Brunei Ulu Temburong: Canopy Walk, Waterfall & River Tubing Day Trip

Summary

Canopy walks waterfalls and river tubing in Brunei’s wild green

You’ll feel Brunei’s wild heart on this day trip: speedboat and longboat rides through jungle rivers, a climb high above the forest on the canopy walk, cooling off at a waterfall with doctor fish nipping your feet, and lunch cooked by locals—all with hotel pickup included.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the first real rush to come before we even hit the rainforest. The speedboat from Bandar Seri Begawan zipped us past the stilt villages and under that huge SOAS bridge — I caught a whiff of river mud and diesel, but mostly just wind in my face. When we switched to the temuai (those long wooden boats), our guide Haziq grinned at my awkward shuffle into the seat. “Balance is key,” he said. I pretended I knew what I was doing.

The air changed as soon as we got close to Ulu Temburong — thicker, almost humming with bugs and birds you can’t see but definitely hear. At the campsite, someone handed me a cup of sweet tea and these little cakes (I never caught the name; Li laughed when I tried to say it in Malay). We registered for the park, then started up what felt like endless wooden steps—my legs were burning by step 300 but nobody seemed to mind stopping for breath. The canopy walkway itself is this metal ladder shooting up above everything—my hands were sweaty on the rails, honestly—but wow, that view. Green everywhere, mist curling through treetops. I still think about that silence up there.

Coming down was almost harder than going up (maybe just me). We hiked out to a waterfall where tiny fish nibbled at my toes—surprisingly ticklish—and some folks braved a swim under the falls. If water levels are right you can tube downriver back toward camp; today it was safe so we floated along with nervous laughter echoing between trees. Lunch was simple but perfect: rice, grilled chicken, something spicy wrapped in leaves—all made by locals who waved off our attempts to help clean up.

On the way back, everyone was quieter—maybe tired or just letting it all soak in. Haziq pointed out hornbills overhead (I missed them, too slow) and told stories about growing up near here. It’s not far from Bandar Seri Begawan in distance but feels like another world entirely.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ulu Temburong National Park

• Pickup from hotel at 07:30 AM
• Drive to Batangduri Jetty
• Meet tour guide and board longboat
• Enjoy light refreshment at campsite
• Register at national park
• Walk 110 wooden steps to hanging bridge
• Climb 716 wooden steps to canopy walkway
• View forest from 50-meter-high canopy
• Visit and swim at OBBD waterfall
• Tube down Temburong River (weather permitting)
• Lunch with local food in open hut
• Return by longboat to Batangduri
• Transfer back to hotel in Bandar Seri Begawan

Top questions

How do you get to Ulu Temburong from Bandar Seri Begawan?

You’ll be picked up at your hotel and driven to Batangduri Jetty, then take a speedboat followed by a traditional longboat (temuai) into Ulu Temburong.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, lunch is included and prepared by local cooks at an open hut near the river.

What’s the canopy walkway like?

The canopy walkway rises about 50 meters above the forest floor—expect lots of steps and incredible views over the rainforest.

Do you need to be very fit for this tour?

The tour suits most fitness levels but does involve climbing several hundred steps and some uneven trails.

Can children join this Ulu Temburong tour?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult.

Is hotel pickup provided for this Brunei day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup is included so you can catch your speedboat on time.

Are there any risks if it rains or river levels are high?

The itinerary may change depending on weather or river conditions for safety reasons; guides will adjust as needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Bandar Seri Begawan, all boat transfers (speedboat and longboat), entry registration at Ulu Temburong park, light refreshments with local cakes and tea upon arrival at camp, guided walks including access to the canopy walkway and waterfall visit (with possible river tubing if conditions allow), plus a traditional lunch cooked by locals before returning late afternoon.