SEV 06 3days2nights Bukit LUTUT

HASA INCENTIVES SDN BHD

(Tour Operator License KPSU/TDD/2002/2TO)

B1, 1st floor, block B, Warisan Mata Mata, and Gadong. Negara Brunei Darussalam

Tel: 673-8-766796/ 2423332 Fax: 673-2-425738 Email: info@borneoguide.com website: www.borneoguide.com / www.sumbiling.blogspot.com

Tour Code: SEV 06

Tour Name: Bukit Lutut Expedition

Duration: 3days2nights ( full board)

Day one Sumbiling Eco village / trek to Lutut camp 2 for overnight ( L/D)

8.00 am meet at Kianggeh Jetty (Bandar Seri Begawan) and take a 45 minutes public boat ride to Bangar. Bangar provides a last opportunity to purchase camera batteries, personal drinking water (100 plus), energy bars etc.

Then proceed 20 mins by vehicle to Sumbiling Eco village. Morning tea will be served and the expedition leader will give a briefing. Then trekkers cross the Temburong River by boat and begin trekking on a gentle slope covered with secondary forest to the Mutong River. The track will involve criss-crossing the pristine Mutong River. You should be prepared to walk in wet shoes. You will be rewarded with the sight of the beautiful Mutong River, untouched primary rainforest (one of the best in Borneo), hundred year old vines, huge trees, occasional hornbills calling & many other delights. Some of the plants and insects are yet to be named by scientists! After a nice 2 hour trek we will reach Mutong Camp One. Here we will stop for lunch to keep up our energy level. There is time for a swim, to relax or enjoy the photographic opportunities.

After fully recharging our batteries, we will hike up to Bukit Lutut. As we move further into the thick rainforest, the slope will become steeper & steeper. Some sections of track may require us to use our hands to hoist our bodies up. Occasionally gibbons make their distinct calls as if laughing at us. Hikers with binoculars might be able to see some birds & gibbons. After about 3-4hr uphill trek we will reach Camp Two. Here we will set up camp for the night. Those who still have the energy can climb for a further hour to the peak of Bukit Lutut to view the sunset (weather permitting). We will set up camp and eat together in camp style, entertained by an orchestra of various frogs, crickets, cicadas and other insects. After dinner, the surroundings can be explored for insects or nocturnal creatures (again weather permitting).

Day Two Bukit Lutut trail/ Lutut Camp 3 overnight ( B/L/D)

Wake up to the call of gibbon followed by the sweet melody created by our birdie friends. After breakfast, break camp and prepare for another day with nature. We are now in a deep jungle. Occasionally the gibbon make their presence felt and hornbills can be seen flying overhead.

Today’s trek is mostly an easy downhill trail, although there can be some tricky parts. We have the whole day to explore the beauty of Bukit Lutut rainforest. We will come across many huge trees. After about a 2-3hr trek we will meet the Mutong River again. Here if we are quiet enough, we might see hornbills & other birds at close range. There is an opportunity to take a dip into one of the many river pools.

Set up camp along the Mutong River Camp 3 and explore more of the surrounding area before sunset. A highlight may be catching your own fish or frog dinner. Night time gives the opportunity to further explore, as many creatures come out during or after dusk.

Day Three Trek to Temburong River ( B/L)

As usual, there is a wakeup call by insects, chirping of birds & sometimes gibbon. Camp breaks up late to maximize time spent in this pristine rainforest. Trek out to Sumbiling Eco village. Arrive at Sumbiling Eco Village, where you can repack your load, have a refreshing shower and change your clothes. Lunch is served before transferring overland to Bangar and by boat back to Bandar Seri Begawan.

Expedition End.

Includes: Expedition leader/ guides, camp for overnight, all meals, land transfer in Temburong, and boat ride from Bandar Seri Begawan.

We highly recommend you hire a porter to carry your bag so that you can fully enjoy your trekking expedition

Excludes: Porter for carrying personal back pack( B$45/day max 10 kg or B$110 for whole 3days2nights trip) personal drinking water& Snack along the way.

What to expect :

As an outdoor trip, itinerary and times indicated are subject to change without notice, as trips may be affected by rain, heat, high or low water levels in the river. Overnight 2-4 pax per tent, covered site will be provided for answering calls of nature. Meals will be served with army type rations with food such as canned curry chicken, baked beans, corned beef etc with rice. It is recommended that you bring your own high energy bar eg. mixed fruit bar. Hot water will be available for coffee or tea.

Recommended to wear :

Light, easy to dry shorts & t shirts during trekking, light trekking shoes with good grip, a favorite cap to cover your head, face towel for those who sweat a lot.

Evening wear - light, easy to dry long pants, socks, light cotton long sleeve shirt and a pair of sandals or thongs.

Recommended to Bring :

Light rucksack, changes of clothes, sun lotion, hat, raincoat, camera, binoculars (only if you are bird watcher), small towel for the walk, towel + toiletries, swimsuit , insect repellent- non aerosol type, tiger balm will do. A small flashlight or head torch. A change of clothes and towel for use on return to Sumbiling village.

Some snacks like energy bars e.g mixed fruit bars, chocolate, sweets and drinks (any isotonic drink or packets of oral rehydration salts) in case you get hungry and thirsty en route.

IMPORTANT! Please limit your back pack to 5-7 kg depending on your fitness, if heavier you might consider hiring a porter to carry your stuff. It is B$110 for a 3days 2night trip, max 10kg.

Rules of the Rainforest :

Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints. Bring back nothing but memories

Please Don’t Bring: Suitcases, radios or loud sounding devices.

Bukit Lutut Climb 2days1night tour code SEV 06A

HASA INCENTIVES SDN BHD

(Tour Operator License KPSU/TDD/2002/2TO)

B1, 1st floor, block B, Warisan Mata Mata, Gadong. Negara Brunei Darussalam

Tel: 673-8-766796/ 2423332 Fax: 673-2-425738 Email: info@borneoguide.com website: www.borneoguide.com / www.sumbiling.blogspot.com

Tour Code: SEV 06A

Tour Name: Bukit Lutut Trekking tour 2days1night

Duration: 2days1nights

Promotion Price: B$180.00 ( Normal price B$250.00). not recommend for children, only for reasonable fit person.

Day one Sumbiling Eco village-SEV / Bukit Lutut Peak for overnight ( L/D)

8.00 am meet at Kianggeh Jetty (Bandar Seri Begawan) and take a 45 minutes public boat ride to Bangar. Bangar provides a last opportunity to purchase camera batteries, personal drinking water (100 plus), energy bars etc.

Then proceed 20 mins by vehicle to Sumbiling Eco village. Morning tea will be served and the expedition leader will give a briefing. Then trekkers cross the Temburong River by boat and begin trekking on a gentle slope covered with secondary forest to the Mutong River. The track will involve criss-crossing the pristine Mutong River. You should be prepared to walk in wet shoes. You will be rewarded with the sight of the beautiful Mutong River, untouched primary rainforest (one of the best in Borneo), hundred year old vines, huge trees, occasional hornbills calling & many other delights. Some of the plants and insects are yet to be named by scientists! After a nice 1 hour trek we will reach Mutong Camp One. Here we will stop for lunch to keep up our energy level. There is time for a swim, to relax or enjoy the photographic opportunities.

After fully rest, we will hike up to Bukit Lutut. As we move further into the thick rainforest, the slope will become steeper & steeper. Some sections of track may require us to use our hands to hoist our bodies up. Occasionally gibbons make their distinct calls as if laughing at us. Hikers with binoculars might be able to see some birds & gibbons. After about 3hr uphill trek we will reach Camp 2. After a brief rest continue trek to the peak of Bukit Lutut to view the sunset (weather permitting). We will set up camp and eat together in camp style, entertained by an orchestra of various frogs, crickets, cicadas and other insects. After dinner, the surroundings can be explored for insects or nocturnal creatures (again weather permitting).

Day Two Bukit Lutut Peak and trek down to Mutong Camp /River trek to SEV ( B/L)

Wake up to the call of gibbon followed by the sweet melody created by our birdie friends. Be amaze with a beautiful view of the Rainforest canopy as far as the eye can see. In clear weather you can also see Mulu National park mountain range to the south and Lawas mountain range to the north. After breakfast, break camp and prepare for another day with nature. We are now in a deep jungle. Occasionally the gibbon make their presence felt and hornbills can be seen flying overhead.

Today’s trek is mostly downhill and can be more difficult. After about a 2-3hr trek we will meet the Mutong River again. Here if we are quiet enough, we might see hornbills & other birds at close range. There is an opportunity to take a dip into one of the many river pools. Try out natural Shampoo consist of leaves and many more. Continue trek along the Motong River back to SEV around 1-2pm.

Arrive at SEV, where you can repack your load, have a refreshing shower and change your clothes. Lunch is served before transferring overland to Bangar and by boat back to Bandar Seri Begawan.

Includes: Expedition leader/ guides, all meals, land transfer in Temburong, and boat ride from Bandar Seri Begawan.

Excludes: Porter for carrying personal back pack( B$45/day max 10 kg or B$90 for whole 2days1nights trip) you need to carry your own drinking water( min 3 litres),Camp for sleeping, sleeping bag & Snack along the way. ( if you like to hire camp B$25/2 man camp and sleeping bag B$10 each, please inform while you confirm your tour)

We highly recommend you hire a porter to carry your bag so that you can fully enjoy your trekking expedition

What to expect :

Bukit Lutut can be very challenging hill to climb, it is only 498 meter high and but 5km trek from Sumbiling Eco Village. Only recommend for people with reasonable fitness and loves nature. Not recommend for child under 10 years.

As an outdoor trip, itinerary and times indicated are subject to change without notice, as trips may be affected by rain, heat, high or low water levels in the river. covered site will be provided for answering calls of nature. Meals will be served with army type rations with food such as canned curry chicken, baked beans, corned beef etc with rice. It is recommended that you bring your own high energy bar eg. mixed fruit bar. Hot water will be available for coffee or tea.

Recommended to wear :

Light, easy to dry shorts & t shirts during trekking, light trekking shoes with good grip, a favorite cap to cover your head, face towel for those who sweat a lot.

Evening wear - light, easy to dry long pants, socks, light cotton long sleeve shirt and a pair of sandals or thongs.

Recommended to Bring :

Light rucksack, changes of clothes, sun lotion, hat, raincoat, camera, binoculars (only if you are bird watcher), small towel for the walk, towel + toiletries, swimsuit , insect repellent- non aerosol type, tiger balm will do. A small flashlight or head torch. A change of clothes and towel for use on return to Sumbiling village.

Some snacks like energy bars e.g mixed fruit bars, chocolate, sweets and drinks (any isotonic drink or packets of oral rehydration salts) in case you get hungry and thirsty en route.

IMPORTANT! Please limit your back pack to 5-7 kg depending on your fitness, if heavier you might consider hiring a porter to carry your stuff. It is B$90 for a 2days 1night trip, max 10kg.

Rules of the Rainforest :

Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints. Bring back nothing but memories

Please Don’t Bring: Suitcases, radios or loud sounding devices.

Climate change law we all must support

By H. JOSEF HEBERT and DINA CAPPIELLO, Associated Press Writers – 37 mins ago

WASHINGTON – The Obama administration took a major step Monday toward imposing the first federal limits on climate-changing pollution from cars, power plants and factories, declaring there was compelling scientific evidence that global warming from manmade greenhouse gases endangers Americans' health.

The announcement by the Environmental Protection Agency was clearly timed to build momentum toward an agreement at the international conference on climate change that opened Monday in Copenhagen, Denmark. It signaled the administration was prepared to push ahead for significant controls in the U.S. if Congress doesn't act first on its own.

The price could be steep for both industry and consumers. The EPA finding clears the way for rules that eventually could force the sale of more fuel-efficient vehicles and require plants to install costly new equipment — at a cost of billions or even many tens of billions of dollars — or shift to other forms of energy.

No analysis has been conducted by the EPA on costs of such broad regulations, although the agency put the price tag of its proposed climate-related car rules at $60 billion, with an estimated benefit of $250 billion.

Energy prices for many Americans probably would rise, too — though Monday's finding will have no immediate impact since regulations have yet to be written. Supporters of separate legislation in Congress argue they could craft measures that would mitigate some of those costs.

Environmentalists hailed the EPA announcement as a clear indication the United States will take steps to attack climate change even if Congress fails to act. And they welcomed the timing of the declaration, saying it will help the Obama administration convince delegates at the international climate talks that the U.S. is serious about addressing the problem. Obama will address the conference next week.

But business groups said regulating carbon emissions through the EPA under existing clean air law would put new economic burdens on manufacturers, cost jobs and drive up energy prices.

"It will choke off growth by adding new mandates to virtually every major construction and renovation project," declared Thomas Donohue, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which in recent months has been particularly critical of the EPA's attempt to address climate change.

The EPA signaled last April that it was inclined to view heat-trapping pollution as a threat to public health and welfare and began to take public comments for formal rulemaking. That marked a reversal from the Bush administration, which had refused to issue the finding, despite a conclusion by EPA scientists that it was warranted.

EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said Monday, "There are no more excuses for delaying," adding that the so-called endangerment analysis from global warming had been under consideration at the agency for three years. After the official finding, she said the agency is now "obligated to make reasonable efforts to reduce greenhouse pollutants under the Clean Air Act."

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said President Barack Obama "still believes the best way to move forward is through the legislative process" — something Obama has expressed on a number of occasions as he has pressed Congress to shift the nation's energy priorities away from fossil fuels and to reduce climate-changing pollution.

The EPA said scientific evidence clearly shows that greenhouse gases "threaten the public health and welfare of the American people" and that the pollutants — mainly carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels — should be reduced, if not by Congress then by the agency responsible for enforcing air pollution.

"These long-overdue findings cement 2009's place in history as the year when the United States governmentbegan addressing the challenge of greenhouse-gas pollution," said Jackson.

She rejected claims by climate skeptics that the science of global warming remains in doubt, an argument given additional attention in recent weeks with the disclosure through intercepted e-mails that a British scientist had privately discussed ways to shield certain climate data from public scrutiny.

"The vast body of evidence not only remains unassailable, it has grown even stronger," said Jackson.

Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., a lead author of a climate bill before the Senate, said of the finding: "This is a clear message to Copenhagen of the Obama administration's commitments to address global climate change. ... The message to Congress is crystal clear: Get moving."

Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., also a co-author, said, "The Senate has a duty to act."

Business groups have strongly argued against tackling global warming through the Clean Air Act, saying it is less flexible and more costly than the cap-and-trade legislation being considered by Congress. Any regulations from the EPA are certain to spawn lawsuits and a lengthy legal fights.

"Such regulations would be intrusive, inefficient and excessively costly, chill job growth and delay business expansion," argued Jack Gerard, president of the American Petroleum Institute, which also has been critical of the climate legislation before Congress.

"The Clean Air Act can complement legislation," said Jackson. In fact, if Congress were to cap greenhouse gas emissions, the EPA probably would be given the responsibility of implementing the law.

The EPA's involvement in reducing climate-changing pollution, stems from a 2007 Supreme Court decisionthat declared that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are pollutants under the Clean Air Act. But the court said the EPA would have to determine if these pollutants pose a danger to public health and welfare before it could regulate them.

___

EDITOR'S NOTE Find behind-the-scenes information, blog posts and discussion about the Copenhagen climate conference at http://www.facebook.com/theclimatepool, a Facebook page run by AP and an array of international news agencies. Follow coverage and blogging of the event on Twitter at:http://www.twitter.com/AP_ClimatePool .

Brunei Darussalam- Abode of Peace

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque is a royal Islamic mosque located in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of the Sultanate of Brunei. The mosque is classified as one of the most spectacular mosques in the Asia Pacific and a major tourist attraction. Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque is considered amongst the people of Brunei as the country's major landmark.






more athttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sultan_Omar_Ali_Saifuddin_Mosque

Support HoB

Hi there, In support of Govt of Brunei "Heart of Borneo" "HoB" project. I had built up a Eco resort at Temburong. Without knowing, since Jan08, hundred of Temburong villagers most of them don't have fixed income & jobless benefitted from our Eco tourism project. Thousand of man hours job has been created. Look for your support to further improve the villagers livelihood by visiting Sumbiling Eco Village. check it out at www.sumbiling.blogspot.com

Charles Smitten By Heart Of Borneo

Charles Smitten By Heart Of Borneo 
By Azrol Azmi & Lyna Mohamad

Bandar Seri Begawan - Britain's Prince Charles, a long-time champion of 'green' causes, singled out Brunei's Heart of Borneo (HoB) initiative for special praise, on its determination to protect the standing rainforest that covers more than 60 per cent of the country.

Brunei's exemplary commitment with so much of its land accorded to this initiative and its rapid publication of a detailed Action Plan are the clearest signal of its determination under the leadership of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, to preserve and develop its forest sustainably. "I cannot commend this strongly enough because the single most effective and significant action the world can take to stabilize climate change, the greatest threat facing mankind is to stop tropical rainforest destruction," said His Royal Highness Prince Charles in his speech at the UWIC Graduation Ceremony 2008 at the Chancellor Hall of UBD yesterday, where he highlighted the strong partnership in education between Brunei and the United Kingdom. Since his arrival, both the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall were able to see something of the remarkably diverse ways in which the two countries work together on issues of the

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greatest importance.

"This prestigious seat of learning is, of course, an excellent example and I am del ighted that in a few moments I shall be awarding degree certificates to Bruneian graduates," said Prince Charles adding that he could not be more pleased at the way in which a genuine partnership is developing between the Universities of Wales to which HRH is the Chancellor and of Brunei.

The partnership is present in many other areas of the two countries' relationship, the Gurkha Rifles to which Prince Charles is Colonel in Chief, is working ever more closely with the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, both in this country and in building expertise for international peacekeeping operations.

"There is also a vital frontline role and I could not be more impressed by the way in which the Gurkha Rifles has recently distinguished themselves on active service in Afghanistan," he said.

However grim the situation is, the Gurkhas have proven time and time again why they have such a unique reputation as one of the world's most renowned regiments.

"They are owed a most enormous debt of gratitude for the selfless service they give and on a personal note, I could not be more grateful to them for the welcome and hospitality they were kind enough to show my younger son during his deployment," Prince Charles said.

He remained deeply impressed with the scale and quality of Brunei's rainforest, particularly its determination to protect this vital asset that the nation holds in trust not just for its own future generations but also for the region's and the entire world's children and grandchildren.

Brunei has also made exceptional progress with Indonesia and Malaysia in putting together the "Heart of Borneo initiative" to ensure this protection„continues, unhampered by geographic boundaries. As it is known, these forests that straddle the equator in a great belt around the globe are home to some of the most remarkable and precious animal and plant life on the planet while they also function as a 'giant public utilities', cooling and cleaning the world's atmosphere and providing fresh water and rainfall.

Of vital importance, it stores carbon on a giant scale and when the forests are cut down and burned, it is released into the atmosphere where annual CO2 emission from burning forests is greater than that from the global transport sector.

Half of the world's rainforest, he added, has already been lost and every year 30 million acres are destroyed or degraded and it in effect destroys the planet's 'air-conditioning' and- watering system.

"But we must not blame the rainforest countries for this. Too often it is demand from developed countries for palm oil, beef and soya, which is the driver. The point is that all of us, the whole world, are in this together and that is why, together, we need to deploy all possible measures to stop tropical deforestation."

This, Prince Charles pointed out, above all is why he established his Rainforests Project a year ago, to ensure that the forests end up being worth more alive than dead.

Quite simply, the objective is to find an equitable means of paying for this planetary life-support system on which we all depend and fast, adding that his project is working to determine how much funding the rainforest countries need to re-orientate their economies so that the trees really are, durably, worth more alive than dead, to show how this funding can be provided by the developed world and to help bring forward ways in which the funding would be used in an equitable way by the rainforest nations.

"I do not pretend for a moment that the task is simple. I knew full well the immense complexities we would encounter. The global "credit crunch", most certainly has not made the task any easier."

While the world's economy will doubtless bounce back at some point from the financial shock, mankind will not be able to bounce back from the climate shock. The damage, he added, is becoming irreparable and the consequences terrifying; rising sea levels, spreading disease and environmental refuges in an unimaginable scale.   -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

SCB Donates $700,000 To HoB Project

SCB Donates $700,000 To HoB Project 
By P Marilyn

Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak lsteri Pengiran
Anak Sarah (right) received a cheque from Mr Ray Ferguson (center).

Bandar Seri Begawan – The Heart of Borneo environmental project yesterday received a $700,000 (US$500,000) donation from Standard Chartered Bank Brunei.

The guest of honor was Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah ibni Pengiran Salleh Ab Rahaman. Yesterday's donation was affirmed with Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah receiving a cheque from Ray Ferguson, SCB's Regional CEO for Southeast Asia. She presented the cheque to Rodney Taylor from WWF. It was witnessed and acknowledged by Dato Paduka Awg Haji Hamdillah bin Haji Abdul Wahab, Chairman of Brunei's Heart of Borneo Council and Acting Minister of the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources.

Her Royal Highness has been a keen supporter of the environment. The Heart of Borneo project has received generous support through Her Royal Highness' patronage and commitment with projects such as the International School Brunei's (ISB) Million Trees Project in the past two years. Brunei having won Standard Chartered's Greatest Race on Earth Environment Challenge in 2008, and in securing the $700,000 fund, SCB Brunei will be working hand-in-hand with WWF and the Heart of Borneo Council in administering the HoB Borneo environmental programmed, a global initiative to conserve one of the most important natural habitats on our planet.

"As we celebrate our 50th year of operating in Brunei, I can't think of a better way for us to be giving back to the community and demonstrating our commitment to fighting climate change than this," said Ray Ferguson, said.

"Engaging employees, and raising awareness on environmental issues as well as acting as a force for good in the markets that we operate in across Asia, the Middle East and Africa, is adherent part of our business," he said.

Tiew Siew Chuen, CEO of SCB Brunei, underscored the bank's determination to lead by example the markets in which the bank operates.

"As well as finding ways to drive economic growth, we also want to help protect the environment and to have a positive impact on the societies where we live and work," she said.

"The Greatest Race on Earth, race for a living planet is one initiative that has achieved 3.4 million pledges globally and US$1 million funding towards environmental initiatives to three winning countries, with Brunei being the top winner," she said

She said the bank will continue to be a committed partner for the Brunei community and will strengthen the bank's sustainability programmed to support government initiatives, promote environmental protection and HIV awareness, as well as assist the visually impaired through SCE's Seeing is Believing initiative.

Dato Paduka Awg Haji Hamdillah sees this cooperation as an excellent example of partnership between the government, the corporate sector and an NGO.

"It is the sort of cooperation that helps make Brunei the beacon of the Heart of Borneo. Many of us put in a great deal of effort to ensure that Brunei would win the Greatest Race and I am delighted that we succeeded. We are going to show the world that we are in this for the long haul, and that we shall win the race to ensure a sustainable future for our natural environment," he said.

The first project to be allocated funding is the rehabilitation of Borneo's degraded peatland forests. It is an important step in reducing CO2 emissions, which will be undertaken in partnership with the British High Commission.

The second project is a biodiversity survey of the Sungai Ingei protection forest, leading to a better understanding of the state of wildlife RI the forest, the existence of any new species, and new ways of preserving these.

Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah plant a sapling that will be taken to the Heart of Borneo area.

Britain's Prince Charles, a longstanding supporter of rainforest preservation efforts in Borneo, who will be in the country on an official visit this week, is expected to visit an exhibition at a forest reserve. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin