When we set out to explore Kampong Ayer, Brunei’s iconic Water Village, we weren’t expecting to stumble upon one of the most memorable parts of our trip—Kampung Sungai Matan Homestay.
💫 A Serendipitous Discovery
It was purely by chance that we found the homestay while walking around the village from the Kampung Ayer Cultural Gallery. As we were admiring the wooden houses and taking pictures, a friendly local man—who turned out to be the head of the homestay and also the head of the village—invited us in with a warm smile and genuine hospitality.
✨ The Golden Chairs & A Home Full of Pride
As soon as we entered, my eyes were drawn to a regal-looking setup—a "Wedding Altar" adorned with two golden chairs. Knowing how rich Brunei is, I couldn't help but wonder if those fabrics were woven with real gold or silver threads. It was ornate yet inviting, and it gave the house a ceremonial, almost royal, touch.
The host was clearly proud of his home, eager to share every detail with us. He even insisted we go upstairs to see the rooms. The wooden stairs reminded me so much of my grandmother’s house—nostalgic, warm, and familiar. I felt like I was back home for a moment.
😅 A Friendly Encounter That Felt A Bit Too Much
While we appreciated the hospitality, things got a little awkward. The host wanted us—three girls—to pose sitting on the bed while he took our pictures. He said he’d post them on Facebook with the caption “Friends from the Philippines.” At that moment, I honestly felt uneasy, especially when he started calling one of my friends “My Asawa” (my wife) and asked to pose with her in front of the wedding altar.
We played along out of politeness and made sure to stay in a group in the photos. At that point, all of us just wanted to leave as gently as possible.
💡 A Lesson in Cultural Nuance
Looking back—and after checking the homestay’s Facebook page—I realized he was simply being friendly and proud of his visitors. He had photos with travelers from all over the world. Maybe I was just overly cautious (thanks to binge-watching too many travel suspense movies 😅). It was a good reminder that cultural warmth can sometimes feel overwhelming if you're not used to it.
🛏️ Should You Stay Here?
If you're planning to explore Kampong Ayer in-depth, staying overnight at a homestay like this could give you a richer, more immersive experience. It’s not a luxury hotel, but it is an authentic window into Bruneian village life.
📍 Address
Kampung Sungai Matan Homestay
🏠
Simpang 792, Jalan Kota Batu, Sungai Matan Village Head’s Residence
📞
(Best to contact through their Facebook page)
🚤 How to Get There
From Bandar Seri Begawan:
Take a water taxi from the Yayasan Complex. You can request to be
dropped off at Kampung Sungai Matan, or explore Kampong Ayer by foot or
boat until you reach the village. It's a short ride and easy to spot with its
elevated wooden houses over water.
🧭 Note: Some water taxis might not know the exact homestay name, so showing a photo or asking for Sungai Matan village head may help.
🌊 Kampung Sungai Matan Homestay may not be for everyone, especially if you're looking for private hotel-like amenities. But if you value authentic encounters, cultural immersion, and stories worth retelling, this place will stay with you long after your trip ends.
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