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Kampong Ayer, Brunei - Things to Do in Kampong Ayer

Things to Do in Kampong Ayer

Kampong Ayer, Brunei - Complete Travel Guide

Kampong Ayer, known as the 'Venice of the East,' is a remarkable water village built entirely on stilts over the Brunei River in Bandar Seri Begawan. This UNESCO World Heritage site has been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years and represents one of the world's largest traditional stilt settlements, housing approximately 30,000 residents across 42 villages connected by wooden walkways and bridges. The village offers visitors a unique glimpse into traditional Bruneian life, where centuries-old customs blend seamlessly with modern amenities like electricity, running water, and internet access. Visiting Kampong Ayer provides an authentic cultural experience where you can explore traditional wooden houses, visit local mosques, schools, and shops, all while learning about the rich maritime heritage that has sustained this floating community for millennia. The village serves as a living museum where residents continue their daily lives much as their ancestors did, making it one of Southeast Asia's most fascinating and well-preserved cultural destinations.

Top Things to Do in Kampong Ayer

Water Taxi Village Tour

Navigate through the intricate network of waterways aboard traditional water taxis to explore different sections of Kampong Ayer. These colorful boats serve as the village's primary transportation and offer visitors the best way to appreciate the scale and ingenuity of this floating settlement while observing daily life from the water.

Booking Tip: Water taxis cost around B$20-30 per hour and can be hired directly at the waterfront near the city center. Best visited in early morning (8-10 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) to avoid midday heat and catch residents going about their daily activities.

Traditional House Visits

Experience authentic Bruneian hospitality by visiting local families in their traditional stilt houses, many of which have been passed down through generations. These visits offer insight into daily life, traditional architecture, and the strong community bonds that have kept this water village thriving for over a millennium.

Booking Tip: Arrange visits through local tour guides or the Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery for B$15-25 per person. Morning visits (9-11 AM) are preferred as families are typically home and more available to share their stories.

Floating Mosque Exploration

Visit the beautiful mosques within Kampong Ayer, including historic structures that showcase traditional Islamic architecture adapted for water-based living. These spiritual centers serve as community gathering points and demonstrate how religious life has been maintained in this unique aquatic environment.

Booking Tip: Free to visit during non-prayer times, typically 10 AM-12 PM and 2-4 PM. Dress modestly with long pants and sleeves; head coverings available at entrances. Best combined with guided cultural tours for proper context and etiquette guidance.

Mangrove Wildlife Watching

Explore the pristine mangrove forests surrounding Kampong Ayer to spot proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, and diverse bird species in their natural habitat. These ecosystems have been protected by the village's sustainable living practices and offer excellent opportunities for nature photography and wildlife observation.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost B$40-60 per person including boat transport and guide. Early morning (6-9 AM) or late afternoon (3-6 PM) provide best wildlife viewing opportunities. Choose operators with spotting scopes and local naturalist guides.

Traditional Craft Workshops

Learn traditional Bruneian crafts such as boat building, weaving, and wood carving from local artisans who have preserved these skills for generations. These hands-on experiences provide deeper appreciation for the ingenuity and resourcefulness required to maintain life on the water.

Booking Tip: Workshop fees range from B$25-50 per person for 2-3 hour sessions. Book through the Cultural Gallery or local community centers at least one day in advance. Morning sessions (9 AM-12 PM) typically offer the most comprehensive instruction.

Getting There

Kampong Ayer is located in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei's capital city, accessible via Brunei International Airport which receives flights from major Southeast Asian cities including Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Manila. From the airport, take a taxi (B$25-35) or bus (B$1) to the city center, then walk to the waterfront where water taxis provide direct access to the village. Alternatively, visitors can arrive overland from Malaysian Borneo via bus services from Miri or Kota Kinabalu, with the journey taking 2-4 hours depending on border crossing times.

Getting Around

Transportation within Kampong Ayer relies entirely on water taxis and walking along the extensive network of wooden boardwalks connecting the various village sections. Water taxis operate from dawn to dusk and can be hailed from designated jetties or by waving from boardwalks, with fares typically B$1-3 for short trips or B$20-30 per hour for extended tours. The village's boardwalk system spans over 30 kilometers and provides safe pedestrian access to most areas, though some sections may be narrow or require careful navigation during high tide periods.

Where to Stay

Bandar Seri Begawan City Center
Kiulap Commercial District
Gadong Business Area
Jerudong Beach Resort Area
Tutong Riverside
Seria Oil Town

Food & Dining

Kampong Ayer offers authentic Bruneian cuisine at small family-run warungs and floating restaurants serving fresh seafood, traditional noodle dishes, and local specialties like ambuyat (sago starch) and grilled fish with sambal. Many village families operate small eateries from their homes, providing intimate dining experiences with dishes prepared using recipes passed down through generations. For broader dining options, the nearby Bandar Seri Begawan waterfront features restaurants serving Malay, Chinese, and international cuisine, while the famous Gadong Night Market offers street food and local delicacies just a short water taxi ride away.

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When to Visit

The best time to visit Kampong Ayer is during the dry season from February to April and June to September when rainfall is minimal and water levels are stable, making boardwalk navigation easier and water taxi transport more reliable. Morning visits (8-11 AM) and late afternoons (4-7 PM) offer the most comfortable temperatures and best lighting for photography, while avoiding the intense midday tropical heat. The village is particularly atmospheric during the holy month of Ramadan when evening activities and community gatherings provide unique cultural insights, though visitors should be respectful of fasting practices and prayer times.

Insider Tips

Bring a waterproof bag for electronics and documents as water taxis can get splashed, and some boardwalk sections may be wet during high tide periods
Learn basic Malay greetings like 'Selamat pagi' (good morning) and 'Terima kasih' (thank you) as many older residents speak limited English but greatly appreciate the effort
Visit the Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery first to understand the village's history and get maps, as the maze-like boardwalk system can be confusing for first-time visitors

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