Brunei Water Village, also known as Kampong Ayer, is a unique and fascinating settlement located in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital city of Brunei. This water village is considered to be one of the largest and oldest of its kind in the world, with a history dating back over 1,000 years.
The village is built entirely on stilts and stretches out over the Brunei River, with a maze of wooden walkways connecting the houses and buildings. The village is home to around 30,000 people, who live in traditional wooden houses that are built on stilts above the water. The houses are brightly painted and decorated with intricate carvings and designs, giving the village a vibrant and colorful atmosphere.
The water village is a bustling community, with schools, mosques, shops, and restaurants all located within its boundaries. Visitors can take a boat tour of the village to get a closer look at the houses and buildings, or explore the narrow walkways on foot. The village is also home to a number of cultural and historical attractions, including the Brunei Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the water village and the wider Brunei region.
One of the most unique aspects of the water village is the way in which it has adapted to modern life. Many of the houses now have modern amenities such as electricity and running water, and there are even internet cafes and satellite dishes dotted throughout the village. Despite these modern touches, however, the water village has managed to retain its traditional way of life and remains a fascinating and unique destination for visitors to Brunei.