I've been to many places in the world, east to west, north to south. I've roamed the streets of London and up the cold winter steel of Eiffel Tower. I've been to the Pacific island that gets the first sunlight of a new day. I've rubbed shoulders with a million others on a bustling street of Hong Kong and walked the white sands of Bondi Beach. But but but, I've never been to Ulu Temburong, where nature offers its very best, in my very own beloved country!
Last week I was sent to accompany a freelance journalist from UK, Rob Crossan. Part of the program included an overnight stay in Ulu Temburong, so I might as well go for it, after all its free kan. The tour was handled by Sunshine Borneo Tours, highly recommended if you want to go for a tour of our own nation.
Nothing much on Day 1, left Kianggeh jetty around 2pm on a speedboat for a 45 minutes "Formula 1 on water" experience to Bangar town. As far as I am concerned, Bangar town was as far as I've ever been to Temburong district. From there, a 15km drive to Batang Duri where we boarded the Temuai (long boat) and whisked through the rapids of Temburong river. You'll be amazed at the pristine and untouched green jungle along the way, entertained by the orchestra performed by the fauna of the jungle.
We stayed at Ulu Ulu Resort, managed by Sunshine Borneo Tours. Once there, we were cut off from civilisation, no mobile signals, no TV. Well, I guess thats what we need, one night of serene tranquility. Nothing much that night, as we needed a good rest for the next day's adventure.
Day 2, this is where the action happened. I know I should have gained extra stamina before going because the adventures are quite challenging and strenuous, but of course the rewards are plenty. Left the resort at 5am for the canopy walk, apparently the suspension bridge that connects the resort to the canopy walk was undergoing repairs so we had to take a short Temuai ride. I don't mind walking flatlands for several miles but climbing up the steps, it was really something for my lungs.
It was raining heavily the previous night and the plank steps was a slippery affair, but thank God, the steps were draped in chicken wire to provide grip. While making few pit stops to catch my breath, I took some shots of the floras in the area, huge tree buttresses and parasite creepers living on bigger trees.
Reached the base of the canopy walk at last, check out how many steps it was.
I have this thing for heights especially on high structures. The tower is sturdy though but somehow it sways a bit in high winds. But one will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of sunrise in the ocean of tree tops.
view from the base of the canopy tower..
On the way down, somehow I regret I didn't overcome my acrophobia, especially when Rob showed me the photo he took from up there. Oh well, I must go there again one day.
.. then back to the resort for breakfast, we then proceeded by Temuai, upriver to Sungai Apan waterfall. Just when I thought the 1226 step climb was tough for me, the trek upstream to the waterfall was even tougher and challenging. The trek was wet and slippery, and with the heavy rain before that, the water current was stronger than usual. At some parts we had to do a little bit of climbing supported by ropes and the roots.
We made it, this is just the 1st waterfall, there's actually a second one which we didn't go. And once you take a dip in the cool water, it will wash away all the hardship you've gone through earlier. But don't forget, you'll still have to trek back to get to the resort. 
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