Canopy Walkway

"The canopy is the richest region of the diverse rain forest, and ranges in thickness from 10-40 feet (3-12 m). Countless species usually thought of as ground dwellers have adapted to life in the canopy—including worms, crabs, frogs, kangaroos, anteaters, and porcupines—where they feed on the abundance of fruits, seeds, and leaves or the numerous animals that are attracted these foods.

The plant life of the canopy is nearly as rich due to the variety of Epiphytes and Lianas." As stated at http://rainforests.mongabay.com/0404.htm retrieved on 15 November 2009.

As thick as it was mentioned above and as high as you can imagine of the Canopy Trees where the steel structure rises some 50 meters from the down part level of the highest tree were built to see the scenery like a birds.

The Canopy Walkway is the center of attention of Ulu Temburong and will regret if you don’t see the bird view, when you do the jungle trekking of 1226 steps before reaching the steel structure up high in the air.

Up high at the Canopy Walkway, Shaky and windy feelings up there

That was our latest and the last trip of BEACA activities for the first semester of 2009, visiting one of the famous National Parks in Brunei, named Ulu Temburong in the early morning of Sunday 15th November 2009, with one mission to reach the Canopy Walkway.

Ulu Temburong National Park base, where we register our name as a visitor together with the tourists from all over the world on that day

According to the Forestry department at http://www.forestry.gov.bn/frst_forest.htm, retrieved on 15 November 2009 "National Parks is the areas with distinctive geologic, topographic and other formations and features of special interest, which are reserved to maintain biologically diverse plant and animal communities for the benefit of the present as well as the coming generations" and stated that in Brunei Darussalam 46,210 Ha of National Parks are gazetted, 2,644 Ha as proposed area, 48,854 Ha are the total area of National Parks with 10.41 percent of forests involved with 8.47 percent total land area.

Labels shows the direction of Mount Kinabalu and Bandar Seri Begawan.

Bearing in mind on our previous ‘disaster’ happened during our trip to Serasa beach, where some of the BEACA members sank together with the transferring boat, safety first is the most important agenda to be upheld this time.

Life jackets is a must to wear while we in Temuai

To me, this is my third trip visiting the destination and to my surprise, the place is still clean and well maintained by the respective authorities. And what I am proud about this place is more and more tourists coming to make a visits.

This time ahead, I have learn to be positive, thinking in a positive way whereas be prepared is the second to none. But, without the guide from our tutor will not make this trip an adventurous and to be remembered. Thanks Dr. Irene!

With the country’s motto ‘Kenali Negara Kitani’ promoted by the Brunei Tourism, I’m supporting it with full force as to know our country better rather than experiencing people’s nation where our beloved country, Brunei Darussalam – Abode of Peace, has more to offer such as this Ulu Temburong.

After experiencing the Canopy walk, we were brought to Wasai Sungai Apan (mini waterfall) There, we healed ourselves after the hectic and tiring days for all of us.

Mini waterfall at Wasai Sungai Apan

On our way to the waterfall, there is a few species that i found and what attract my attention is the Green Butterfly or scientifically known as Troides Brookiana (named after the 'white rajah' James Brooke who ruled Sarawak as his private kingdom in the colonial era - which is also known as the Jewel of the rainforests.


Troides Brookiana is looking for mineral and salt

From what i retrieved from www.ecologyasia.com, it says that the jet blackwing colour and emerald green branding the males of this most glorious of species can be found searching for salt and other mineral near human habitation - in particular it favours sewage outfalls.

One of Heron Species also known as 'Bangau' that found along Sungai Belalong

Soonafter, we were asked to pack and get ready for the next destination after the lunch. And at this point, me as the first-aid had injured myself and experiencing a cramp on my left ankle due to the cold water. To my rescue, Cecilia (our guide) help me out to cure back on my foot.

Having lunch outside the Wasai Sungai Apan

Vast-experienced, Cecelia from Koperasi Kerjasamamu who helped us a lot during the trip, with tips and first aid.

We were then transferred to 'Temuai' which is a long boat as it is called before being carried out on a bus to our next destination which is the long house in Kampong Sumbiling Baru.

At the long house, headed by head village Igat Anak Tarang, has 16 doors with 16 families living in. To my surprised, this long house is equipped with the latest informative technology, Wireless!

Traditional game called Carrom ('Kiram') played at the long house.

Before we headed home, at the Bangar Jetty, Dr Asmah treat us with the ever delicious king of fruits, durian to packed our hungry stomach on the way back to Bandar Seri Begawan. And one that attract my sumptuous appetite offered by the stall owner is the durian they called it 'Durian Hutan' which is very rare to find it somewhere in Bandar Seri Beagawan.

Though it is really tiring trip but i am really satisfied with this latest BEACA organised trip and hope that BEACA will once again 'entertain' the members with more trip to come in the second semester.