Time after time, we are hearing from people that there is nothing to do in Brunei. Well, we are tired to hear such stuff, and we want to share with you seven excellent places you can visit in Brunei. These places will also instil love in you for Brunei and encourage you more to protect the beauty of Brunei and explore Brunei more.
People always say that we go to deep jungles and are scared to go alone or go with a group. We usually go to recreational parks and the places mentioned in the list, and we spend an ample amount of time there! So here goes the list!
Wasai Wong Kadir
This is our favourite place! This place is located in the Kuala Belait District, Kg Labi! So how to get there? If you are coming from Bandar, it’s roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes away. After Kg Telisai, Tutong, you will reach Sg Liang. You will soon see lee on the right, but you turn left after the second traffic light where a signboard says Labi.
Once you are on this road, which is 54-kilometre m long, you go on for about 47-kilometre inwards, you will pass Rumah Panjang mendaram Besar on the right, and after 10 seconds, you will see a big rock saying Wang Kadir on the left!
The trek is pretty simple, and anyone can accomplish this. What’s notable here? The amazing waterfall! If you walk fast, you will reach there in 20 minutes. But if you are taking your time, strolling, photographing, and enjoying the forest, you will get in 30-40minutes
Luagan Lalak lake
This lake is around 25 kilometres before Wasai Wang Kadir and will be on the left. You can’t possibly miss it! Most of the road going to the lake is covered with forest, and then suddenly, on the left, you will see a clearing (lake) and lovely decorations outside.
This lake is roughly 20 minutes from the traffic light turn. What’s notable here? Well, the spectacular lake! It has one of the most stunning sunrises in Brunei! (Sunrise here would be around 6:15 am) If you are a photographer or birder, this is the place for you. You will hear beautiful birds, and if you are lucky, you will see them, ranging from Hornbills to Darters and so on.
Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park
This is Brunei Darussalam’s only ASEAN heritage park. What’s notable here? Again a beautiful lake! This is also a perfect place for birding, picnic with friends as there are places provided to sit in and relax and just having a great time.
If the boatman is present while you are there, you could request a ride around the lake of merimbun for $30 for 5-6 people. That is IF the boat is around.
Berambang Island
This is Brunei Darussalam second largest island. It is located right off the coast of Kota Batu and opposite Kg Bolkiah A.
How to get there? Well, you can take a boat from the Yayasan area($1-2 each), or you can take a boat from Sg Lampai Bomba (50 cents). Just tell the boat man to go to Kg Menunggol or Berambang. Once you reach there, you can try to hitch a ride with the locals or walk to the Recreational Park Bukit Batu Bujang Pahang, which takes around 30 minutes, and it is a good idea to bring an umbrella with you because it will get super-hot.
Or better yet, bring your bicycle, if you fancy a stroll along the minor road to the park. Once you reach the park by following the straight road, the first hike is a steep 50-70 meter stairs up a hill. After you conquered the first hill, the rest of the hike will be pretty gentle with gentle slopes.
And within 25 minutes, you will reach the summit. What’s special at the summit? Well, that you have to find out for yourself! You can see Brunei on one side and Malaysia on the other.
Taman Peranginan Si Jamping, Sg Besar
We have conducted several cleanups here for the people who have volunteered here. So what’s good to do here? Well, you can go fishing and have a great time with family and friends overlooking the magnificent view of the whole Brunei bay!
If you are a photographer or want to enjoy lovely Brunei, come here at 6 am, and you will love the sunrise! How to get here? Now, this is a bit tricky. It is located along Jalan Kota Batu. If you are coming from Bandar, it will be around 12-15 minutes on the right side. It is near the British High Commissioners residence and also the Standard Charted residence.
If you are coming from Kg Mentiri, it’s only 3-5minutes on the left side. You will see some cars parked on the side so you should be able to find out. Oh, if you are fortunate, you might spot a dolphin or an otter.
Tasek Lama
Wait! Don’t skip this one. You must be like, oh no, not Tasek Lama again! Well, we will share something special with you. If you look at the Tasek Lama board carefully, somewhere on the map, you will see ‘Wasai Jumaat’, and there is another wasai right after ‘Wasai Jumaat’ (only 2 minutes away) is not named on the map. It is called Wasai Abin.
Well, guess what, adventurers? This is one of the best places in Brunei Muara! One of the most excellent and calming waterfalls around. It’s a haven in the middle of Bandar! However, it will take you roughly 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes to reach there. A few hills here and there, but trust me, it will be worth it!
Bukit Mentiri
Always going to Tasek Lama, Bukit Shahbandar? Tired of the same places? Well then try Bukit Mentiri. It is found, well, as the name suggests, in mentiri! Again located on the Kota Batu Road, if you are coming from Bandar, its 15 minutes on the left (past the shell station), but if you are coming from mentiri, then it’s just 10 seconds on the right from the small roundabout up the hill next to the Ugama school!
What’s notable here? There are a few hiking treks in the jungle labelled with aps on almost every stop, and not many people go here. So a great place to have some fun with friends and family and stay healthy.
Dos and Don’ts
Dos:
- Take lots of photos!
- Share the love with friends and family.
- Bring a rubbish bag and clean your mess or other rubbish if there is any.
- Support the locals if there is any of selling food or handcrafts.
- Dress appropriately to respect locals and also blend in with the jungle colours.
- Travel light and bring some snacks and repellents.
Don’ts
- Please, we beg of you don’t throw any rubbish carelessly. The animals won’t come and clean it for you, and the earth suffers when you do that. Innocent animals will go and eat it thinking it’s food, and then they will suffocate. Also, it just looks ugly.
- Shout and scream. It affects the jungle. It scares away the animals, or the sleeping animals will run away. This disturbs the jungles and also concerns the research of scientists. Especially in Wang Kadir, Luagan Lalak and Tasek merimbun. Also, did you come to scream or enjoy the jungle? TRUST us; if you stay quiet, you will hear birds chirping and other beautiful stuff.
- Shower using shampoo and soap. Let’s not put chemicals in the water and kill the local flora and fauna.
- Poaching. Don’t kill animals or take them or plants from the jungles. Please leave them in the wild. You don’t want to be caged like the poached animals; do you or Brunei have an empty forest. Instead, let them be in their habitat so everyone can enjoy them.
- Swim in the lakes. Firstly, you are not allowed to swim in those places but if you insist, give our regards to Mr and Mrs Crocodile.
