

254
Borneo Bulletin Yearbook 2023
TheWasai Kendal
Located in Mukim Kilanas roughly 1.5
kilometres off Jalan Tutong, Wasai Kendal
is best known for its charming waterfall,
wide trails, picturesque pools and
beautiful blooms. The waterfall attracts
nature photographers eager to capture
its impressive scenes, but it is also the
perfect respite for those looking to spend
time away from the city.
TUTONG
TasekMerimbun
Heritage Park
Home to Brunei’s largest black water
lake, this 7,800-hectare site was
declared the 11
th
ASEAN Heritage Park
on November 29, 1984. Encompassing a
peat swamp forest, freshwater lake and
grass marsh habitat, the park is home to
a vast diversity of flora and fauna. The
park is located roughly 27 kilometres
away from Pekan Tutong.
With a total land area of 220 hectares,
the lake sustains a large range of
marine life, including 50 species of
freshwater fish, while its surroundings
accommodate over 200 bird species
and 83 types of mammals. Examples
include the red leaf monkey and
gibbon, white-collared fruit bat and
clouded leopard. Its diverse flora
includes the rare tiger orchid and
carnivorous
Nepenthes
pitcher plant.
While the park has nature trails that
allow guests to enjoy the park by foot,
the park also provides a lake cruise,
allowing guests to truly experience all
that Tasek Merimbun has to offer.
Tumpuan Telisai
Recreational Park
Located about 66 kilometres from
Bandar Seri Begawan, Tumpuan Telisai
Recreational Park has a number of
unique species of trees such as
Penaga
laut (Callophylum inophyllum), Ketapang
(Terminalia catappa), and Kulimpapa
(Vitex pubescens).
This seaside park is a
great place to unwind while listening to
the waves of the sea.
BELAIT
Sungai Liang Forest
Recreational Park
Considered the district’s hidden treasure,
this park was officially opened in March
1989, making it one of the Forestry
Department’s oldest recreation parks.
Located along Jalan Labi with an area of
roughly 14 hectares, this park is equipped
with hiking trails allowing easy access into
the forest as well as walking tracks.
The park is a popular educational
destination for students and researchers
duetoitsvarietyoftrees–someofwhichare
labelled with information pertaining to the
specific species of plants. These guests, as
well as domestic and international tourists,
professionals and scientists make up the
park’s recorded 10,000monthly visitors.
Bukit Teraja
Located near the edges of Belait District
is the aptly named Bukit Teraja, one of
the tallest hills in the Labi area. Conserved
as a recreational area, the paths are well-
marked. However, trekking in groups
with an experienced guide is highly
encouraged. Trekkers who reach the
peak are treated with stunning views of
the Baramvalley to the north andGunung
Mulu to the south. A quick visit to the
hill’s stunning
“wasai”
or waterfall is also
recommended.
Wasai Wong Kadir
Another one of Belait District’s hidden
treasure is the Wasai Wong Kadir,
nestled within the Rampayoh Forest in
Labi. While it may not be as well-known
as its counterparts in other districts,
the place is a great option for Belait
residents, offering facilities such as
picnic huts and shelters for gatherings
and events, while the stream near the
park’s entrance is great for a refreshing
dip. The park’s centrepiece however
is the 12-foot waterfall, a reward for
hikers after a strenuous 30-minute
uphill hike.
Luagan Lalak Forest
Recreation Park
Found further along Jalan Labi and
part of the Labi Hills Forest Reserve is
the 270-hectare Luagan Lalak Forest
Recreation Park. A network of wooden
walkways with shelters along the way
is spread across the alluvial freshwater
swamp or
“empran”,
which may look like
a lake during wetter months.
During the drier months, the water level
in the swamp decreases significantly to
reveal sedges mainly of the
Lepironia
species. The park has been identified as
a tourist attraction, and the Ministry of
Primary Resources and Tourism aims to
utilise the park as well as other features