Brunei River: A Historical Waterway

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Explore Brunei's heart: cruise through history, culture, and nature on the Brunei River, home to Kampong Ayer and diverse wildlife.

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Brunei River

The Brunei River is a historically significant river that flows through Brunei, serving as a vital trade route and the location of Kampong Ayer, the world's largest water village. Today, it offers cruises showcasing Brunei's rich history, diverse wildlife, and cultural landmarks.

A brief summary to Brunei River

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Take a river cruise to see proboscis monkeys in their natural habitat along the mangrove forests.
Visit Kampong Ayer to experience traditional Bruneian life in the world's largest water village.
Bargain with water taxi operators for the best fare when exploring Kampong Ayer.
Check the cruise schedules in advance, as they may vary depending on the season.
Bring binoculars for better wildlife viewing during river safaris.

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Getting There

Water Taxi

From the city center of Bandar Seri Begawan, water taxis are readily available to access various points along the Brunei River, particularly Kampong Ayer. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. Typical fares range from BND1 to BND5 depending on the distance.
Public Transport

The main bus terminal in Bandar Seri Begawan provides access to various parts of the city. From the terminal, you can walk towards the riverfront to catch a water taxi. Bus fares are around BND1 per ride. Download the TransportBN app for bus routes and schedules.
Ride Share

Dart, Brunei's local ride-sharing app, offers a convenient way to get to the riverfront area in Bandar Seri Begawan. From there, you can easily access water taxis. Fares vary depending on the distance.

Discover more about Brunei River

The Brunei River, or Sungai Brunei, is the shortest major river in Brunei, yet it holds immense historical and cultural importance. Flowing through the Brunei-Muara district and the capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan, it empties into Brunei Bay.For centuries, the river served as a crucial transport and communication route, fostering the establishment of traditional settlements along its banks. From the 14th to 16th centuries, it was a bustling maritime trade route where merchant ships from China and Europe docked. This era, under Sultan Bolkiah, was Brunei's Golden Age, marked by flourishing trade in spices, sandalwood, and camphor. Kampong Ayer, a vast water village built on stilts, became the heart of Brunei, with houses passed down through generations.Today, Kampong Ayer still thrives, offering a glimpse into Brunei's past. Visitors can explore the water village and cruise along the Brunei River to discover historical sites, cultural landmarks, and captivating legends. River cruises often showcase the Istana Nurul Iman, the Sultan's palace, and the mangrove forests, home to proboscis monkeys and other wildlife.