Ulu Temburong National Park occupies
almost 40% of the Temburong district of Brunei Darussalam. It is
regarded by many as the best preserved tropical rainforest on Borneo.
The park includes a range of wilderness habitats, from lowland
forest and jungle rainforest, to montane forest at an elevation of almost 2000 metres.
Access is via traditional longboat along river corridors, or jungle hiking
tracks. There are no roads into the park.
The
area has often been looked upon as a refuge for threatened species
from throughout Borneo.
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 establish 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 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.
IntrepidTours' overnight and multi day tours give a
complete immersion in the park and a great escape from mobile phones and
daily routines.
Our day tours from Bandar Seri Begawan are popular, but
a true rainforest experience includes at least one night in the forest. Exploring
along the walkways at sunset, and experiencing the sunrise from the
Canopy Walkway are unique holiday experiences.
Rise before dawn to reach the top of the Canopy Walkway as the sky
begins to brighten. Sit above the tree tops, watching dawn over the
rainforest, with the passing parade
of wildlife, as a new day begins.
Two and three day packages give time to enjoy
walks under the giant trees, along creeks and amongst lush vegetation
to isolated waterfalls and jungle pools. And of course, to have fun
riding inflatable rafts and
Rapid
Riders down the Temburong River
rapids, relaxing on the riverside, enjoying the peace and tranquility of this isolated setting. Rafting
is a fun family experience; the Temburong River is a great place
for beginners.
Accommodation at the National Park entrance is available in simple chalets
or bunkrooms. Our staff will provide a full meal service; self catering
is also possible. In tune
with preserving this area, services are kept simple to minimise
environmental impacts. Generators run only when necessary for evening
light and power.
Facilities are suitable
for couples, or groups. Accommodation options inside and
adjacent to the park provide alternatives to suit a range of
interests. The air conditioned rooms at our
Guest-house, outside the park, can be used
as a base for day trips
into the park, and for tours around Temburong. Rent a bicycle, take a
walk, swim in the rainforest streams.
Some accommodation deep inside the park provides low impact facilities in
keeping with the wilderness preservation values. Piped water and electricity
generated from the
waterfall, showers, ceiling fans and open air meeting and dining
facilities are especially suited to schools and adventurous groups.
The park is very popular with educational tours and special
interest groups, such as bird watchers.
It's also a great
place to disappear for a few days away from faxes and phones. Enjoy the rainforest
wilderness, swim in warm mountain streams, hike to an isolated waterfall, get wet in an
afternoon rainstorm and wake each morning to the sounds of nature's jungle orchestra.
The fresh water rivers are warm. Activities such as cascading down
smaller sections of river, and rafting the larger rapids, are all part of the fun. They
can be integrated into a progressive visit programme.
The Ulu Temburong National Park is a special place. Preserved,
untouched and with a variety of activity and interest options, it's definitely a
highlight of every visit to Brunei.
Our local and international staff are specially
trained and experienced with the environment and the activities. Operating
practices and safety equipment are to international standards, set
by our Managing Director, who has twenty five years experience with
adventure travel, and established Brunei's Outward Bound School,
adjacent to the Ulu Temburong National Park.
A visit to the Ulu Temburong National Park begins just 15 minutes
drive from Brunei's international airport.
Notes: 1. Temburong is remarkably free of biting insects, and
most visitors do not use any repellent. But some people are more susceptible
than others, so please bring your favourite insect repellent that
works for you.
2.
IntrepidTours places a high
priority on visitor safety. We have our own radio equipment and
operate a substantial staff training programme. Safety equipment and
operating procedures are in line with established international
standards.
3. Our guides and boatmen stay nearby to visitor groups
accommodated
overnight in the National Park.
4. A detailed Tour Description (in Adobe Acrobat
format), with advice on what to bring, wear etc is available for
every tour.
Ulu
Temburong National Park - Day Tour
9 hours Tour Code: IT1-E2BT
Starts at: 8.00 am (Temburong water taxi jetty - BSB)
Finish at: 4.00 pm approx (Temburong water taxi jetty - BSB) Includes: Water taxi, vehicle and longboat transport,
morning & afternoon tea, great lunch, National Park entrance fee,
experienced guide, life-jackets.
Description:
A mildly
adventurous immersion into Borneo's best preserved wilderness
rainforest. The popular day includes fun river travel, local
foods, and spectacular views. From Bandar Seri Begawan travel by
water taxi to Temburong, stop for morning tea near Bangar, then travel upstream in longboats
to the National Park, watching for wildlife on route.
Cross the Suspension
Bridge high above the river and walk to the Canopy Walkway, for
views above the rainforest trees. Our guide will stop at points along the way to highlight the features and point
out
wildlife, fruits and other items of interest.
A lunch of local
specialties beside the Temburong River, with time to swim,
relax or explore along other walkways.
Return downstream in the
longboat to Batang Duri then transfer to our Guest-house for afternoon tea and clean
up before transfer to Bangar town (explore the shops if
time permits), and then water taxi to Bandar Seri
Begawan.
Ulu
Temburong National Park - Rafting Day Tour
9.75 hours Tour Code: IT1-R2BT
Starts at: 7.30 am (Temburong water taxi jetty - BSB)
Finish at: 5.15 pm approx (Temburong water taxi jetty - BSB) Includes: Water taxi, vehicle and longboat transport, morning &
afternoon tea, lunch, National Park entrance fee, experienced guide,
inflatable raft, life-jackets, helmets, Rapid
Riders, etc Note: minimum 3 x adults for this tour
Description: This is the same programme as the Day Tour, but the return journey
from the National Park to Batang Duri is paddling an inflatable
raft. The Temburong River has grade 1 and 2 rapids, so
is an ideal experience for beginners or family groups to enjoy the
thrill of shooting the rapids, the tranquility of drifting with
the current, listening to the jungle sounds or watching for
birds and other wildlife, and the fun of paddling together through
the pools; everyone usually gets wet!
Our guide will introduce you
to the safety procedures and the basics of raft paddling
after lunch, before heading downstream.
All safety equipment,
including international standard life-jackets (PFD-1) and helmets are included. Children
size lifejackets and helmets are available.
At our
Guest-house, dry off, change into your spare clothes, and enjoy afternoon tea before returning to Bandar Seri Begawan.
Ulu
Temburong National Park - Overnight Tour
- with
evening mangrove River Safari
- overnight
-
IntrepidTours
Guest-house
1.5 days Tour Code: ITO-E2BT
Starts at: 2.00 pm Day 1 (Temburong water taxi jetty - BSB)
Finish at: 4.30 pm approx, Day 2 (Temburong water taxi jetty - BSB) Includes: Water taxi, vehicle and longboat transport, morning &
afternoon teas, dinner, breakfast & lunch, air-conditioned
accommodation at our
Guest-house,
evening River Safari, National Park entrance fee, experienced guide,
life-jackets, Rapid Riders etc. Description: This overnight tour gives visitors a
comfortable pace and time to experience the jungle at dawn and
dusk. Our
Guest-househas
private rooms with bathrooms in a Malay style house. It is
located 10minutes drive from Bangar town.
The
first afternoon
includes a visit to a local longhouse (with dance display for
groups of 9 plus) and the Agriculture department's arboretium of
local trees and fruits. Arrive at our
Guest-house with time to settle in,
enjoy a substantial afternoon tea, then transfer to the river
for a 2.5 hour evening River Safari to see Proboscis
Monkeys, birds Macaques and other wildlife along the mangrove lined
shore. After dark, search for crocodiles - watch for the red
eyes on the surface - and see the fireflies glowing in the
trees. Return to our
Guest-house for a local
style dinner.
Next morning
begin an early morning trip
upstream in the longboats on the Temburong River. Watch for wildlife
along the river as the mist rises and notice the changing
vegetation and trees as you move further into the protected
rainforest.
At the National Park
follow the walkways, cross the Suspension Bridge (right) and take
the path (approx 1200 steps) up to the base of the Canopy Walkway. Climb the aluminum
staircase 60 metres to the top, for spectacular
views above the tree tops.
Return to the river to
travel further up-stream (subject to river height) and explore along a jungle creek to a
waterfall.
For the mildly adventurous, learn to use our Rapid
Riders (heavy duty inflatable air-matttress) to paddle downstream with the current, through
rapids, to the National Park for our local style lunch.
After
lunch, relax, swim, or stroll around some of the other
walkways. Return downstream in
the longboat (or use our Rapid Riders to shoot the rapids)
to Batang Duri, then transfer to our Guest-house to clean up and for afternoon
tea. Then transfer to Bangar town - explore the shops if time permits
- and water
taxi back to Bandar Seri Begawan.
Ulu
Temburong National Park - Rafting Overnight Tour
- with evening mangrove River Safari
- overnight
-
IntrepidTours
Guest-house
1.5 days Tour Code: ITO-R2BT
Starts at: 2.00 pm Day 1 (Temburong water taxi jetty - BSB)
Finish at: 5.15 pm approx, Day 2 (Temburong water taxi jetty - BSB) Includes: Water taxi, vehicle and longboat
transport, morning & afternoon teas, dinner, breakfast & lunch,
air-conditioned accommodation at our
Guest-house,
National Park entrance fee, experienced guide,
inflatable raft, life-jackets, helmets, etc
Our rafts are
tough, stable and ideal for beginners.
Safety equipment includes life-jackets (PFD-1) and
helmets.
Description: This is the same programme as the
Overnight Tour, but the return journey
from the National Park to Batang Duri is paddling an inflatable
raft. The Temburong River has grade 1 and 2 rapids, so
is an ideal venue for beginners or family groups to enjoy the
thrill of shooting the rapids, the tranquility of drifting with
the current, listening to the jungle sounds or watching for
birds and other wildlife, and the fun of paddling together through
the pools; everyone usually gets wet!
Lunch beside the
river at Ulu Temburong National Park.
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
