Kampong Ayer: The Venice of the East
Discover Kampong Ayer, Brunei's historic water village: a unique blend of tradition and modern life on the Brunei River.
Kampong Ayer, meaning "Water Village," is Brunei's most treasured piece of living history. For over a thousand years, this unique settlement has thrived on the Brunei River, evolving from a small village into the capital of the Bruneian Empire between the 15th and 18th centuries. Often called the "Venice of the East," Kampong Ayer is a sprawling network of houses, mosques, schools, and shops, all built on stilts above the water. Today, Kampong Ayer is made up of about 40 individual villages connected by over 38 kilometers of wooden walkways. Approximately 10,000 people still call it home, balancing traditional lifestyles with modern conveniences. While some residents continue traditional crafts like weaving and boat building, others commute to the mainland for work, highlighting the blend of old and new. Visitors can explore the Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery to learn about the village's history and customs. A boat tour offers a chance to witness daily life, from children playing to fishermen at work. Though modernization has brought changes, Kampong Ayer remains a vibrant community and a vital part of Brunei's cultural heritage.
Local tips
- Take a water taxi from the main jetty in front of the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah shopping mall to Kampong Ayer.
- Visit the Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery to learn about the history and traditions of the water village.
- Consider a boat tour to explore the waterways and witness daily life in Kampong Ayer.
- Dress modestly and be mindful of the large spaces between planks on the wooden walkways.
A brief summary to Kampong Ayer
- Kampong Ayer, BN
Getting There
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Water Taxi
The most common way to reach Kampong Ayer is by water taxi from Bandar Seri Begawan. Head to the waterfront near the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah shopping mall. Water taxis are readily available and cost about BND 1 per person for a one-way trip to the main areas of Kampong Ayer. Negotiate the price beforehand if you plan to explore further into the waterways.
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Walking
Once in Kampong Ayer, the primary mode of transport is walking along the wooden boardwalks that connect the villages. Be mindful of the uneven surfaces and spaces between the planks. Some areas are also accessible by boat, which can be hired from local boatmen.
