Rainforest RICHES
At Borneo’s Ulu Ulu resort, you can enjoy a wealth of amazing bird life right up close, in comfort
AS THE VENUE for the 2105 Borneo Bird Race, it almost goes without saying that the Ulu Ulu Resort is one of the world’s leading birdwatching destinations. Surrounded by 50,000 hectares of pristine rainforest in the Ulu Temburong National Park, it boasts biodiversity to match pretty much anything across the globe, and offers birdwatching and wildlife-watching packages that draw on the resort guides’ many years of experience. Among these is the five-day, four-night Introduction to Birding tour, which allows you to experience the wonders of the rainforest up close and to explore the hidden green gems of Brunei Darussalam. Some of the iconic bird species to be found are Rhinoceros Hornbill, Bushy-crested Hornbill, Helmeted Hornbill, Malaysian Blue Flycatcher, Scarlet-rumped Trogon, Black-naped Monarch, Whiskered Tree Swift, a variety of spiderhunters, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Black and Yellow Broadbill, Red-naped Trogon, and the endemic Borneo subspecies of Asian Paradise Flycatcher. The customized tour is suitable for the reasonably fit, as it does involve a lot of steps to climb and some slippery track, but there’s plenty of comfort for visitors in-between birdwatching expeditions. You’ll arrive after a scenic boat ride along mangrove-fringed waterways, and will then be able to familiarise yourself with the resort, and to enjoy a guided bird tour of the immediate area. On the days that follow, your guides will show you the best of the bird life that Borneo has to offer, with early morning visits to a canopy walk
Surrounded by 50,000 hectares of pristine rainforest… it boasts biodiversity to match pretty much anything across the globe, and offers birdwatching packages that draw on the resort guides’ many years of experience
that takes you right into the treetops of the rainforest, and allows you to see the many birds on their own level – while you’re up there you should also get great views of Gibbons. There’s also a longboat trip downriver to enjoy more birdwatching – anyone who’s tried it will tell you that birdwatching from a boat brings great results, with birds allowing you to approach much closer than you could on foot. And of course, you’ll explore the trail of the National Park in search of yet more birds. In addition, there’s an optional guided night walk to search for insects, frogs and nocturnal wildlife, and you’ll have plenty of time to relax, to enjoy the delicious meals provided at the resort, and to explore the resort area further. The tour includes all transportation, four breakfasts, four afternoon teas, five lunches, four dinners, the services of an English-speaking nature guide, four nights stay based on standard room occupancy (bunk beds), a stainless steel water bottle, all activities as indicated in itinerary, and a number of optional activities (night walk, kayaking and tubing). Further information is available at www. uluuluresort.com