Tasek Merimbun

Tasek Merimbun is the country's largest lake, an S-shaped body of blackwater in Tutong district, stained dark by tannins leaching from the surrounding peat swamp forest. It is an ASEAN Heritage Park, protecting habitat for the Bornean clouded leopard, otters, hornbills and the rare white-collared fruit bat, along with pitcher plants and orchids in the swamp forest. Boardwalks run out over the water to a small wooded island reached by a bridge, and the setting is quiet in a way that Brunei generally is - visitors often have the place entirely to themselves.

What you actually see

• The blackwater lake - tannin-dark water reflecting the forest.
• Boardwalks and the island bridge - the walk out over the water.
• Peat swamp forest - pitcher plants, orchids and specialised trees.
• Birdlife - hornbills, kingfishers and forest species.

When to go

Brunei is hot and humid year round with rain possible any day; the drier months from February to April are marginally easier. Early morning is best for wildlife and cooler walking. Rain here arrives hard and passes quickly.

Honest expectations

Facilities are minimal and the site is quiet to the point of feeling deserted - there is often no one on duty. Boardwalks have deteriorated in sections over the years and some may be closed. Wildlife is present but shy; expect birds and insects rather than mammals. Mosquitoes are constant. Getting here needs a car as public transport is impractical.

Nearby

Tutong town, the Tutong river and the road toward Seria.