Not much is known about travelling in Brunei. Besides magnificent mosques, the nation on the island of Borneo is also known for its beaches, shipwrecks and biodiverse rainforest. If you’ve exhausted all the hiking spots in Singapore, look beyond our shores for these nature and diving destinations in Brunei for your next vacation.

Hiking spots

1. Ulu Temburong National Park

Covering approximately 50,000 hectares of pristine rainforest in the extreme east of Brunei, Ulu Temburong National Park is one of the country’s greatest natural attractions. It is dubbed as the ‘Green Jewel of Brunei’, home to more than 40 species of butterfly, rare exploding ants, gibbons, hornbills, flying squirrels and more.

Brunei’s strict conservation efforts allow only scientists and specialists to access much of the park. Therefore, the only practical way you can visit is by joining a tour or applying for a special permit.

2. Luagan Lalak National Park

The 270 hectare Luagan Lalak Forest Recreation Park in Belait District is a rare natural feature in Borneo. The freshwater swamp is dotted with lush greenery, with water that creates a mirrored effect that further magnifies the area’s beauty. In the drier months, Luagan Lalak’s waters recede to reveal a field of beautiful Lepironia sedges.

Visitors to the Labi Hills Forest Reserve – of which Luagan Lalak is a part of – head to the recreation park for a view of the sunrise or explore the footpaths around the Park grounds.

3. Tasek Lama Recreational Park

Want to go chasing waterfalls? Tasek Lama Recreational Park is a jungle oasis in the middle of the city with a waterfall and a lake – and it looks like it’s right out of a fairytale. The park boasts extensive trails you can explore, all with different levels ranging from easy to steep jungle paths.

4. Pulau Berambang

Want to go off the mainland? Pulau Berambang is Brunei’s largest riverine island. Situated less than a kilometre from the banks of Pintu Malim, you can access the island by boat. Take a day trip that promises idyllic walks along countryside roads, a hill trek that offers sweeping vistas and historic disused coal mines, and marvel at dramatic rock formations.

The mangrove forests on Barambang have also been set aside for protection and conservation through the Wild Life Protection Act of Brunei.

Diving spots

1. Australian Wreck

You can find world-class diving in Borneo, and especially Brunei. The Australian Wreck is one of Brunei’s iconic WWII wrecks, easily accessible about 40 minutes by speedboat from Poni Divers dive centre.

The Australian Wreck is a ship that was originally a Dutch passenger/cargo steamer called the S.S. De Clerk. The majestic wreck spans 90m long from bow to stern and 12m wide across its berth, mostly intact but tilted onto the port side. It lies on deep sandy bottom with easy penetration points or technical penetration routes.

2. Blue Water Wreck

Another diving spot that is a favourite is the Blue Water Wreck, popular for its relatively good visibility. The site was named after its location, which was so far offshore that the water appears blue.

The wreck – an 80-metre-long ship that sank in 1981 due to a fire onboard – is located roughly 22 miles offshore. Today, you can find barracuda, giant batfish and, occasionally, and white-tip sharks.