The nutrients from mountain
rainforests flow downstream in the rivers leading to Brunei Bay. These nutrients feed the
mangrove eco-systems which in turn feed the diverse bird, animal and aquatic life which
inhabits the bay and its salt water estuaries.
Mangroves are a key player in the life cycle of Brunei Bay. They
have been protected from development and set aside for study and visitor enjoyment in
areas adjacent to Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei Darussalam, and also in
Brunei Bay, where the rivers from Temburong's National Parks flow into the bay.
Comfortable boats provide transport along the deep channels that
flow amongst the mangrove islands. Engine off and paddle, or just drift with the
current, watching for wildlife.
Early morning and late evening are the best times to find the natural
inhabitants active and visible. These are times when insects and other small prey
are also active and this attracts the resident birds to emerge at the edge of waterways
and clearings. It's also cooler at these times so it's more comfortable to be out
exploring.
Our 6 am boat departure to Selirong Island Reserve
give visitors an experience of dawn over Brunei Bay. An
early arrival at Selirong Island gives the best opportunity to
see the local inhabitants.
Low or high tide there is always activity. The birds and animals
adjust their foraging and hunting activities depending on the water level.
Our 5 pm boat departure for the Mangrove
Safari, upstream of Bandar Seri Begawan, allows visitors to explore the
mangrove channels as the sun drops lower in the sky, cool shadows spread across the water,
and the local inhabitants become active. Each day is
different.
At Selirong Island in Brunei Bay, the Brunei
Forestry Department has installed two kilometers of elevated walkways
through the mangroves. An observation tower gives a clear view onto the
tops of the surrounding mangrove trees.
The walks at Selirong can be broken into two sections as
a channel gives boat access to the walkway half way across the island.
At low tide the mangrove mud is exposed below the walkways where mud
skippers, crabs, monitor lizards, wading birds and more can be seen. The deep channels are
home to fish, crabs, shrimps, prawns, cockles and barnacles.
4 metre Salt Water Crocodile seen in the lower Temburong River.
(Photographed from the water taxi)
Crocodile and other animal sightings have been increasing in
Brunei. Guns are banned and in combination with free public
services, (including education, public health and medical), housing
assistance, and the general standard of living, the economic pressure
that leads to habitat destruction and native animal hunting is largely
absent. Crocodiles and other wildlife find Brunei a safe haven.
Scientists and amateur naturalists find the
convenient access along elevated walkways very attractive.
Mangrove Safari - Bandar Seri Begawan
- Evening Tour
2 hours (3.5 hours with optional dinner) Tour Code: ITS-MBBB
Starts at: 5.00 pm
Finish at: 7.00 pm (8.30 pm with optional dinner at RBYC - Kota
Batu)
Includes: Drinks and experienced guide
Optional: Dinner at Royal Brunei Yacht Club (BYO) (Tour code:ITE-MBBB
)
Description: The tour proceeds upstream by boat to explore the nearby mangroves.
Explore
quietly along narrow channels to look for Proboscis Monkeys, Macaques,
monitor lizards, birds and occasionally a crocodile. Our guide will
explain the mangrove ecology and the diversity of wildlife this tangled
environment supports. Watch the mass of egrets returning downriver to
their overnight roost.On sunset emerge to photograph the Sultan's Palace
from this best viewpoint, then drive past the town and water village as
the lights begin to illuminate.
Mangrove Safari & Water Village -
BSB - Evening Tour
3 hours (4.5 hours with optional dinner) Tour Code: ITS-CBBB
Starts at: 4.00 pm
Finish at: 7.00pm (8.30 pm with optional dinner at RBYC - Kota Batu)
Includes: Afternoon tea (at water village), drinks and experienced guide
Optional: Dinner at Royal Brunei Yacht Club (BYO) (Tour code: EBE-CBBB
)
Description: The Water Village is still home to approximately 40,000 residents.
Described as The Venice of Asia, this traditional community and housing
now includes modern services with access to international communications
and media. Following a
tour by boat and on foot, and afternoon tea in a water village house,
the tour proceeds upstream by boat to explore the nearby mangroves. Explore quietly
along narrow channels to look for Proboscis Monkeys, Macaques, monitor
lizards, birds and occasionally a crocodile. Watch the mass of egrets
returning downriver to their overnight roost. On sunset emerge to
photograph the Sultan's Palace from this best viewpoint, then drive past
the town and water village as the lights begin to illuminate.
Selirong Mangrove Island -
Dawn tour
3 hours Tour Code: ITD-SMBB
Starts at: 6.00 am (Serasa)
Finish at: 9.00 am (Serasa) (10.00 am
with breakfast - Royal Brunei Yacht Club)
Includes: Water and soft drinks
Optional: Breakfast at Royal Brunei Yacht Club - Serasa
Description: The boat leaves just before dawn, speeding across the
calm water inside Brunei Bay to reach Selirong Island near sunrise, when the natural
inhabitants are most active, and when you are most likely to see the
amazing array of wildlife living amongst its tangle of mangroves, vines,
palms and trees.
Selirong
Forest Recreation Park is preserved for outdoor
recreation, research and nature education. Our boat takes you along some
of the secluded waterways to the walkways.
Quietly walk along sections of the 2 kilometres of elevated wooden pathways. Stop to listen and
watch the dawn parade of unique mammals, resident and migratory birds,
bats, reptiles, fish, crustaceans, and of course monkeys. Perhaps you
will see a green turtle, monitor lizard or salt water crocodile.
The tour is lead by one of
our specially trained and experienced guides. All safety equipment,
including lifejackets (PFD-1) and radio communications is
provided.
As the sun climbs high in the tropical sky, and the animals retreat to
find shelter, we follow their example, either returning to Serasa, or
connecting with other tours such as the Brunei River Tour, Cultural Heritage Tours,
or Temburong.
Note:This Selirong Island tour can only operate when the tide height at
Muara is at least 0.8 metres. (check in the tides section of this
website)
A member of the:
Brunei Association of Travel
Agents (BATA) and the
Outdoor Recreation Industry Council of Australia
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For national parks, fishing,
rafting, sailing, diving, cultural heritage,
corporate teams, school & special programmes,
with island, rainforest and city accommodation Brunei, Sabah & Sarawak
INTREPIDTOURS
PO Box 2234
Bandar Seri Begawan BS8674
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
Phn: 673 2 221685/6 Fax: 673 2 221687
Unit 105, 1st Floor, PGGMB
Building
Jalan Sungai Kianggeh
Bandar Seri Begawan BS8111
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
