Ulu Temburong Strengthens Sustainable Ecotourism in Brunei

Brunei and Ulu Temburong National Park form the heart of this new sustainable tourism program, where both the Tourism Development Department and the Forestry Department are developing a one-year-long Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Certification Program involving Ulu Temburong and Luagan Lalak Recreational Park. The program was launched in May 2026 and aims to enhance sustainable destination management and visitor management.

GSTC Programme Targets Two Nature Destinations

The GSTC project covers Ulu Temburong National Park in Temburong District and Luagan Lalak Recreational Park in Belait District. The programme includes destination assessment, stakeholder engagement, capacity building and a practical action plan addressing identified gaps against GSTC criteria.

Brunei‘s Tourism Development Department said the initiative is intended to strengthen both destinations, improve visitor management, protect natural and cultural heritage and create opportunities for surrounding communities and tourism businesses.

Ulu Temburong is one of Brunei’s principal rainforest attractions. The Forestry Department lists the national park at 46,210 hectares, making it the country’s largest forest recreation destination among the sites listed by the department.

Temburong Travel Remains Water-Based

Travel into Ulu Temburong is closely connected with the Temburong River. Visitors travelling from Bandar Seri Begawan can cross the Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Bridge toward Temburong before continuing toward Batang Duri and transferring to a longboat for the journey toward the national park.

The river journey forms an important part of the visitor experience, linking transport with rainforest exploration. Official tourism material features longboat travel, canopy exploration, waterfalls and community-based experiences in Temburong itineraries.

This access model keeps the rainforest experience distinct from conventional road-based tourism. Visitors use established transport and guided tourism arrangements to reach nature attractions.

Canopy Walkway Creates a Signature Experience

The Ulu Temburong canopy walkway remains a major attraction for visitors seeking elevated rainforest views. Official Brunei tourism material describes the walkway as suspended approximately 60 metres above the jungle floor, reached through a forest hike and supported by elevated structures.

The experience provides access to the upper forest environment along an established route. The surrounding rainforest contains dipterocarp trees and diverse wildlife, with birdwatching and nature observation forming part of Temburong’s tourism offer.

Guided access also connects the canopy experience with river journeys, jungle walks, waterfalls, kayaking and community-based tourism.

Luagan Lalak Adds a Wetland Experience

Luagan Lalak Recreational Park provides a different nature experience within Brunei’s tourism network. Located in Belait District, the park is associated with a freshwater peat swamp and forest environment and forms part of the country’s network of forest recreation destinations.

Its inclusion in the GSTC project expands sustainable tourism certification beyond rainforest adventure. Visitors can experience landscapes suited to nature observation, photography and quiet outdoor recreation while destination management practices are evaluated.

Together, Ulu Temburong and Luagan Lalak provide contrasting nature products for wider Brunei itineraries.

Sustainable Tourism Supports Longer Stays

Brunei’s current tourism strategy is placing greater emphasis on high-value and high-yield tourism, targeting visitors who stay longer, spend more and seek distinctive experiences. Nature and adventure are among the themes being developed for Visit Brunei Year 2027.

The GSTC programme fits within this direction by strengthening the management of nature destinations. Sustainable tourism products can connect national parks, community experiences, accommodation, guiding services, food and transport into longer itineraries.

Temburong is suited to multi-day travel because rainforest activities can be combined with overnight stays, village experiences and river-based excursions.

Connectivity Expands Access to Temburong

The Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Bridge has improved road connectivity between Brunei-Muara and Temburong, allowing visitors to travel overland toward the district before continuing by river for Ulu Temburong experiences.

The combination of bridge, road and river transport gives travellers a layered journey into the rainforest. It also creates opportunities for local transport operators, guides, accommodation providers and community tourism businesses.

For visitors arriving through Bandar Seri Begawan, Temburong can form a dedicated nature extension.

Official news Link : https://www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn/berita/nasional/memperkukuh-pengurusan-taman-dengan-piawaian-diiktiraf-antarabangsa

Brunei Builds a Low-Impact Nature Portfolio

The GSTC certification process puts Ulu Temburong and Luagan Lalak on the agenda for sustainable destination management. This happens as Brunei prepares for Visit Brunei Year 2027 and the creation of nature, adventure, culture, and community-based tourism offerings. Sustainable development, improvement in infrastructure and connectivity, and sustainable development of the tourism sector are amongst the priorities of the tourism strategy of Brunei. Sustainable tourism development includes unique nature experiences and longer stay durations for tourists. For visitors, there will be an increasing number of rainforest, wetlands, and community experiences offered by Brunei that will complement the cultural experiences of Bandar Seri Begawan. Ulu Temburong will be the destination for the rainforest experience of tourists, whereas Luagan Lalak will help diversify the nature experiences of Brunei.