Cycling in Bangar

Temburong has two loops, this includes has both. The course starts and finishes close to the ferry terminal. The road is usually good though there are big potholes, especially on the highway at the beginning. The south and north legs follow rivers. There are four short steep hills, some with speed humps at the bottom. The last loop is through the town of Bangar around Kampong Mennengah.

This is a boat cruise up the tiny river that starts just north of Bangar, around to the northern boat ramp on the Temburong River at Bangar. The route is about 30 km long, but in fact, you are now 1 km from the start point, which makes it easy to move the boat trailer. You can only do this when the tide is high on the little river where you start. Of course, you can mess around nearby and finish there as well. However, there is often a shortage of parking. At the beginning, go very slowly (say 5 kph), and be careful of logs under your prop. Proboscis monkeys live in the trees here. Once you are through the the bends, after about 4 km, you can pick up speed until you are planing. But be careful of other speedboats returning. You will meet a major river where you can move faster. (Left is the wrong way.) Keep going north until you can turn east/right into the large waterway with the Bangar-Bandar ferries. You will also see the open sea north of you.

This a combined cycle and walk, from Bangar to Bukit Patoi. The road is an excellent highway, mostly with a wide shoulder, and the 300m climb up Bukit Patoi follows a very well used trail. At the foot of the climb are buildings, including toilets and water. Make sure you drink often. It is best done early in the morning to avoid the heat. Even so, you will sweat lots. The ride and the walk both take just over half an hour, so give yourself three hours to look around and complete it. A day pack with a pair of grippy boots and a couple of water bottles is a good idea. The biggest hazard is the slippery (painted!) concrete steps at the beginning of the climb. Keep a hand on the rail on the way down, as the rain and moss make it worse.

This is the old trail south from the summit of Bukit Patoi. I have not yet followed it all the way along the ridge, but this part is very untouched and interesting.