Exploring Kampong Ayer: A Guide To Brunei's Water Village

Kampong Ayer, also known as the 'Venice of the East', is a must-see destination in Brunei. This unique settlement, comprising around 40 stilt villages built along the banks of the Brunei River, is easily accessible from the city centre. Visitors can take a boat ride through the village, explore the wooden walkways, and visit the Cultural and Tourism Gallery to learn about the history and culture of this fascinating place. With a population of over 30,000 people, Kampong Ayer offers a glimpse into traditional Bruneian life, with its own mosques, schools, shops, and even a fire station.

Getting to Kampong Ayer

Kampong Ayer is easily accessible due to its proximity to the city centre of Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei. All you need to do is hail a water taxi from any of the points along Jalan McArthur and Jalan Residency. These water taxis, also known as 'perahu tambang' in the local language, are the primary mode of transportation for the village residents, who are heavily reliant on them to get to and from the city. Therefore, you can expect to see many boats crisscrossing the river at all times during the day, and as soon as they spot you, they will speed in your direction. The journey takes only a few minutes and costs B$1-2 per person, each way.

There is also a small jetty next to Kaizen on the waterfront where you can take a local water taxi for a short ride. The cost is B$1 per person, and the taxis operate 24 hours a day.

Another option is to walk to one part of the village, called Tamoi Tengah, although it is a little further away. To get there, take the Sungai Kebun pedestrian bridge, located in the Sungai Kedayan Eco-Corridor park, next to the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. This bridge connects the park to the village, allowing for a scenic walk.

Guided tours are also available if you prefer a more organised experience, but exploring Kampong Ayer on your own is straightforward and manageable.

Exploring Kampong Ayer by boat

Kampong Ayer, meaning 'Water Village' in Malay, is a must-visit for travellers to Brunei. This unique settlement is located on the banks of the Brunei River and is made up of 40 stilt villages. There are several ways to explore Kampong Ayer, but the best way to experience it is by boat.

Water Taxis

Water taxis are a fun and affordable way to get to Kampong Ayer. For just $1 per person, you can hail a water taxi from the small jetty next to Kaizen on the waterfront. The ride is short and bumpy, but it will get you to the other side in just one minute. Water taxis operate 24 hours a day, so you don't have to worry about timing your return journey. Simply head back to the stop where you were dropped off, and a water taxi will pick you up.

Local Boat Cruises

For a more in-depth exploration of Kampong Ayer, you can take a cruise with one of the local boats. For $20 per boat, the boatman will take you on a tour of the sights and sounds of the water village. This is a great way to experience the local way of life and get up close to the stilt houses.

Luxury Cruises

If you're looking for a more comfortable and luxurious experience, you can opt for a luxury cruise. These cruises typically last around 2 hours and take you up and down the river, giving you a chance to see the water village and spot proboscis monkeys further down the river. Luxury cruises usually cost $20 per person for the cruise only, or $40 per person if you want to include lunch or dinner.

Boat Tours

For a truly immersive experience, you can hire a local boat taxi driver to take you on a tour of their floating metropolis. These boat tours will usually cost around $10 per hour and can be customised to your interests. You can explore the narrow alleyways and channels between the buildings, getting a glimpse into the daily lives of the villagers. The boat drivers are usually very friendly and knowledgeable about the area, so don't be afraid to ask questions!

Exploring Kampong Ayer on foot

Kampong Ayer is a prominent traditional settlement in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei. It is one of the largest water settlements in Southeast Asia, with 40 stilt villages built on the banks of the Brunei River. The area has a rich history, once serving as the de facto capital of the Bruneian Empire and home to more than half of Brunei's population.

When exploring Kampong Ayer on foot, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended to visit during the early morning or late evening to avoid the hot sun. The village is connected by wooden and concrete platforms, making for an interesting walk. Visitors can explore at their own pace, taking in the unique architecture and atmosphere of the settlement.

The stilted boardwalks of Kampong Ayer connect houses, schools, mosques, and boat jetties. Visitors can wander along these walkways, taking in the sights and sounds of the village. It is worth noting that the houses are connected to modern utilities, including running water, electricity, and satellite TV, with overhead cables and pipes alongside the walkways.

For those interested in learning more about the history and culture of Kampong Ayer, a visit to the Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery is a must. This small museum provides insightful information about the ancient and modern history of the settlement and offers a panoramic view of the area from its viewing tower. The gallery is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, except on Fridays when it closes between 11:30 am and 2:30 pm and public holidays.

The history of Kampong Ayer

Kampong Ayer is a prominent traditional settlement in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei. It is one of the largest water settlements in Southeast Asia, with 40 stilt villages built on the banks of the Brunei River. The village earned the nickname 'Venice of the East' due to its resemblance to the Italian city, with waterways between the stilt houses that small boats ferry people across.

The name 'Kampong Ayer' is derived from the Malay term 'Kampung Air', which means 'Water Village'. The settlement has existed since at least the 1363-1402 reign of Sultan Muhammad Shah and served as the primary settlement area and de facto capital of the Bruneian Empire. It was a significant port, exporting a wide range of commodities. According to records made by ancient Chinese merchants, Bajau Sea Nomads built houses above the Brunei River over 1000 years ago. Over time, this grew into a series of loosely connected villages and neighbourhoods.

During the European Age of Exploration in the early 16th century, Venetian scholar Antonio Pigafetta, who was travelling with Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, observed similarities between the stilted village and his hometown of Venice. At that time, Kampong Ayer was the centre of the Bruneian Empire, with residents ranging from wealthy nobles to peasants. The houses were constructed of wood and built on tall pillars above the water.

When the British arrived in the 19th century, they encouraged residents to move onto land, and by the early 1900s, the population of Kampong Ayer began to decline as people adopted a more modern lifestyle. Despite this, a substantial number of residents continue to live on the water, preserving the ancient customs and traditions of the former Bruneian Empire.

Today, Kampong Ayer covers an area of about 10 square kilometres (3.9 square miles), with a population of 10,250 as of 2016. The settlement includes schools, mosques, shops, and restaurants, with an extensive network of walkways and pedestrian bridges connecting the different areas. It remains a unique and fascinating part of Brunei's history and culture, offering visitors a glimpse into the country's past.

The architecture of Kampong Ayer

Kampong Ayer, also known as the "Venice of the East", is a prominent traditional settlement in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei. It is one of the largest water settlements in Southeast Asia, with 40 stilt villages built on the banks of the Brunei River. The village is connected by wooden and concrete platforms, with an extensive network of walkways and pedestrian bridges.

In the early to mid-20th century, Brunei's growing prosperity, particularly after the discovery of oil, influenced newer architectural designs. The rumah potong limas incorporated contemporary materials like timber stilts and processed walls while retaining traditional design elements. The rumah berlanggar, on the other hand, added a chamber to form an L-shaped building accommodating both religious rituals and daily household activities.

Kampong Ayer's architecture reflects a blend of traditional and modern elements. While building materials and methods have evolved, the fundamental concepts of elevated dwellings adapted to the water-based environment remain essential to the village's character. This fusion of tradition and modernity is exemplified in buildings like Bubungan Dua Belas, which combines Brunei Malay and Western architectural styles.

The village's extensive network of walkways and bridges is constructed using wood, concrete, or metal stilts. These structures provide mobility for residents, connecting neighbourhoods that are separated by wide waterways. Motorboats, known as perahu tambang or "water taxis", facilitate transportation for a small fare.

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