Ulu Temburong National Park
Temburong
Ulu Temburong National Park, established in 1991, is Brunei's first national park and covers about 550 square kilometers in the Temburong District. Known as the "Green Jewel of Brunei," it protects one of the finest examples of the nation's lowland tropical rainforest. The park features rugged terrain with hills and mountains reaching up to 1,800 meters, traversed by the Temburong and Belalong Rivers. Visitors access the park exclusively by longboat, navigating through a network of rivers and narrow valleys. An extensive system of boardwalks and bridges totaling 7 kilometers allows exploration of the diverse forest interior, including a remarkable canopy walkway elevated 50 meters above the forest floor, offering panoramic views of the treetops. The park's flora is dominated by Dipterocarp species such as Shorea and Dryobalanops, alongside rich undergrowth including rattan, gingers, and orchids. Fauna is abundant and varied, featuring the arboreal eastern grey gibbon, rare butterflies like the Rajah Brooke's birdwing, and unique reptiles such as the earless monitor lizard. The park and its extensions form a designated Important Bird Area, supporting numerous threatened bird species endemic to Borneo. Ulu Temburong remains a vital ecotourism destination, combining conservation with immersive jungle experiences.
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Tip: The best time to visit Ulu Temburong National Park is during the dry season to enjoy comfortable trekking and river travel. Visitors should book guided tours and longboat transfers in advance due to limited access options. Wearing sturdy footwear and insect repellent is recommended. Consider staying at the nearby Ulu Ulu Resort for convenient access and immersive nature experiences. Discounts may be available for group bookings or eco-tourism packages. Guided tours provide valuable insights into the park's ecology and culture.
Interesting facts
- •The park covers about 40% of Temburong District, making it a vast protected area of 550 square kilometers.
- •Ulu Temburong is accessible only by longboat along the Temburong River, emphasizing its remote and pristine nature.
- •The canopy walkway rises 50 meters above the forest floor, providing spectacular views of the rainforest canopy.
- •The park hosts the rare Rajah Brooke's birdwing butterfly, named after the White Rajah James Brooke.
- •It is an Important Bird Area supporting many threatened bird species unique to Borneo.
- •The earless monitor lizard, a rare reptile species, inhabits the park's forests.
History
Ulu Temburong National Park was designated as Brunei's first national park in 1991 to protect its pristine lowland rainforest and biodiversity.
The area lies within the Batu Apoi Forest Reserve and has remained largely untouched due to its remote location accessible only by river.
Over the decades, the park has been developed with eco-friendly infrastructure like boardwalks and canopy walkways to promote sustainable tourism while preserving the environment.
Its establishment marked a significant milestone in Brunei's forest conservation efforts, earning it the nickname "Green Jewel of Brunei."
Place Guide
Canopy Walkway
A steel-supported cable walkway elevated 50 meters above the forest floor, offering panoramic views of the highest tree canopy and surrounding rainforest landscape.
Temburong River Longboat Route
The primary access route to the park, navigated by experienced Iban boatmen through sand bars, logs, and boulders, providing a unique river journey into the rainforest.
Dipterocarp Forests
Dominant forest type in the park composed mainly of Shorea, Dryobalanops, and Dipterocarpus tree species, forming the primary lowland and hill rainforest ecosystem.
Wildlife Observation Areas
Designated spots along the boardwalks and riverbanks where visitors can observe species such as the eastern grey gibbon, smooth-coated otters, and rare butterflies like the Rajah Brooke's birdwing.
