Water Village

Water Village

　 Introduction 　Brunei is home to Kampong Ayer, the world’s largest traditional stilt settlement, often referred to as the “Venice of the East.” As early as 1521, this maze of waterborne homes perched above the river left a deep impression on Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition during their first visit to Brunei.

If you find Brunei a bit too quiet and feel a little lonely during your trip, take a stroll through the water village. Life here is full of vibrancy—playful children, women tending to household chores—painting a picture of leisurely living. This stilt city, which has endured for over four centuries, still retains much of its old-world charm. The riversides of the Brunei River are lined with houses built on stilts and supported by wooden or concrete pillars, housing around 30,000 residents. The water village also features schools, clinics, police stations, and mosques, blending modern life with tradition in a truly unique way. It's no wonder some locals prefer to "live on the water" rather than "on land." During your visit, you can even step into the homes of residents to experience their daily life firsthand.

Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei