Discover the natural beauty of Brunei through Temburong and Bangar Town.

Exploring the Beauty of Brunei: A Guide to Temburong and Bangar Town

Brunei is a tiny country located on the island of Borneo, surrounded by the South China Sea. Despite its small size, Brunei is home to some of the most beautiful natural attractions in Southeast Asia, including the Ulu Temburong National Park, which is located in the Temburong district. The Temburong district is one of the four districts in Brunei, and it is known for its lush rainforests, pristine rivers, and traditional longhouses. Within the Temburong district lies a small town called Bangar, which serves as the gateway to the Ulu Temburong National Park.

Bangar town is a charming little town that is often overlooked by tourists in favor of the larger cities in Brunei. However, those who do make the journey to Bangar are rewarded with a glimpse into the traditional way of life in Brunei. The town is home to a variety of local markets and eateries, which offer a taste of Brunei’s unique cuisine and a chance to interact with the local people.

One of the main attractions of Bangar town is the local market, which is a bustling hub of activity each day. The market is a great place to get a feel for the local culture and to sample some of the traditional foods of Brunei. Fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, and meat are all available at the market, as well as a variety of handicrafts and souvenirs. For those who are interested in trying some of the local snacks, there are plenty of food stalls selling delicious treats such as kueh (sweet cakes), pulut panggang (grilled glutinous rice), and ambuyat (a starchy dish made from the sago palm).

Another popular attraction in Bangar town is the local eateries, which serve up a variety of traditional Bruneian dishes. One of the most popular dishes in Brunei is ambuyat, which is made from the starchy pith of the sago palm. This dish is typically served with a variety of side dishes, such as fish, vegetables, and sambal (spicy sauce). Other popular dishes in Brunei include nasi katok (rice with fried chicken), ayam penyet (smashed fried chicken), and satay (grilled skewered meat).

While the local markets and eateries are certainly a highlight of Bangar town, the true gem of the Temburong district is the Ulu Temburong National Park. The park is home to some of the most pristine rainforests in Southeast Asia, and it is a haven for wildlife such as hornbills, gibbons, and orangutans. The park is also home to a variety of hiking trails, which offer visitors a chance to explore the lush forests and spot some of the local wildlife.

One of the most popular activities in Ulu Temburong National Park is the canopy walk, which is a series of suspension bridges that allow visitors to walk through the treetops and get a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest. The canopy walk is not for the faint of heart, as it can be quite high and wobbly, but it is definitely worth it for the stunning views.

Another popular activity in the park is river tubing, which involves floating down the river on an inner tube. This is a great way to experience the beauty of the rainforest from a different perspective, and it is also a lot of fun!

For those who are interested in learning more about the traditional way of life in Brunei, a visit to one of the local longhouses is a must. Longhouses are traditional communal houses that are still used by many of the indigenous people in Brunei. Visitors to the longhouses can learn about the traditional customs and way of life of the people who live there, as well as sample some of the local food and handicrafts.

Overall, Bangar town and the Temburong district are a hidden gem in Brunei that are definitely worth a visit. The town offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life in Brunei, while the Ulu Temburong National Park is a nature lover’s paradise. Whether you are interested in exploring the rainforest, sampling the local cuisine, or learning about the traditional culture of Brunei, there is something for everyone in Bangar town and the Temburong district.