Ulu Temburong National Park

Ulu Temburong National Park is Brunei's premier rainforest destination and the country's best-known ecotourism attraction. Established as a conservation area in 1991, the park covers approximately 550 square kilometres of pristine lowland dipterocarp rainforest in the remote interior of Temburong District. It is part of the larger Batu Apoi Forest Reserve and is contiguous with the protected rainforests of neighbouring Sarawak, forming one of the largest intact forest ecosystems in Borneo.

The park is unique in that it has never been logged — Brunei's strict forest protection policies have ensured that the canopy remains completely undisturbed. There are no roads into the park; the only access is by longboat up the Temburong River, an adventure in itself. The centrepiece of a visit is the 50-metre-tall Canopy Walkway, which allows visitors to walk among the treetops and experience the rainforest from the canopy level. The park is open only through guided tours, which must be booked in advance. The climate is tropical and very humid, with rainfall throughout the year; the driest and most accessible period is June to September.

By Plane

Brunei International Airport (BWN) is about 60 km north-west. From the airport, travel by car or taxi to the Batang Duri jetty in Temburong (about 1.5 hours via the Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Bridge), then continue by longboat.

By Train

Limited Information available

By Car / Road

Drive from Bandar Seri Begawan to Bangar via the Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Bridge (35–40 minutes), then continue south from Bangar to the Batang Duri longboat jetty (20 minutes). Park your car at the jetty compound. There is no public bus service; a private car, taxi, or pre-arranged tour vehicle is necessary. Most visitors join a tour that includes hotel pickup in Bandar Seri Begawan.

By Boat

From the Batang Duri jetty, enter the longboat for the 30-minute ride up the Temburong River to the park headquarters. The boat ride is a highlight of the visit, winding through pristine riverside jungle with opportunities to spot monkeys, monitor lizards, and kingfishers.

Movement within the park is on foot along marked jungle trails and boardwalks. The Canopy Walkway involves climbing a series of staircases to reach the treetop level. Guides lead all activities. The river is the only transport corridor in and out. Sturdy walking shoes, insect repellent, and rain gear are essential.

• Canopy Walkway — A 50-metre-high suspension walkway that rises above the rainforest canopy, offering panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and the Temburong River valley. The best time for birdwatching from the walkway is early morning.

• Temburong River — The clear, dark waters of the upper Temburong River wind through the park. The riverbanks are home to proboscis monkeys, macaques, and monitor lizards.

• Waterfall — A small but picturesque waterfall and swimming hole is reached via a forest trail from the park headquarters. The cool water is a welcome relief after a jungle walk.

• Rainforest canopy tower — A secondary observation platform, lower than the canopy walkway but offering a different perspective on the forest layers.

• Research centre — The park houses a rainforest research and biodiversity centre, used by scientists studying Borneo's forest ecology.

• Canopy walk — The signature activity: walk the treetop canopy walkway at dawn or late afternoon for the best light and wildlife activity.

• Guided jungle trek — Explore the trails through primary dipterocarp forest with an experienced guide who will point out medicinal plants, pitcher plants, orchids, and wildlife tracks.

• River swimming — Bathe in the clear, cool waters of the Temburong River near the park headquarters.

• Night walk — A guided nocturnal walk to spot frogs, insects, tarantulas, slow lorises, and other night-time rainforest inhabitants.

• Birdwatching — The park has hornbills (rhinoceros, helmeted, and wreathed), trogons, broadbills, and many other Bornean bird species. Dawn guided walks are available.

• Longboat ride — Simply the motorboat journey up and down the river is an activity in itself: the wind in your face, the forest rushing past, and occasional wildlife sightings.

• Ulu Ulu Resort restaurant — The only dining option inside the park. Serves buffet-style Malay and international meals for guests on full-board packages. Local specialties include river fish, grilled chicken, and seasonal vegetables. Meals are included in accommodation packages or available to day visitors by prior arrangement.
• Packed lunches — Day-tour operators typically provide packed lunches eaten at the park HQ picnic area.
• Self-catering — Not permitted inside the park. All food must be arranged through the tour operator or resort.

Bring bottled water from Bangar or Bandar Seri Begawan. The resort provides drinking water for guests. Stream water is abundant but must be treated before consumption. There are no bars or cafés.

• Mid-range/upscale: Ulu Ulu Resort — The only accommodation inside the park. Comfortable wooden chalets with en-suite bathrooms, ceiling fans, and mosquito nets set within the jungle. Full-board packages include guided activities, meals, and the boat transfer from Batang Duri. From B$150–250 per person per night. Book in advance: +673 244 1791 or [email protected].
• Budget: Most day-trippers stay in Bangar (StoneVille Hotel, B$65–75) or Bandar Seri Begawan and visit the park on a day tour.

There is a small souvenir kiosk at the park headquarters selling T-shirts, postcards, and local crafts. The Ulu Ulu Resort gift shop has a wider selection. Most visitors bring cash as there are no ATMs or card facilities in the park.

• Bangar (45 min by longboat + car) — The Temburong District centre with the StoneVille Hotel, Kawan Restaurant, and the market.
• Batu Apoi Forest Reserve — The larger forest reserve that surrounds the national park, with additional trekking opportunities.
• Peradayan Forest Reserve (30 min from Bangar) — A more accessible forest reserve with trails and a picnic area.
• Bandar Seri Begawan (1.5 hr via bridge) — The capital with the Royal Regalia Museum, Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, and Kampong Ayer.
• Lawas, Sarawak (1.5 hr east via Labu border) — A Sarawak border town with onward connections to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.