An area of Brunei's capital city Bandar Seri Begawan that is situated over Brunei Bay. A historic settlement still vibrant with life in the 21st century, the Kampong Ayer (water
village), is a township of multi-coloured houses built on stilts over the Brunei River. People have lived in Kampong Ayer for over 1300 years and the largest and most famous water settlement of Southeast Asia. In order to preserve Kampong Ayer as Brunei Darussalam's most valuable heritage, the Government through the District Office has provided it with numerous facilities including foot-bridges, concrete jetties, piped water, electricity supplies telephones, a school, mosques, clinics, a police station and a marine fire station. All of the six water village mukims (districts) are collectively known as the water village (Kampong Ayer). This cluster of 42 villages housing more than 30,000 inhabitants is the world's largest water village. Some people refer to it as the 'Venice of the East '. Visitors can have a personal experience of this heritage by taking one of the many water taxis that ply daily between the water taxi jetty in front of the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in the centre of town and the water village itself.
Around Embarkation Jetty, Kampung Aer:
Yayasan Sultan Bolkiah Building. The landmark to find Kampung Aer Jetty.The parking area at Kampung Aer embarkation area.Photo of Embarkation area from across the roadThe landmark of Kampung Aer
Views of Kampung Aer:
The Jetty to cross Kampung Air; just opposite Yayasan Sultanal Bolkiah Building.The boat waiting for passenger at the JettyThe boat plying between Kampung Aer and the City.The whole Kampung Aer from distanceThe local boatman on dutyOne of the many Jetties at Kampung AerThe long boat serving Kampung Aer berthing in front of the sundry shop at Kampung Aer
Inside Kampung Aer:
The fastest way to shopping without embarking from boat is through bucket of sundries roll down to boat. The photo showed a shop assistant rollong bucket of sundries to a shopper.Kampung Aer Cultural and Tourism Gallery.The busy Brunei River with speed boat and tourist cruise boatThe wooden walkways is now replaced by concrete walkwaysAmong the new concrete walkways built. This new houses and concrete walkways is replacing the ones that destroy by fire. According to local, the Sultan is subsidized half of the cost of total BND495 000.00 per houseKampung Aer new housing schemeThe old quarters of Kampung Aer with stilts wooden houses.Kampung Aer new housing schemeKampung Aer new housing scheme
Kampung Aer Cultural and Tourism Gallery:
Jetty leading to the Gallery.Kampung Aer Cultural and Tourism Gallery entrance.Inside the Kampung Aer Cultural and Tourism GalleryThe entrance to the viewing tower. From here, you could see clearly almost all views of the Kampung Aer.The old quarters of Kampung Aer; originally built on stilts wooden house closed each other.Kampung Aer aerial view from viewing towerThe jetty leading to the cultural centerThe Kampung Aer view with Istana Nurul Iman setting as background on-top the hillThe view of Brunei River and Yayasan Building building from atop the viewing towerThe outside view of local dweller house at Kampung AerThe outside view of local dweller house at Kampung AerThe view inside the house of local chieftain in Kampung Aer. The writer posing with the local chieftain.The souvenir shops along the street beside Yayasan Building.
One of the many Jetties at Kampung Aer
