Ulu Temburong National Park, popularly known as the ‘Green Jewel of Brunei’, is Brunei Darussalam’s first national park. It is located in Temburong district, east Brunei and is a popular ecotourism destination in the country. The park covers 550 sq km of virgin rainforest, hilly terrain and coastal plains, although only around 1% of this area is accessible to visitors.
Getting Here
Reaching the Ulu Temburong National Park is an interesting experience in itself, as there are no roads that lead directly to the park and it can be only accessed by water. The best way to visit the park is by arranging with a tour operator and all your transfers will be taken care of. You will first take a 40-minute speedboat ride from the capital Bandar Seri Begawan to the town of Bangar. This is followed by a bumpy 18 km road drive which will take you to Batang Duri, from where you will hop into a traditional longboat and reach the park’s entrance.
The Ulu Ulu resort is the only accommodation within the park’s premises and consists of 17 rooms, a conference hall, restaurant, souvenir shop and games room. You will have to book in advance, if you plan on staying overnight.
Wildlife
The Ulu Temburong National Park is home to numerous species of mammals, reptiles, birds and butterflies. The most popular resident is the Müller’s Bornean gibbon, a primate species that is tailless. Bird species include rhinoceros hornbill, bushy-crested hornbill and black-and-yellow broadbill while the Rajah Brooke’s birdwing is the most popular butterfly species. The Colobopsis explodens, a rare species of exploding ants are quite common here. The Wagler’s pit viper, a snake endemic to Southeast Asia can be found coiled around branches in tree tops.
Activities
Only a small part of the Ulu Temburong National Park is accessible to visitors and the rest is heavily protected, with exceptions for scientists alone. Visitors can make their way through the 7 km long network of bridges and boardwalks, which also act as excellent vantage points to observe the natural setting of the park and its wildlife. The 50 metre high canopy walk is the most popular route and from here, you can gain stunning panoramic views of the park. Getting up to the canopy walk is exciting too, as you have to climb around 20 ladders! You can also visit a waterfall and swim in natural pools or the calm Temburong River.
Why should you visit?
Ulu Temburong National Park is a lovely ecotourism location in the country. Though you might not be able to spot much wildlife, making your way through the dense jungle and listening to sounds of the wild is a memorable experience and will be especially cherished by nature lovers.
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