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Kampong Ayer: Brunei's Historic Water Village

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, the 'Venice of the East', is a traditional settlement on stilts above the Brunei River, near the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan. With a history stretching back over a thousand years, it's the world's largest floating village, offering a unique glimpse into Brunei's past and present.

A brief summary to Water Village Settlement (Kampong Ayer)

  • VWMV+3M4, Bandar Seri Begawan, Kampung Pengiran Siraja Muda, BN

Local tips

  • Take a water taxi from the waterfront in Bandar Seri Begawan for a quick and affordable way to reach Kampong Ayer.
  • Visit the Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery to learn about the history and traditions of the water village.
  • Explore the village by walking along the wooden boardwalks, but be mindful of uneven surfaces.
  • Consider a boat tour to see the water village from a different perspective and observe daily life along the Brunei River.
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Getting There

  • Water Taxi

    From the main waterfront in Bandar Seri Begawan, flag down a water taxi (a speedboat) to reach Kampong Ayer. Water taxis are readily available and the most common way to access the water village. A short trip across the river to the Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery typically costs BND 1.00 per person. Negotiate the price beforehand if you plan to explore further into the water village.

  • Walking

    It is possible to walk to some parts of Kampong Ayer. To reach Kampong Tamoi Tengah, take the Sungai Kebun pedestrian bridge next to the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. From there, you can explore the stilted houses and walkways of that area. There is no cost for walking.

  • Public Transport

    To get to Kampong Ayer from Muara, you can take the line 37 bus to Bandar Seri Begawan Bus Terminal. The bus departs every 20 minutes and costs BND 1.00. From the bus terminal, you can then take a water taxi to Kampong Ayer.

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Discover more about Water Village Settlement (Kampong Ayer)

Kampong Ayer, meaning 'Water Village', is a sprawling settlement of traditional houses, schools, mosques, and other buildings constructed on stilts above the Brunei River. Located near the center of Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, it offers a striking contrast to the modern city. Historians believe the village was established over a thousand years ago by Bajau sea nomads, eventually becoming the Bruneian Empire's primary port and capital from the 15th to 18th centuries. Antonio Pigafetta, an Italian explorer, visited Kampong Ayer in 1521 and dubbed it the 'Venice of the East'. For centuries, Kampong Ayer thrived as a center of trade and culture. Its residents were skilled in weaving, boat building, fishing, and crafting items from gold, brass, silver, and iron. In the 19th and 20th centuries, British imperialism encouraged residents to relocate to the mainland, leading to a decline in the village's population and traditional industries. Today, around 10,000 people live in Kampong Ayer, balancing traditional lifestyles with modern jobs on the mainland. Kampong Ayer is composed of approximately 40 individual villages connected by over 38 kilometers of stilted walkways. Modern amenities such as electricity, running water, internet, and satellite TV are available. Water taxis are a common mode of transport, and the village even has its own fire station and police force. Visitors can explore the Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery to learn about the village's history and culture. A boat tour offers a chance to observe daily life, from children playing to fishermen at work.

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