Asia

Brunei

A quiet sultanate on the South China Sea with rainforest, a few turtle nests and strict local rules. We share the story only.

Green turtle, found in the waters of the wider region · Photo: James Thornton on Unsplash

Story only

Story only, for now. We love learning about this place and its ocean, so we share its story here and do not sell trips yet. Checked by Ocean Calling on 6 Oct 2026. Sources: The management and conservation of marine turtles in Brunei Darussalam, SEAFDEC repository; Brunei marine mammal protection overview, NOAA Fisheries (2025); Brunei protects its wildlife, Oryx (Cambridge).

Why: Brunei protects its wildlife by law: the Wild Life Protection Act, in force since 1981, fully protects dugongs and three sea turtles, and the Fisheries Order 2009 forbids anyone to disturb or harass aquatic mammals in Brunei waters. Four turtle species visit, and Brunei holds the only substantial olive ridley nesting site on Borneo, with nesting seen from Muara to Kuala Belait. We share this story and keep a respectful distance, never touching or swimming with wildlife.

Turtles

Why Brunei

Brunei is known for its calm capital, rainforest and mosques, not for ocean wildlife. A few turtles nest here in small numbers, and the dugong is protected by law. Saltwater crocodiles live near rivers and are also seen on beaches. There is no public alcohol and dress is conservative.

Conservation-led. Ocean Calling guests never chase, touch or bait animals.

When to go

Timing changes a lot from place to place. See each place below.

We share this place as a story so you can learn. There is no Ocean Calling trip.

Our ethics check

Can we travel here ethically?

Story only

We tell the story. We do not sell a trip here.

Checked 6 Oct 2026. Places change, so we look again every year.

Sources for this check

The story

Where in Brunei

We share these places as stories and research notes. We do not offer or sell trips here.

Muara and the Brunei coast

Story only

The main sea coast, with small turtle nesting and protected wildlife. Saltwater crocodiles are a real risk.

Animals

Animals recorded in Brunei

Tap an animal to learn how it lives, where it travels and how to meet it respectfully.

Green turtle resting on the reef, shell and head pattern in sharp detail

Green turtleChelonia mydasSeen in 103 countries in the AtlasLeast Concern

Hawksbill turtleEretmochelys imbricataSeen in 88 countries in the AtlasCritically Endangered

Olive ridley turtles nesting on Playa Ostional, Costa Rica

Olive ridley turtleLepidochelys olivaceaSeen in 40 countries in the AtlasVulnerable

Irrawaddy dolphin rising from the water, showing its round head

Irrawaddy dolphinOrcaella brevirostrisSeen in 10 countries in the AtlasEndangered

Sperm whale mother raising her fluke beside her calf off Dominica

Sperm whalePhyseter macrocephalusSeen in 114 countries in the AtlasVulnerable

Saltwater crocodile resting on a muddy bank beside mangrove roots

Saltwater crocodileCrocodylus porosusSeen in 14 countries in the AtlasLeast Concern

Oriental darter lifting its head and bill out of the water with a catch

Oriental darterAnhinga melanogasterSeen in 14 countries in the AtlasLeast Concern

Curious?

Why this is a story, not a trip

Read our ethics check above. If you would like to talk about it, Rocío is happy to explain.

Ask Rocío Back to the Ocean Atlas

For partners

Based in Brunei?

We are always happy to hear from exceptional local operators, accommodation, conservation organisations and destination experts in Brunei. If your work fits responsible, small-group ocean travel, we would love to learn more.

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