The canopy walk Temburong is a suspended walkway above the rainforest in Ulu Temburong National Park, in the Temburong district of Brunei on the island of Borneo. In practice you visit it on a guided day tour: guides pick you up from Bandar Seri Begawan, a road and river journey takes you to the park, and a hike with a stair climb leads to a tower and the walkway, roughly 50 metres above the forest floor according to the sources I read. Tours are the normal way to do it, and advance booking with an authorised operator is advised.
How the trip works
One guide describes going from the capital by taxi or bus to Bangar town, about 40 minutes, and then taking a longboat for around 45 minutes up the Temburong River to the park entrance. Overall travel time is typically more than two hours each way, according to another source. The details change with road works, river levels and the tour operator, so do not take that timing as fixed. In the dry season, when water levels drop, passengers may be asked to get out and help push the boat, which is part of the adventure as long as you expect it.
The Temburong district is separated from the rest of Brunei by water and a stretch of Malaysian territory. I have seen mention of a newer bridge that has changed road access, but I could not verify current routes, so ask your tour operator how they run the transfer. The park itself is a protected area, and entry is generally arranged through operators rather than independently.
The walk to the canopy
Most people picture the canopy walk Temburong as a short stroll on a bridge. It is closer to a morning of exercise that ends with a bridge.
This is the part people underestimate. Sources agree that there is a climb and a lot of steps, but they disagree on the number: one says 746 steps, another over 1,000, and a third mentions 1,200. The numbers depend on which stairway or route they counted and on the day. Expect about a kilometre of forest trail with an ascent that is hot, humid and steep in places. The canopy walk Temburong platforms and bridges are at height, so anyone with serious vertigo should think hard before booking. People who are only mildly nervous often manage if they walk slowly and keep to the centre.
- Allow time. You will be walking, climbing and stopping to look, not rushing.
- The climb is physical. If you have heart, knee or breathing problems, talk to your doctor and the operator first.
- Weight and group limits apply on the walkway for safety. Follow the guide’s instructions, because they apply them for a reason.
What to bring for the canopy walk Temburong
- Insect repellent and sun protection. One source notes that there is no shade on the walkway itself.
- Sturdy shoes with grip, plus a spare pair of socks.
- Lightweight, quick-drying clothes and a small rain layer.
- Plenty of water. A reusable bottle is better than single-use plastic.
- A small bag that you do not mind getting wet, since you may be near the river and in rain.
Booking and costs
Day trips are sold by local operators and through tour platforms, and some airline and hotel desks also arrange them. Prices vary a lot: I saw listings ranging from roughly BND 240 to about US$200, but those figures come from third-party sites and I cannot confirm what is included today. Look at what the price covers: transport, boat, guide, park fees and sometimes lunch. Compare two or three operators, and check cancellation terms, because weather and water levels can change plans.
Is the canopy walk Temburong worth it?
If you are already in Brunei and like nature, yes, it is the most obvious day out. You get a view over the treetops that you cannot get from the ground, and the rainforest here is old and dense. It is not a thrill ride; it is a long day with a good payoff. If you only have a day in the country, weigh it against what else you might do in Bandar Seri Begawan, such as mosques, water villages and museums, which require no early start.
The park is a place for quiet looking. Guides can point out birds, insects and plants, and the best sightings often come when your group is calm. Do not expect to see large animals on a typical day tour, and do not take anything from the forest. Weather matters too: heavy rain can change the plan, so ask what happens if conditions are poor.
My practical advice: book early in your stay so there is room for a weather move, wear proper shoes, start the day rested, and bring what you need to be comfortable. Check the park’s and operators’ official information for current rules, and let them know about any health conditions before you set out for the canopy walk Temburong.
For background, the Ulu Temburong National Park article on Wikipedia is a useful starting point.
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