🛶 Kampung Ayer (Water Village): The Venice of the East

Kampung Ayer, fondly referred to as the “Venice of the East,” is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Brunei Darussalam. As the world’s largest water settlement, it offers more than just scenic views — it's a living testament to Brunei’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

🏘 What is Kampung Ayer?

Kampung Ayer, which means “Water Village” in Malay, dates back over 1,000 years and is considered the very heart of Brunei. Today, the village consists of 42 stilted communities built over the Brunei River and is administered by six Mukims (districts):

Mukim Sungai Kedayan
Mukim Tamoi
Mukim Burong Pingai Ayer
Mukim Peramu
Mukim Saba
Mukim Sungai Kebun

Each community reflects its traditional roots, often named after occupations or crafts historically practiced there.

🛠 A Floating City with Modern Comforts

Though it may appear modest from afar, Kampung Ayer is far from being a slum. Many houses are equipped with modern amenities such as:

Air-conditioning
Internet access
Cable television
Electricity and plumbing

Residents choose to live here — not out of necessity, but because they love the lifestyle. In fact, you’ll see luxury cars parked across the river, owned by the very people living in Kampung Ayer!

🏛️ A Cultural Journey

Our visit to Kampung Ayer was both exciting and enriching. We initially planned to charter a boat to see Istana Nurul Iman at sunset but canceled due to bad weather. Instead, we explored the village on foot.

📍 First Stop: Kampung Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery

From the jetty, a walkway leads to the Cultural and Tourism Gallery. It’s modest but informative. We were warmly welcomed by two friendly staff and invited to tour the exhibit at our own pace.

📷 Photos are only allowed near the entrance.

🗼 Viewing Tower

Just behind the gallery is a viewing tower that offers panoramic views of the entire water village and the city skyline. It also houses historical displays about Brunei's early days.

👋 Meeting the Locals

From the viewing tower, we followed the footbridges deeper into the village. One home caught our attention — the official house of Mukim Peramu. The village councilman, an elderly gentleman, welcomed us with great hospitality.

Although a bit nervous at first (thanks to horror movies and being three girls in an unfamiliar place!), we quickly realized his intentions were purely kind. He proudly showed us the bedrooms and living space, even inviting us to take photos — which later appeared on their official Facebook page alongside other international visitors!

The house also operates as a bed & breakfast for tourists interested in an immersive local experience.

🛍️ They sell snacks and handmade goods just outside — buying a few is a lovely way to support the community.

📸 A Walk Through Time

Though we didn’t have enough time to see every corner of the village, we were struck by how clean and organized the area was — not a piece of trash floating in sight. The colorful houses in sun-washed hues of pink, green, and yellow add to the visual charm.

👭 We met fellow Filipinas along the way, exchanged stories, and took group photos near the water bank. It was a warm and welcoming experience.

🏞 Kampung Ayer: Brunei’s Living Heritage

In 1521, the Venetian scholar Antonio Pigafetta described Kampung Ayer as the “Venice of the East” during Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition. While the comparison may seem ambitious today, there’s no denying that this village once rivaled the grandeur of Venice in its time.

Though I haven’t been to Venice to compare, Kampung Ayer remains a symbol of Brunei’s identity — not just for its architectural uniqueness, but for the people who keep its traditions alive.

📍 Travel Tips:

🧭 Location: Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
🚤 How to get there: Click here for directions (insert link)
📸 Best photo spot: Viewing Tower behind the Cultural Gallery
💬 Friendly locals: Don’t hesitate to say hello and ask questions
🕐 Best time to go: Early morning or late afternoon for cooler temps and better lighting