What secrets does Kampong Saba Darat A hold? We’re standing at the edge of a fascinating world, a world built on water. Kampong Ayer, often called the “Venice of the East,” stretches before us. Kampong Saba Darat A is one of the villages that make up this unique settlement. It’s part of Mukim Saba, nestled within the larger tapestry of Kampong Ayer in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. In 2021, Kampong Saba Darat A was home to 251 people. Imagine their lives, interwoven with the rhythms of the Brunei River.
Kampong Ayer isn’t just a collection of houses on stilts. It’s a living, breathing community with a rich history. Kampong Saba Darat A, along with its neighboring villages like Saba Darat ‘B’, Saba Tengah, Saba Laut, and Saba Ujong, all contribute to the vibrant mosaic of Mukim Saba. These villages are linked by wooden walkways, creating a unique pedestrian network. For those separated by wider waterways, perahu tambang, or water taxis, provide essential transport.
Life in Kampong Saba Darat A is connected to the mainland. Modern amenities like electricity, piped water, and internet access are available. Children attend primary school within the mukim, while the sole secondary school in Kampong Ayer, Awang Semaun Secondary School, also serves this community. The Balai Ibadat Kampong Saba, the village mosque, stands as a testament to the residents’ faith. Completed in 1989, it can accommodate 500 worshippers.
The name “Saba” itself might have originated from the phrase “Kan ke Saba ku,” meaning “going to the river basin.” This phrase highlights the historical reliance on the river for fish and other necessities. It’s a reminder of the close relationship between Kampong Saba Darat A and the Brunei River, a relationship that has shaped its identity for generations. As we leave Kampong Saba Darat A, remember the image of houses rising from the water, a community connected by walkways and waterways, a place where tradition meets modernity. This is just a glimpse into the captivating world of Kampong Ayer, a world waiting to be explored further.