Tutong District Travel Guide
Nature enthusiasts will certainly enjoy the sparsely populated district of Tutong in Brunei. Fewer than 35,000 inhabitants populate this rain-forested region bordering the South China Sea, including many indigenous groups such as the Tutong, Kedayan and Murut peoples. Serene natural beauty, clean air and solitude are what draw the adventure traveler to Tutong, and many arrive each year to enjoy the exceptional parks and beaches.
The most popular destination in the district is the naturally formed, oddly s-shaped lake of Tasek Merimbun—Brunei’s largest lake and the main attraction of an ASEAN heritage site park. In the middle of the lake is a quiet island accessible by way of a wooden footbridge. Picnic facilities crafted from tree trunks are available on the island for the public. The site has also proven to be a favorite spot of botanists and ornithologists. Enthusiastic hikers can explore a well-made trail through the jungle.
Another location popular with visitors is the Sungai Basong Recreation Park, just outside of Tutong Town. Popular with picnickers, the park offers open activity areas surrounding a mini lake and provides shelter huts and platforms for family comfort.
Tamu Tutong Kampong Serambagun is a large, open market offering a variety of products ranging from fruits and vegetables to handicrafts, yet it is visited most specifically for its selection of local foods. Vendors from the inland forest regions arrive at the market to sell their unique products and to provision themselves before returning to the isolated rural regions. Open daily, the market is only three miles from the center of Tutong Town.
While many of the places of interest in Tutong are not far from the hub of the town, they can be quite far apart from each other. Although buses, taxis and tour operators do exist, the best option for touring this district is to use Tutong Town as a base and hire a car. There are two routes to get to Tutong from the capital in the Brunei-Muara district should you choose to drive from there: the coastal, Muara-Tutong highway, or the inland, and more scenic, old Jalan Tutong road.
Getting There & Away
Tutong District is only a short drive from the busy capital of Bandar Seri Begawan, with travel time by road taking approximately 30 minutes. There are bus services available as well as private taxis or alternatively, you can hire a car and self-drive. Planes arrive on a daily basis from around the world and neighboring countries at the capital’s international airport.
Things to Do
Tutong District Attractions
- Seri Kenangan Beach
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Also known as tutong beach, seri kenangan beach is a popular recreation spot with calm waters, grass areas and picnic tables. the beach is located just five minutes’ drive from the center of tutong town.
- Tasek Merimbun
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A great place for a daytrip with natural surrounds of forests, lakes and trekking paths. the lake is formed in an s shape and is surrounded by 15th century burial grounds.