Kampong Ayer – The Floating Village renowned as the “Venice of Southeast Asia”

The mesmerizing water village of Kampong Ayer is nestled in the glamorous capital, Bandar Seri Begawan of Brunei. It unfolds with a serene and enchanting aquatic beauty, always leaving travelers captivated on their first visit.

Kampong Ayer – The Floating Village renowned as the “Venice of Southeast Asia”

This is the world's largest floating village with approximately 30,000 people residing in houses elevated about 2m above water. The houses in Kampong Ayer are crafted from wood, showcasing a rustic and simple charm. In front of the houses, there are small yards with communal pathways. Residents often plant flowers and ornamental trees there. Inside the houses, modern amenities such as refrigerators, ceiling fans, washing machines, televisions, and even clean water pipelines to each household are common.

Although the houses face the wooden pathways, giving a fragile appearance, they are surprisingly sturdy. Despite daily life taking place on the water, most inhabitants here own cars, parked in the mainland parking lots. Behind the houses, there are boat docks where they catch 'water taxis' to the shore. It is estimated that over 100 taxis operate daily to facilitate the transportation needs of the residents.

Visiting this millennium-old floating village evokes a sense of uniqueness and fascination, reminiscent of the peculiar yet familiar feeling of the Cà Mau province in Vietnam. All structures in the Kampong Ayer floating village are constructed from a special type of wood found on Borneo Island. This wood is exceptionally sturdy, ensuring the residents can live with peace of mind.

Unforgettable Experiences in the Floating Village of Kampong Ayer

Upon arrival, you might find yourself navigating the intricate wooden pathways, so make sure to mark the distinctive points of your visit for easy orientation or asking for directions.

The mode of transportation in Kampong Ayer is truly unique to the culture. The residents exclusively commute using 'water taxis.' Adults heading to work, children going to school, mothers going to the church, or the supermarket—all use this mode of transportation. The estimated number of water taxis in the village far surpasses the number of taxis on the mainland.

For those who adore cats, this might be the ideal destination, as you'll encounter numerous adorable cats strolling around the floating village.

As per Mytour

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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour