Nature & Wildlife in Brunei

RAINFOREST
No Brunei stopover is complete without a visit to our rainforests.

UNTOUCHED FOR MILLENNIA
Brunei’s tropical rainforests are some of the oldest in the world. Kept out of humanity’s reach for as long as they have existed, these lush-green jungles make up more than 70% of the country – making Brunei a hidden paradise to nature lovers everywhere. Catch your first green adventure in Brunei – from jungle treks and picnics in the park to longboat rides into the heart of our pristine rainforests – there’s simply so many ways you can enjoy a walk on the wild side.

Must-Visit Parks & Forests
– Damuan Recreational Park (Jalan Tutong, Brunei-Muara) – pleasant walkways enclosed by shrubs and sculptures with a gorgeous view of Istana Nurul Iman; a favourite with local joggers
– Tasek Lama Park (Jalan Tasek Lama, Brunei-Muara) – a convenient respite from the city within the city, promising a calm waterfall and a bird’s eye view of the water village, Kampong Ayer
– Bukit Subok Recreational Park (Jalan Residency, Brunei-Muara) – an undulating park that takes you through pine trees and bamboo grooves, rewarding hikers with a breathtaking view at the summit
– Bukit Shahbandar Recreational Park (Muara-Tutong Highway, Brunei-Muara) – the most accessible rainforest in Brunei, spreading over 70 hectares of rolling terrain and a variety of challenging forest trails
– Berakas Forest Recreational Park (Muara-Tutong Highway, Brunei-Muara) – a popular retreat for families, with meandering paths, a lookout point and picnic and barbecue spots in the midst of a forest
– Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park (Tutong) – an ASEAN Heritage Park that stretches over 2,500 hectares of wetlands with a beautiful freshwater lake as its centrepiece
– Teraja Forest Reserve (Belait) – a jungle trail behind the Teraja Longhouse in Labi that rewards trekkers with a stunning waterfall at the end of the journey.

Ulu Temburong National Park
Without a doubt, the crown jewel of Brunei’s green landscapes. You will only have truly visited Brunei if you have checked in at least once at this renowned national park. Located at the easternmost part of Brunei in the Temburong district, this sprawling 50,000-hectare expanse of undisturbed rainforests stretches over a majority of the southern district, and is considered one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Home to a wide range of lowland and mountain forests housing many unique species, this is also a realm belonging to Borneo’s longhouse communities and their ancient culture. Here, there are many experiences to savour – from watching gibbons forage along the river at daybreak to listening to the quiet, soothing sounds of the rainforest at dusk – this eye-to-eye encounter with nature is sure to stay with you long even after you’ve rekindled with civilization. For booking enquiries, visit here for a comprehensive list of tours.

Selirong Island
Selirong Island is another popular destination for nature lovers looking to get in tune with their wild side. A mangrove paradise and a bird-watching retreat, witness a range of unique and exotic creatures as you stroll through a virgin forest that is teeming with trees as tall as 40 metres! Located just 30 minutes of a boat ride away from the city, we recommend it’s best to leave for Selirong at the crack of dawn in order to catch sight of the island’s elusive inhabitants. Go here for a list of tours that will help get you there!

What to Pack
– for a Day Trip to our Forests
– Coffee (you’ll be up bright and early for these trips mostly)
– Strong sunblock
– Pair of sneakers with strong grip
– Breathable athletic clothing
– Folding towel
– Camera with a neck-strap (for capturing your favourite moments in the environment)
– Change of clothes (in case you get wet)
– Sturdy waterproof backpack for your electronics
– Insect repellent (be advised that it might deter other animals from approaching you as well)
– Hat (it can get really hot at times)
– Phone carrying case with a wrist-strap (boat rides can get pretty dicey here if you’re not careful)

WILDLIFE
While trekking along our rainforests, you’ll find that Brunei is no short of its rich diversity of wild creatures. Taking residence across various areas of the country, these critters are inherently shy and especially hard to spot.

Fret not though, as our tour guides know their routines inside out and will lead you to the best places you can spot them.

OUR EXOTIC ANIMAL
The Rhinoceros Hornbill
Due to the strategic location of the Brunei rainforests, it acts as a common stop to a slew of migratory birds, including some incredible ones. One of which is the Rhinoceros Hornbill, an endangered hornbill species that inhabits the vast expanse of Ulu Temburong National Park. Found also in Peradayan Recreational Forest and certain areas of Kuala Balai, the distinctive avian is extraordinarily rare and holds a special place in Sarawakian native cultures – being closely associated with the god of war in Iban legends and folklore.

The Bornean Horned Frog
Known for its intelligence and wit, this small amphibian is endemic and indigenous to the Bornean rainforests. Capable of camouflaging itself using surrounding leaves for protection against predators, the Bornean Horned Frog is also known for its prominent pointed stout which comes in handy for catching prey when hiding in the undergrowth. The long-nosed frog can sometimes be found rummaging the wetlands of Ulu Temburong National Park.

The Proboscis Monkey
One of the most endangered creatures in the world and perhaps the most sought-after primate in Brunei’s wilderness, the Proboscis Monkey is a traveler’s favourite. Native to the island of Borneo, the animal thrives in the tidal lowlands – particularly in the mangroves and swamp forests. With luck, the monkey can often be found munching on fruits and leaves by the river on the way to Ulu Temburong National Park. Many people find the monkey’s odd, bulbous nose to be unattractive, but it is actually used to attract and impress other female Proboscis Monkeys. What a fellow.

The Sunda Clouded Leopard
Let’s be honest, the chances of catching a glimpse of the rare Sunda Clouded Leopard in the wild are pretty slim, even for a native. But that’s what makes it all the more rewarding when you do spot it. Both nocturnal and notoriously elusive, it was only recognized as a unique species of its own back in 2006. Despite its name, the cloud-spotted feline is actually of a separate genus to leopards and other cat species, and is more likely to be a wildcat. Some say it was once spotted in the hilly rainforests of the Belait district, as well as near Sungai Ingei Forest.

The Flying Lizard
Hard to spot even when it’s in your hotel room, the Flying Lizard is another remarkable little creature that resides in the rainforests of Brunei. Best found within Ulu Temburong National Park, these reptiles are most famous for their ability to open their “wings” and take to the skies, inviting you to test your skills of spotting for these covert lizards in the air above.

The Saltwater Crocodile
Found in the backwaters along the coast of Brunei Bay, this mighty reptilian marvel is extremely rare and dangerous. Referred to as ‘buaya katak’ by locals, the Saltwater Crocodile can grow up to 7 metres long in size – making it the world’s longest and largest crocodile species. A sight to behold for sure, but perhaps not the safest one. The fearsome beast is also notorious for leaping out of the water and attacking humans.

FAUNA
Crested Fireback
At first glance, un-experienced bird-watchers might call the Crested Fireback a much smaller-Peacock, they’re technically not wrong. The Swanky forest-pheasant can be bird-spotted around the lowland forests of Borneo and Sumatra, found primarily at the Ulu Temburong National Park, Peradayan Recreational Forest. This medium-sized feathery-friend of ours however is facing a threat from bird-hunting and deforestation.

Grey-headed Fishing Eagle
Can you guess this Eagle’s favourite prey? The Grey-headed Fishing Eagle nests around large pools of water, such as Sungai Seria, and Sungai Tujoh. Though satirically given the nickname ‘Tank Eagle’ due to its long and large wings it uses to dive for fish, it is often confused with the Species of White-bellied Fishing Eagles, which are also excellent fish hunters. The calls of these Predatory-birds tend to be a gargled “awh-awhr” 5 to 6 times in a row.

White-breasted Waterhen
These birds are a common sight, found primarily in and around Brunei, from short grasses to low bushes. The White-breasted Waterhen has long bony-legs which allows it to run when agitated; also when alarmed, the alert-bird makes a frog-like sound that notifies surrounding flocks of predators. The Malays in Brunei have named it “ruak-ruak”, from the noise it makes.

Sun Bear
This fierce behemot is often seen tip-toeing, like a shy ballerina, scrounging a clawful of honey, and occasionally, insects for lunch. The Sun Bear can be heard with a fierce roar in most tropical-rainforests around South-East Asia. However, sights of these short jet-black furry bears are depleting quickly, the global-population of Sun Bears have declined a worrying 30% from constant deforestation and bear-hunting. So do keep in mind that glimpses of Sun Bears can and should be rare.

Bornean Slow Loris
With a distinctive flat-face, round head, and large eyes, like all other species of lorises, the Bornean Slow Loris was recently given its own name and status after a study concluded that the lorises found in Borneo had facial markings not found on other loris families. They prey on insects, fruits, and nectar; but the Bornean Slow-Loris themselves have been a prey to illegal trafficking and loss of habitat.

FLORA
Simpor
Big, bright and beautiful are words that best describe Brunei’s National Flower, the Simpor! Beautifully illustrated on the one-dollar note of Brunei, the Simpor can also be found most commonly alongside rivers, particularly the Temburong River. There are 8 locally known species of Simpor and some species are used to cure wounds and stop bleeding like the Simpor Bini. Resilient in nature with the ability to grow and survive anywhere, the Simpor flower is significant to Brunei as it symbolizes the country’s success and development.

Pitcher Plant
The insect-eating pitcher plant, also adoringly known as ‘monkey cups’ takes root on Brunei soil and can be spotted along jungle tracks, and the highlands of Temburong. But it isn’t the poor plant’s fault for resorting to eating insects or whatever falls into it. The plant’s carnivorous ways are because of nutrient-poor soil. So a plant has got to do whatever it takes to stay alive. Just don’t stick your finger in there or its highly acidic digestive enzymes might just make you its next meal.

Livistona Exigua
A solitary palm that rests on gentle slopes below the forest canopy, it wears an ovoid crown and stands unapologetically fanning it’s leaves adorned with thorns to ward off predators.

Dryobalanops Rappa
A swamp plant usually found at Tasek Merimbun, the species’ name is actually derived from the Iban word ‘kerapa’ which means a shallow swamp and refers to the habitat of the plant.

Temburongia
A genus of bamboo that can be found hugging the banks of the rivers in Temburong, this evergreen perennial flowering plant creates a lush forest foliage.