254 / 276
252
Borneo Bulletin Yearbook 2023
Brunei Darussalam is well known for its
lush and pristine tropical rainforest, home
to many flora and fauna that are hidden
in plain sight. The country has taken the
steps and initiatives to preserve Brunei’s
cherished jungles to avoid activities
that might compromise its rich natural
resources such as deforestation and
habitat loss. By taking care of its greenery,
Brunei has turned itself into one of
Southeast Asia’s top ecotourism spots.
Temburong District is popular for its
natural flora and fauna, and it has become
increasingly popular since the opening
of the Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien
Bridge. The majority of the pristine
rainforest – at 70 per cent – is preserved
as the Ulu Temburong National Park,
while 58 per cent is under legal protection
under the Heart of Borneo initiative.
Known as the ‘Green Jewel of Brunei’, Ulu
Temburong National Park is known to
host an unimaginable range of diversity
and is home to some of the world’s rarest
species. Exotic animals reside in the vast
expanse of the park including long-nosed
horned frogs, proboscis monkeys, flying
lizards, crested firebacks and rhinoceros
hornbills. The canopy walk is one of the
park’smost notable highlights particularly
among thrillseekers, with the highest
tower standing at 43 metres above the
forest floor to enjoy the breathtaking
scenery of the cast green forest.
Another popular eco-tourism destination
is the Sumbiling Eco Village, an eco-lodge
offering a unique glamping experience
with activities that include a guidedherbal
discovery track, foraging activity and the
farm-to-table experience that serves an
array of traditional Iban cuisine.
Labi in Belait District has much to offer
with its rich bio-diversity. With an area of
over 47,000 hectares, Mukim Labi is ideal
for educational outings and adventures
including summer camping, extra-
curricular and team-building activities,
as well as getaways and outward-bound
programmes. MukimLabi is home to over
300 species of wildlife that are native to
Borneo, 81 frog species, more than 10
species of snakes and reptiles, as well as
over 150 species of forest birds. There
are also trails for trekking towards two
popular waterfalls, Wasai Wong Kadir and
Wasai Teraja.
Within the lush forest are Teraja
Longhouse and Mendaram Besar
Longhouse which have become
Kampong Labi’s main attractions. Each
longhouse has its own unique activities
allowing visitors to sample the culture
and way of life of the Iban community.
Teraja Waterfalls is a mild 45-minute
trek from the Teraja Longhouse, with a
variety of jungle treats, from wild-rooted
plants, colourful butterflies and birds in
their natural habitat along the trail.
Another key place of interest is the Labi
Coffee Farm. Spread across a nine-
hectare wide plantation, the farm has
over 18,000 premium coffee trees
where visitors can sample locally grown
coffee beans and better understand the
growing and harvesting process.
Ecotourism