Kampong Ayer
Country: Brunei
Region: Asia
Period: 15th-19th c.CE
Location: 4.8825°N, 114.9425°E
Description
"Kampong Ayer, often referred to as the ""Venice of the East,"" is a water village located along the banks of the Brunei River in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei’s capital. This historic village consists of over 40 stilted villages, with houses, mosques, schools, and markets all built above water, making it a unique architectural and cultural site with a long history tied to the Brunei Sultanate."
Modern Remains
Today, Kampong Ayer remains a living heritage site, with the Royal Regalia Museum offering a glimpse into Brunei’s royal history. Visitors can take a boat touraround the village, exploring stilted homes and visiting historic mosques like the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. The village still maintains its ancient charm, despite modern developments, with traditional wooden houses, water bridges, and floating markets remaining key landmarks.