Into The Rainforest

While in Brunei, I stayed for a few days in an environmentally friendly lodge in the rainforest. At approximately 140 million years old, the rainforest of Borneo is one of the oldest in the world. Having been to the Hawaiian Tropical Rainforest in Oahu just months prior to my trip, I was eager to see what Borneo would be like.

Brunei only occupies a couple slivers of land on Borneo, which, by the way, is the third largest island in the world. The geography is a little unique as the country is divided in two parts by the Sarawak state of Malaysia. In one of those slivers (near the eco lodge I stayed in), is the Ulu Temburong National Park. To get to the park entrance, you have to take a longboat, and cruise down the river, dodging sand bars surrounded by the lush rainforest on both sides. 

After hopping off the longboat and onto the river bank, it is a very very steep hike to get to a trail through the park. Each step was basically knee height, so, steep indeed. Being quite rainy, the tree roots that we had to climb over were all muddy and slippery, making the hike up rather demanding. It was probably just a 15-20 min hike up, but everyone was pretty winded by the time we finished.

The reward for climbing up, is being surrounded by the natural beauty of this tropical rainforest. Nice suspension bridge to cross over the river below. Further into the park, there is a canopy walk that takes you above the treeline which is incredible, but definitely not for those afraid of heights. Not a problem for me, but, the view is so worth conquering your fear if you have it.

Ulu Temburong National Park