Bukit Shahbandar Forest Recreation Park

Bukit Shahbandar covers a set of low hills between Bandar Seri Begawan and Jerudong, planted with acacia and pine over what was degraded ground and now carrying a network of trails running over seven summits with an observation tower on the highest. It is the country's main running and mountain biking area. The forest is plantation rather than primary, which shows, but the trails are well kept. Signage marks the trails by colour and length, which makes it one of the few places in the country where a route can be planned in advance.

What you actually see

• The seven hills - the ridges the trail network runs over.
• The observation tower - the structure on the highest point.
• The trail network - well kept paths used for running and biking.
• The plantation forest - acacia and pine planted on formerly degraded ground.

When to go

Year round. Early morning and late afternoon are coolest. Heavy rain makes the clay trails slippery.

Honest expectations

The forest is plantation rather than natural and lacks the interest of primary growth. Trails are steep and slippery in the wet. Facilities are car parks and shelters only.

Nearby

Jerudong is northwest, and Bandar Seri Begawan is southeast.