Ulu Temburong National Park

Ulu Temburong Overview

Ulu Temburong National Park, locally known as Taman Nasional Ulu Temburong, is located in the eastern part of Brunei’s Temburong District. Spanning 212 square miles (approximately 550 square kilometers), this pristine park is often referred to as the “Green Jewel of Brunei” due to its untouched rainforests and immense biodiversity. Established in 1991, the park is part of the larger Heart of Borneo conservation initiative, which aims to preserve the region’s tropical rainforests.

The landscape of Ulu Temburong National Park is dominated by primary rainforest, featuring steep hills, winding rivers, and dense jungle. The park’s rainforest is one of the most well-preserved in Borneo, making it a haven for researchers, nature lovers, and eco-tourists. The park’s signature feature is its canopy walkway, a series of suspended bridges that rise over 150 feet (50 meters) above the forest floor, offering visitors stunning panoramic views of the treetops and the sprawling rainforest.

The park’s vegetation is rich and diverse, with towering dipterocarp trees, ferns, and various species of orchids and other tropical plants. The lush greenery and dense foliage create a vibrant environment that supports a wide variety of wildlife. Visitors can explore the rainforest through guided treks and boat tours along the Temburong River, with plenty of opportunities to observe the park’s remarkable flora and fauna.

Ulu Temburong National Park is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including proboscis monkeys, gibbons, hornbills, and various species of reptiles and amphibians. The park is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 400 species of birds, including the rare Bornean bristlehead. The diversity of life, combined with the tranquility of the untouched rainforest, makes Ulu Temburong National Park one of the most spectacular natural destinations in Southeast Asia.

Park Map

Ulu Temburong National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Popular Species

Ulu Temburong National Park is home to an impressive array of species, many of which are unique to Borneo’s rainforests, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the region.

Proboscis Monkey is a distinctive primate known for its large, bulbous nose and reddish-brown fur, often seen in groups near rivers and mangroves within the park.

Bornean Gibbon is a small, tree-dwelling primate known for its graceful movement and loud, haunting calls echoing through the rainforest.

Sunda Clouded Leopard is a rare and elusive big cat with cloud-like patterns on its fur, making it one of Borneo’s top predators.

Malayan Sun Bear is the world’s smallest bear species, recognized for its short black fur and a distinctive orange chest patch.

Bornean Orangutan is a critically endangered primate known for its intelligence, red fur, and strong arms, spending most of its life in the treetops.

Reticulated Python is one of the longest snakes in the world, found in the dense forest undergrowth, preying on small mammals and birds.

Flying Lemur (Colugo) is a nocturnal glider capable of gliding long distances between trees, using its skin membrane to move through the forest canopy.

Pygmy Elephant is the smallest elephant species, known for its docile nature and smaller stature, which roams the lowland rainforests of Borneo.

Horned Frog is a well-camouflaged amphibian that blends into the forest floor, using its horns to mimic dead leaves.

Asian Water Monitor is a large, semi-aquatic lizard often seen basking near rivers or moving stealthily through wetlands.

Bird Species

Ulu Temburong National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with a wide range of tropical bird species that thrive in the park’s lush rainforests.

Bornean Bristlehead is a rare and unique bird with bright red plumage and stiff feather bristles on its head, found in the high canopy of Borneo’s forests.

Rhinoceros Hornbill is an iconic bird with a striking casque on its large yellow bill, often seen flying above the forest canopy.

Banded Kingfisher is a small, colorful bird with blue and orange plumage, typically found near forest streams, where it hunts for fish and insects.

Black-and-yellow Broadbill is a vibrantly colored bird with a black head and bright yellow belly, known for its melodious calls heard throughout the forest.

Crested Fireback is a brightly feathered pheasant with a distinctive crest, commonly seen foraging on the forest floor for seeds and small insects.

White-bellied Woodpecker is one of the largest woodpeckers in the region, known for its loud drumming sounds and white belly contrasted against black plumage.

Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot is a small, green parrot with a bright blue crown, often spotted hanging upside down while feeding on fruits and flowers.

Storm’s Stork is a rare and endangered stork with striking black and white plumage, often seen wading through wetlands and rivers in search of fish.

Oriental Pied Hornbill is a medium-sized hornbill with a black body and a distinctive white and black casque, commonly spotted in the treetops.

Great Argus is a large pheasant with long tail feathers covered in striking eye-like patterns, performing elaborate courtship displays in the forest undergrowth.

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Engaging Ulu Temburong National Park

Canopy Walkway

The Canopy Walkway is one of the most iconic experiences in Ulu Temburong National Park. Suspended over 150 feet (50 meters) above the forest floor, the walkway offers visitors a bird’s-eye view of the park’s lush rainforest.

The journey to the top involves climbing a sturdy structure that rises through the dense canopy, rewarding visitors with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding jungle. Early morning visits offer the best chance to witness the forest waking up, with the sights and sounds of birds, gibbons, and other wildlife.

The walkway also provides a rare opportunity to observe the upper layers of the rainforest, home to species that are often hidden from ground level. For photographers and nature lovers, this elevated experience offers a breathtaking perspective of the park’s biodiversity and the chance to feel immersed in the pristine wilderness of Borneo.

River Safari

A river safari along the Temburong River is an exhilarating way to experience Ulu Temburong National Park’s rich ecosystems. Visitors board traditional longboats, which navigate the winding river surrounded by dense rainforest.

The journey offers a unique perspective of the park’s wildlife and vegetation, with opportunities to spot proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and water monitors along the riverbanks. The river safari combines relaxation and excitement, as the boat occasionally passes through mild rapids.

The boat ride is also a gateway to other attractions within the park, such as the canopy walkway or jungle trekking routes. A river safari allows visitors to enjoy the serenity of the park’s waterways while learning about the importance of river ecosystems in sustaining the surrounding wildlife and plant life.

Jungle Trekking

Jungle trekking in Ulu Temburong National Park provides an immersive way to experience its diverse flora and fauna. Guided treks take visitors deep into the heart of the rainforest, passing through towering trees, ferns, and tropical plants.

Trekkers can expect to encounter a variety of wildlife, from vibrant butterflies and insects to larger species like the Bornean gibbon and horned frog. The trails range from easy walks to more challenging hikes, allowing visitors to choose a route that suits their fitness level.

Along the way, guides share insights into the park’s ecosystems, pointing out medicinal plants, animal tracks, and other natural wonders. Jungle trekking offers a chance to connect with nature and appreciate the complexity of one of the world’s oldest rainforests.

FAQ’s

Ulu Temburong National Park was established in 1991 as Brunei’s first national park. Covering an area of 212 square miles (550 square kilometers), the park was created to protect the pristine rainforest and its rich biodiversity.

As part of the larger Heart of Borneo conservation initiative, it plays a vital role in preserving Borneo’s tropical ecosystems and is a key destination for ecotourism and scientific research.

Ulu Temburong National Park, often referred to as the “Green Jewel of Brunei,” is known for its pristine, untouched tropical rainforest, which forms part of the larger Borneo rainforest ecosystem.

The park is famous for its rich biodiversity, including unique species like the proboscis monkey and Bornean gibbon, as well as its impressive canopy walkway that offers panoramic views of the rainforest.

It is also renowned for its adventure experiences, such as jungle trekking, river safaris, and waterfall explorations, making it a premier eco-tourism destination in Southeast Asia.

Sources

Backpack and Work, Day Trip into Ulu Temburong National Park, https://backpackandwork.com/day-trip-to-ulu-temburong-national-park-brunei/, retrieved August 2024.
Borneo Adventure, Ulu Temburong National Park, https://borneoadventure.com/destinations/ulu-temburong/, retrieved August 2024.
Brunei Tourism, Ulu Temburong National Park, https://www.bruneitourism.com/bruneiplaces/ulu-temburong-national-park/ retrieved August 2024.
Ecology Asia, Ulu Temburong National Park, https://www.ecologyasia.com/html-loc/ulu-temburong.htm, retrieved August 2024.
Forestry Department, Ulu Temburong National Park, http://www.forestry.gov.bn/SitePages/Ulu%20Temburong%20National%20Park.aspx, retrieved August 2024.

Ulu Temburong Overview

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