Embracing the Plot Twist
July 18th. I was actually supposed to leave Brunei today, but travel threw me a little curveball. Plans changed, so I've got one final bonus day to enjoy before officially crossing the border tomorrow.
Since I suddenly had some free time on my hands, I decided to wander around the neighborhood. First mission: hit the bank to withdraw some cash.
Stumbling Upon "Nasi Katok"
On my way there, a local food stall caught my eye. The sign said "Nasi Katok."
Now, I've had my fair share of "Nasi" (rice) dishes like Nasi Lemak on this trip, but Nasi Katok was completely new to me. Obviously, I had to try it.
What arrived was beautifully simple: a hearty combo of fried chicken and rice. Back in Japan, you'd usually order these as separate items, but having them smashed together on one plate just felt right. It was insanely good! The slightly spicy seasoning gave it a kick that totally hit the spot.
Sweet Treats & Incredible Kaya
Continuing my neighborhood exploration, I stumbled upon a sweet snack called "Takis." If I had to describe it, it's basically like a sweet, doughy dorayaki (Japanese pancake) with a deliciously chewy, mochi-like texture.
You can choose fillings like chocolate or peanuts, but the "Kaya" (coconut jam) absolutely stole the show. It had this rich, sweet flavor almost reminiscent of peanut butter. It was incredible. The best part? A set of three cost just 1 Brunei Dollar (about $0.80 USD). What a steal!
I spent the rest of the day just soaking in the vibes and tasting my way through the city, even grabbing a local ramen-style noodle dish for dinner. I wanted to experience every last bite of Brunei.
Prepping for the Unknown
Before heading back, I made a strategic pit stop at the local supermarket.
Tomorrow's journey is a giant question mark—I honestly have no idea what to expect. To play it safe, I stocked up on survival essentials like bananas and peanuts. Basically, I grabbed anything I can eat on the go without needing a kitchen.
When you're heading into the unknown, you've got to control what you can. My backpack is loaded with ready-to-eat fuel, and I am officially ready for whatever tomorrow brings!