| Azlan Othman |
BRUNEI Darussalam is the perfect destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Foreign visitors bored with shopping malls and night entertainment, love the ‘forest experience,’ said the Managing Director of Ulu-Ulu National Park Resort, Anthony Chieng.
Ulu Temburong National Park is not just about wildlife. The place attracts visitors for health tourism so that they can be rejuvenated, he said at the launch of Brunei Nature Festival 2018 at the atrium of The Airport Mall in Berakas yesterday.
Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong officiated as the chief guest.
Anthony said the theme reads ‘Wild Side of Ulu Temburong’ where plans are underway to take Ulu Temburong to the town.
“A majority of the people still don’t know much about the Ulu-Ulu Resort although many know about the pristine jungle of Temburong. People have limited information about the park,” he said.
Visitors will experience sights and sounds of the jungle in the evening during the night walk at the park which many don’t get the opportunity as they are afraid or feel that it is dangerous. In reality, it is a fun, interesting and amazing experience,” Anthony said.
“We hope this first step would open up more collaboration with the private sector, tourism sector, wildlife, embassies, airlines and telco companies,” he said.
Entering its 10th year, Ulu-Ulu Resort has moved from the general leisure market to wildlife tourism which has a huge potential. “One of the top five birding companies included Brunei in their international brochures two weeks ago. This is the first step in this growing industry,” Anthony said.
The three-day Brunei Nature Festival which began on Friday continues until today. Ten booths have been setup including the Brunei Nature Society, Tourism Development Department, Wild-life Section of the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism.
Among the highlights at the festival are the photography exhibition on wildlife found in the Temburong pristine forest focussing on gibbon, hornbill, snake, owl, frog and the national park’s sunset beauty, among others.
The festival also includes co-educational talks; bird-watching race; night walk tunnel, nature booths and the sale of merchandise.
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