What comes to mind when you think of
Brunei? Oil fields, a strictly Islamic country, the
Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah mosque with its 29 golden domes, and a Sultanate? Think beyond… imagine rainforests, beaches and biodiversity at its zenith. This is the real beauty of Brunei, a country on the island of Borneo surrounded by Malaysia and the South China Sea. Brunei still has a long way to go before gaining top recognition as a
‘tourist hotspot’. However, with its splendour of nature and wildlife, the country has extensive
natural attractions and parks, wildlife reserves, and man-made gardens. Muslim travellers can
explore Brunei, its gardens and natural attractions and enjoy the serenity in a country where all the food is Halal.
Plan your next Halal trip to Brunei Darussalam, discover the wonders of nature, visit the some of the best parks, go on nature and wildlife tours, and discover Brunei’s
tourist attractions for 2017.
1. Ulu Temburong National Park
Picture Credits -borneadventure.com
The Ulu Temburong National Park has been protected since 1991. It is situated within the Batu Apoi Forest Reserve and is often referred to as the ‘Green Jewel of Brunei’, owing to its pristine rainforests, wildlife and biodiversity. Only a small area of the Park can only be accessed by visitors, and that too only through guided tours. The rest of the 500-sq. km area is reserved for scientists.
Muslim travellers can experience a water taxi or a long boat ride to get to the park for a day trip from
Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei. Alternately, for nature lovers and
eco-tourists who wish to live within the Park, the Ulu Ulu Resort provides an eco-friendly experience. Some activities that tourists can indulge in include a canopy walk, jungle walks and swimming in the cool waters of Sungai Temburong.
Location: Batu Apoi Forest Reserve, Temburong District, Eastern Brunei
Open: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm every day
2. Bukit Patoi Recreational Park
Picture Credits - wikimapia.org
Embarking on a hike is one of the best ways to discover the
beauty of Brunei. A well maintained and popular rainforest hiking trail is the one that leads to the top of Bukit Patoi located inside the protected Peradayan Forest Reserve. This 2-km trail is well-marked and will take hikers through towering trees surrounded by jungle, Borneo’s distinct wildlife, unusual rock formations, and natural caves. At the mountain summit, hikers can view the border between
Brunei and Malaysia. The hike will take 2-3 hours both ways. To reach the Park, Muslim travellers will have to take a speedboat or a helicopter ride from the capital city.
Location: Peradayan Forest Reserve, Bangar, Brunei Darussalam
3. Brunei River Safari
The river safari will not only give travellers a chance to birdwatch but will also take you on a journey through an extensive network of rivers, mangrove forests and water villages widespread in Brunei Darussalam. Taking a river safari will give tourists a chance to see the Proboscis monkey, an endangered species and endemic to the island of Borneo, in their natural habitat, while being treated to profuse displays of flora and fauna. There are many river safari operators who will pick you up from your hotel in Bandar Seri Begawan and take you on a magical nature and wildlife tour. As the river safari passes through an expansive network of water villages, some even stop at a home on stilts for a meal or refreshments. River safaris are available in the mornings or afternoons.
Location: Starts from Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam
4. Enjoy an Adventure in the Temburong District
Picture Credits - days2explore.com
For the
Muslim traveller looking for some adventure in addition to being surrounded by the natural attractions in Brunei, try a day-tour of the Temburong District which will give you a chance to experience activities like kayaking, rafting, zip lining and boating while being surrounded by rain forests and wildlife. And don’t forget the ever-present opportunities to hike through the Borneo forests!
Location: Temburong District, Eastern Brunei
5. Jubilee Park
Picture Credits - skyscrapercity.com
Jubilee Park located in the capital city of Brunei is famous for its grand fountain which consists of five arched entrances to symbolize the five pillars of Islam. It is a lovely garden paradise right in the city that will allow travellers to rest and relax for a few hours. It is considered a beautiful sight at night; mainly because you will avoid the heat of the day! Visitors can view the extensive flora while taking a stroll along the promenade. It is also a popular place to view a Brunei sunset.
Location: Jalan Simpang, Bandar Seri Begawan BS8311, Brunei Darussalam
