Strategically positioned in the heart of Borneo where over 70% of our land is covered in pristine jungle, there are many different hiking trails in Brunei to reset and disconnect from the world whilst exploring and experiencing our blissful nature. We came up with this list of our top 3 hiking trails around the country for you to experience like a local.
Bukit Shahbandar Forest Recreational Park, Berakas
Located 15 kilometres away from the capital, Bukit Shahbandar is one of the locals’ favourite places to hike. Open to the public from 6:00am to 6:00pm daily, one can expect to see many different kinds of wildlife like monkeys at the park too.
With up to 234 hectares of land equipped with playground facilities to keep the children entertained and exercising facilities for light workouts for the less adventurous, Bukit Shahbandar also has a large picturesque pond, creating the perfect backdrop for some peace and quiet and the perfect ambience for a walk within nature. Upon entering the park, you will also see stalls selling fresh coconuts, welcoming and rewarding hikers to replenish before or after journeying through the jungle.
The park has several routes depending on the level of difficulty of hikers, varying between veteran hikers and beginner trekkers. Bukit Shahbandar has 9 hills that have their own unique routes and shortcuts as the map at the entrance shows, and hikers and trekkers alike can plan their routes accordingly based on their endurance and strength before starting their hike. There are multiple checkpoints in the form of huts for those that need to take a breather and enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest. A word of advice: please do not feed the monkeys if you do come across them!
Tasek Lama Recreational Park, Bandar Seri Begawan
Located in the capital Bandar Seri Begawan, Tasek Lama Recreational Park itself is a mesmerizing park with different trails and activities for all to enjoy. Visitors are welcomed with a beautiful scenery of a flowing creek with trimmed trees that exudes a calming and relaxing ambience.
There are plenty of facilities around like light workout equipments, toilets, benches, a playground, and even a reflexology path. This park is one of the most popular hiking spots for locals due to its accessibility and challenging terrain; creating a challenge for both new and veteran hikers alike.
Before starting, hikers have the option of choosing which trails they are comfortable with; for beginners, the short hike will take around 20 minutes with medium slopes and hills. For much experienced hikers, you can opt for a different trail where you can start by going uphill the concrete road, where at its top is a protected water reservoir and the lookout tower which basically covers the whole capital’s view as far as the eye can see. Upon reaching the top of the hill, hikers have the option to take the trail into the jungle for a hike to Bukit Sarang Helang (Eagle’s Nest). The 50-minute hike to Sarang Helang is steep and challenging, but the view from the top makes the hike worth it especially approaching sundown.
Wasai Wong Kadir Recreational Park, Labi
Located 2 hours drive away from the capital in the district of Belait, this famous waterfall trail is located in Labi. Before starting off on this trail, it is advised to notify the Teraja police station as a precautionary measure and to register yourself at the traditional Teraja Longhouse.
The local Iban ethnic community together with the local tourism agency has dedicated to promote eco-tourism of Bukit Teraja, showcasing their many different routes and waterfalls in the area. Hikers are advised to hire a local from the Longhouse as a guide into the rainforest to avoid getting lost in the many trails.
The main attraction in this park is the Wasai Wong Kadir which takes approximately an hour to hike from the Teraja Longhouse. At the end of the trail, hikers get to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Wong Kadir and Teraja Waterfalls and you can also enjoy a quick dip into the lake to cool down from the heat and refresh before heading back.
