Belait is one of the most important districts in the sate of, because it is the centre of the oil and gas industries- the country's main resources. Oil was first discovered in Seria in 1929, and commercial production began in 1932.
Sungai Liang Forest Recreation Park - Sungai Liang is about 70 km from Bandar Seri Begawan, and the drive takes about an hour along the coastal highway. The park is 450 meters from the main Sungai Liang junction along the road Labi. This is one of the several parks which have been developed and maintained for public recreation. The park is one of the very few lowland forest areas in Southeast Asia and has facilities for general recreational activities, such as picnicking, jogging and hiking. It is also caters natural history devotees, with self-guided or organised group tours of the forest.
The main pond, with its shelter platforms and open areas in the central complex, should satisfy visitors looking simply for fresh air and beautiful outdoor surroundings. The more energetic may care to explore the network of well-marked nature traits that wind their way around the park, including a high level canopy walkway in the treetops. This wonderful facility will give you a totally different perspective on the rainforest.
Luagan Lalak Recreational Park. Lying about 25 km from Sungai Liang along the Labi road, this park covers an area of roughly 270 hectares within the Labi Hills Forest Reserve. A rare and interesting place, it features an alluvial freshwater swamp or empran. During rainy periods it fills up like a lake, and in drier spells the waters recede and the valley becomes covered with sedges- mainly of the species Lepironia. There are shelters, footpaths and a 200 meter wooden walkway, which spans most of the lake.
Wasai Wong Kadir. Wasai Wong Kadir is a 45-minute walk from the Labi road. It is ideal for those who enjoy or would like to try jungle, trekking up and down steep ridges. The Wasai or waterfall, is al popular picnic spot. The walk crosses several steep ridges enroute to the fall, but once there you can enjoy the unspoilt beauty of the jungle and the cool, pure water of the river. Because this is along walk, it is advised to take with you both drinking water and sun protection gear.
Labi LongHouses. Futher down the Labi Road, past Kampong Labi itself, there are several examples of a form of dwelling unique to Borneo- the longhouse. A village under one roof, longhouses consist of a row of family houses-or-doors- with a communal area running the length of the building. This is the social centre of the village. Rampayoh Longhouse has 16 doors and is the nearest to Labi. Others include Mendaram Besar, Menadaram Kecil and, at the end of the road. Teraja. They are populated by the Ibans- once feared as headhunters but now more given to pastoral activities.
Visitors are always warmly welcomed. Etiquette requires that you take some small gifts. Ask permission before entering and remove before doing so. Several trails head off into the jungles along this stretch of the road. They are clearly signposted and marked, and lead the walker to scenic waterfalls and hills in virgin primary forest. They are relatively undemanding and guides are not necessary but for your own safety you are advised to seek local advice before setting off.
Lumut Beach. For those who prefer a day of sun and sand whilst in Belait, there is Lumut Beach. It lies about 100km from Seria. Like other beaches in the state, it offers facilities for picnicking, jogging and family outings. There are huts and shelters especially designed for visitors.
Anduki Jubilee Recreational Park. The Anduki Jubilee Recreational Park is located about 80 km from Bandar Seri Begawan. It was opened by His Majesty, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam, in 1992, a contribution from Brunei Shell Petroleum to commemorate the Silver Jubilee. The park has general recreational facilities and an attractive lagoon of blue water. A very popular spot for families. |
