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Kampong Ayer: Brunei's Floating Heritage

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Discover Kampong Ayer, the 'Venice of the East,' a vibrant stilt village showcasing Brunei's rich history and enduring water-based culture.

Kampong Ayer, also known as the Water Village, is a historical settlement in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. It's a collection of stilt houses on the Brunei River, showcasing a traditional way of life that has persisted for centuries.

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 main 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 village's history and enjoy panoramic views from the lookout tower.
  • Explore the village on foot using the wooden walkways, but wear comfortable shoes.
  • Consider a boat tour to explore the waterways and mangrove forests surrounding Kampong Ayer.
  • Respect local customs and traditions when interacting with residents.
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Getting There

  • Water Taxi

    The most common way to reach Kampong Ayer is by water taxi from the waterfront in Bandar Seri Begawan. Head to the jetty near the Yayasan Shopping Complex where boat operators are readily available. A one-way trip to the main part of Kampong Ayer, such as near the Cultural and Tourism Gallery, typically costs BND 1 per person. The ride is short, lasting only a minute or two. Negotiate the price beforehand, though the rate is usually standard.

  • Taxi/DART

    From Bandar Seri Begawan, you can take a taxi or use the local ride-sharing app, DART, to reach the waterfront area where water taxis depart for Kampong Ayer. A taxi ride from the city center to the waterfront will cost approximately BND 6-9. From the airport, a taxi to the waterfront may cost BND 13-17. Once at the waterfront, transfer to a water taxi to cross to Kampong Ayer.

Discover more about Water Village Settlement (Kampong Ayer)

Kampong Ayer, meaning 'Water Village', is Brunei's most significant living history and the world's largest stilt settlement. For over a thousand years, this unique village has thrived on the Brunei River, near the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan. Once the capital and primary port of the Bruneian Empire from the 15th to 18th centuries, Kampong Ayer was dubbed the 'Venice of the East' by Antonio Pigafetta in 1521. Today, Kampong Ayer is comprised of 42 sub-villages connected by over 30 kilometers of wooden walkways. Home to thousands, the village features schools, mosques, a cultural tourism gallery, police and fire stations, and modern amenities like electricity, running water, and satellite TV. Residents travel by boat, water taxi, and the interconnected wooden walkways. Visitors can explore the Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery, which showcases the village's history and traditions. A lookout tower offers panoramic views of the water village. Taking a boat tour allows visitors to experience the waterways and possibly see wildlife in the nearby mangrove forests.

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