EXPLORING BORNEO

Even though there are so many amazing countries to visit over here on this side of the world, there is also plenty to keep us busy just on the island of Borneo!  We have been trying to do a little more exploring "closer to home".


TEMBURONG

Brunei is divided into 4 districts.  We live in the Belait district, the western-most one, and Temburong is the eastern-most district, sandwiched into the state of Sarawak, Malaysia.  We decided to visit Ulu Temburong National Park when my mom was in town so that we could all see the "untouched rainforest" of Brunei.  To get there, we first drove to Bandar, then took a water taxi to Temburong, then a bus ride to the river, and then a longboat to the Ulu Ulu Resort in the middle of the rainforest.

Water Taxi

"Welcome to Temburong"

Bus

Ready to get on longboats

We all LOVED riding the longboats

The Ulu Ulu Resort was very nice!  

Great rooms, hot showers, and (surprisingly) yummy food!

We spent 2 nights, and I recommend anyone to do the same.

We left at 5am, in the dark, to do the canopy walk.

First, longboat across the river.  Then, jungle trek in the pitch black (take headlamps, flashlights), then a climb up more than 1,000 man-built wooden steps and ramps, and finally you're at the base of the metal scaffolding to climb up a series of ladders to the canopy walk!

My mom had to take it slow, but she made it!

The scaffolding.  

There are 3 towers, each one taller than the last, with a sky bridge in-between them.

The word "awesome" tends to be over-used, but in this instance it's the only word to accurately describe the experience.  Truly Awesome.

 My mom was moved to tears as she stood above the treetops in the rainforest.

 Harton was the only brave child to go up the scaffolding!

The other kids stayed at the base with our guide Eddie.

 The climb down was easier, especially since we had light!

In addition to the canopy walk, we also enjoyed kayaking, playing in the river, and a trek to a waterfall where fish nibbled the dead skin off our feet.  Landon and Keith also did the jungle night walk, but the rest of us were too tired!

Here we are with our great guide Eddie (middle, red shirt)

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

After Temburong, we spent one more night in Bandar, Brunei's capital, to explore some new sights with my mom.  

Sadly, we witnessed this fire in the water village

 His Majesty the Sultan's palace

This walk along the river was really nice, with a view of the palace in the background

Random sights around Bandar

BRUNEI MUSEUM

SULTAN OMAR ALI SAIFUDDIN MOSQUE

ROYAL REGALIA MUSEUM

BRUNEI ARTS AND HANDICRAFTS CENTRE

MULU NATIONAL PARK

The largest cave in the world can be found in Mulu National Park in Sarawak, Malaysia.  We wanted to explore the caves here on Borneo, after seeing them featured on a "Planet Earth" DVD.  We spent 2 nights at the Royal Mulu Resort, as the Park itself was full.  To sum up this trip... lots of walking, lots of stairs, lots of critters, awesome caves, and beautiful sights.

LANG'S CAVE

DEER CAVE (WORLD'S LARGEST)

Amazing... the profile of Lincoln in Deer Cave!

We took a longboat to the Penan (local tribe) village, where we saw this dog

Penan handicrafts

WIND CAVE

CLEARWATER CAVE

We thoroughly enjoyed both Ulu and Mulu.  Anyone living in Borneo should do both if they get the chance!  I will say that Temburong was a little better for us.  Mulu was just a bit too much walking for little ones, but I'm glad we did it.