15th November 2009, my post for this week is Refreshment manager for our BEACA group activity trip to Temburong. I provided mineral waters (free) and 100 plus (our collection) and ask them to bring it before we went on speedboat (water taxi) to Temburong. As early as 6 am, I've already waited at Kianggeh Water Taxi area (where usually tourist or people go to Temburong with speedboat) because as told before, we will leave to Temburong with speedboat at 6.30 am, unfortunately, the speedboat came late and we leave from Bandar Seri Begawan to Temburong around 7.30 am.
water taxi (speedboat)
Along the route, we seen a lot of mangrove forests which line the Brunei River flowing out of Sarawak into Brunei bay. If you were lucky, Proboscis Monkeys and birds may be sighted along this route, however there are more likely to be seen in early morning or late afternoon but no luck today only birds are seen. After a long 45 minutes enjoying the view along the sea and river way, we finally arrived at Temburong at 8.15 am and then rest for a while having our breakfast with roti kosong and teh tarek at one of the restaurant in Temburong.
After having breakfast, we continued our journey by bus, it take around 30 minutes to reached our destination where 'Temuai' langboats waiting for us. 'Temuai' is a long boat like a shape of banana and can accommodate 5 to 7 people including the driver of the boat. But first, as usual 'safety first', before entering the boat we have to use life jacket and rain coat (in case of raining) provide by the organizer. Life jacket is the most important thing to use first before entering the boat as what I have learnt from our previous activity (sailing). Occasionally the longboats need to be pushed over shallow water, or some of the river section must be walked around while the boatmen negotiate the rapid. We arrived safely at Ulu Temburog, but don't expect in dry condition.
Finally the highlight of the day a Canopy Walkway but before that, we have to climb a small hill and a stairway which is very tiring. After 20 minutes of torturing our stamina, we arrived at the start up Canopy Walkway. This steel structure rises some 50 meters from the forest floor to the level of the highest trees, and the view is quite breathtaking from the top, we can see Brunei Bay to the north and Sarawak's Gunung Mulu Park to the south. What a beautiful view, watch the birds, take in the view and wait for other jungle dwellers to arrive. But unfortunately, the time was limited (for safety reason and time management), we don't have a time enjoying the beautiful view of the untouched forest but then it's worthwhile.
view from the highest point of canopy walkway, green and beautiful
We continued our journey enjoying the nature at nearby waterfall. It was amazing, the waterfall is so original and very beautiful. We then take our time enjoying the waterfall by taking a bath and swim around it. After a while, we then take a break enjoying our lunch near the river before we continued our journey to the long house.
enjoying the waterfall
By bus, we reached the Iban long house, where we were cordially welcome by the members of the long house. The long house consist of 16 family members, the room and veranda are connected together. We then have a little chat with them and even participate in playing their games. Iban tribe is also known in making mat, 'tekiding', basket and others, their skill is very good and their handiwork is very delicate.
Conclusion, Brunei is a home to some of Asia’s best nature reserves and field study centres, which offer an exciting array of ecotourism and adventure activities. Isolation, mountainous terrain, and a dedicated preservation policy have protected the the forest from destructive logging, clearing and plantation development that has scarred many areas of Borneo. The Ulu Temburong is a haven for scientists and all people who appreciate the nature. It's also an income resource for Brunei, it's also provides a job for the local people, like our boatmen and guides, they grew up in this area. The river is their second home. It gives them access to fishing, fruit gathering, and hill paddy rice fields outside the National Park. This can be a good contribution in our economic and reduce poverty.
Next time, maybe someday I will go back to Ulu Temburong to experience a true rainforest experience which maybe includes at least one night in the forest. Exploring along the walkways at sunset, and experiencing the sunrise from the Canopy Walkway. Rise before dawn to reach the top of the Canopy Walkway as the sky begins to brighten. Sit above the tree tops, watching dawn over the rainforest, with the passing parade of wildlife, as a new day begins.
Go Green BEACA.......
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