Entirely built on water Kampong Ayer is a testament to Brunei’s rich history. This remarkable water village has been the principal settlement of Brunei for centuries. Today Kampong Ayer is a vibrant reminder of Brunei’s past.
Kampong Ayer literally means water village. It is a cluster of traditional stilt villages built on the Brunei River. Kampong Ayer is near the present-day Pusat Bandar or the City Centre. Kampong Ayer has often been called the Venice of the East. For centuries it served as the de facto capital of the Bruneian Empire. It remained a vital social and economic hub.
Imagine life in Kampong Ayer centuries ago. Wooden houses stood tall on stilts above the water. Families moved easily from house to house along wooden walkways. Water taxis zipped through the waterways. They connected the villages.
Antonio Pigafetta visited Brunei as part of the Magellan fleet in 1521. He described Kampong Ayer as entirely built in salt water with about 25000 homes.
Kampong Ayer might have moved throughout history. Olivier van Noort visited Brunei from 1600 to 1601. He said that houses of nobles could be moved from one side of the river to the other during storms.
Even during British imperialism in Brunei Kampong Ayer remained important. A program encouraging residents to resettle on land began during the Residential period. This program initially failed. Eventually it reduced Kampong Ayer’s population. Kampong Ayer even survived World War II bombardments.
Today Kampong Ayer is divided into several small neighborhoods. These neighborhoods are designated as villages. Each has its own village head. The villages fall under several mukims or subdistricts of Brunei-Muara District. The Brunei-Muara District Office oversees the mukims and villages.
You might wonder how people get around in Kampong Ayer. Houses are interconnected with bridges and walkways. These walkways are made of wood and concrete. Water taxis are a common mode of transport. These wooden motorboats transport people among jetties for a fare.
Kampong Ayer offers modern amenities. Electricity pipe water telephone lines internet access and television services are available.
Kampong Ayer also has educational institutions. There is at least one primary school in each mukim. Religious schools provide primary religious education to Muslim pupils. Awang Semaun Secondary School is the only secondary school built on water.
Mosques meet the needs of Muslim residents. Police stations and fire departments provide security and emergency services. Fire is a significant concern. Many houses are built with wood making them susceptible to fire.
The survival of Kampong Ayer is a concern. Its population has decreased from about 28000 in 1981 to 13000 in 2011. The busy modern lifestyle threatens the customs and traditions of Kampong Ayer.
Waste management is a challenge. Rubbish and sewage float on the waters. The sources come from both within Kampong Ayer and upstream. The government has implemented measures. These include upgrading sewage treatment and installing rubbish collection systems.
Kampong Ayer is a national heritage. Efforts are underway to preserve this unique lifestyle. As you explore Kampong Ayer remember its history. Consider its challenges and appreciate its enduring spirit. Kampong Ayer is more than just a water village. It is a living testament to Brunei’s past and present.