🏛️ Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery – Your Gateway to Brunei's Water Village

If you’re planning to explore Kampong Ayer, the Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery is the perfect place to start. Opened in 2009, this riverside museum offers a deeper understanding of the community's rich heritage, culture, and architecture—spanning from the 10th to the 20th century.

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📍 Location & How to Get There

The gallery is located at the heart of Kampong Ayer, just a few steps from the main jetty where most water taxis drop off visitors. You can't miss it—the glass viewing tower makes it one of the most visible landmarks from across the Brunei River.

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🖼️ What’s Inside the Gallery?

This complex houses five mini-galleries that showcase:

• 📜 Historical timelines of Kampong Ayer
• 🧵 Traditional crafts and cultural relics
• 👪 Social customs and daily life of locals
• 🎨 Arts & traditions unique to the stilt village
• 📷 Archival photographs from the 10th to 20th century

🔒 Photo Tip: You’re only allowed to take photos in the lobby—so capture the entrance, but respect the no-photo zones inside.

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🙋‍♂️ When we arrived via water taxi, our boatman dropped us off right at the jetty next to the gallery. What stood out to me—aside from the peaceful atmosphere—was the warm hospitality. The two gentlemen at the information booth welcomed us with smiles, souvenirs, and stories. It was a refreshing contrast to the more reserved vibe in Bandar Seri Begawan.

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🔭 Climb the Viewing Tower

Don't skip the glass-enclosed viewing tower! It offers a 360° panoramic view of the water village and even the city skyline across the river. I imagine it must look magical at night, with the lights reflecting on the water.

📸 Pro tip: If you’re into cityscape photography, bring your zoom lens and visit during sunset!

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📌 Quick Travel Tips

✅ Stop by the gallery first before exploring the village—it gives context to what you’ll see
✅ Take the glass viewing tower for the best aerial view of the village
✅ Ask the info booth staff for free brochures and maps
✅ Respect photography rules (photos in the lobby only)
✅ Best visited in the morning or just before sunset

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📣 Don’t just visit Kampong Ayer—understand it. Drop by the Cultural & Tourism Gallery, meet the locals, and climb the viewing tower for an unforgettable perspective of Brunei’s floating city!