Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery: A Window into Brunei's Water Village Heritage

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

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Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery

The Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery offers a fascinating glimpse into the history, culture, and traditions of Kampong Ayer, the world's largest water village. Through exhibits and artifacts, visitors can explore the unique lifestyle and heritage of this remarkable stilt settlement.

A brief summary to Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery

south bank, Kampong Ayer, Bandar Seri Begawan, Kampung Pengiran Siraja Muda, BN

Monday 9 am-5 pm
Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9:30 am-12 pm
Saturday 9 am-5 pm
Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

Allow at least one hour to fully explore the gallery's exhibits and observation tower.
Combine your visit with a boat tour of Kampong Ayer to experience the water village firsthand.
Check for temporary exhibitions and cultural events happening at the gallery during your visit.

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Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery

Getting There

Water Taxi

The most common and convenient way to reach the Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery is by water taxi from the Bandar Seri Begawan waterfront. Head to the jetty near the Yayasan Shopping Complex, where you'll find numerous boat operators. Negotiate a fare (typically around B$1 per person) for a short trip across the river directly to the gallery. The journey takes only a few minutes, offering a scenic view of the water village.
Walking

For a more immersive experience, consider walking to Kampong Ayer via the Sungai Kebun Bridge. From the city center, follow the waterfront promenade towards the bridge. Once across the bridge, you can explore the interconnected wooden walkways of Kampong Ayer and make your way to the gallery. Note that this option involves a longer walk and requires navigating the sometimes-confusing pathways of the water village.

Discover more about Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery

The Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery, located on the south bank of the Brunei River in the heart of Kampong Ayer, serves as a vital center for understanding and preserving the legacy of this historic water village. Opened in 2009 by Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah, the gallery showcases the evolution of Kampong Ayer from its early origins to the present day. The gallery's exhibits, spread across five sections, feature artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that chronicle Kampong Ayer's history, customs, and society. Visitors can learn about the traditional crafts of the village, including weaving, boat building, and metalworking, and gain insights into the daily lives of its residents. The gallery also highlights the challenges and changes faced by Kampong Ayer over the centuries, including the impact of modernization and efforts to preserve its cultural heritage. One of the gallery's highlights is its observation tower, which offers panoramic views of Kampong Ayer and the surrounding capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan. From this vantage point, visitors can appreciate the scale and complexity of the water village, with its maze-like network of stilt houses and interconnected walkways. The gallery also serves as a venue for temporary exhibitions and cultural events, further promoting the heritage and traditions of Kampong Ayer.