Mystic Borneo | BRUNEI

Early European explorers told tales of the exotic wonders found on the island of Borneo. Rare orchids with blooms as large as dinner plates, elusive monkeys with long; curved noses, rivers that snake through uncharted forests, and green; verdant shades never before seen. This is Temburong, and all it beholds the adventurous traveller today.

Temburong is the eastern-most district in Brunei, separated completely from the capital and the three other Bruneian provinces by the Malaysian state of Sarawak. Temburong District is rich in unspoiled natural heritage with untouched pristine rainforests still covers most of the district, including the Ulu Temburong National Park (formerly the Batu Apoi Forest Reserve). This is where you can experience the magnificence of Borneo's lowland rainforests. The simple culture of the Bornean longhouse community can also be seen.

Bangar (Capital)
Bangar is the administrative centre of the Temburong District of Brunei. The quiet town is relatively isolated as Temburong is separated from the main part of the country. Bangar is small enough for you to walk around, although it could be quite a hike in the hot sun to get to the administrative offices across the river from the commercial area.

Brunei's first national park - the Ulu Temburong National Park, is located south of the Temburong district, covering about 550 square kilometres or about 40% of total area of Temburong district. Ulu Temburong is considered one of the world's most diverse ecosystems with a range of wilderness habitats, from lowland forest and jungle rainforest to mountain forests and waterfalls. Most of the park is untouched by man and the traditional culture of Borneo longhouse communities (where an extended family or several families live together in a single, long home) remains intact. It is also the home of the rare Proboscis monkey and thousands of unique species of plants and animals.

Unlike the Malaysian side of Borneo where it can take several hours to reach National Parks and wildlife reserves, Ulu Temburong National Park is remarkably easy and quick to access. Although there are day trips available from Bandar Seri Begawan, the park is best appreciated and discovered with an overnight stay or a multi-day experience. In addition to wildlife viewing, the Temburong River offers rapids making rafting and kayaking action-packed add-on options. Although you may be tempted to try and visit on your own, taking an organized tour may be the best and simplest method to enjoy the park and avoid the red tape of arranging National Park permits and transportation. Often your "group" will consist of just two to six people so it isn't like crowding into a tour coach and spending the day with 20 people you have nothing in common with.

Ulu Temburong is only accessible by boat. From the capital of Bandar Seri Begawan water taxis take about one hour to ply the route to the main town of Bangar in Temburong District. This allows the visitor a glimpse of the mangrove forests which line the muddy delta of the Limbang River flowing out of Sarawak into Brunei Bay. With luck, Proboscis Monkeys may be sighted along this route; however these are more likely to be seen in early morning or late afternoon.

The Kuala Belalong Mini Park is another tourist attraction in Temburong district. Located about one kilometer from Bangar, this tourist area was officially opened on the 22nd July in 1993 by His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei on his 47th birthday. The main appeal seen here at Kuala Belalong Mini Park is its unique gardens which incorporate a number of attractions depicting the renowned Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre.

There is a specially designed pond which is used for remote-controlled boat racing and six pondoks, which are actually small huts, of similar design to those seen at the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre. Seen inside three pondoks are rare pictorial records of His Majesty's visit to this district and the colorful activities of the local people here while the other three pondoks showcases findings made at the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre. Visitors coming here will find this place of interest in Temburong quite different to the other parks seen at this district and this place also acts as a substitute for those who find the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre too remote and too far to venture.

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