Kampong Ayer, Bandar Seri Begawan Travel Guide

Discover the enchanting water village of Kampong Ayer in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, a living testament to traditional riverine life and rich cultural heritage.

Kampong Ayer, nestled in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan, is an enchanting water village with a rich history spanning over a millennium. Known as the 'Venice of the East,' it offers a unique glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of Brunei's riverine communities. The village is a maze of wooden walkways and stilt houses, all interconnected by a network of canals and bridges, providing a fascinating contrast to the modern cityscape nearby. Visitors can explore Kampong Ayer's vibrant culture and history through its well-maintained museums and galleries, such as the Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery. This museum provides insights into the village's past, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that chronicle the evolution of life on the river. The village is also home to several mosques, schools, and markets, ensuring a comprehensive cultural experience. A boat ride along the Brunei River is an essential part of any visit to Kampong Ayer. These water taxis provide an excellent opportunity to observe daily life in the village, from children playing to fishermen at work. Don't miss the chance to interact with the friendly locals, who are always eager to share stories and traditions with visitors. Kampong Ayer is not just a tourist destination; it's a living, breathing community that offers an authentic taste of Brunei's heritage.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Kampong Ayer.

Visit early in the morning to experience the village coming to life and to avoid the midday heat.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on wooden walkways and bring a hat or sunscreen for protection.
Opt for a guided boat tour to gain deeper insights into the village's history and daily life.
Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting mosques or interacting with the residents.
Bring a camera to capture the picturesque scenery and the unique architecture of stilt houses.

Explore Kampong Ayer: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Kampong Ayer

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Kampong Ayer

Discover Kampong Ayer, Brunei's historic 'Venice of the East': A vibrant stilt village offering a unique glimpse into Brunei's rich cultural heritage.

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Royal Regalia Museum

Discover Brunei's royal heritage at the Royal Regalia Museum, showcasing the Sultan's treasures and the nation's rich history.

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Water Village Settlement (Kampong Ayer)

Explore Kampong Ayer, the world's largest water village, a historic gem offering a unique glimpse into Brunei's rich cultural heritage.

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Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery

Explore the history and culture of Kampong Ayer, the 'Venice of the East,' at this informative and engaging gallery.

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Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas

Discover the tranquility of Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas, a stunning park in Bandar Seri Begawan, perfect for relaxation, picnics, and scenic strolls amid beautiful landscapes.

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Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery

Discover the rich cultural heritage of Brunei's water village at the Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery, a unique exhibition space in Bandar Seri Begawan.

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Water Village Settlement (Kampong Ayer)

Discover the captivating Water Village Settlement of Kampong Ayer, a unique stilted community in Brunei that highlights traditional culture and stunning river views.

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Water Village Gallery

Explore the rich tapestry of Aboriginal art at Water Village Gallery, a cultural gem in the heart of Kampong Ayer's floating village.

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Best restaurants in Kampong Ayer

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London Cafe & Restaurant

Experience the best Western cuisine in Bandar Seri Begawan at London Cafe & Restaurant – where flavor meets comfort in every dish.

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Adresto

Experience the exquisite blend of local flavors and contemporary cuisine at Adresto in Bandar Seri Begawan.

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Gerai Nini Mama

Experience authentic Bruneian flavors at Gerai Nini Mama - a cozy restaurant and café in Bandar Seri Begawan.

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SDK Sungai Kebun

Experience authentic Bruneian cuisine at SDK Sungai Kebun in Bandar Seri Begawan - where traditional flavors meet modern dining.

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Jazz Bar And Grill

Jazz Bar And Grill in Kiulap offers a harmonious blend of Western cuisine and live jazz music for an unforgettable dining experience.

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Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery

Discover the fascinating history and vibrant culture of Kampong Ayer at the Cultural & Tourism Gallery, a unique insight into Brunei's water village life.

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Water Village Settlement (Kampong Ayer)

Experience the charm of Kampong Ayer, Brunei's stunning Water Village, where tradition meets tranquility on the water.

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Adresto

Experience authentic Bruneian cuisine at Adresto, a beloved restaurant in Bandar Seri Begawan known for its traditional dishes and inviting atmosphere.

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Best nightclubs in Kampong Ayer

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Gadong Night Market

Discover the vibrant Gadong Night Market in Bandar Seri Begawan, where local cuisine, crafts, and culture come together for an unforgettable evening.

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Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam

Discover the perfect blend of luxury and tradition at Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam, a gateway to explore the wonders of Bandar Seri Begawan.

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Tarindak D'Seni

Experience the flavors of Brunei at Tarindak D'Seni, a restaurant with stunning views of Kampong Ayer, perfect for a memorable dining experience.

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Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas

Explore the serene beauty of Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas, a picturesque park in Bandar Seri Begawan, perfect for relaxation and cultural experiences.

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Best shops in Kampong Ayer

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Happy Star Brunei Souvenir Shop

Discover unique treasures at Happy Star Brunei Souvenir Shop, your go-to destination for authentic Brunei crafts and souvenirs in Bandar Seri Begawan.

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BWN Souvenirs Store

Discover authentic Bruneian souvenirs at BWN Souvenirs Store, where culture and craftsmanship come together in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan.

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Euro Classic Collection

Explore a unique mix of local gifts and European-style decor at the Euro Classic Collection in Bandar Seri Begawan.

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InstockBN Enterprise

Explore unique gifts and souvenirs at InstockBN Enterprise, capturing the essence of Brunei's rich culture in every item.

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Explore Kampong Ayer on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Kampong Ayer, mapped for you.

Kampong Ayer Essentials

Kampong Ayer is easily accessible from various parts of Bandar Seri Begawan. You can take a water taxi (known locally as a 'perahu') from the main jetty located near the capital's waterfront. The journey is short and usually takes around 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can walk to the jetty from your hotel if you are staying in the city center.
In Kampong Ayer, the primary mode of transportation is by water taxi, which can take you to different stilt houses and attractions. There are no trains or buses in the area, but the water taxis are frequent and relatively inexpensive. Walking is also a great way to explore the wooden walkways that connect various houses and shops.
Kampong Ayer is generally safe for tourists, but like in any area, it's wise to remain vigilant. Avoid venturing into less populated areas at night. Petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded places, so keep your belongings secure. There are no specific high-crime zones, but always exercise caution.
In case of an emergency, dial 993 for the police or 991 for medical assistance. Local hospitals and clinics are available in Bandar Seri Begawan, and it's advisable to have travel insurance that covers healthcare. For minor concerns, there are small pharmacies in the area.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. Don’t wear revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. It’s advisable to cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be polite and thank your water taxi driver. Don’t consume food or drink in the taxis. Greetings: Do greet with a smile and a polite 'Salam'. Don’t engage in overly familiar physical contact. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like ambuyat and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.
To experience Kampong Ayer like a local, consider visiting during the evening when families gather outside their homes. Engage with the locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about their unique culture. Don’t miss the chance to sample street food from vendors along the walkways, and try to visit some of the cultural centers for a deeper understanding of the heritage.

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Kampong Ayer

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Kampong Ayer. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloSelamat pagi
  [Suh-lah-maht pah-gee]
- GoodbyeSelamat tinggal
  [Suh-lah-maht ting-gahl]
- YesYa
  [Yah]
- NoTidak
  [Tee-dahk]
- Please/You're welcomeSila
  [See-lah]
- Thank youTerima kasih
  [Teh-ree-mah kah-seeh]
- Excuse me/SorryMaafkan saya
  [Mah-ahf-kahn sah-yah]
- How are you?Apa khabar?
  [Ah-pah kah-bahr]
- Fine. And you?Baik. Dan awda?
  [Bah-eek. Dahn ow-dah]
- Do you speak English?Boleh cakap Inggeris?
  [Boh-leh chah-kahp Ing-gehr-ees]
- I don't understandSaya tidak faham
  [Sah-yah tee-dahk fah-hahm]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseBisa lihat menu, tolong
  [Bee-sah lee-haht meh-noo, toh-lohng]
- I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [Sah-yah tee-dahk mah-kahn dah-yahng]
- Cheers!Selamat minum
  [Suh-lah-maht mee-noom]
- I would like to pay, pleaseSaya ingin bayar, tolong
  [Sah-yah een-geen bah-yahr, toh-lohng]
- Help!Tolong!
  [Toh-lohng!]
- Go away!Pergi jauh!
  [Pehr-gee jah-oo!]
- Call the Police!Panggil polis!
  [Pahng-geel poh-lees!]
- Call a doctor!Panggil doktor!
  [Pahng-geel dohk-tohr!]
- I'm lostSaya tersesat
  [Sah-yah tehr-seh-saht]
- I'm illSaya sakit
  [Sah-yah sah-keet]
- I'd like to buy...Saya ingin membeli...
  [Sah-yah een-geen mehm-beh-lee]
- I'm just lookingSaya hanya melihat
  [Sah-yah hahn-yah meh-lee-haht]
- How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [Beh-rah-pah hahr-gahn-yah]
- That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [Ee-too teh-rah-lah mah-hahl]
- Can you lower the price?Boleh kurangkan harga?
  [Boh-leh koor-ahn-gahn hahr-gah]
- What time is it?Pukul berapa sekarang?
  [Poo-kool beh-rah-pah suh-kah-rahn?]
- It's one o'clockPukul satu
  [Poo-kool sah-too]
- Half past (10)Setengah (sepuluh)
  [Seh-tehn-gah (suh-poo-looh)]
- MorningPagi
  [Pah-gee]
- AfternoonPetang
  [Peh-tahng]
- EveningMalam
  [Mah-lahm]
- YesterdaySemalam
  [Seh-mah-lahm]
- TodayHari ini
  [Hah-ree ee-nee]
- TomorrowEsok
  [Eh-sohk]
- 1Satu
  [Sah-too]
- 2Dua
  [Doo-ah]
- 3Tiga
  [Tee-gah]
- 4Empat
  [Em-paht]
- 5Lima
  [Lee-mah]
- 6Enam
  [Eh-nahm]
- 7Tujuh
  [Too-joo]
- 8Lapan
  [Lah-pahn]
- 9Sembilan
  [Suhm-bee-lahn]
- 10Sepuluh
  [Suh-poo-looh]
- Where's a/the...?Di mana...
  [Dee mah-nah...]
- What's the address?Apa alamatnya?
  [Ah-pah ah-lah-maht-n-yah?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Boleh tunjukkan saya (di peta)?
  [Boh-leh toon-jook-kahn sah-yah (dee peh-tah)?]
- When's the next (bus)?Bila bas seterusnya?
  [Bee-lah bahs suh-tuh-roos-yah?]
- A ticket (to ....)Sebuah tiket (ke ....)
  [Suh-boo-ah tee-keht (keh ....)]

History of Kampong Ayer

Kampong Ayer, known as the 'Venice of the East', has its origins rooted in the 10th century when the first Malay settlers established stilt houses along the Brunei River. The strategic location provided a natural defense against invaders and facilitated trade and transportation, enhancing its significance as a hub of commerce in the region.
Throughout its history, Kampong Ayer has been a melting pot of various cultures, including Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences. The diverse communities contributed to the rich tapestry of local traditions, languages, and culinary practices, making Kampong Ayer a vibrant cultural landscape reflective of Brunei's historical interactions with neighboring regions.
Kampong Ayer has long served as the residence for Brunei's royal family. The sultanate's historical ties to the area are evident in the architecture of traditional houses, many of which are adorned with intricate wood carvings. The presence of the royal family in the neighborhood has solidified its status as an important cultural and political center for Brunei.
During World War II, Kampong Ayer, like much of Brunei, experienced the harsh realities of Japanese occupation from 1941 to 1945. The area faced significant changes as the Japanese imposed their authority, affecting local livelihoods and disrupting traditional trade routes. This period left lasting scars on the community, but it also showcased the resilience of the residents.
In recent decades, efforts have been made to modernize Kampong Ayer while preserving its cultural heritage. The Brunei government has invested in infrastructure improvements, including the construction of walkways and public facilities, to enhance accessibility for visitors. These initiatives aim to strike a balance between development and the preservation of this unique stilt village, ensuring its legacy for future generations.