One characteristic of Sumbiling Eco Village is an unwavering commitment to the local community. Many of the staff, all of whom come from the nearby village of Sumbiling Lama, had limited formal education or regular employment before joining SEV. Rather than viewing this as a barrier, Mr Chiang saw value in their rainforest expertise. 

Through training, villagers developed new skills in hospitality and earned certification in first aid, fire safety, and jungle guiding. This generated not only work but dignity, confidence, and a sense of contribution. 

Culinary delights with deeper immersion into nature

For visitors, SEV is more than a place to stay; it offers immersion. Small group sizes ensure personal connections and meaningful exchanges. Guests can trek through the jungle with local guides, learning about medicinal plants passed down through generations, or join night walks to discover fireflies, rare insects, and sometimes even glowing mushrooms. 

Accommodation is simple yet comfortable, designed to bring guests close to nature without unnecessary distractions. The aim is not luxury, but authenticity: a chance to slow down, tune into the rainforest, and connect with the people who call it home. 

Food is another highlight. More than half of the vegetables served at SEV are foraged from the nearby forest or sourced from village gardens. Bamboo chicken, cooked over an open fire inside freshly cut bamboo, has become a signature dish. SEV has even hosted training sessions for chefs from across Brunei to study this traditional technique. Dining here is a celebration of Bruneian flavours rooted in tradition and sustainability. 

Quality, safety, and sustainability

SEV has always prioritized quality over quantity. Rather than the pursuit of mass tourism, the emphasis is on careful environmental stewardship and delivering a meaningful experience for each guest. That philosophy has paid off: Lonely Planet named SEV one of Brunei’s top three places to visit, and the village continues to earn strong reviews on travel platforms. 

Safety is treated with equal seriousness. SEV is a certified adventure site, and staff are rigorously trained to ensure the well-being of guests, including the many school groups that use the site for outdoor education camps. 

Sustainability, meanwhile, is a core value. Plastic use is kept to a minimum, vegetable gardens help reduce reliance on external supplies, and recycled materials are used in construction. These efforts show both visitors and local residents that conservation is not an abstract concept but a daily way of life. 

Challenges and breakthroughs

The path was not always smooth. In the early days, many villagers were shy around strangers. Bridging the gap between traditional values and work rhythms with the expectations of international tourists required patience, trust, and adaptability. As Mr Chiang reflects, “Money cannot buy the heart.” It took time and mutual respect to build lasting bonds.