Temburong District Travel Guide
Northwest of Bandar Seri Begawan and cut off from the rest of Brunei by Brunei Bay, the district of Temburong is home to the historically head-hunting but modern-day farming tribes of the Malay, Murut and Iban communities. Blanketed in thick, primordial rainforest interspersed with strips of cultivated land, the region is accessible by speed-boat ferry from the capital to Temburong’s main town, Bangar, in less than an hour.
Dominated by an untouched, natural landscape, Temburong offers a true glimpse into life within the lowland rainforests of the region. Incredibly diverse in flora and fauna, the jungle almost overflows with wildlife. Monkeys grouped in the mangrove trees and monitor lizards sunning themselves are common sights at low tide. A dug-out longboat, considered the best way to fully appreciate the jungle waterways, can be hired in and around Bangar town.
Roughly nine miles from Bangar, the Bukit Patoi Recreational Park rests within the Peradayan Forest Reserve. Surrounding the Bukit Peradayan and Bukit Patoi hills, the four square mile park possesses some unusual rock and cave formations as well as an abundance of native animal species. An area of level rock at the 950-foot summit of Bukit Patoi provides a panoramic view of the rainforest, sea and villages of nearby Sarawak.
With jungle trekking a popular activity for those who visit the area, the 193 square miles of Ulu Temburong National Park in the Batu Apoi Forest Reserve has become the premier location for travelers wishing to explore a region almost unaffected by time or human impact. Well-marked trails wind throughout the park with close to four miles of wooden boardwalks constructed to protect underlying vegetation.
Hikers can stroll among the treetops on a canopy walkway 65 feet above the forest floor, pausing at one of the many tree house observation points connected by hanging bridges. Accessible by longboat, the park offers limited accommodations. There are seven guesthouses along with a few excellent, well-provisioned campsites. Half day to three-day tours can be arranged through Borneo tour specialists.
The town of Bangar is the administrative center of the region and is easy to get around in on foot, though the heat may encourage you to hire a taxi instead. There are no public buses, but taxis are plentiful.
Things to Do
Temburong District Attractions
- Ulu Temburong National Park
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One of the most beautiful and picturesque nature reserves in the region with spectacular rainforest and exotic fauna. the park has some fantastic walking paths to enjoy the pristine scenery.
- Batu Apoi Forest Reserve
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Is relatively untouched with only few pathways for viewing the amazing wildlife and fauna. there are jungle trekking tours that include various adventure activities.