To be frank, Ulu Ulu Resort can hardly be called a resort, and certainly not a MICE-class venue as we know it.  There are a few air-conditioned 'villas' but the rest of the guest rooms are housed in 19 wooden chalets with just natural air and electric fan.  No room service, mini-bar or TV.  It feels just is a little better than an outward-bound school.  However, MICEreview was compelled to include this review as this is in line with the 'green' theme of this issue's main article, and also because the Resort is located in the amazingly un-spoilt rainforest of Brunei's Ulu Temburong National Park, which houses one of the world's richest and most diverse ecosystem.  Guests who had visited the Amazon rainforests agreed that Ulu Temburong is more 'original' and untouched by commercialism.

Corporate groups who are prepared to sacrifice some materialistic luxury may enjoy the range of nature activities conducted by the experienced Resort staff.  These activities, which can be programmed as team-building or 'survival' exercises, include jungle trekking, canopy walk, canoeing, rafting, waterfall trail and swimming in the river surrounded by the lush green primary rainforest.  One of the key attraction is to go through one of the tallest canopy walks in the world.  It involves trekking (and often climbing) through the jungle, then climbing hundreds of steps up the metal tower before walking across the narrow bridge to view the magnificent rainforest from the top.  Those who are lucky, depending on timing (because only five persons may climb up the staircase at any one time) and weather (it could be misty in the morning), may see the beautiful sunrise from here if they started their journey at 5:00 am.

Other than what Mother Nature has to offer, the Resort comes with meeting facilities such as a boardroom for 20 guests, a cinema/seminar room for 60, lounge, billiard room and dinning area.  The folks managing the resort takes eco-tourism pretty seriously, as they turn off the electricity supply during the day; they do not provide TV in the rooms or at the lounge, and telecommunication is not available at the Resort.

The guest rooms come in various configurations, from single room to four-rooms-in-one-suite type with shared bath and toilet.  If the group is too large, guests may have to twin-share in some of the rooms; this may not go down well with mature adults from corporate groups.  The furnishing in the rooms is basic, which is acceptable for a such eco-experience, but they could still do with more hanging areas especially when guests are expected to get pretty dirty and wet with all the outdoor activities.  Not providing fixed-line of mobile communication with the outside world is fine, but telecommunication for inter-room or room-to-resort office would be good for safety reason.

Journey from Brunei's capital city Bandar Seri Bangawan to the Resort involves a bus ride, high-speed ferry cruise, another bus ride, and a traditional longboat ride.  Hence, although it is possible to have a day-trip to Ulu Temburong National Park for the canopy walk, it is advisable to stay at the resort at least for one night to experience the range of activities available.