Kampong Ayer: The Venice of the East

• 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 ....)]

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.

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.