TAMAN NEGARA ULU TEMBURONG (NATIONAL PARK)

This 50,000-hectare national park is a remarkable playground for adventurous souls who like to get up close and personal with nature. Primary forest, waterfalls and natural pools, some of the rarest plant and animal species to be seen are all part of the fun.

Canopy walkway. The highlight of the visit is the canopy walkway, a 43-metre-high elevated walkway overlooking the canopy. There are only two structures of this type in the world: the one at Temburong and one in the Amazon. To reach it, a 742-step staircase leads up a 950-metre-high hill. The 4 huts along the way allow you to catch your breath and listen to the sounds of the jungle. Once at the top, you still have to climb a metal tower using a set of ladders. The exercise resembles a game of extremes, especially as the climb is accompanied by dozens of wasps. Admittedly, they're not aggressive, but the constant buzzing is quite unpleasant. The successive footbridges run for a hundred meters or so. From here, you can admire the canopy at 360°, like a bird flying over the forest. The views are incredible and unique. You can watch the forest sweat and the clouds form. However, those prone to vertigo will have to pass. The attraction is quite crowded, and it's best to go a little late, backwards from the groups, to enjoy the view from the top in peace and quiet.

What to see An outing to Temburong is an opportunity - if you're lucky - to observe rare animal species including gibbons, rattlesnakes, hornbills, giant spiders, lizards, chameleons, caterpillars and many species of butterfly. The Botanical Research Centre working for the University of Brunei has even set up its headquarters here.

How to get there A guide is required to get to Temburong. There are only a few accredited companies, and all of them have a camp/resort on site, allowing you to spend one or more nights if you wish. From BSB, a water cab (leaving every 45 minutes or so) will take you to Bangar. From there, the operator will take you to his camp by minibus. You then take a longboat up the Temburong River. If the water level is low, be prepared to push the boat over the stony fords.