The bridge linking Brunei to Brunei: How will this transformation impact the sultanate’s future?

Home to proboscis monkeys, flying foxes, stunning waterfalls, and peaceful sunrise canopy walks, Temburong in Brunei is an untouched paradise.

However, separated from the rest of Brunei by a small stretch of Malaysia, it’s not the easiest destination to reach.

An 18.6-mile (30-kilometer) viaduct, set to open in 2019, will solve this problem by connecting Brunei’s remote forest enclave to the mainland.

Once completed, travel to the region will be reduced to just a 20-minute car ride.

Leslie Chiang, founder of Brunei-based tour companies Borneo Guide and Sumbiling Eco Village, tells Dinogo, "We must prepare for a wave of tourists."

The nation in two parts

Brunei, located on the island of Borneo, is split into two main regions, separated by Malaysia's Sarawak state.

This narrow strip of land was under Brunei’s control until 1885, when the sultan at the time offered it to Charles Brooke, the nephew of English explorer James Brooke, who had played a role in quelling regional uprisings and piracy.

The Brooke family, known as the 'White Rajahs,' governed Sarawak until the outbreak of World War II.

During the war, Japan seized control of the region, which was later handed over to Britain. In 1963, Sarawak gained independence and opted to join Malaysia.

Chiang explains, "In the early 1970s, there were discussions about reclaiming the land to reconnect Brunei, but due to political reasons – the then sultan’s desire to maintain good relations with Malaysia – it was not pursued."

To address the matter, Brunei has enlisted the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) to construct a bridge linking Bandar Seri Begawan to Bangar.

An eco-friendly initiative

As a result, Brunei has not felt the same economic pressures to exploit its ancient Borneo rainforest for logging or palm oil plantations, unlike its neighboring countries Malaysia and Indonesia.

However, in recent years, falling oil prices have shifted attention towards developing tourism as a new economic focus.

Patrick Cooke, regional editor of Oxford Business Group, tells Dinogo, "The bridge is part of Brunei’s strategy to diversify its economy and reduce its heavy reliance on oil and gas."

"The hope is that the bridge will unlock the potential for increased international tourism and investment in the region."

By 2020, the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism aims to boost Brunei’s tourist arrivals from 218,000 in 2015 to 450,000 by the end of its 2016-2020 Strategic Plan.

"Temburong is expected to play a key role in achieving this goal," says Cooke.

The challenge, he explains, lies in ensuring that the new bridge generates economic benefits without compromising the region’s natural beauty.

Eco-tourism credentials

With 70% of the country covered in pristine rainforest, Brunei is perfectly positioned to attract a niche eco-tourism market.

According to the Forestry Department, at least 55% of Brunei’s land area has been designated as protected.

"Eco-tourism is the only option for Brunei. We can't afford mass tourism – it would ruin the country," says Chiang.

Brunei Facts

"Fortunately, the government prioritizes eco-tourism. They prefer attracting fewer but high-quality visitors who truly appreciate the country’s natural beauty and culture."

A handful of resorts catering to eco-conscious travelers are already operating in the region.

Nestled within the Ulu Temburong National Park Rainforest, the 17-room Ulu Ulu Resort, a government-partnered venture, opened its doors in 2008.

The resort emphasizes sustainable practices, including composting, recycling, maintaining an organic garden, and providing plastic-free amenities.

There are no TVs or screens to distract from immersing in nature – although Wi-Fi is available upon request.

Meanwhile, Chiang’s Sumbiling Eco Village, located along the Temburong River, employs local villagers to assist with hotel operations and lead rainforest excursions. The village also runs a waste reduction and recycling program, and sources local food whenever possible.

The resort plans to be entirely solar-powered by the end of 2020.

Chiang mentions that visitors are drawn to the tranquil atmosphere at the eco-village.

"The village is surrounded by fruit trees like durian, and I’ve planted many trees to attract jungle birds, such as hornbills, which come to feast on the fruits when they are in season."

"Imagine waking up to the sound of 20 or 30 birds singing all at once."

Concerns for the future

Even the eco-tourism industry will need to be managed with care to avoid the bridge having a negative impact on the jungle, says Cooke.

"It would be prudent to allocate a portion of the revenue from eco-tourism to conservation initiatives, showcasing the sultanate’s dedication to safeguarding one of the planet’s last remaining wildernesses," he says.

He highlights the Ministry of Development’s plan to create an “eco town” within the region as a potential source of revenue.

"Initially, we were concerned about dredging and potential pollution of Brunei Bay, but those issues have been addressed," says Fahim Ibrahim, vice president of the Brunei-based environmental NGO Biodiversity and Natural History Society, regarding the project.

"The government has been considerate of the forest and has followed environmental impact assessments closely to minimize harm," he adds.

Ibrahim notes that the Brunei government has reassured environmental groups, emphasizing that it is not open to large-scale projects that could disrupt the jungle.

"They have allowed some land to be used for small-scale eco-tourism accommodations, such as glamping sites, but no large resorts," Ibrahim explains.

"These are places where visitors can truly immerse themselves in the forest experience."

Bridging the divide

Ibrahim points out that the bridge will serve a greater purpose than just promoting tourism – it will also connect communities and unite Brunei.

"The bridge is essential for linking the two regions of Brunei – it's bringing together distinct communities and uniting the nation like never before," Ibrahim explains.

"We have two years to prepare and figure out how to increase the bridge's capacity without compromising the environment," says Anthony Chieng, managing director of Ulu Ulu Resort and Sunshine Borneo Tours & Travel.

"Unfortunately, humans tend to prioritize ourselves over nature," Chieng adds with a sigh.

"Our untouched jungle is a priceless asset for the future,"