Preparation for Trekking with a Toddler
My family was coming over to visit us in Brunei and I wanted to give them an unforgettable experience. I decided to book us a ‘3 days and 2 nights’ eco-camping package to the Temburong National Park. As my husband was working I knew I had to bring our one-year-old son with us so I bought a trekking backpack.
The tour guide met up with us at the Bandar Seri Begawan Jetty. We were shown to a boat together with a lot of the local population going to Temburong. Later, I found out that this boat is actually called the coffin. Most of the people were nodding off during the ride, while we were watching the mangrove and hoping that we would arrive to Temburong safe and sound. I do not think that the captain had ever heard of such a thing as speed restrictions and the boat was tilted every time he made a turn.
After the eventful boat ride, we arrived at Bangar where a minivan picked us up. We had a chance to stock up on some water and snacks before going to the camp site. The site was around 20 minutes ride from the Jetty and to reach it we also had to walk through the jungle for five minutes.
Accomodation at Subling Eco Village
Tents and food were included in the price and we had a chance to relax before some food was served. The camp site was located just by the river and we could swim whenever we wanted. After dinner, the tour guide took us out on a night walk through the jungle. He showed us different insects and fire-flies. The night trek took us to a longhouse where we met some of the guide’s family members. They were very happy to see foreigners and invited us for some fruit and snacks. The day ended with a walk back and we were in bed by 10 p.m.
Longboat to Temburong National Park
On Day 2 we took a small longboat to the Temburong National Park. The boat ride took about 45 minutes and once there we had to climb over 300 steps. It was fairly slippery and a bit difficult with a toddler on the back, but we manage to make it both up and down. Once at the top, there was some scaffolding where you could climb up and get a great view of the jungle. The toddler had to stay on the ground this time, but as we could only go two at a time, this was not a problem.
In the afternoon we decided to go tubing down the river. You basically lie in a big ring and let the river transport you. It was one of the most amazing things I have ever done. Obviously, the toddler could not take part in this, but we took it in turns, so once again, this was not a problem.
On the last morning, we went trekking in the jungle. The tour guide showed us edible plants and how to survive if you get lost in the jungle. The toddler was on the back and it was a fairly easy walk except for a few climbs. After the walk, we had some lunch before we were transported back to the Jetty to take the ‘coffin’ back to Bandar Seri Begawan.
Trekking with a toddler was much easier then I had expected. As long as you bring a lot of sun cream and a good trekking backpack, there should not be a problem bringing small children with you on a jungle adventure.
We stayed the Sumbling Eco Village and the package cost us 195 BND each, which is just under £100.
