understood that their action was against the Islamic law,” he added.

“During that period, Sultan Sulaiman was known as a king who strictly adhered to Islamic principles. However, in their case, the punishment was different from others. The siblings were banished to stay in an underground house, which looked like a hill.

“Inside the underground house were rooms and they were provided with daily necessities and cooking utensils.

“The siblings stayed in the underground house until their last breath. It was believed that after a week (some say 40 days) the siblings died,” he added.
During World War II, the hilly tomb of Raja Ayang, three metres tall and 12 metres wide, was hit by a bomb from the allied forces during the landing in June 1945. The damage to the hill is seen until today.

“The tomb was found empty inside. Based on the historic evidence in the primary form such as the inscription on the tombstone of Raja Ayang and secondary items such as Boxer Codex and Sulaiman Legacy, the story of Raja Ayang is not that of a legend, but part of history that tells a lesson and stands as an example.

“The incident also provides a clear picture of the Brunei Sultan at that time who was firm in carrying out punishments on anyone who went against the Islamic law and that those who were punished were willing to receive the punishments.”
The aim of Brunei History Centre to renovate and build a new Raya Ayang tomb building, the head of the centre said, “is because this is part of our history that needs to be taken into account for years to come”.

During the excavation of the Raja Ayang site, pieces of porcelain, coins, broken glasses, pieces of green ceramics and numerous wooden fragments were found.
The new Raja Ayang tomb will not be open to the public until a caretaker is hired. At the building’s wall, the story of Raja Ayang in English, Malay and Arabic has been engraved.

Brunei Tourism Board CEO Sheikh Jamaluddin Sheikh Mohamed, said the Raja Ayang tomb will be a new tourism product for Brunei Darussalam because every country has its unique historical site and now Brunei has another one.

“We will definitely promote this new site through our brochures and web site.
“And we will inform our tour operators about the new tourism site to visit,” he added."

Note: The whole text was copied and paste from here