Brunei Nature Society visits Teraja waterfalls
| Muhammad Shavez Cheema |
A TRIP was recently organised by the Brunei Nature Society (BNS) led by its President Dr Ulmar Grafe to Teraja waterfalls.
About 35 members from the Society and 10 members from the 1stopbrunei Wildlife club joined this trip over the weekend, starting their one-hour trek to the Teraja Forest Reserve from the Teraja Longhouse.
The refreshing atmosphere at the Teraja waterfalls
Participants prepare to release the pangolin deep inside the jungles of the Teraja Forest Reserve
The pangolin climbs a tree after being released in Wasai Teraja area
Some of the participants. – PHOTOS: MUHAMMAD SHAVEZ CHEEMA
This area is part of the Green Heart of Borneo project, with high biodiversity value and great eco-tourism potential.
The trek started with a short prayer and information was given regarding the itinerary.
One of the objectives of the trip was to release a pangolin, a type of scaly endangered mammal that feeds on ants and termites, which had been caught on the Jerudong Highway last week after a near-miss by a car.
The name pangolin comes from the Malay word pengguling, meaning “something that rolls up”.
From the Teraja longhouse, the walk to Teraja waterfalls passed through the pristine lowland rain forest. Fruits, orchids and dipterocarp tree seedlings could be seen everywhere. In addition, tracks of bearded wild boars could be seen in the sand along the stream. The wild pangolin was then released deep within the forest, marking a joyous occasion for the crowd. The pangolin went straight to hunt for ants.
After arriving at the waterfall, everyone enjoyed a dip in the cool and clear water. Some were having lunch at the side while others were fending off the aches.
After a while, Dr Ulmar Grafe and Shavez Cheema from 1stopbrunei took a few adventurists upstream in search for further waterfalls, witnessing amazing and breathtaking landscape.
The area has a lot of unique plants and animals and it is hoped that this area will receive long term protection.
After the wonderful hike and walk in the Teraja Forest, members of the Brunei Nature Society and the 1stopbrunei Wildlife club returned to the Teraja longhouse.
BNS regularly organises trips to various places in Brunei and also organises very interesting talks once a month. For more information, look-up Brunei Nature Society on Facebook or log on to 1stopbrunei.com for photos.
