“A thousand years of whispers” they say. Right here in Kampong Saba Ujong. This isn’t just a village. It’s a piece of Brunei’s soul. A testament to resilience and adaptation.
Kampong Saba Ujong sits nestled within Mukim Saba. It’s a small part of the larger Kampong Ayer a water village on the Brunei River. Think of it as a neighbourhood in a floating city. For centuries people have called this place home. Their lives are intertwined with the rhythm of the river.
The name Saba itself is a mystery. Some say it’s an acronym. Saya Anak Brunei Asli I am a Native Bruneian Child. Others believe it’s linked to the fishing tools used here. Balat kilong lintau and kabat were essential for survival. The villagers’ daily lives revolved around the river. Fishing was key to their existence. Kampong Saba Ujong was and is part of this rich history.
In 2021 Kampong Saba Ujong had a small population. Around 39 people lived here. This is a fraction of what Mukim Saba held. Mukim Saba housed around 827 people that year. But the Kampong Saba Ujong community remained strong and close-knit. A family community with a shared history.
Imagine life here. The gentle sway of the houses on stilts. The sounds of the river. The smells of fresh fish drying in the sun. The close bonds of a community that has endured through the centuries. Despite modernization many keep traditions alive.
Kampong Saba Ujong may be small but its legacy is immense. It’s a living reminder of Brunei’s rich history. A symbol of the people’s connection to the water. To their heritage and their home. It’s a piece of history you can experience.