Brunei Geography and Environment
The undulating landscape of Brunei is characterized by wide, green valleys and low, rolling hills. The coastal plain is narrow, intersected by four main rivers: the Brunei, Belait, Tutong and Temburong rivers, which drain the valleys into the sea. Mangrove swamps cover much of the lowland estuaries of these rivers, stretching inland from the coast.
Brunei’s coastline is lined with many sandy beaches. The separated eastern district of Temburong is the most mountainous and rugged region in Brunei, peaking at Mount Pagon, at 1,841 meters above sea level.
The upper reaches of the hills are mostly dense, unpopulated tropical jungle covering about 75 percent of Brunei’s territory. Though some areas have been cleared for agriculture, the government has actively protected these pristine jungles by declaring 50,000 hectares as national parkland and 32,000 hectares as forest preserves.
The coastal floodplains and thick mangrove swamps provide a rich breeding ground for many sea creatures and a home for migratory birds. Some mangrove areas have been dedicated to aquaculture, but much of these vital ecosystems remain undisturbed.
The 100 miles of coastline in Brunei create the country’s most productive ecosystem. However, more than 85 percent of the population lives in these coastal regions, adding to the pollution and stress on this fragile ecosystem. As Brunei increases its industrial production of on and offshore hydrocarbon deposits, efforts are being made to minimize damage to the environment.
Geography
Sharing borders with Malaysia and the South China Sea, Brunei is a tiny Southeast Asian country with a 160-plus kilometre long coastline. The east of the country is mountainous while the west encompasses hilly lowland and much of the rest of the land being flat coastal plain.
Brunei’s tallest peak is Bukit Pagon (1,850m), while its lowest point is sea level. The border with Malaysia spans more than 480kms. The country is made up of two separate parts that are not connected. Together they total an area of 5,766 sq km (2,226 sq miles). Most Bruneians live in the west part with the less populated district of Temburong home to roughly 10,000.
Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital, is the most populated city with around 130,000 residents (out of a total population of 400,000). Expatriates make up a large proportion of the total population at about 220,000. Other major towns aside from the capital include Seria, Muara and Kuala Belait. Panaga in Belait has a large expatriate community as it is home to the British Army and Royal Dutch Shell.
Flora
Brunei’s landscape consists of virgin tropical rainforests, mangrove forests along the river estuaries, and coastal coral reef gardens. This variety of ecosystems offers visitors a range of natural environments to explore, many of which are among the most pristine in Asia. The rainforest canopy is home to thousands of species of towering trees, plants and unusual flora. Brunei’s impressive national parks, coupled with a distinct lack of tourists, create one of the most accessible but intimate natural experiences in the region.
Adding to its amazing jungles is an equally diverse and thriving coastal ecosystem. Mangrove swamps make up nearly three percent of Brunei’s land mass, providing an essential habitat for both birds and aquatic animals. There are 88 species of flowering plants and 33 species of ferns in the mangroves alone, offering a surprising array of plant life among the twisted, exposed root systems of these unique saltwater trees. A boat journey upriver from the mangroves to the rainforest is an excursion well worth doing.
Also within Brunei’s territory are 33 islands. Most of these are located within Brunei bay or in the deltas of the country’s major rivers, but two islands lie offshore in the sea. Nearly all the islands are covered in thick jungle and have sandy beaches and sections of mangrove swamp.
Fauna
Nature lovers will have a field day in Brunei. Within its unspoiled rainforests, pristine coral reefs, beaches and unique mangrove swamps are myriad exotic creatures to be observed. Brunei’s rainforests are extremely diverse ecosystems, containing countless birds, insects, reptiles and mammals such as the rare proboscis monkey with its funky nose. Famous national parks such as Ulu Temburong and the Kuala Belalong Field Study Center are excellent sites for experiencing the depth of Brunei’s ecotourism activities.
Brunei is a shining example among Southeast Asian countries for protecting its endangered wildlife. Rare creatures such as Asian elephants, orangutans, clouded leopards and proboscis monkeys have little to fear in the jungles, with poachers or hunters deterred by stiff penalties applied by the government.
The mangroves, home to a vast array of shrimp, crabs, kingfishers, monkeys and insects, are also well-protected by the government. Brunei’s mangrove swamps serve as important migratory stopovers for hundreds of species of birds each winter. Along the coast, some 500 species of fish and 12 species of prawn have been identified. The 33 unpopulated islands are a haven for many endangered species such as sea turtles, monkeys and flying foxes.