Ulu Temburong National Park protects around 50,000 hectares of lowland and hill rainforest in the south of Temburong, the district of Brunei separated from the rest of the country by a strip of Malaysia. Because Brunei’s wealth came from oil rather than timber, this forest was never logged, and it is among the best-preserved in Borneo. Only a small corner is open to visitors; the rest is left to scientists and wildlife.
Getting there is half the experience. Since 2020 the Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Bridge — about 30 km long, crossing Brunei Bay — has linked the capital with Temburong by road, so the journey no longer needs a boat through the mangroves or four border stamps. From the district town of Bangar you drive to the jetty at Batang Duri, then travel upriver by temuai, a narrow longboat, as there is no road into the park.
Top things to do at Ulu Temburong National Park
Climb the canopy walkway
The park’s signature: a steep climb of many hundreds of steps up the hillside, then steel scaffold towers that lift you roughly 40–50 metres above the ground and well clear of the treetops. The view over unbroken forest is the reward. It is hard work in the heat and not for those with a fear of heights.
Ride the longboat
The 30–45 minute trip up the Temburong River is a thrill in itself: the boatman reads the shallows and rapids while forest closes in on both banks. When the river is low, passengers sometimes have to step out and help push.
Swim and soak at a waterfall
Most day trips stop at a small waterfall and pool where tiny fish nibble your feet, and leave time to swim or float in the clear river.
Stay overnight
A resort at the park entrance and eco-lodges and villages downriver offer night walks, dawn at the canopy and gentler activities such as tubing and kayaking. An overnight stay turns a rushed day into a proper visit.
How to get to Ulu Temburong National Park
- On a tour: by far the simplest way. Day trips from Bandar Seri Begawan typically include transport over the bridge, the longboat, a guide, park fees and lunch.
- Independently: you can drive or take a Dart over the bridge to Bangar (around 45 minutes to an hour from the capital), but visits to the park itself are normally arranged through a licensed operator or lodge, which supplies the boat and guide.
- Timing: expect a 7–9 hour day door to door, with an early start.
Insider tips
- Wear quick-drying clothes and shoes that can get wet and still grip; pack a change of clothes, swimwear, insect repellent and a dry bag for your phone.
- The canopy climb is strenuous. Take water and go at your own pace; the towers have limits on how many people can climb at once.
- After heavy rain the river can rise quickly and trips may be modified or cancelled. The drier months are the most reliable.
- Large wildlife is hard to see in dense forest. Expect hornbills, insects, frogs and the forest itself rather than big animals.
Best tours & tickets for Ulu Temburong National Park
These experiences are the easiest way to see Ulu Temburong National Park:
Full-day nature tour from €122 Explore Temburong + Canopy Tower Visit
A seven-hour guided day into the wilderness of Temburong, Brunei’s forested eastern district, with a visit to the canopy tower. Pickup is available and a meal is included.
- A day in the rainforest of Temburong
- Climb the canopy tower
- Pickup available and a meal included
Full-day nature tour from €261 Explore Brunei: Ulu Temburong National Park Tour with Lunch
A guided full-day tour to Ulu Temburong National Park with a climb up the canopy tower. Lunch is included and pickup is available.
- Guided visit to Ulu Temburong National Park
- Climb the canopy tower
- Lunch included; pickup available
Multi-day tour from €2049 Northern Borneo in 10 Days: Kuching, Brunei & Sabah
A ten-day journey across Borneo that begins in Kuching, visits Bako National Park, the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre and Mulu National Park, and continues through Brunei to Sabah.
- Bako National Park and Semenggoh Wildlife Centre
- Mulu National Park
- Crosses Brunei on the way to Sabah
