Batu Apoi

Batu Apoi is a mukim (subdivision) in southern Temburong District, encompassing a large area of protected lowland rainforest around the headwaters of the Temburong River. The name refers both to the mukim and to the Batu Apoi Forest Reserve, which covers approximately 48,000 hectares and forms the southern boundary of Brunei with Sarawak, Malaysia. The Ulu Temburong National Park is located within the Batu Apoi Forest Reserve, making this area the heart of Brunei's ecotourism and rainforest conservation efforts.

The terrain is rugged and densely forested, with steep hills, limestone outcrops, and clear jungle rivers. The population is tiny and concentrated in a few scattered Iban longhouses and Malay kampongs along the river. The reserve is a biodiversity hotspot, home to all of Borneo's iconic rainforest species including hornbills, gibbons, pygmy elephants, and the endangered clouded leopard. The climate is tropical rainforest — extremely humid and wet year-round, with average rainfall exceeding 3,000 mm annually. The driest months are June to September, when trekking conditions are at their best.

By Plane

Brunei International Airport (BWN) is approximately 65 km north-west. Travel time is about 1.5 hours by car to Bangar then onward to the river jetty.

By Train

Limited Information available

By Car / Road

Access to Batu Apoi is via the road south from Bangar to Batang Duri (about 20 minutes). The road is paved as far as Batang Duri, where a longboat jetty serves as the gateway to the forest reserve and the national park. Beyond Batang Duri, there are no roads — only jungle trails and river channels. A 4WD vehicle is recommended for the approach, though the paved section is passable in a regular car.

By Boat

The primary way to explore Batu Apoi is by longboat. From the Batang Duri jetty, longboats travel up the Temburong River into the heart of the reserve. The journey to the Ulu Temburong National Park headquarters takes about 30 minutes. Local guides can arrange longer river expeditions deeper into the reserve.

Within Batu Apoi, travel is on foot along jungle trails or by longboat on the river system. There are no roads, vehicles, or bridges. A guide is essential for navigating the forest trails and for safety. The Ulu Ulu Resort and tour operators in Bangar provide guided trekking and river transport.

• Primary dipterocarp rainforest — Vast, undisturbed stands of meranti, kapur, and keruing trees, some exceeding 60 metres in height. The forest has never been logged.

• Temburong River headwaters — The upper reaches of the river are clear and fast-flowing, with rocky pools and small rapids. The riverine scenery is spectacular.

• Limestone karst formations — Several limestone outcrops and small caves are scattered through the reserve, home to bats, swiftlets, and unique cave flora.

• Ulu Temburong National Park — The 550-sq-km national park lies entirely within the Batu Apoi Forest Reserve and is the main draw for visitors (see separate guide).

• Iban longhouses — A few traditional Iban longhouses are located along the riverbanks. Visitors are welcome with prior arrangement; these offer a glimpse into indigenous forest-based livelihoods.

• Multi-day jungle trekking — Batu Apoi offers some of the most remote and challenging treks in Brunei. Multi-day expeditions can be arranged through local guides, camping at designated sites along the river.

• Longboat safari — A full-day river journey up the Temburong River and its tributaries, with stops to swim, hike, and spot wildlife.

• Canopy walkway — Visit the Ulu Temburong National Park's 50-metre canopy walkway (requires park entry and guide).

• Wildlife watching — The reserve is one of the best places in Brunei to see hornbills, gibbons, macaques, monitor lizards, and, with luck, pygmy elephants or clouded leopards.

• River swimming — The clear jungle streams offer idyllic swimming holes.

• Birdwatching — Over 200 bird species have been recorded, including eight species of hornbills.

• Night walks — Guided nocturnal walks to spot insects, amphibians, and nocturnal mammals.

• Ulu Ulu Resort restaurant — The only established dining option inside the reserve. Serves buffet meals for guests (included in full-board packages).
• Longhouse meals — Visitors staying at Iban longhouses are offered traditional meals such as pansuh (bamboo-cooked chicken or fish) and steamed rice. B$5–10 per meal.
• Self-catering — Essential for independent trekkers. Bring all food, cooking equipment, and water treatment supplies from Bangar.

The Temburong River and its tributaries are the primary water source. All water must be boiled, treated with purification tablets, or filtered before consumption. Bottled water is not available in the reserve; bring ample supplies.

• Mid-range/upscale: Ulu Ulu Resort — The only established accommodation within the Batu Apoi Forest Reserve. Wooden chalets with en-suite bathrooms, fan cooling, and mosquito nets. Full-board packages from B$150–250 per person per night.
• Camping — Independent trekkers can camp at designated sites with a guide's permission. Bring all gear. No facilities.
• Longhouse homestay — Basic sleeping mats in Iban longhouses. B$20–30 per person per night including meals.

There are no shops, markets, or vendors within Batu Apoi. All supplies must be brought from Bangar or Bandar Seri Begawan. The Ulu Ulu Resort gift shop sells T-shirts and basic souvenirs.

• Ulu Temburong National Park (within the reserve) — The crown jewel of Batu Apoi, with the canopy walkway and guided treks.
• Bangar (45 min by longboat + 20 min drive) — The Temburong District centre with the StoneVille Hotel and Kawan Restaurant.
• Peradayan Forest Reserve (40 min from Bangar) — A more accessible hiking destination in eastern Temburong.
• Bandar Seri Begawan (1.5 hr via bridge) — The capital's mosques, museums, and water village.
• Lawas, Sarawak (2 hr via Labu border) — A Sarawak border town on the way to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.