Kampong Ayer: The Venice of the East

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.