BN · Brunei-Muara District · 4.88°N 114.94°E

kampong ayer

Stilt villages, wooden footbridges and water taxis across the Brunei River.

Best time
Any time of year; February and March are usually the driest. Go in the morning or late afternoon, when it's cooler and the light is softer.
How long
Half a day, as part of a stay in Bandar
Getting there
Fly to Bandar Seri Begawan (about 2 hours 20 minutes direct from KL). From the jetties on the Bandar waterfront, water taxis cross in a few minutes; just wave one down. Brunei is on the same time as KL.
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BN · Brunei-Muara Districtkampong ayer4.88°N 114.94°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Stilt villages, wooden footbridges and water taxis across the Brunei River.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingKampong AyerBN, Brunei-Muara District
KLkampong ayer
≈ 1,482 km from KL, as the crow flies
Kampong Ayer is the historic heart of Brunei, where vibrant water-village life thrives gracefully upon the Brunei River.

Photo: the Tourism Development Department of Brunei · CC BY 4.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Brunei's water village: dozens of neighbouring villages of wooden houses on stilts across the river from the capital, joined by kilometres of boardwalk. People have lived here for centuries, and it still has its own schools, mosques, clinics and fire station.

Makan

  1. AmbuyatSticky sago starch with sour dipping sauces, best shared at lunch back in town.Map ↗
  2. KuihCoconut and palm-sugar sweets, sold at small stalls and made in village kitchens.Map ↗
  3. Nasi katokRice, fried chicken and sambal, easy to find on the Bandar side.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism GalleryA good first stop for the village's history, with a viewing tower over the rooftops.Map ↗
  2. The boardwalksPlank walkways between houses, mosques and schools. Residents are used to visitors.Map ↗
  3. A water-taxi tourA loop round the villages, with a look at the sultan's Istana Nurul Iman from the river.Map ↗
  4. Mangroves at duskLate-afternoon boat trips upriver often spot proboscis monkeys in the trees.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Agree with the driver whether you want a quick crossing or a full tour before you set off.
  • These are people's homes: stick to the public boardwalks and ask before photographing anyone.
  • Some planks are old and gappy, so watch your step.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.