Things to Do in Temburong District

Temburong District stands apart as Brunei's green heart, a pristine wilderness enclave that feels worlds away from the country's oil-rich urban centers. This sparsely populated district, separated from the rest of Brunei by a slice of Malaysian territory, harbors some of Southeast Asia's most untouched rainforest. The landscape here is genuinely dramatic - ancient dipterocarp trees tower overhead while rivers snake through valleys that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. What makes Temburong particularly compelling is its accessibility despite its remoteness. You can actually reach this wilderness from Bandar Seri Begawan in a matter of hours, yet once you're here, the silence and density of the jungle creates an almost otherworldly atmosphere that's increasingly rare in this part of the world.

Dining options in Temburong District are refreshingly simple and focused on local flavors, though choices are admittedly limited compared to urban areas. Bangar's small restaurants serve excellent river fish, jungle vegetables, and traditional Malay dishes at very reasonable prices - expect to pay B$3-8 for a substantial meal. The local specialty is ikan basung, a type of river fish that's typically grilled or prepared in curry. Several restaurants near the market offer authentic ambau (fermented durian paste) for the adventurous, while the handful of coffee shops provide decent noodle dishes and surprisingly good local coffee. If you're staying overnight, most guesthouses can arrange traditional meals featuring jungle produce and river seafood.

The ideal time for Temburong District is during the drier months from February to April, when rainfall is lighter and river levels are more predictable for boat travel. That said, this is equatorial rainforest, so you should expect some rain regardless of when you visit - it's actually part of the authentic jungle experience. The wet season from October to January can make some trails muddy and challenging, but it also brings the forest to life with more active wildlife and flowing waterfalls. Temperatures remain fairly constant year-round at 24-32°C (75-90°F), though the humidity can be intense. If you're planning to do serious hiking or canopy walks, the slightly drier conditions from February through April will make for more comfortable trekking.