Where to See Wildlife in Brunei: The Complete Visitor Guide
Brunei may be one of Southeast Asia’s smallest countries, but don’t let its size fool you. Hidden beneath its pristine rainforests, winding rivers, and untouched mangroves is an astonishing diversity of wildlife that rivals many of its larger neighbours.
While many travellers visit Brunei for a day or two between Malaysia and Borneo adventures, those who spend a little more time are rewarded with unforgettable wildlife encounters. From cruising through mangrove forests in search of wild proboscis monkeys just minutes from the capital to exploring one of the world’s oldest rainforests in Ulu Temburong National Park, Brunei offers remarkable nature experiences without the crowds found elsewhere in Borneo.
If you’re wondering where to see wildlife in Brunei, this guide will help you discover the country’s best destinations, what animals you can expect to see, and how to make the most of your visit.
Why Brunei Is One of Borneo's Best-Kept Wildlife Secrets
Unlike many popular wildlife destinations, Brunei has protected much of its rainforest from large-scale development. Around 70% of the country remains covered by tropical rainforest, creating important habitat for countless species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects.
Better still, many of Brunei’s best wildlife experiences are easily accessible, with several located less than 30 minutes from the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. Make sure to check out my Bandar Seri Begawan guide HERE. Also take a look at where to eat in the capital HERE.
For visitors looking to experience authentic Bornean wildlife without venturing deep into remote jungles, Brunei is one of the easiest places to begin.
Wildlife Around Bandar Seri Begawan: The Best Place to Start
For travellers wanting to experience pristine Bornean rainforest, Ulu Temburong National Park is the country’s premier wildlife destination.
Protected since 1991, the park safeguards over 50,000 hectares of untouched lowland rainforest and forms part of one of the oldest tropical forests on Earth.
Unlike many national parks elsewhere in Southeast Asia, visitor numbers remain relatively low, creating a more peaceful and authentic rainforest experience.
One of Brunei’s greatest advantages is how quickly you can leave the city behind and find yourself surrounded by mangrove forests teeming with wildlife.
Mangrove River Cruises
If there is one wildlife experience every visitor should include, it is a mangrove river cruise departing from Bandar Seri Begawan.
These guided boat tours travel through the Brunei River and surrounding mangrove forests, where wildlife is often spotted from the comfort of a small speedboat.
Because the tours operate close to the capital, they make an excellent half-day excursion for visitors with limited time.
Wildlife You Can See
The undisputed highlight is the proboscis monkey, one of Borneo’s most iconic and unusual mammals. These endangered monkeys, famous for the males’ oversized noses, live naturally in the mangrove forests surrounding the capital and are regularly observed feeding in riverside trees during morning and late afternoon cruises.
Other wildlife commonly seen includes:
- Long-tailed macaques
- Silvered langurs
- White-bellied sea eagles
- Brahminy kites
- Collared kingfishers
- Monitor lizards
- Mudskippers
- Estuarine crocodiles (occasionally)
Many tours also visit the famous Kampong Ayer, the world’s largest traditional water village, allowing visitors to combine wildlife viewing with Brunei’s unique cultural heritage.
Best Time for a Mangrove Wildlife Cruise
Wildlife is generally most active during the cooler parts of the day.
For the highest chance of seeing proboscis monkeys, book either:
Morning Tours
- Around sunrise until 9:00 AM
Afternoon Tours
- Approximately 4:00 PM until sunset
During these times, monkeys often emerge to feed along the riverbanks while birds become increasingly active.
Ulu Temburong National Park: Brunei's Ultimate Wildlife Destination
What Wildlife Can You See?
Although wildlife can be elusive in dense rainforest, patient visitors may encounter:
- Hornbills
- Gibbons
- Leaf monkeys
- Flying lizards
- Giant squirrels
- Pit vipers
- Colourful butterflies
- Numerous frog species
- Hundreds of tropical birds
The park is also home to clouded leopards, sun bears, and other elusive mammals, though sightings are exceptionally rare
The Famous Canopy Walk
One of the highlights of visiting Ulu Temburong is climbing the park’s famous canopy tower.
Rising above the rainforest, the platform provides spectacular panoramic views while offering excellent opportunities to observe hornbills and other canopy-dwelling birds flying at eye level.
Early morning visits provide the best chance of hearing the rainforest come alive.
How Long Should You Stay?
Although many visitors choose a day trip from Bandar Seri Begawan, spending two to three days allows for a much richer wildlife experience.
Longer stays provide opportunities for:
- Dawn wildlife walks
- Night jungle walks
- Birdwatching
- River excursions
- Photography in changing light conditions
Wildlife activity increases dramatically during the early morning and after sunset, making overnight stays especially rewarding.
Brunei's Incredible Birdlife
Brunei is a hidden paradise for birdwatchers.
More than 450 bird species have been recorded throughout the country, including several iconic Bornean species.
Highlights include:
- Rhinoceros Hornbill
- Oriental Pied Hornbill
- Black-and-yellow Broadbill
- Blue-eared Kingfisher
- Stork-billed Kingfisher
- White-bellied Sea Eagle
- Brahminy Kite
Whether exploring mangrove forests, rainforest trails, or river systems, birdwatchers are rarely disappointed. Check out Ebird for more information on what types of birds you can find in Brunei.
Suggested 3-Day Wildlife Itinerary
Day 1
- Explore Bandar Seri Begawan
- Afternoon mangrove wildlife cruise
- Sunset at Kampong Ayer
Day 2
- Full-day trip to Ulu Temburong National Park
- Canopy walk
- Rainforest trekking
- River adventure
My Camera Gear for Wildlife Photography
Interested in knowing what camera gear I use? Check out my gear list HERE
