Darussalam

​‘Darussalam’ is an Arabic word that means ‘abode of peace’.
This series captures fragments of everyday life in Brunei, woven with the nation’s distinctive flora, fauna, and cultural motifs.
 From fleeting encounters with wildlife to quiet moments of domestic life, each work seeks to reframe the ordinary and reveal its quiet extraordinariness.

ORIGINAL ART PRINTS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

Details of Art Prints:
Size of artwork: 31cm x 44cm
Size with mount & frame: 44cm x 57cm
Each print is part of a limited edition of 20.
Hand-numbered and signed by the artist.
Archival-quality Fine Art print on premium matte photo paper, using Canon ChromaLife 100+ inks.
Each print includes a certificate of authenticity.​
​BND $200

Please Note:
All artworks come professionally mounted, framed with protective glass and ready to hang.
As they are made to order, please allow up to 5 business days for preparation.
No international shipping available—orders are only available for customers within Brunei.
No delivery--artwork must be picked up at a designated location in BSB.

​Please contact me directly at 7180087  to purchase.​



​1. "Supermoon at the Mangroves"
Digital illustration, Fine Art print on premium matte photo paper
2020

On May 7th, we saw the last Supermoon of 2020. The animals found in the Brunei mangroves such as the Irrawaddy Dolphin & Crocodile come out to play under its bright light. With Covid19 having a constant presence in our daily lives, we see a shift in the balance of human and nature. As humans practice social distancing and staying at home, nature becomes more prevalent and both flora and fauna are given a chance to thrive.

This piece won first prize in the 'Human & Nature Balance' category for The New Normal Virtual Art Exhibition "The COVID Experience" organized by Kaleidoscope Studios & The US Embassy, Brunei.

2. "Kampong Darussalam" (SOLD OUT)
(Abode of Peace Village)
Digital illustration, Fine Art print on premium matte photo paper
2020

This piece depicts a traditional Malay kampong house, its façade inspired by the colours and patterns of Istana Darussalam—the birthplace of His Majesty the Sultan. Along the pathway, a biawak (monitor lizard) strolls with quiet confidence, secure in its role as a predator and unhurried by the slow-paced rhythm of Brunei life.

​Behind the leafy mounds, a cat watches closely—ever alert, for the biawak is known to prey upon village kittens and chicks, easy meals in the natural order of things. The warm sun nourishes everything within its reach: plants grow tall, flowers bloom, and life thrives in harmony.
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3. “Padian”  (SOLD OUT)
Digital illustration, Fine Art print on premium matte photo paper
2020

Padians were Bruneian women from Kampong Ayer, the water village, who once traded and sold various foods and household products from their boats. They typically carried daily necessities and other in-demand items from the mainland that were not readily available to residents of the water village. Today, Padians are virtually non-existent as a result of modernisation.

They were recognised by their large straw hats known as Siraung, which were sometimes decorated with distinct woven patterns. These hats were unique to Brunei because they were considerably larger than those worn by floating market traders in other parts of the world. This was a practical adaptation to the local tropical climate, providing shade from the intense midday sun.
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This artwork depicts a Padian selling local fruits such as bananas, rambutans, kembayau, and pidada (mangrove apples). Her boat is adorned with Tenunan Ayer Muleh patterns and Simpor flowers. A school of fish swims alongside as her boat drifts along the serene Brunei River, which is embellished with Bunga Putar motifs.




​4. “The Banana Tree” (SOLD OUT)
Digital illustration, Fine Art print on premium matte photo paper
2021

This fruiting banana tree is surrounded by local birds such as the Oriental Pied Hornbill perched on its leaf along with two Black & Yellow Broadbills. An Egret stands in the background and a Blue Collared Kingfisher swings on a hanging vine. A Rhinoceros Hornbill flies overhead overlooking the warm and peaceful day.
5. "Kampong Aidilfitri"
Digital illustration, Fine Art print on premium matte photo paper
2021

The new moon surrounded by bright stars reflects the beginning of Syawal. There are fireworks in the shape of the “bunga Putar”. Hari Raya Aidilfitri is one of the biggest celebrations in Brunei as after a month of fasting during Ramadhan, we celebrate the first day by visiting our close family and asking for forgiveness.

This piece depicts three different houses which represent the three types of houses built during the 1960s, 1990s and 2020s as reflected in the simpangs. Thirty years apart and spanning three different generations. In Brunei, most of us are lucky to live near our family, some of us lucky enough to live within the same ‘kampong’ or village.

The village mosque calls out the “Takbir Raya” and prayers echo throughout the village. May we have a peaceful and blessed Aidilfitri.

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6. "Pantai Muara" (SOLD OUT)
Digital illustration, Fine Art print on premium matte photo paper
2021

One of the most beautiful sights in Brunei is our sunsets. The sky explodes into a rainbow of colours as the sun starts its descent. A family of pilot whales swim in the distance. I remembered a story in the news last year where some locals saved a beached baby pilot whale by pushing it back into the waters, and it swam back into the ocean.

Schools of fish and Hawksbill sea turtles swim in harmony. The wind blows a cool breeze as the ocean water flows creating waves and ripples of bubbles and sea foam.

Two children happily play surrounded by shells, unassuming hermit crabs and sand bubbler crabs who have decorated the shore with sand bubble patterns. The beach morning glory plant creeps alongside - many of its purple flowers in full bloom.
7. “Kampong Ayer" (SOLD OUT)
Digital illustration, Fine Art print on premium matte photo paper
2021

Kampong Ayer (or the "water village") is a historical settlement of houses built on stilts along the Brunei River. It is home to 25, 000 people and it's houses are colourful and the atmosphere is serene. It's a cloudy and cool day, the wind forms ripples along the water. Mangrove forests line the backdrop of the houses with the new RIPAHS Bridge (named after HRH, the Queen of Brunei) in sight juxtaposing the traditional houses against the modernity of the 21st century.

A crocodile lazes on the river banks attracting the attention of many passerby. A newer tourist boat is ready to take passengers for adventurers. Mud crabs, shrimp and spotted fish are found taking shelter in the roots of the Mangroves. Mangroves are known to support rich biodiversity who use the mangroves as nurseries during early life stages.
8. “Mangrove Apples"
Digital illustration, Fine Art print on premium matte photo paper
2022

This piece was inspired by one of my trips to the mangroves. I was looking forward to seeing the Proboscis monkeys and was lucky enough to see an entire troop of them. On the journey, we saw some crocodiles, birds and frogs, but an interesting part of the tour which stood out to me was when we were slowly passing by a Mangrove Apple tree - locally known as 'buah pidada'. I was really amazed by its fruit because it had various stages of development and each stage was so interesting, from bud to full bloom. At its final form it looks like an apple emerging from a star. Our tour guide told us that the Proboscis Monkeys feed on the young leaves of this tree. This piece features a mother Proboscis nursing her baby, and its father swinging nearby surrounded by the Mangrove Apple trees.
9. “On The Road" (SOLD OUT)
Digital illustration, Fine Art print on premium matte photo paper
2022
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Driving on the highway from one end of Brunei to the other takes less than 3 hours. I love being on the road because this is the view that I am accustomed to. Endless greenery and occasionally pops of yellow and orange are formed by a multitude of different flowers and plants such as ferns and the Elephant ear plant. Here I feature some of the most common palm trees found in Brunei. The Coconut palm, Lipstick palm and Travelers palm are nestled amongst the shades of green.

The blue skies are vast and our air is clean. Sometimes if we're lucky, we get to see Hornbills flying around too. There are eight different species of Hornbills found in Brunei. A male Wrinkled Hornbill is comfortably perched on a branch watching from above, basking in the warm tropical sun.
​10. “The Teapot" (SOLD OUT)
Digital illustration, Fine Art print on premium matte photo paper
2022

The giant teapot at the roundabout in Kuala Belait is an iconic sight. It always brings to mind images of relics left behind by an ancient and giant civilization—as if giants are about to have tea in the middle of the jungle. Two Oriental Pied Hornbills take respite on the monument, which symbolizes His Majesty pouring his love into the four districts of Brunei as represented by the four cups.

I feature the Mimosa pudica plant. In Malay, we call it the "Bunga Semalu,” which translates to 'shy flower'. It is commonly found creeping on grass beds. As a child, I always found this plant fascinating and fun to play with because the leaves would close up when touched. As adults, we often overlook them as common weeds. I also feature the Simpur flower, Brunei’s national flower, which is a hardy plant that grows in the wild and is beloved for its beautiful and bright yellow flower.
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What I love most about driving to Kuala Belait is the endless rainforests—quiet and serene, and most importantly, home to many animals. The delicate peaks and mounds formed by an endless rainforest and decorated with tall trees and uninterrupted greenery always bring peace to my mind.
​11. “Curhat over Ambuyat"
Digital illustration, Fine Art print on premium matte photo paper
2022
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Four friends gather over an Ambuyat potluck spread and cups of Teh Tarik. As tradition dictates, the Ambuyat occupies the central place on the table—a dish meant for sharing, surrounded by familiar side dishes that offer the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and salty flavours. 

Ambuyat is prepared by cooking ambulung (fine sago starch) with hot water. The process requires both confidence and coordination: one person pours the boiling water while another stirs vigorously to achieve the ideal texture and consistency. This act of preparation, done together, reflects the communal spirit deeply embedded in Bruneian culture.

The word Curhat means “to pour one’s heart out” to a trusted friend. Conversations over shared meals often become spaces for emotional release and reflection. During the COVID-19 pandemic, such gatherings came to a halt, highlighting how food and companionship play an essential role in maintaining mental and emotional well-being.
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Beyond the window, a garden with ripe Tarap and Sukun fruits comes into view—a quiet scene of contentment and fruition, symbolising the abundance that arises from connection and togetherness.
​12. “Bapa's Garden"
Digital illustration, Fine Art print on premium matte photo paper
2023

I’ll always cherish the memories of growing up in a big garden surrounded by jungle. My late father planted a lot of plants and fruit trees, and I'll always be thankful that I got to have fresh fruit daily. This piece features the Bornean Sun Bear, the smallest bear species in the world. As an expert climber, the Sun Bear is lazily perched on the tree, enjoying the warm sun and being surrounded by local tropical fruits such as the Soursop, Star Fruit, Tarap, Banana, Breadfruit, Custard Apple, Passion Fruit, and Coconut Trees. A curious squirrel smells the banana heart, and a giant Atlas moth is seen fluttering away. ⁣
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “𝘐𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘔𝘶𝘴𝘭𝘪𝘮 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘭 𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘵, 𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘧 𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘯 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺.”
​- (Sahih Bukhari Vol. 8, Book 73, No. 41)⁣
​13. “Observatory"
Digital illustration, Fine Art print on premium matte photo paper
2023

In the middle of the jungle, tropical plants and wildlife surround this ornate birdcage. This towering structure is not a cage but an observatory. Its windows are wide open, so animals are free to go in and out as they please. It is a place where animals can rest. Inside the cage is a wild pink banana plant called Musa campestris.

A Sunda pangolin curls around the cage as its baby clings to her mother's tail. A shy Borneo pygmy elephant, the smallest elephant species in the world, is surrounded by orange, pink, and red Heleconia plants. The full moon and colourful stars light up the sky as the scene is framed by the Bengal Clockvine climbing plant displaying its colourful purple blooms, which give off a sweet scent. The Rhinoceros Hornbill rests atop the cage, observing life down below and the stars above him as Blue-Throated Bee Eaters circle around the dusky pink sky looking for food.
​14. “Nostalgia Kampong Ayer"
Digital illustration, Fine Art print on premium matte photo paper
2024
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​This artwork captures a nostalgic scene from Kampong Ayer, a historical water village in Brunei. Once the vibrant heart of the nation, Kampong Ayer has a rich history that spans many centuries. The community’s colourful houses were traditionally built on stilts along the Brunei River, constructed mainly from wood, bamboo, and rattan, with some older roofs thatched from palm leaves. Boats served as the primary means of transportation among residents.

Padians, the entrepreneurial women of the water village, were a familiar sight as they paddled from house to house selling various goods, resembling miniature floating markets. These women embodied the values expressed in the Bruneian proverb “bekarih, bejarih, belurih”—to have the will to act (bekarih), to work diligently (bejarih), and to reap the rewards of one’s efforts (belurih).

​Scenes of children riding bicycles, playing congkak, and flying kites evoke memories of a simpler time, while the dome-shaped jetty welcoming visitors signifies the central role of Islam as the primary faith within the village.
​15. “Eco Corridor"
Digital illustration, Fine Art print on premium matte photo paper
2025

Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas, also known as the Eco Corridor, is a scenic riverside park that intertwines natural beauty with collective memory. It offers breathtaking views of the iconic Kampong Ayer, the striking Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Bridge, and the historical Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, set against the majestic Mahligai—a stone replica of a 16th-century royal barge. The Mahligai is adorned with vibrant, intricately patterned mosaic tiles that enhance its regal presence.

The park is animated with everyday life. Families and friends gather on the open field to play with bubbles, fly kites, enjoy picnics, and bask in the tropical sunshine. Electric vehicle rentals have become a common feature, allowing visitors to explore the park with ease, while joggers and rollerbladers contribute to its lively atmosphere.

Nature and wildlife further enrich the scene. A pair of otters share an affectionate kiss amid blooming hibiscus flowers, while the striking Borneo Birdwing butterfly flutters gracefully nearby. In the distance, Jong Batu, a rock formation steeped in Bruneian folklore, emerges from the water—its presence a quiet reminder of local legends. Tourists glide past in boats, guided by local boatmen who share stories and histories that connect the park to Brunei’s cultural and natural heritage.
Padian II
Oil on Canvas
2020
100 × 70 cm
​ BND 2,500