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Brunei, a small but biodiversity-rich nation on the island of Borneo, is home to one main national park: Ulu Temburong National Park. This park plays a critical role in conserving the country’s pristine rainforests and supporting its commitment to environmental preservation. Brunei National Parks are key to protecting the country’s unique ecosystems, which include tropical rainforests, rivers, and waterfalls, while promoting eco-tourism and scientific research.
Ulu Temburong National Park, established in 1991, covers over 50,000 hectares of rainforest in the Temburong District and is often referred to as the “Green Jewel of Brunei.” The park is renowned for its untouched primary rainforest, which provides a vital refuge for the country’s rich biodiversity. It is home to species such as the Bornean gibbon, proboscis monkey, hornbills, and various reptiles and amphibians. The park’s flora is equally diverse, with towering dipterocarp trees and numerous plant species unique to Borneo’s rainforests.
The park is also famous for its canopy walk, which offers visitors a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest and an opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. Eco-tourism in Ulu Temburong is carefully managed to ensure minimal environmental impact, aligning with Brunei’s focus on sustainability.
Despite its well-preserved nature, Brunei National Parks face challenges such as deforestation in areas surrounding the park due to logging and agricultural expansion. Climate change also poses a long-term threat to the park’s ecosystems, particularly in terms of rainfall patterns and biodiversity loss.
Efforts are being made to strengthen conservation initiatives in national parks in Brunei, including eco-tourism and education programs aimed at preserving the country’s natural heritage. Through continued government protection and sustainable management practices, Ulu Temburong remains a cornerstone of Brunei’s environmental conservation efforts.
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.
