Central Friday November 16, 2007
A touch of Borneo in the city
By YIP YOKE TENG
teng@thestar.com.my
In the wilderness of Borneo, warriors return from hunting excursions to the Baruk, or headhunter’s house in the Bidayuh language, to celebrate their victory, exchange stories of bravery and obtain information about other tribes.
In cosmopolitan Kuala Lumpur, urbanites can do just that, the modern way, at Borneo Baruk Club.
Striking: The black and white totem poles grab the attention of visitors.Conceptualised by a Sarawakian architect, the brown building at Jalan Kia Peng is an entertainment multiplex encompassing the facilities of Borneo Bar, BreadKick bakery and Rafflesia Restaurant.
It makes heads turn with its exterior replicating a longhouse with striking totem poles in black and white motifs as well as a uniquely structured Baruk house featuring a round rooftop and multiple pillars arranged in a circle.
According to spokesman Gaik Lee, the club positions itself as a catalyst for Borneo culture in the Peninsular. The concept was conceived three years ago when the owner attended a Gawai party in Sarawak.
“Extremely peaceful, awesome and lovely were some of the adjectives the owners used to describe Borneo. The two states were discovered long before Malaya was established but they still awe visitors till today. They have great potential and there is so much more to be explored.
“Borneo has one of the richest cultures in the world. We are making use of this location in the Golden Triangle to bring the culture closer to West Malaysia.
“We built a long house although it was rather costly due to the high ceiling because it is one of the most beautiful buildings we have come across,” she said.
While the interior is stylish, the club has a touch of Borneo at every corner.
Traditional: The longhouse-inspired building that houses the club.The modern decor is fused with ethnic motifs and woven works. A rainforest complete with flora and fauna adorns a corner with the sandstone of the Mulu Caves, inhabited by bats and spiders, decorates the seating area.
A host of antiques and ornaments from the owner’s personal collections are juxtaposed against posh couches and elegant chandeliers. The most interesting of all is a 100-year-old kayak suspended from the ceiling.
“The building and its concept came about after much research. We want to promote Borneo culture within an exciting and happening atmosphere without the place looking like a museum,” she added.
Fusion: The club fuses the modern and the traditional in an interesting way.Lee also gave special mention to the uniquely designed toilets characterised by bulky wooden bolts and imported accessories from Vileroy & Botch and Alape.
“The owner hopes to put Malaysia on the map overseas. This is the first club that adopts the Sabah and Sarawak concept and we hope there will soon be such spots in other parts of the world,” she added.
Borneo Baruk Club is located at No 1, Jalan Kia Peng, Kuala Lumpur.
A touch of Borneo in the city
By YIP YOKE TENG
teng@thestar.com.my
In the wilderness of Borneo, warriors return from hunting excursions to the Baruk, or headhunter’s house in the Bidayuh language, to celebrate their victory, exchange stories of bravery and obtain information about other tribes.
In cosmopolitan Kuala Lumpur, urbanites can do just that, the modern way, at Borneo Baruk Club.
Striking: The black and white totem poles grab the attention of visitors.Conceptualised by a Sarawakian architect, the brown building at Jalan Kia Peng is an entertainment multiplex encompassing the facilities of Borneo Bar, BreadKick bakery and Rafflesia Restaurant.
It makes heads turn with its exterior replicating a longhouse with striking totem poles in black and white motifs as well as a uniquely structured Baruk house featuring a round rooftop and multiple pillars arranged in a circle.
According to spokesman Gaik Lee, the club positions itself as a catalyst for Borneo culture in the Peninsular. The concept was conceived three years ago when the owner attended a Gawai party in Sarawak.
“Extremely peaceful, awesome and lovely were some of the adjectives the owners used to describe Borneo. The two states were discovered long before Malaya was established but they still awe visitors till today. They have great potential and there is so much more to be explored.
“Borneo has one of the richest cultures in the world. We are making use of this location in the Golden Triangle to bring the culture closer to West Malaysia.
“We built a long house although it was rather costly due to the high ceiling because it is one of the most beautiful buildings we have come across,” she said.
While the interior is stylish, the club has a touch of Borneo at every corner.
Traditional: The longhouse-inspired building that houses the club.The modern decor is fused with ethnic motifs and woven works. A rainforest complete with flora and fauna adorns a corner with the sandstone of the Mulu Caves, inhabited by bats and spiders, decorates the seating area.
A host of antiques and ornaments from the owner’s personal collections are juxtaposed against posh couches and elegant chandeliers. The most interesting of all is a 100-year-old kayak suspended from the ceiling.
“The building and its concept came about after much research. We want to promote Borneo culture within an exciting and happening atmosphere without the place looking like a museum,” she added.
Fusion: The club fuses the modern and the traditional in an interesting way.Lee also gave special mention to the uniquely designed toilets characterised by bulky wooden bolts and imported accessories from Vileroy & Botch and Alape.
“The owner hopes to put Malaysia on the map overseas. This is the first club that adopts the Sabah and Sarawak concept and we hope there will soon be such spots in other parts of the world,” she added.
Borneo Baruk Club is located at No 1, Jalan Kia Peng, Kuala Lumpur.
3 comments:
How can other people can do it but not Sarawakina?? em...
ya, betul tu... orang lain yang datang ke sarawak dan buat business di KL...
Louis, maybe the headhunters FC should check out this joint...
ada betul sama ka??
Well, if you have a business plan and you can make it work, why not?
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