How to Visit Kampong Ayer (Water Village): Tours, Price & Seeing Proboscis Monkeys in Brunei
The World’s Largest Living Water Village
Known locally as Kampong Ayer (meaning "Water Village" in Malay), this is globally recognized as the undisputed largest stilt-house settlement in the world. Located right across the Brunei River from the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB), it is a vibrant, 1,000-year-old community famously nicknamed the "Venice of the East" since the 16th century.
Today, Kampong Ayer is not merely a historical relic; it is a continuously inhabited town on the water, currently home to an estimated 10,000 to 13,000 residents. If you want to experience the true heart of Brunei's heritage and discover a way of life perfectly adapted to the river, this essential guide will show you exactly how to do it.
The Heart of Life: What You’ll See in the Village
Unlike a museum, Kampong Ayer is a collection of about 30 connected villages that still operate with full modern amenities. The architecture here is a marvel of adaptation: houses are built on sturdy stilts—traditionally using durable Nibung palm wood. As you walk through or cruise by, you'll see a unique blend of old and new, with running water pipes, electricity cables, air conditioning units, and satellite dishes cleverly integrated into the structures. The community is remarkably self-sufficient, featuring essential public services like primary and secondary schools, several local mosques, a community clinic, and crucially, a dedicated police and fire station to manage the inherent risks of a wooden village. These facilities are all connected by a vast, sometimes dizzying, network of over 30 kilometers of wooden and concrete walkways.
Getting Started: The Cultural Gallery and Walking Trail
Your visit should begin at the Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery, conveniently located just across the river. Not only is the entry free, but the gallery provides essential historical context on the village's long history, unique crafts, and traditional stilt architecture (such as the distinctive Rumah Belah Bumbung and Rumah Tungkup styles).
Be sure to climb the attached Viewing Tower for a spectacular panoramic photo opportunity of the entire sprawling settlement. From the gallery, you can easily embark on the official Kampong Ayer Walking Trail, which links several key villages. This community tourism initiative offers fantastic opportunities to spot local artisans crafting traditional items like the woven food covers (Tudung Saji) or to taste authentic Bruneian food, such as the famous local noodle soup, Soto, at a waterside eatery.
Getting There
Since Kampong Ayer is located right in the middle of the Brunei River, the only way to reach it is by boat. You must first make your way to the Bandar Seri Begawan Waterfront (BSB Waterfront) in the city center. This area is easily accessible on foot from major landmarks like the Yayasan Shopping Complex or the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque—it's just a short 5 to 10-minute walk from either spot. Once you arrive at the riverbank, you will immediately see numerous motorized wooden boats, known as Perahu Tambang, and boatmen ready to offer you a ride. Simply approach one of the boatmen and state your destination, which will typically be the Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery, the recommended starting point for any visit.
The Essential Water Taxi and Pricing
To truly explore, you need the motorized wooden boats known as Perahu Tambang (Water Taxis)-they are the very lifeblood of Kampong Ayer. These taxis are easily found at the Bandar Seri Begawan Waterfront, near the Yayasan Complex or the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque jetty. When negotiating, be clear about your goal: a quick crossing to the gallery typically costs around BND 1 per person (one-way). However, if you want an in-depth Village Tour, expect to pay around BND 10-15 per boat for a 30-45 minute cruise through the narrow channels. Crucially, always negotiate the full price before you board to ensure a smooth trip.
The River Safari: Proboscis Monkeys and Wildlife
The single best way to maximize your visit is by combining the village tour with a River Safari. For approximately BND 20-30 per boat (not per person, negotiable), your boatman will cruise through the water village channels before heading downstream into the nearby mangrove forest. The main goal here is to spot the incredibly unique Proboscis Monkey, an endangered species endemic to Borneo, easily recognizable by the male’s distinctive large nose and pot belly. The best chances for a sighting are at dawn (8-10 am) or dusk (4-6 pm) when the monkeys are most active. This combined trip usually lasts between 1 to 2 hours.
Essential Visitor Tips
As you explore, remember that Kampong Ayer is a thriving community. Respecting privacy is key—do not take photos of residents inside their homes or of children without explicit permission. For your comfort, wear light, cool clothing for the tropical climate and bring a hat and sunscreen. Since the walkways can be uneven and slippery, watch your step, and carry plenty of mosquito repellent, especially for any late afternoon boat trips.
Finally, remember that local transactions are primarily done using cash (BND), so keep small denominations handy for the boat taxis and local purchases. Kampong Ayer is not just a place to visit; it is a profound experience of how Bruneians have co-existed with the river for centuries.
Recommendations:
Half Day City & Water Village Tour in Brunei
Proboscis Monkey Encounter Tour in BruneiGetYourGuide- Borneo: 10-Day Adventure: Kuching to Brunei and Sabah
GetYourGuide- Borneo Tri-Nation Journey: Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia
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Known locally as Kampong Ayer (meaning "Water Village" in Malay), this is globally recognized as the undisputed largest stilt-house settlement in the world. Located right across the Brunei River from the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB), it is a vibrant, 1,000-year-old community famously nicknamed the "Venice of the East" since the 16th century.
Today, Kampong Ayer is not merely a historical relic; it is a continuously inhabited town on the water, currently home to an estimated 10,000 to 13,000 residents. If you want to experience the true heart of Brunei's heritage and discover a way of life perfectly adapted to the river, this essential guide will show you exactly how to do it.
Unlike a museum, Kampong Ayer is a collection of about 30 connected villages that still operate with full modern amenities. The architecture here is a marvel of adaptation: houses are built on sturdy stilts—traditionally using durable Nibung palm wood. As you walk through or cruise by, you'll see a unique blend of old and new, with running water pipes, electricity cables, air conditioning units, and satellite dishes cleverly integrated into the structures. The community is remarkably self-sufficient, featuring essential public services like primary and secondary schools, several local mosques, a community clinic, and crucially, a dedicated police and fire station to manage the inherent risks of a wooden village. These facilities are all connected by a vast, sometimes dizzying, network of over 30 kilometers of wooden and concrete walkways.
School
Fire Station
Waste disposal system
Water purification system
Power station
Jetty
Public transport
Homestay / Restaurant
Your visit should begin at the Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery, conveniently located just across the river. Not only is the entry free, but the gallery provides essential historical context on the village's long history, unique crafts, and traditional stilt architecture (such as the distinctive Rumah Belah Bumbung and Rumah Tungkup styles).
Be sure to climb the attached Viewing Tower for a spectacular panoramic photo opportunity of the entire sprawling settlement. From the gallery, you can easily embark on the official Kampong Ayer Walking Trail, which links several key villages. This community tourism initiative offers fantastic opportunities to spot local artisans crafting traditional items like the woven food covers (Tudung Saji) or to taste authentic Bruneian food, such as the famous local noodle soup, Soto, at a waterside eatery.
Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery
Since Kampong Ayer is located right in the middle of the Brunei River, the only way to reach it is by boat. You must first make your way to the Bandar Seri Begawan Waterfront (BSB Waterfront) in the city center. This area is easily accessible on foot from major landmarks like the Yayasan Shopping Complex or the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque—it's just a short 5 to 10-minute walk from either spot. Once you arrive at the riverbank, you will immediately see numerous motorized wooden boats, known as Perahu Tambang, and boatmen ready to offer you a ride. Simply approach one of the boatmen and state your destination, which will typically be the Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery, the recommended starting point for any visit.
The Essential Water Taxi and Pricing
To truly explore, you need the motorized wooden boats known as Perahu Tambang (Water Taxis)-they are the very lifeblood of Kampong Ayer. These taxis are easily found at the Bandar Seri Begawan Waterfront, near the Yayasan Complex or the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque jetty. When negotiating, be clear about your goal: a quick crossing to the gallery typically costs around BND 1 per person (one-way). However, if you want an in-depth Village Tour, expect to pay around BND 10-15 per boat for a 30-45 minute cruise through the narrow channels. Crucially, always negotiate the full price before you board to ensure a smooth trip.
The River Safari: Proboscis Monkeys and Wildlife
The single best way to maximize your visit is by combining the village tour with a River Safari. For approximately BND 20-30 per boat (not per person, negotiable), your boatman will cruise through the water village channels before heading downstream into the nearby mangrove forest. The main goal here is to spot the incredibly unique Proboscis Monkey, an endangered species endemic to Borneo, easily recognizable by the male’s distinctive large nose and pot belly. The best chances for a sighting are at dawn (8-10 am) or dusk (4-6 pm) when the monkeys are most active. This combined trip usually lasts between 1 to 2 hours.
Water taxis
Monkeys in the distance
As you explore, remember that Kampong Ayer is a thriving community. Respecting privacy is key—do not take photos of residents inside their homes or of children without explicit permission. For your comfort, wear light, cool clothing for the tropical climate and bring a hat and sunscreen. Since the walkways can be uneven and slippery, watch your step, and carry plenty of mosquito repellent, especially for any late afternoon boat trips.
Finally, remember that local transactions are primarily done using cash (BND), so keep small denominations handy for the boat taxis and local purchases. Kampong Ayer is not just a place to visit; it is a profound experience of how Bruneians have co-existed with the river for centuries.
Recommendations:
Half Day City & Water Village Tour in Brunei
Proboscis Monkey Encounter Tour in BruneiGetYourGuide- Borneo: 10-Day Adventure: Kuching to Brunei and Sabah
GetYourGuide- Borneo Tri-Nation Journey: Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia
GetYourGuide- Brunei Airport Transfer
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