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Brunei, a small yet vibrant nation on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia, is home to a surprising richness of biodiversity and natural beauty, reflected in its commitment to preserving its lush rainforests and unique ecosystems. Despite its modest size, Brunei has one officially designated national park: Ulu Temburong National Park. This park is a cornerstone of Brunei’s environmental conservation efforts and provides a remarkable example of the country’s dedication to protecting its natural heritage.
Ulu Temburong National Park is often referred to as the “Green Jewel of Brunei.” Encompassing about 550 square kilometers of pristine rainforest, it is part of the larger Heart of Borneo conservation initiative. The park is renowned for its biodiversity, including towering dipterocarp trees, a variety of bird species, and unique wildlife such as the proboscis monkey, clouded leopards, and hornbills. Visitors are often awed by the iconic Canopy Walkway, a suspended structure offering panoramic views of the rainforest and a rare glimpse into the upper layers of this vibrant ecosystem. The park is accessible primarily by longboat, which adds an adventurous edge to the experience, and its eco-tourism facilities have been developed sustainably to minimize impact on the environment.
Though Brunei has only one official national park, the country benefits from its small population and strong environmental policies to protect its natural areas. The forest reserves and primary rainforests that complement Ulu Temburong provide vital corridors for wildlife and contribute to maintaining Brunei’s low carbon footprint. However, challenges remain. Deforestation and habitat fragmentation due to logging and land development in neighboring regions pose risks to Brunei’s interconnected ecosystems. Additionally, illegal poaching and climate change threaten the delicate balance of its rainforest habitats.
On the conservation front, Brunei has seen notable successes. The government’s stringent policies on deforestation, supported by initiatives such as the Heart of Borneo program, have helped preserve large swathes of the country’s forests. Ecotourism has become a key strategy, encouraging local and international visitors to engage with Brunei’s natural beauty in a responsible manner, thereby fostering greater awareness and support for conservation efforts.
Brunei’s national parks, particularly Ulu Temburong, reflect the country’s deep commitment to preserving its natural legacy. While conservation challenges persist, the nation stands out for its proactive approach and serves as a model for balancing development with environmental stewardship.
The first national park in Brunei is Ulu Temburong National Park, established in 1991. Located in the Temburong District, this park was created to protect one of the world’s most pristine tropical rainforests.
Known for its untouched wilderness, Ulu Temburong is a major hub for biodiversity conservation and research, offering a unique glimpse into Brunei’s natural heritage.
Ulu Temburong National Park is also the largest national park in Brunei, covering an area of approximately 212 square miles (550 square kilometers).
The park is home to lush rainforests, a rich array of wildlife, and numerous endemic plant species. Its dense jungle, crisscrossed by rivers and waterfalls, makes it a prime location for eco-tourism and scientific exploration.
The smallest national park in Brunei is Bukit Teraja National Park, spanning about 20 square miles (52 square kilometers). Located in the Belait District, this park is known for its hilly terrain, diverse plant life, and scenic waterfalls.
Despite its smaller size, Bukit Teraja is an important area for conservation and nature lovers, offering hiking trails through Brunei’s unique ecosystems.
Ulu Temburong National Park is the most popular national park in Brunei, renowned for its rich biodiversity and adventure activities.
Its main attractions include the iconic canopy walk, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest, and its scenic boat trips along the Temburong River.
Visitors are drawn to the park for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the rich flora and fauna in one of Borneo’s most pristine jungle environments.
Approximately 41% of Brunei’s land area is protected through national parks, forest reserves, and conservation areas. This amounts to about 2,228 square miles (5,771 square kilometers), showcasing the country’s strong commitment to environmental conservation and protecting its rainforests and biodiversity.
In addition to Ulu Temburong National Park, Brunei has several other significant forest reserves and conservation areas.
The Andulau Forest Reserve and Berakas Forest Reserve are examples of areas that protect Brunei’s unique forest ecosystems. Sungai Liang Forest Recreation Park is another notable area where visitors can experience Brunei’s lowland forests.
Brunei also actively participates in the conservation of its marine ecosystems, with initiatives such as the Brunei Darussalam Coral Reef Conservation Initiative, aimed at protecting the coral reefs along its coastline.
Beyond its national parks, Brunei offers several natural attractions. The Kampong Ayer, or Water Village, is a unique settlement built entirely on stilts along the Brunei River, offering insight into traditional Bruneian life.
Jerudong Beachand Muara Beach are popular coastal destinations for both locals and tourists. The Bukit Shahbandar Forest Reserve is a favored spot for hikers and picnickers, offering trails through dense forests and viewpoints overlooking the South China Sea.
The Tasek Lama Recreational Park, located in the capital Bandar Seri Begawan, is a city-based nature retreat known for its waterfall, walking trails, and outdoor activities.
While Brunei shares much of its biodiversity with the larger island of Borneo, it is home to several unique and rare species.
The Bornean gibbon and the proboscis monkey, with their distinctive appearance, are frequently seen in the rainforests of Brunei. The Brunei green pigeon, an elusive bird species, is endemic to the island.
Additionally, Brunei’s forests are home to various endemic plants, including orchids and pitcher plants, which thrive in the country’s tropical environment.
Brunei’s main international airport is Brunei International Airport (IATA code: BWN), located in the capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan. It serves as the primary hub for both domestic and international flights to and from Brunei.
The following international airline companies fly into Brunei:
Brunei’s national parks are managed by the Brunei Forestry Department, which falls under the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism. This government body oversees the protection and sustainable use of Brunei’s forests and biodiversity.
Additionally, the Heart of Borneo Initiative, a regional conservation collaboration between Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia, plays a significant role in the preservation of Brunei’s rainforests.
More information can be found on the official website of the Brunei Forestry Department: http://www.forestry.gov.bn.
