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Bukit Shahbandar Forest Recreation Park
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Landmark
Bukit Shahbandar Forest Recreation Park covers an area of approximately 70 hectares and is one of Brunei's premier destinations for hiking and outdoor activities. The terrain is characterized by a ridge of nine consecutive hills, linked by a series of trails that provide challenging elevations for visitors. Geographically located in the Jerudong area, the park serves as a strategic green belt between the urban sprawl and the coastline. The park's vegetation consists of lush secondary forest, including various fern species and acacia trees typical of the region's tropical ecosystem. Besides its ecological significance, the park is a cornerstone of the local fitness culture, attracting thousands of runners and hikers weekly. A key feature is the wooden observation tower situated on one of the peaks, offering panoramic views of the South China Sea and the skyline of Bandar Seri Begawan. The trail network is designed to accommodate both casual walkers and professional mountain runners.
- Location: Brunei
- Top sights: Bukit Shahbandar Recreational Park · Jerudong Beach
- Nearby: Sengkurong (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 285 | 143 | 155 | 212 | 241 | 258 | 249 | 229 | 253 | 312 | 321 | 333 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Bukit Shahbandar Forest Recreation Park is open to visitors daily, typically from early morning until dusk. You can walk the marked trails through the hilly terrain without needing a guide, but always inform someone of your route.
Typical hours
Opening hours typically follow daylight hours, so plan to start your hike early in the morning. During public holidays or special events, the park may have adjusted timings.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the park, including along the trails. For best results, bring a wide-angle lens to capture the forest canopy and hill views; avoid using flash near wildlife.
Time needed
Most visitors spend between two and four hours hiking one or two hills. Allow extra time for rest stops and to enjoy the scenic viewpoints along the way.
Combine with
Combine your visit with nearby Jerudong Park or the beaches along the Brunei coast. The Empire Hotel and Country Club are also close by.
Getting there
The park is located about a 20-minute drive from Bandar Seri Begawan city center. By car, follow the road towards Jerudong and look for the park entrance sign.
Insider tip
Bring plenty of water and insect repellent, as the trails are shaded but humid. Wear sturdy hiking shoes because the paths can be steep and slippery after rain.
Geography
Facts
- The park spans a total area of approximately 70 hectares of protected forest land.
- The most famous hiking route traverses a total of nine consecutive hills.
- The South China Sea is visible from the wooden observation tower on the peak.
- The forest is home to a significant population of wild long-tailed macaques.
- Special zones for picnics and a large children's playground are located at the entrance.
- The trails vary in difficulty from flat paths to very steep vertical ascents.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Bukit Shahbandar Forest Recreation Park (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How difficult are the hiking trails?
There are various routes, ranging from easy paths to challenging trails with many steps.
Is there parking at the entrance?
Yes, there is a large, free parking lot right at the main entrance of the park.
Is it allowed to feed wild animals in the park?
No, feeding monkeys and other animals is strictly prohibited and dangerous.
When does the park close?
The park is typically open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Are there observation points?
Yes, the hills offer several observation towers with views of the South China Sea.
Bukit Shahbandar Forest Recreation Park: where is it located?
Bukit Shahbandar Forest Recreation Park is located in Brunei.
Bukit Shahbandar Forest Recreation Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Bukit Shahbandar Recreational Park, Jerudong Beach.
Bukit Shahbandar Forest Recreation Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Apr.
Bukit Shahbandar Forest Recreation Park: why is it worth visiting?
Bukit Shahbandar Forest Recreation Park covers an area of approximately 70 hectares and is one of Brunei's premier destinations for hiking and outdoor activities.
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Nearby cities
Kiulap
A major commercial and residential area close to the center of Bandar Seri Begawan.
Bandar Seri Begawan
Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital and largest city of Brunei, known for the magnificent Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque.
Sengkurong
A rapidly growing residential and commercial area located to the west of the capital.
Mentiri
A residential suburb located in the eastern part of the Brunei-Muara District.
Kota Batu
An area rich in history, containing several important archaeological sites and museums.
Lumapas
A village located south of the capital, connected by land and surrounded by beautiful hills.
Berakas
An important area housing the Brunei International Airport and various government ministries.
Lambak
One of the largest residential areas in Brunei, featuring extensive public housing estates.
Sungai Akar
A prominent residential area housing several foreign embassies and important institutions.
Jerudong
A settlement known for its amusement park, Jerudong Park, and luxurious polo club.
Gadong
The premier commercial and shopping district in the capital region of Brunei.
Subok
A village set against lush green hills, offering a quiet environment close to the capital.
Muara
A prominent port town at the northeastern tip of Brunei, housing the country's main deep-water port.
Kilanas
A traditional village that has developed into a modern residential suburb.
History & landmarks
Jerudong Park
The largest and most expensive amusement park in Southeast Asia, built for the public in the 1990s.
The Empire Brunei
A luxurious and palatial hotel resort in Jerudong, famous for its opulence and Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course.
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Taman Persiaran Damuan
A popular riverside park hosting sculptures from various ASEAN countries and offering a view of the Sultan's palace.
Ash-Shaliheen Mosque
A beautiful Moroccan-style mosque designed by the Egyptian architect Abdel-Wahed El-Wakil.
Bangunan Dewan Majlis
The modern building of the Legislative Council of Brunei, blending state grandeur with contemporary Islamic design.
Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas
A beautiful waterfront park in the capital, opened for the Sultan's golden jubilee.
Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex
A striking shopping center in the capital featuring traditional Malay architecture, aligned directly with the main mosque.
Nature
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Bukit Shahbandar Forest Recreation Park
A hilly forest park near the capital, popular with locals for its challenging jogging trails and beautiful viewpoints.
Wasai Kandal Waterfall and Forest
An accessible forest area near Bandar Seri Begawan, known for its wide cascading waterfalls and cool pools.
Kilanas Agricultural Research Centre
This agricultural research centre focuses on the development of sustainable farming methods in Brunei.
Luahan Agropark
The Agropark in Luahan demonstrates modern cultivation techniques in harmony with tropical nature.
Beribi Industrial Complex
A versatile commercial area near Gadong hosting manufacturing businesses and service providers.
Istana Nurul Iman
The official residence of the Sultan of Brunei and the largest residential royal palace in the world.
Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
The largest mosque in the country, built in 1994 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the current Sultan's reign.
Lumapas Agricultural Station
This station is specialized in the cultivation of tropical fruits and vegetables.