Brunei Holidays : Ulu Temburong National Park The Beautiful Place

Brunei Holidays, Ulu Temburong National Park is one of Tourist attractions in Brunei, occupies almost 40% of the Temburong district of Brunei Darussalam. It is regarded by many as the best preserved tropical rainforest on Borneo. 

The area has never been logged; the massive trees are hundreds of years old. 

You will notice the changes as you travel upriver in the longboat to visit

Temburong National Park.

Sightseeing in The National Brunei park includes a range of wilderness habitats, from lowland forest and jungle rainforest, to montane forest at an elevation of almost 2000 metres.

There are no roads into the park.  Temburong has often been regarded as a refuge for threatened species from throughout Borneo. The isolated Temburong National Park is accessible only by hiking or longboat.

The topography is mountainous, with steep slopes, narrow ridges and numerous peaks.

Visitors entering the area are always amazed by the transition from cultivation and secondary vegetation to deep jungle, as they travel upriver towards the National Park entrance. 

The Belalong River basin within the park is reserved solely for scientific study. The Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre operated by the University of Brunei Darussalam hosts scientists from around the world to survey and study the eco systems and animal inhabitants. 

Isolation, mountainous terrain, and a dedicated preservation policy have protected the park from destructive logging, clearing and plantation development that has scarred many areas of Borneo. The Ulu Temburong National Park is a haven for scientists and all people who appreciate the imposing grandeur of nature. 

Visitors to the National Park need to bring their sense of adventure. The longboat trip 12 kms upstream through the rapids can be wet and exciting.

Occasionally the longboat needs to be pushed over shallow water, or a river section must be walked around while the boatmen negotiate the rapid.  The river's height is determined by recent rainfall in the catchment area upstream.

Our boatmen and guides grew up in the area. The river is their second home. It gives them access to fishing, fruit gathering, and hill paddy rice fields outside the National Park. While establishing the nearby Outward Bound School, our Managing Director helped pioneer local tour operation standards, communication systems, activities and support services to assist visitors  experience Ulu Temburong National Park.

The changing vegetation is very noticeable as you approach the park entrance. From the secondary forest and traditional hill paddy adjacent to the Batang Duri longhouse, the view along the river changes to towering primary rainforest as the park entrance approaches.

For most visitors, moving on foot within the Brunei National Park is  via  the many kilometres of elevated wooden walkways and prepared trails.

Natural processes occasionally disrupt the walkways because of  soil movement and tree falls. Sometimes it is necessary to walk around sections under repair, and some walkway routes can be closed for maintenance.  

 

The walkways provide relatively easy passage above the rough terrain, and protect the lightly vegetated ground and fragile soils. Some walkways follow gentle gradients along the Temburong River. Others climb over ridge tops to access adjacent valleys and river crossing points. Suspension bridges cross rivers and streams. 

The walks are within the capability of normally healthy people. The youngest recent visitor to the Canopy Walkway was – 4 months (yet be born) and the oldest 86. Walks and activities can be selected to suit personal preferences. For some people, the longboat ride, gentle walkway walks, relaxing beside the river, and enjoying this untouched environment is sufficient. Others prefer to walk and climb to the top of every viewpoint, and ride every rapid.  

The Canopy Walkway rises over 60 metres from the ridge top to above the tree tops. Watch the birds, take in the view and wait for other jungle dwellers to arrive. Arrange a pre-dawn visit to experience the jungle awakening, foraging birds or animals, and the rising sun.