Separated from the rest of the nation by Brunei Bay and a sliver of Sarawakian territory, Temburong hovers to teh northwest of Bandar Seri Begawan, beckoning visitors to take the short step into another world. During your river trip to Bangar, which is the main town in Temburong, keep watch for monkeys, monitor lizards and crocodiles basking in the sun at low tide. Although a few patches of land are cultivated by resident Malays, Murut and Iban, virgin rainforest flourishes across the greater part of Temburong.
Kuala Belalong Mini Park. The Kuala Belalong Mini Park is in Bangar near the Temburong Civic Centre Padang, about 1-km from the town centre. It was opened on the 22nd July 1993 when His Majesty visited the District in celebration of His 47th birthday. The park has a natural pond which is used for remote control boat racing. For those unable to get to the remote Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre, this park is an alternative attraction. It has 6 pondoks, or huts, of similar design to those at Kuala Belalong. Three of them are used to exhibit pictures of His Majesty's Temburong visit, and the activities of the local people. The other three display some of the
findings made at the Kuala Belalong Centre. Scenic beauty is provided by the natural landscape, waterfall, shelters and flowers. Batang Duri Park. This about 16 kilometers from Bangar. It is bordered by towering forest and overlooks the crystal clear waters of the Temburong River, as well as wooden walkways for strolling and playgrounds for children. Swimming is allowed but the current can be very strong.
Rainforest Field Studies Centre, Kuala Belalong. The FSC is located near Kuala Belalong, within the Batu Apoi Forest Reserved and is a joint venture project between Brunei Shell Petroleum and University Brunei Darussalam (UBD). Brunei Shell donated funds to build 7 timber houses, with accommodation, and a laboratory and a dining room. The centre is focal point for teaching, training, and research into the low land tropical forest of Brunei. It provides facilities for field work at both University and Secondary School levers, government departments and bonafied overseas scientists. The centre can accommodate up to 24 people.
The trip is not easy, and can take up to 2 and ½ hours of pushing and pulling a long boat over a series of 23 rapids. But the site is natural wonder of national importance. For example, 1 entomologist doing research their found over 400 species of beetle in a single tree. Application for overnight visit must be made through UBD.
Peradayan Forest Recreational Park. This park is situated within the Peradayan Forest Reserve and covers an area of 1,070 hectares. It is about 15 kilometers from Bangar on the road to Labu. A visit to the park can include a 1.6 km forest trail that winds up and down a mountain side to the peak. The full trek requires about 2 hours. The Peradayan Forest Reserved includes the twin hills of Bukit Peradayan, which rises to 410 metres (1225 ft) and Bukit Patoi, at 310 metres (950 ft) above sea level. The area has a unique geological character, with some unusual caves and rock formations. One may also encounter wildlife such as kijang (deer).
The rocky summit of Bukit Patoi has an open patch of flat stone each acts as a view point and helipad. There is a pleasant breeze at the summit, and panoramic views of green jungle, blue seas, villages and fields of neighboring Sarawak.
Outward Bound Brunei Darussalam (OBBD). Outward Bound Brunei Darussalam (OBBD) is unique among other outward bound centres - being the only one situated in Virgin Tropical Rainforest on the banks of the Temburong River. Managed by the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports, OBBD has a logistics centre close to Batang Duri and an operation centre, approximately 7 km up river, in the heart of the rainforest. OBBD experiential training programmes are carefully designed to meet the needs of each wide range of client groups according to the requirements and age. These programmes poster self-confidence, trust and mutual support, communication, decision making, problem solving and other interpersonal skills. OBBD client groups include schools and colleges, government officers, corporate executives, youth groups and other non-governmental organizations. For more information, call the OBBD headquarters on 02-380970/1.
Ulu Temburong National Park. The national park is located within the Batu Apoi Forest Reserved. It has an area of approximately 50,000 hectares. Due to its location, terrain and conservation purposes, human impact here has been limited. The area is rich in biodiversity. Most of the development of the facilities and amenities have been undertaken by the Forestry Department. Nature trails have been constructed including 7 km of wooden walkways which improve access to step and swampy terrain, protect ground vegetation and prevent erosion. There is also a forest canopy walkway, giving scientists and visitors an opportunity to examine the
upper layer of the forest, so rich in life.
There are also tree houses about 20 metres high connected by hanging bridges. They can be used for nature observation. Panoramic views are often difficult to obtain in tropical rainforest but a number of observation points of river and mountains scenery have been identified. At the park headquarters located at the confluence of the temburong River and Belalong, there will be an Information Centre, staff quarters and a surau. Accomodation for visitors is located nearby; there are about 7 guest houses and 3 camp sites complete in facilities within the park. Access to the park is by Temuai or long boat.
Trekking in Temburong. Short trekking tours through farmlands and virgin forest to the Ulo Temburong National park are ideal for those who enjoy or would like to try trekking. To get the best out of such tours and learn about the unique rainforest, an experienced guide is indispensable and can be booked through a travel agency. |
