The nutrients from mountain
rainforests flow downstream in the rivers leading to Brunei Bay. These nutrients feed the
mangrove eco-systems which in turn feed the diverse bird, animal and aquatic life which
inhabits the bay and its salt water estuaries.
Mangroves are a key player in the life cycle of Brunei Bay. They
have been protected from development and set aside for study and visitor enjoyment in
areas adjacent to Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei Darussalam, and also in
Brunei Bay, where the rivers from Temburong's National Parks flow into the bay.
Comfortable boats provide transport along the deep channels that
flow amongst the mangrove islands. Engine off and paddle, or just drift with the
current, watching for wildlife.
Early morning and late evening are the best times to find the natural
inhabitants active and visible. These are times when insects and other small prey
are also active and this attracts the resident birds to emerge at the edge of waterways
and clearings. It's also cooler at these times so it's more comfortable to be out
exploring.
Our 5.45am boat departure to Selirong Island Reserve
gives visitors an experience of dawn while travelling down the
Brunei River and across the inner section of Brunei Bay. An
early arrival at Selirong Island provides the best opportunity to
see the local inhabitants.
Low or high tide there is always activity. The birds and animals
adjust their foraging and hunting activities depending on the water level.
Our 4.30 pm or 7.00am boat departures for the Mangrove
Safari, upstream of Bandar Seri Begawan, allows visitors to explore the
mangrove channels as the sun drops lower in the sky, cool shadows spread across the water,
and the local inhabitants become active. Each day is
different.
At Selirong Island in Brunei Bay, the Brunei
Forestry Department has installed two kilometers of elevated walkways
through the mangroves. This is a unique opportunity to be in a mangrove
forest without being knee-deep in mud!
The walks at Selirong can be broken into two sections as
a channel gives boat access to the walkway half way across the island.
It's common to see mud
skippers, crabs, monitor lizards, wading birds and more. Proboscis
Monkeys, Macaques and many other species also inhabit this protected
mangrove island. The deep channels are
home to fish, crabs, shrimps, prawns, cockles and barnacles.
4 metre Salt Water Crocodile seen in the lower Temburong River.
(Photographed from the water taxi)
Crocodile and other animal sightings have been increasing in
Brunei. Guns are banned and in combination with free public
services, (including education, public health and medical), housing
assistance, and the general standard of living, the economic pressure
that leads to habitat destruction and native animal hunting is largely
absent.
Crocodiles and other wildlife find Brunei a safe haven.
Enjoy convenient access to
the inner areas of Selirong Mangrove Island using the 2 kms of elevated
walkway.
Mangrove Safari - Bandar Seri Begawan
Evening or Morning Tour
Duration:
1hr 45min (3hrs with optional dinner/breakfast) Tour Code: ITS-E3BR & ITS-E2BR
Start at: 4.30 pm
Finish at: 6.15 pm (7.30 pm with optional dinner) OR
Start at: 7.00 am
Finish at: 9.00 am (10 am with optional breakfast)
Includes: Covered boat, mineral water, experienced English/Malay
speaking guide.
Optional: Dinner or breakfast beside the Brunei River (Tour code:ITS-E2BR)
Overview: The tour proceeds upstream by boat to explore the nearby mangrove
channels to look for Proboscis Monkeys, Macaques,
monitor lizards, birds and occasionally a crocodile. Our driver/guide
will help you to find the the wildlife this tangled
environment supports. Watch the flocks of egrets returning to
their overnight roost. As sunset approaches, photograph the Sultan's Palace
from this best viewpoint, then drive past central Bandar Seri Begawan and water village as
the lights begin to illuminate.
Mangrove Safari & Water Village -
BSB
Evening or Morning Tour
Duration:
3 hrs (4hrs 30min with optional dinner) Tour Code: ITS-D3BR & ITS-D2BR
Start at: 3.15 pm
Finish at: 6.15 pm (7.45 pm with optional dinner) OR
Start at: 6.30 am
Finish at: 9.30 (1035 am with optional breakfast)
Includes: Covered boat, afternoon tea (at water village), mineral water and experienced
English/Malay speaking guide
Optional: Breakfast or dinner beside the Brunei River (Tour code:
ITS-D2BR)
Overview: The Water Village is still home to approximately 20,000 residents.
Described as The Venice of Asia, this traditional community and housing
now includes modern services with access to international communications
and media. Explore this unique residential area, by boat, and by foot
along the elevated walkways. Enjoy afternoon tea in a water village house.
Then proceed upstream by boat to explore the nearby mangroves. Explore
along narrow channels to look for Proboscis Monkeys, Macaques, monitor
lizards, birds and occasionally a crocodile. As sunset approaches, photograph the Sultan's Palace
from this best viewpoint, then drive past central Bandar Seri Begawan and water village as
the lights begin to illuminate.
Mangrove Safari &
Brunei River - BSB:
Evening Tour
Duration: 3hr 45min Tour Code: ITE-H2BR
Start at: 4.15 pm
Finish at: 8.00 pm (after dinner)
Includes: Covered boat, mineral water and experienced
English/Malay speaking guide & dinner beside the Brunei River.
Overview: The tour proceeds upstream to explore the Mangroves (as
in tour ITS-E3BR). After returning to central BSB aroung 6.15 pm, the
boat travels downsteam past homes, museums and places of
historical significance. Learn about the river's role in Brunei's past
and present while enjoying the last light of the day and the cooling
evening air. See riverside housing, fish farms and protected mangroves.
Enjoy a great local style dinner beside the Brunei River, watching the
river activity. Return to accommodation in our vehicle.
Mangrove Safari, Water Village
& Brunei River:
Evening Tour
Duration: 4hr 45min Tour Code: ITE-H1BR
Start at: 3.15 pm
Finish at: 8.00 pm (after dinner)
Includes: Covered boat, afternoon tea (at water village), mineral water and experienced
English/Malay speaking guide, dinner beside the Brunei River.
Overview: The tour initially follows the water village and
mangrove safari programme (as in tour ITS-D3BR). After returning to
central BSB aroung 6.15 pm, the boat travels downsteam past homes,
museums and places of historical significance. Learn about the
river's role in Brunei's past and present while enjoying the last light
of the day and the cooling evening air. See riverside housing, fish
farms and protected mangroves. Enjoy a great local style dinner beside
the Brunei River, watching the river activity. Return to
accommodation in our vehicle.
Selirong Mangrove Island - Brunei Bay:
Dawn tour
3 hours Tour Code: ITD-M3BB
&
ITD-M2BB (with breakfast)
Starts at: 5.45 am (near Bandar Seri Begawan)
Finish at: 9.45 am (near Bandar Seri Begawan) (10.30 am
with breakfast - Mangrove Resort)
Includes: Covered boat, mineral water, NP entrance,
experienced English/Malay speaking guide.
Optional: Breakfast at Mangrove Resort - Brunei River.
Overview: The boat leaves just before dawn, speeding across the
calm water along the Brunei River and inside Brunei Bay to reach Selirong Island
just after sunrise, when the natural
inhabitants are most active, and when you are most likely to see the
amazing array of wildlife living amongst its tangle of mangroves, vines,
palms and trees.
Selirong
Forest Recreation Park is preserved for outdoor
recreation, research and nature education. Our boat takes you along some
of the secluded waterways to the walkways.
Quietly walk along sections of the 2 kilometres of elevated wooden pathways. Stop to listen and
watch the dawn parade of unique mammals, resident and migratory birds,
bats, reptiles, fish, crustaceans, and of course monkeys. Perhaps you
will see a green turtle, monitor lizard or salt water crocodile.
The tour is lead by one of
our experienced guides. All safety equipment,
including lifejackets (PFD-1) are provided.
As the sun climbs
high in the tropical sky, and the animals retreat to find shelter, we
follow their example, returning to Bandar Seri Begawan, or stopping
on-route to enjoy breakfast over the river, at the Mangrove Resort.
Note:This Selirong Island tour can only operate when the tide height at
Muara is at least 0.8 metres. (check in the tides section of this
website - or with our booking staff.)
