Experiences

Belalong National Park

Explore the Belalong National Park in Borneo’s rainforest; like Ulu Temburong, much of Belalong is covered by elevated walkways made from wood, as well as occasional suspension bridges high above the rainforest canopy.

Bukit Patoi Park

A mountain rising some 5,249 feet (1600 meters) from the surrounding plain, Bukit Patoi provides an excellent point from which to view the lowland forests, wrapped in smoke and mist. While many of Bukit Patoi’s resident creatures are nocturnal, visitors can hike through a beautiful forest of looming trees, gurgling streams, and quiet trails.

Jawi Script

Try your hand at learning Jawi, an Arabic script once used to write, among others, the languages of Malaysia, Brunei, and various regions of Indonesia. Spread by Arab traders who settled in the region, Jawi was named for Java, an island in Indonesia that once held sway over much of the area. Today, although Bahasa, the family of languages spoken across Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei, uses Roman characters to render its written words, Jawi is revered for its use in communicating specific Islamic concepts and ideas.

After your lesson, have your own name written in the flowing, elegant Jawi script.

Kuala Belalong Rainforest Field Studies Centre

Visit the Kuala Belalong Rainforest Field Studies Centre, a project jointly established by Brunei Shell and Brunei Darussalam University to study the rainforest.

Native Longhouse

Cruise by boat to an Iban tribal longhouse and meet with the family members; learn about their language, culture, history, traditions and lifestyle. The Iban, also known as the Sea Dayaks, are a tribe of former headhunters once feared throughout Borneo for their ferocity in battle.

Selirong Conservation Forest

The Selirong Conservation Forest is one of the finest parks in all of Brunei. At over 6000 acres, the area is covered in large part by a pristine mangrove forest. Enjoy a one-hour boat ride before reaching the island where the forest is located; here you will learn about the animals living in the region. Watch out for the colugo, a nocturnal mammal that sleeps in tree holes all day. You might find it hanging upside down from a branch or even clinging to a tree trunk.

Spicy Local Cuisine

Try some of the spicy native cuisine, which includes nasi katok, a blend of curried chicken or beef with rice; roti canai, an Indian-inspired flatbread served with curry dipping sauce; and various noodle dishes, stir-fried with a blend of vegetables, meat, and flavorings.

Ulu Temburong National Park

An extensive network of timber walkways crisscross much of Ulu Temburong National Park, providing an excellent vantage point from which to view the miles of virgin forest and its many inhabitants. Ulu Temburong is accessible only by boat, as there are no paved roads in the area.