Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Batang Duri
Batang Duri, about 16km south of Bangar, is the jumping-off point for longboat rides to
Ulu Temburong National Park. As you head south, the sealed road passes Malay settle-
ments, then Murut (Lun Bawang) hamlets and finally a few partly modern Iban long-
houses.
Sleeping
GUESTHOUSE
Sumbiling Eco Village $$
( 242 6923, 876 6796;
borneoguide.com/ecovillage
; per person incl meals B$50;
)
If you're looking for Brunei's version of a jungle camp with basic amenities and a
chilled-out atmosphere that encourages slipping into a green state of utterly relaxed Zen,
come to Sumbiling. This ecofriendly rustic camp offers great Iban cuisine (served on sim-
pur leaves) and plenty of outdoor activities, including visits to nearby Ulu Temburong Na-
tional Park, jungle overnights, inner-tubing and a forest trek. The basic rooms have glass-
less windows and a fan attached to the ceiling to make sure air circulates inside the moz-
zie nets (nice touch). Also has a rain-protected camping area, organic composting and im-
portantly, no handouts of single-use plastic bottes. Nearby is a five-door Iban longhouse
with fierce, beautiful fighting cocks - each family's prized possessions - tethered outside.
Prices do not include transport. Run by Borneo Guide (
Click here
)
in cooperation with
the local community. Situated a few minutes downstream from Batang Duri.
Peradayan Forest Reserve
If you can't be bothered with the logistics or expense of a trip up to Ulu Temburong Na-
tional Park, the Peradayan Forest Reserve is a good day-trip alternative. There's a 5km
(one-way) trek up to the jungle-cloaked peak of
Bukit Patoi
(310m); it may also be pos-
sible to continue on to
Bukit Peradayan
(410m). The trail, through pristine jungle, begins
at the picnic tables and toilet block of
Taman Rekreasi Bukit Patoi
(Bukit Patoi Recre-
ational Park), about 15km southeast of Bangar (towards Lawas). Bring lots of water and
be prepared to turn back if the path, not always properly maintained along its entire
length, becomes too overgrown to follow.
