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Kampong Ayer, Brunei's floating village, is located on a wide bend formed by the Brunei River as it flows past Bandar Seri Begawan. Within this expanse, a 2.6- square-kilometer floating village stands, making it one of the largest traditional floating villages in the world. Italian traveler Antonio Pagatta, who accompanied Magellan on his voyages, dubbed it the " Venice of the East . "
Life here is full of fun, with lively children and women tending to their homes – a scene of leisurely living. After more than five centuries, the floating city still retains its past charm, with various floating houses supported by stone pillars and covered with wooden planks dotting the banks of the Brunei River. It has a population of approximately 30,000 .
The majority of residents in the floating villages are ethnic Malays, many of whom work for the government. Public safety is good, and the residents are friendly to visitors. You can even visit the homes of residents and experience their daily lives. Besides homes, the villages also have public institutions such as schools, mosques, post offices, fire stations, clinics, and village committees, creating a unique floating community.
Brunei is suitable for tourism all year round. From March to September, there is less rain and the climate is hot; from October to December, there is more rain but it is cooler.
Recommended play time: 1-2 hours
free
All day
Water Village (Kampong Ayer) is a historic settlement on stilts in Bandar Seri Begawan, dating back over 1,000 years. It is considered the "Venice of the East" and remains a significant part of Brunei's culture and heritage.
Located in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan, Water Village is easily accessible by boat from the main city. You can take a water taxi to explore the village.
Water Village is open year-round, with the best times to visit being early morning or late afternoon when the weather is cooler and the light is perfect for photography.
There is no entrance fee to visit Water Village. However, boat tours and specific attractions may charge a fee. Tickets can be purchased on-site or from local tour operators.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance for the village itself, but boat tours may require reservations, especially during peak tourist seasons.
It typically takes 1-2 hours to explore Water Village, including a boat ride and walking around the wooden walkways and houses.
The main highlights include the floating houses, the water taxi ride, the local markets, and the mosque located within the village.
Guided tours are available, typically in English, providing insights into the history and daily life of the village. Audio guides may also be available for self-guided exploration.
The best viewpoints are from the boat during the water taxi ride, where you can capture the entire village from a distance. The wooden walkways also offer great photo opportunities.
Start with a boat ride through the village, then walk along the wooden platforms to explore the houses and local markets. Don’t miss the mosque at the heart of the village.
While night visits and light shows are not available, the village is a peaceful place to visit in the evening, offering a serene atmosphere and beautiful sunset views over the water.
The village can get crowded during weekends or public holidays. The best times to visit for fewer crowds are during weekdays and early mornings.
There are basic facilities such as public toilets and small food stalls offering local snacks. However, larger shops or restaurants are located in the main city.
While the walkways are safe, the terrain may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. Children will enjoy exploring the village, especially the boat rides.
Cash is preferred, particularly for boat rides and local shops. Credit cards and mobile payments are not widely accepted in the village itself.
Nearby eateries include local food stalls offering Bruneian cuisine, with more extensive dining options available in the main city center.
Yes, there are halal food options, as Brunei is a predominantly Muslim country. Vegetarian options are also available at local food stalls.
There are small shops in the area selling traditional Bruneian crafts, including woven goods, jewelry, and local spices.
