Published on July 1, 2021
Over the past few years, Brunei has quickly developed a reputation as a center of ecotourism. With 70% of the country’s land being pristine rainforests with lots of biodiversity that has been conserved, there are a lot of opportunities where you can immerse yourself in the wilderness. Interact with the locals and learn more about their long-term preservation efforts at the Sumbiling Eco Village. Learn more about sustainable farming and gardening at Eco Ponies Garden. Explore undisturbed jungles and wildlife at Sungai Liang Forest Recreational Park. With many untouched natural spots to explore and opportunities to learn about nature preservation, here are some of the best areas in Brunei to visit on your next ecotourism adventure.
Sumbiling Eco Village
Situated in the lush rainforest in Temburong, Sumbiling Eco Village is the ideal spot for travelers longing to connect with nature and experience the traditions and delectable cuisines of the local Iban culture. The locals over the years have capitalized on long-term preservation efforts, using the rainforest in a sustainable way to minimize the impacts of ecological effects on the environment. The community also loves to talk and share their knowledge of the rainforest with visitors.
Whether you choose to spend your day discovering nearby flora and fauna or floating downriver on a tire tube, or learning handicrafts such as weaving and rock painting, the Sumbiling Eco Village promises rejuvenating, engaging, and one-of-a-kind experiences.
Freme Rainforest Lodge
Experience all that Freme Rainforest Lodge has to offer, from one adventure to the next. Freme Rainforest Lodge is known for its array of great activities, including obstacle courses filled with logs, swings, climbs, zip lines across the river, and a long suspension bridge to admire the forest and listen to the harmonious melodies of nature. With the lodge situated outside of Ulu Temburong National Park, you can experience the jungle and the local people’s lifestyles that you pass by.
Eco Ponies Garden
In Lamunin sits a quaint garden where visitors can stop by for a rest to enjoy farm-to-table meals. In 2015, Eco Ponies Garden opened as a community garden that has since become famous for its ecotourism and sustainable farming. While taking a tour of the garden, you can learn about the jungle and how to forage, cook, and farm. You’ll also learn other aspects of organic gardening, like the benefits of recycling kitchen scraps and composting. Whether you stay in one of the cottages or have a large group lunch with local ingredients, you’re sure to have a fantastic ecotourism experience here.
Ulu Temburong National Park
Also known as the “Green Jewel of Brunei,” Ulu Temburong National Park is one of the most popular untouched areas in Brunei. Located in its own private haven in the Temburong district of Brunei, visitors can connect with nature by taking a boat down the Temburong River, admire breathtaking views, and take in the flora and fauna of the pristine rainforests.
With about 40% of the Temburong area being preserved, the park is home to Proboscis monkeys and thousands of unique species of plants and animals. There are lowland forests, a jungle rainforest, and a mountain forest, making Ulu Temburong one of the most diverse ecosystems. Visitors can stay in traditional Borneo longhouses maintained by the locals.
Kampong Ayer
Also known as the “Venice of the East,” Kampong Ayer is the world’s largest water village. With homes being man-made and connected with wooden bridges and waterways, the community of over 30,000 inhabitants is intertwined with nature. The self-contained community is another symbol of Brunei’s efforts of self-preservation. Visit the Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery, which features the village’s history that highlights their lifestyles. The best way to experience the locals’ daily lives is by taking a river cruise and enjoying the views of the Brunei River.
Sungai Liang Forest Recreational Park
With 14 hectares of undisturbed forest and one of the least populated areas in Brunei, the Sungai Liang Forest Recreational Park is an arboretum reserve. Being part of the Andulau Forest Reserve, the park is full of ancient teak trees and is also a mixed dipterocarp forest. A portion of the jungle has been turned into a park with nature trails and a canopy walkway in the treetops. There are many animals you can see, including plantain squirrels, Borneo gibbons, and flying lemurs.
Luagan Lalak Recreational Park
The Labi Forest Reserve is another natural reserve where you can experience breathtaking views and see various wildlife. Within the reserve is Luagan Lalak Recreational Park, a freshwater swamp that boasts a lot of lush greenery. You can stroll along the wooden walkways and immerse yourself in the nature surrounding the lake. From the park, you can make your way to the traditional Mendaram Longhouses and visit the Iban tribe that resides in the forest reserve.
With lots of efforts by the locals to preserve the jungles and forests in Brunei, it’s no wonder why Brunei’s natural gems have been becoming popular over the past few years. From learning about preservation methods from the locals to seeing natural beauties, you’ll have an enlightening ecotourism experience in Brunei.
