Eco-tourism in Brunei jungle opens new prospects

Eco-tourism in the lush and untouched jungle of Brunei is helping provide economic opportunities to local people, who have been struggling hard to strive towards the path of prosperity. This jungle is one perfect example where conserving nature and running successful business is going hand in hand.

Although Brunei receives the least number of tourists within the ASEAN region, now the numbers in the recent years have seen a change. Reports suggest that this region is witnessing growth in terms of tourism, as natural gems from this region are becoming widely popular and government support is also pouring in.
Because of unstable oil prices in Brunei, this region is extensively trying to diversify its economy. For this, tourism is one of the main points of focus. Temburong and other provinces by the Malaysian state of Sarawak, where there are rich supplies of biodiversity, are now gradually growing in terms of small-scale eco-tourism.

In 2008, Leslie Chiang wanted to launch a tourism business for which he got inspiration from the wilderness of Ulu Temburong National Park. For over a decade, he developed SEV which he calls ‘sustainable and profitable’ business. He evolved his business model around glamping, which is now becoming a popular tourism trend. He has set up numerous tents that are equipped with electricity and comfortable mattresses by the picturesque riverside. Here, he welcomes tourists from all over the world. Visitors can swim, learn to cook traditional dishes, hike, learn boat riding, or just relax in this place.

He stated, “The younger generation, they live in the city, they are more on mobile phones, internet, all those thing. So they are a bit off. So my purpose here is to encourage them to come back, you know, to be in nature.”
Local people traditionally relied on small-agriculture and jungle for survival. In other words, finding a formal employment was always a difficult task for them. However, with the introduction of the glamping concept here, they are now switching tools for tours and are utilising their skills to harvest fresh produce for SEV.