Pulau Selirong Forest Reserve, Brunei Travel Guide

Discover the unspoiled beauty of Pulau Selirong Forest Reserve in Brunei, a pristine mangrove forest teeming with wildlife and offering a serene escape into nature.

Home
Travel Guides
Brunei
Pulau Selirong Forest Reserve

Pulau Selirong Forest Reserve, located in Brunei, offers a unique escape into the heart of a pristine mangrove forest. This untouched paradise spans 2,566 hectares of lush greenery and winding waterways, making it a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, and countless bird species, providing an unparalleled opportunity for wildlife observation and photography. Visitors can explore the reserve through a network of well-maintained wooden boardwalks that snake through the dense mangroves. These pathways offer a safe and comfortable way to immerse yourself in the forest's natural beauty while protecting the delicate ecosystem. Along the way, you will find informative signboards that provide insights into the local flora and fauna, enhancing your understanding of this unique environment. A visit to Pulau Selirong is not just about sightseeing; it's an educational experience that highlights the importance of mangrove ecosystems in coastal protection and biodiversity. The serene atmosphere and the soothing sounds of nature make it an ideal destination for those looking to unwind and reconnect with the natural world. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, Pulau Selirong Forest Reserve promises an unforgettable journey into one of Brunei's most treasured natural wonders.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Pulau Selirong Forest Reserve.

Bring binoculars for bird watching and wildlife spotting.
Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for boardwalks.
Visit early in the morning for the best chances to see wildlife.
Carry insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes.
Check the tide schedules as high tide offers better navigation through the waterways.

Explore Pulau Selirong Forest Reserve: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Pulau Selirong Forest Reserve

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

Browse the full guide

All Attractions

Tasek Lama Recreational Park

Escape to nature in the heart of Brunei's capital: hiking trails, serene waterfalls, and diverse wildlife await at Tasek Lama Recreational Park.

4.3

Pantai Seri Kenangan

Discover Brunei's Pantai Seri Kenangan: a tranquil beach escape with golden sands, stunning sunsets, and rich history on a unique coastal strip.

4.1

Labi Forest Reserve

Discover Brunei's hidden gem: Labi Forest Reserve, a sanctuary of biodiversity, serene landscapes, and untouched rainforests.

4.1

Peliunan Park

Discover Peliunan Park: A tranquil escape in Temburong with lush greenery, outdoor activities, and serene relaxation for the whole family.

4.6

Best landmarks in Pulau Selirong Forest Reserve

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

Browse the full guide

All Landmarks

Tasek Lama Recreational Park

Explore the serene beauty of Tasek Lama Recreational Park, an urban oasis in Bandar Seri Begawan perfect for relaxation, fitness, and family outings.

4.5

Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas

Experience tranquility and beauty at Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas, a lush park in Bandar Seri Begawan perfect for relaxation, picnics, and leisurely strolls.

4.6

Bukit Shahbandar Forest Recreation Park

Discover the breathtaking trails and serene landscapes of Bukit Shahbandar Forest Recreation Park, a natural paradise in Brunei's lush greenery.

4.6

Labi Forest Reserve

Explore the lush beauty of Labi Forest Reserve in Brunei, a pristine national forest perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

4.1

Best restaurants in Pulau Selirong Forest Reserve

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

Browse the full guide

All Restaurants

Chop Jing Chew

Discover the flavors of Brunei at Chop Jing Chew - where every bite tells a story of tradition and culinary excellence.

4.4

Soto Pabo

Savor the authentic taste of Brunei at Soto Pabo - where tradition meets flavor in every bowl.

4.0

Seaworld Neptune Restaurant

Discover the best seafood at Seaworld Neptune Restaurant in Jerudong - fresh flavors and stunning views await you.

4.0

Roti Culture

Discover the vibrant flavors of Brunei at Roti Culture – a haven for roti lovers seeking authentic tastes and warm hospitality.

4.0

Best bars in Pulau Selirong Forest Reserve

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

Browse the full guide

All Bars

Alter Ego Fusion Cafe

Discover the vibrant fusion of flavors at Alter Ego Fusion Cafe, where local cuisine meets global culinary delights in Bandar Seri Begawan.

4.2

Shabu Shabu Ice Bar Kiulap

Experience the fusion of Japanese cuisine and a unique ice-themed dining atmosphere at Shabu Shabu Ice Bar Kiulap in Bandar Seri Begawan.

3.6

High Frequency Lifestyle Cafe

Discover the vibrant flavors of Brunei at High Frequency Lifestyle Cafe, where modern cafe culture meets local culinary delights.

4.0

The Garden's Veranda Banquet Hall & Restaurant

Experience authentic Bruneian cuisine in a tranquil garden setting at The Garden's Veranda Banquet Hall & Restaurant.

3.9

Best nightclubs in Pulau Selirong Forest Reserve

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

Browse the full guide

All Nightclubs

Gadong Night Market

Experience the vibrant Gadong Night Market, where Bruneian culture and delicious street food come together in a lively evening atmosphere.

4.3

Bukit Shahbandar Forest Recreation Park

Discover the natural beauty of Bukit Shahbandar Forest Recreation Park, a serene retreat in Jerudong perfect for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife spotting.

4.6

Labi Forest Reserve

Discover the tranquility of Labi Forest Reserve, a natural gem in Brunei, offering breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity amidst lush greenery.

4.2

Damuan Recreational Park

Discover serenity and natural beauty at Damuan Recreational Park, an urban oasis perfect for relaxation, picnics, and exploring Brunei's rich flora.

4.1

Best shops in Pulau Selirong Forest Reserve

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

Browse the full guide

All Shops

Gadong Night Market

Experience the vibrant flavors and cultural richness of Brunei at Gadong Night Market, a must-visit destination for food lovers and cultural explorers.

4.3

The Mall Gadong

Explore The Mall Gadong, where shopping meets dining and entertainment in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan.

4.1

Kianggeh Market

Discover the vibrant atmosphere and local flavors at Kianggeh Market, the heart of Brunei's culinary and cultural scene.

4.1

Rimba Point

Rimba Point: A vibrant shopping destination in Brunei, where culture, dining, and entertainment meet for an unforgettable experience.

4.0

Explore Pulau Selirong Forest Reserve on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Pulau Selirong Forest Reserve, mapped for you.

Pulau Selirong Forest Reserve Essentials

Pulau Selirong Forest Reserve is located in the Brunei Bay, part of the Temburong District. The nearest airport is Brunei International Airport in Bandar Seri Begawan. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to the Serasa Ferry Terminal. Regular boat services are available from Serasa Ferry Terminal to Bangar Town in Temburong District. From Bangar, you can hire a local boat to reach Pulau Selirong.
Transportation within the Pulau Selirong Forest Reserve is primarily by foot or boat. The reserve is crisscrossed by boardwalks and trails, making it easy to explore on foot. For longer distances or to explore the waterways, you can hire local boats. Ensure you have a good map or a local guide to navigate the area effectively.
The official currency in Brunei is the Brunei Dollar (BND). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and some restaurants, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially for small purchases and in rural areas like Temburong District. ATMs are available in Bangar Town, but it’s a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash before heading to Pulau Selirong.
Pulau Selirong Forest Reserve is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it's best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
In case of emergency, dial 991 for immediate assistance. The nearest police station and medical facilities are located in Bangar Town. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in Bangar where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do dress modestly. Light, loose-fitting clothing is recommended due to the tropical climate. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers if using local transport. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a slight bow of the head. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Pulau Selirong like a local, engage with local guides who can offer insights into the flora and fauna of the mangrove forest. Visit during low tide to fully appreciate the unique mangrove ecosystem. Early morning is the best time to spot wildlife. Don't miss the chance to try local Temburong cuisine in Bangar Town before heading to the reserve.

When is the best time to visit Pulau Selirong Forest Reserve?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Pulau Selirong Forest Reserve

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Pulau Selirong Forest Reserve. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHalo
  [ha-loh]
- GoodbyeSelamat tinggal
  [se-la-mat ting-gal]
- YesYa
  [ya]
- NoTidak
  [ti-dak]
- Please/You're welcomeSila
  [si-la]
- Thank youTerima kasih
  [te-ri-ma ka-sih]
- Excuse me/SorryMaaf
  [ma-af]
- How are you?Apa khabar?
  [a-pa kha-bar]
- Fine. And you?Baik. Dan awda?
  [ba-ik. dan aw-da]
- Do you speak English?Awda boleh bercakap Bahasa Inggeris?
  [aw-da bo-leh ber-ca-kap ba-ha-sa ing-ge-ris]
- I don't understandSaya tidak faham
  [sa-ya ti-dak fa-ham]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSaya mahu melihat menu, sila
  [sa-ya ma-hu me-li-hat me-nu, si-la]
- I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [sa-ya ti-dak ma-kan da-ging]
- Cheers!Kampai!
  [kam-pai]
- I would like to pay, pleaseSaya ingin membayar, sila
  [sa-ya in-gin mem-ba-yar, si-la]
- Help!Tolong!
  [to-long]
- Go away!Pergi!
  [per-gi]
- Call the Police!Panggil polis!
  [pang-gil po-lis]
- Call a doctor!Panggil doktor!
  [pang-gil dok-tor]
- I'm lostSaya tersesat
  [sa-ya ter-se-sat]
- I'm illSaya sakit
  [sa-ya sa-kit]
- I'd like to buy...Saya ingin membeli...
  [sa-ya in-gin mem-be-li]
- I'm just lookingSaya hanya tengok-tengok
  [sa-ya han-ya teng-ok-teng-ok]
- How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [be-ra-pa har-gan-ya]
- That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [i-tu ter-la-lu ma-hal]
- Can you lower the price?Boleh kurangkan harga?
  [bo-leh kur-ang-kan har-ga]
- What time is it?Jam berapa sekarang?
  [jam be-ra-pa se-ka-rang]
- It's one o'clockPukul satu
  [pu-kul sa-tu]
- Half past (10)Pukul setengah (10)
  [pu-kul se-ten-gah (10)]
- MorningPagi
  [pa-gi]
- AfternoonPetang
  [pe-tang]
- EveningMalam
  [ma-lam]
- YesterdaySemalam
  [se-ma-lam]
- TodayHari ini
  [ha-ri i-ni]
- TomorrowEsok
  [e-sok]
- 1Satu
  [sa-tu]
- 2Dua
  [du-a]
- 3Tiga
  [ti-ga]
- 4Empat
  [em-pat]
- 5Lima
  [li-ma]
- 6Enam
  [e-nam]
- 7Tujuh
  [tu-juh]
- 8Lapan
  [la-pan]
- 9Sembilan
  [sem-bi-lan]
- 10Sepuluh
  [se-pu-luh]
- Where's a/the...?Di mana...
  [di ma-na]
- What's the address?Apa alamatnya?
  [a-pa a-la-mat-nya]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Boleh tunjukkan saya (di peta)?
  [bo-leh tun-juk-kan sa-ya (di pe-ta)]
- When's the next (bus)?Bila yang seterusnya (bas)?
  [bi-la yang se-te-rus-nya (bas)]
- A ticket (to ....)Sebuah tiket (ke ....)
  [se-buah ti-ket (ke)]

History of Pulau Selirong Forest Reserve

Pulau Selirong has evidence of early human settlement dating back several centuries. Archaeological findings include pottery shards and primitive tools, indicating that the island was once inhabited by early settlers who relied on the rich mangrove ecosystem for sustenance.
During the 15th and 16th centuries, Pulau Selirong played a significant role in regional maritime trade. The island's strategic location made it a crucial stopover for traders navigating the waters of Southeast Asia. Artifacts such as Chinese porcelain and trade beads have been discovered, suggesting a vibrant exchange of goods and cultures.
In the 19th century, Brunei fell under British influence, and Pulau Selirong was no exception. The island was occasionally used by British colonial officials for strategic purposes. While there are no permanent colonial structures on the island, historical records indicate its use as a waypoint for British naval expeditions.
During World War II, Pulau Selirong was part of the Japanese occupation of Brunei. The island's dense mangrove forests provided cover for Japanese forces, and there were several skirmishes in the surrounding waters. While no major battles took place on the island itself, the war left a lasting impact on the local ecosystem and its inhabitants.
Pulau Selirong was officially designated as a forest reserve in 1978, reflecting Brunei's commitment to environmental conservation. The reserve was established to protect the island's extensive mangrove forests, which are among the most pristine in Southeast Asia. This move helped preserve the island's unique biodiversity and prevent deforestation.
Pulau Selirong holds cultural importance for the indigenous communities of Brunei. The mangrove forests are not just ecological treasures but also sources of traditional medicine, food, and materials for local crafts. Oral histories passed down through generations highlight the island's role in local folklore and traditional practices.