Aquatic & Coastal Brunei

COASTAL BEAUTIES
Known for their picturesque sunsets and scenic shorelines, the sun-kissed beaches of Brunei are definitely a leisurely destination not to be missed in your stay here.

Sporting both smooth sand and clear waters, take a quiet stroll along these beaches or engage in exhilarating watersports; you’re bound to find all sorts of delightful memories here. Off the coasts of Brunei is also a diver’s paradise undiscovered to most, with vast coral reefs domineering the ocean beauty with gorgeous marine life. Whether it’s exploring rich, diverse reefscapes or uncovering treasures from a shipwreck – if you’re an adventurous diver looking to cover some new grounds, chances are you’ll probably find them here.

Diving in Brunei
Brunei is famous for some of the best macro diving and wreck diving experiences. The coral reefs are mostly pure and untouched, and you’ll find no shortage of magnificent sea life in your travels here – from leopard shrimps, barracudas and octopuses to lionfishes, moray eels and seahorses; if you’re lucky enough, you might even get to spot a whale shark or a dolphin idly passing by. Scattered between Brunei and the Malaysian island of Labuan, you’ll also find a glorious collection of wrecks, each laced with its own tale and history to tell – including several World War II (WWII) wrecks such as the infamous Aussie wreck. We recommend diving between March and October and if possible, between May and mid-July to make the most out of all these incredible sites.

Top Reefs / Wrecks Around Brunei
1) Abana Reef – colourful reef with warm waters and a visibility of up to 20 metres; perfect for beginners or advanced divers
2) Pelong Rocks – massive reef surrounding island with shallow waters, ranging from 1 metre to a maximum of 18 metres
3) Australian Wreck – century-old passenger and cargo ship sunk during WWII with a maximum depth of 34 metres; best suited for advanced divers
4) American Wreck – U.S. WWII minesweeper sunk during a pre-invasion sweep of Brunei Bay in 1945, with a depth of 32 metres; recommended for advanced divers
5) Oil Rig Reef – oil rig jackets designed as an artificial reef, holding numerous types of hard and soft coral with a shallow depth of 19 metres; another ideal spot for beginners

DIVER’S DUTY
Brunei is home to some of the most well-kept and unspoilt natural ecosystems, especially here in our underwater backyard. As we exchange cultures and share with you nature’s most pristine treasures, we only ask that you abide to these codes of conduct and courtesy as a fellow diver:

Refrain from touching the corals, if at all possible. (this includes anchoring and stepping on them, as you may introduce bacteria that could destroy the fragile organism)
– Do not collect or bring back pieces of the corals, as well as any live or dead marine life.
– Do not take anything from the seabed, not even a seashell as a creature could have crawled or be living inside.
– Do not litter the sea or leave anything behind as rubbish.
– Ensure all your gauges and equipment are properly secured and not dragging behind you.
– Do not feed the fishes or any other marine creatures. (this may inadvertently cause them to be dependent on humans)

Beaches in Brunei
Brunei’s coastline stretches about 161 kilometres long and with it constantly being swept by a series of rivers and canals, you can never go far without a body of water to chill out by. Most popular beaches are located in the Brunei-Muara district, each offering its own unique set of perks and facilities. The Muara Beach, for instance, is a classic weekend spot filled with picnic amenities, changing rooms and even a children’s playground. For a more personal touch with unspoilt beaches and rolling waves, visitors may enjoy Meragang Beach, along with its magnificent sunset views. Hit these beaches on a weekday and chances are you’ll probably have the sand and water all to yourself.

Top Beaches in Brunei
1) Muara Beach – a family favourite and a picnic retreat with food stalls that open over the weekends
2) Meragang Beach – a quiet, secluded spot perfect for morning jogs or long sunset strolls
3) Seri Kenangan Beach – a unique beach situated between Tutong River and South China Sea; excellent for sunsets and barbecues
4) Serasa Beach – a narrow stretch of beach where the Serasa Watersports Complex can be found; prime activities include jet-skiing, windsurfing and kayaking
5) Tanjong Batu Beach – A hidden gem at the end of a long, narrow road, Tanjong Batu Beach is a fairly new spot for sunset chasers and exercise buffs. Clear your mind and immerse yourself in a moment of zen while taking a long walk on the seawall that meanders along the coast, listening to the soothing splash of the waves. Stay till dusk and sit on the seawall to catch a spectacular view of nature’s palette.

RETREATS
Peace and quiet, at last – where else but in the great outdoors.

Lost in Tranquility. Be brushed awake softly by the authentic chirps and sounds of the wilderness as you wake up to reach for the newspaper, only to be greeted by Brunei’s greenest rainforests at your doorstep. Here’s your chance to find a getaway that truly takes you away from the glaring corners of civilization. Write a new chapter in the wild with a stay at one of these peaceful resorts.

Freme Lodge & Adventure Park
Looking for a bit more action in your calm retreat? Freme’s Lodge and Adventure Park is an absolute delight for those seeking a wide assortment of activities in the midst of a lush-green landscape. Take a morning stroll on a suspension bridge that leads deeper into the forest. Or test your skills and endurance in an obstacle course filled with logs, swings and climbs. Or zip across the river from one jungle tail to the other in a Flying Fox zipline. You decide how this green adventure ends in a lodge that was built on a passion for the wild and adventurous.

Sumbiling Eco Village
Perched on the shore of Temburong River is another eco-friendly resort, constructed from recycled wood and tents. Placing an emphasis on culture, Sumbiling Eco Village is where you get to experience first-hand, the various traditions and pastimes of the indigenous community. From traditional dancing, weaving and rock painting, to blow pipes, fishing and cooking sessions – forget what the city has taught you, this is a whole new world we’re talking about.

Trandie
First established in 1996, Trandie is the longest-running eco-lodge in the entire district of Temburong. With a wealth of experience under their belts, you can be sure know they know how to have fun in these jungle backyards of theirs. Build your own raft to cross the white waters of Temburong River, or go canoeing with your friends down a couple of rapids in the river. Solo or in a group, there’s a flexible selection of packages here to ensure you experience Temburong to the fullest.

Mangrove Paradise Resort
Nature is only a stone’s throw away from the city, as this particular resort is set to prove! Established in 2009 and less than half an hour’s drive away from the city’s biggest attractions, Mangrove Paradise Resort provides the luxury of modern facilities amidst nature’s calm. The resort also offers a curated ‘Traveler Package’ that includes a tour of the city, including the iconic Kampong Ayer as well as a chance to feast on delicious local dishes.

Bintudoh Greenspring Resort
With facilities overlooking a large lake and surrounded by lush greenery, it’s difficult to believe this place is only a few minutes’ ride away from the main road, but Bintudoh Greenspring Resort has much to offer visitors. Take a guided walk through the rainforest, or cruise along on a canoe around the lake. Hop on the flying fox and watch the entire compound zip by, or enjoy a calm day with some traditional delicacies; a BBQ pit is also available for those looking to grill their own lunch!