EXPLORE THE TREASURES OF BRUNEI

Delegates to the 2009 Brunei Darussalam International Defence Exhibition (BRIDEX) are encouraged to take a little extra time to explore the treasures of Brunei, which houses vast areas of pristine rainforests, unspoiled coral reefs, mangrove-covered islands, white sandy beaches and accessible nature reserves.

As one of the last few remaining bastions of natural beauty in the world, Brunei is an ideal setting for the eco-tourism enthusiast or any tourist seeking to experience the grandeur of nature in its purest. Moreover, with rainforests sprawling over 70% of Brunei's land, eco-tourism opportunities are often within easy reach of the capital, allowing one to enjoy both the comforts of the city as well as its luscious nature.

In Brunei, visitors can walk through the rainforests and take a look at the many varieties of tropical animals that reside within. In particular, the Bruneian nature provides home to the rare Bornean Proboscis Monkey. Characterized by the elongated and pendulous nose that gives the primate its name, the Proboscis Monkey is an endangered species whose last remaining safe haven is in Brunei. There are less than 18,000 Proboscis Monkeys left in the wild, more than half of which live in the Sultanate's unspoiled tropical wilderness areas.

A main attraction for nature lovers would be the Ulu Temburong National Park, sitting on the eastern most part of Brunei, and separated from the capital by the state of Sarawak. The best way to get there would be to take a relaxing longboat ride, allowing visitors to get a glimpse of the mangrove forests outlining the winding jungle river, making the journey much of an adventure in itself.

A walk through the Ulu Temburong National Park will be just as unique, with its serene, unspoiled natural beauty. The canopy walkway, 50 metres from the floor, in Ulu Temburong provides a relatively easy passageway above the rough terrain and also exposes epic bird-eye views of the rainforest's roof and an abundance of birds, plants, micro fauna and mammals. With few tourists around, nature lovers can appreciate having the untouched paradise all to themselves, and explore it at their own pace. Visitors also have the option of making this a day-trip and travel back to the capital after, or find lodging in the simple chalets or bunkrooms nearby.

BRIDEX 2009 participants are warmly invited to take part in the many exciting tours around Brunei. We encourage all delegates and exhibitors in BRIDEX 2009 to make the most of their visit to the Sultanate and to see for themselves, some of the breathtaking adventures that eco-friendly Brunei provides.